JP7239593B2 - Connection structure of movable connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a movable connector having a floating function and a connection structure for the movable connector.

A movable connector is known as a connector for conductively connecting a circuit on a substrate and a connection object. The movable connector has a fixed housing to be installed on the board, a movable housing to be fitted with a connection object, and terminals that support the fixed housing and the movable housing so as to be relatively displaceable. The terminals are made of conductive metal strips. The terminal has a board connecting portion that connects to the board, a contact portion that is arranged on the movable housing and makes conductive contact with the object to be connected, and a movable portion that supports the movable housing so as to be displaceable with respect to the fixed housing. The movable portion is formed of an elastically deformable spring piece. An example of a movable connector is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200012.

JP 2013-16363 A, Fig. 3

The above-mentioned movable connector may be subject to vibration in a fitted state in which it is fitted with a connection object. Vibrations are transmitted to the movable connector from the board on which the movable connector is mounted. Alternatively, vibrations are transmitted from the connection object to the movable connector. When vibration is transmitted to the movable connector, "contact sliding" may occur in which the contact portion of the terminal slightly slides on the object to be connected. Contact sliding is likely to occur when vibration is transmitted to the movable connector along the fitting direction in which the object to be connected is fitted into the movable connector and the withdrawal direction, which is the opposite direction. When the contacts are repeatedly slid, the plating on the contact portion of the terminal and the plating on the contact portion of the object to be connected with the contact portion are peeled off. .

As a method for suppressing contact sliding, for example, there is a method of increasing the contact pressure of the contact portion with respect to the object to be connected to such an extent that contact sliding does not occur even when subjected to vibration. However, if the contact pressure is increased in such a manner, the insertion force at the time of fitting the movable connector and the object to be connected becomes hard, and there is a possibility that the workability of the connection is deteriorated.

The present invention was conceived against the background of the prior art as described above. That is, the present invention is to suppress the occurrence of sliding of contacts due to vibration by a technical approach different from that of the prior art for a movable connector having a floating function.

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention is configured to have the following features.

That is, according to the present invention, a connecting object is connected to a movable connector, and the movable connector includes a first housing arranged on a first supporting member, a second housing fitted with the connecting object, and the above-described movable connector. a terminal that is in conductive contact with an object to be connected, wherein the terminal is attached to the first housing in a fitting direction in which the object to be connected is fitted into the second housing and in a withdrawal direction that is the opposite direction thereof; and the second housing so as to be relatively displaceable, wherein the movable portion is a fixed portion that prevents the first housing and the second housing from being displaced relative to each other. always and when the first housing and the second housing are displaced relative to each other, the housing is elastically deformed in the fitting direction and is arranged in a state of generating a reaction force in the withdrawal direction, A movable gap is provided between the second housing and the first housing or the first support member so that the second housing can be displaced in the fitting direction.

According to the present invention, since the movable portion is elastically deformed in the fitting direction when the movable connector is stationary and when the movable connector is displaced, a reaction force is generated in the withdrawal direction. That is, the movable part has a "supporting function" to support relative displacement between the first housing and the second housing, and a "pressing function" to urge the second housing toward the object to be connected by a reaction force. have. Therefore, the second housing can be displaced together with the connection object while maintaining the fitting position with the connection object. Also, the contact position between the terminal and the object to be connected is maintained. Therefore, according to the connection structure of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contact sliding between the terminal and the object to be connected, and to obtain a stable conductive connection.

Further, according to the present invention, the second housing has a movable gap that allows the second housing to be displaced in the mating direction. Therefore, according to the connection structure of the present invention, the second housing can be displaced in the fitting direction during displacement.

The second housing, which is urged toward the object to be connected by the reaction force of the movable part, is configured to abut against the object to be connected, the second supporting member, or the contact receiving member, for example, as follows. be able to.

In the present invention, the object to be connected is a conductive connection member, the conductive connection member is arranged on a second support member, and the second housing is fitted to the conductive connection member. It can be configured to have contact portions that contact in the joining direction and the removal direction and are pressed by the reaction force.

According to this, since the abutting portion of the second housing directly contacts and presses the electrically conductive connection member, the abutment portion and the electrically conductive connection member are more securely connected to each other so as not to be separated from each other during normal operation and displacement. can be followed. The conductive connecting members may be, for example, connectors, flat conductors such as FPCs and FFCs, terminals such as bus bars and connection pins, electronic parts including electric elements, and the like.

The present invention can be configured such that the conductive connection member is a mating connector, and the abutting portion abuts a mating housing of the mating connector.

According to this, the contact portion can reliably contact the mating housing of the mating connector. In addition, since the contacting object of the contacting portion is the mating housing, and these are resin moldings, the contacting surface is formed according to the shape and size of the second housing and the mating connector. can do. That is, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in shape of the contact surface.

In the present invention, the object to be connected is a conductive connection member, the conductive connection member is arranged on a second support member, and the second housing is attached to the second support member. It can be configured to have contact portions that contact in the fitting direction and the removal direction and are pressed by the reaction force.

According to this, the contact portion presses the second support member. Therefore, even if it is difficult to provide the conductive connection member with a contact portion with the contact portion, the second support member can be provided as a contact portion with the contact portion instead of the conductive connection member. The conductive connection member of the present invention can be, for example, a connector, a flat conductor such as FPC or FFC, a bus bar, a terminal such as a connection pin, an electronic component including an electric element, or the like. Of these, flat conductors, terminals, electronic parts, etc. other than connectors are difficult to provide a contact portion for receiving the pressing force of the contact portion, as is the case with the resin molded housing of the connector. In such cases, the present invention is particularly significant.

In the present invention, the object to be connected is a conductive connection member, the conductive connection member is arranged on a second support member, and the second support member has a contact receiving member. The second housing can be configured to have a contact portion that contacts the contact receiving member in the fitting direction and the withdrawal direction and that is pressed by the reaction force.

According to this, the contact portion presses the contact receiving member. Therefore, even if it is difficult to provide contact portions with the contact portions on the conductive connection member and the second support member, it is possible to provide contact receiving portions as contact portions with the contact portions instead of them. can be done. The conductive connection member of the present invention can be, for example, a connector, a flat conductor such as FPC or FFC, a bus bar, a terminal such as a connection pin, an electronic component including an electric element, or the like. Of these, flat conductors, terminals, electronic parts, etc. other than connectors are difficult to provide a contact portion with the contact portion. In addition, when the pressing force of the abutting portion is applied directly to the second supporting member, peeling and cracking occur in the fixed portions (for example, soldered portions, adhesive portions, etc.) between the second supporting member and the conducting connection member. There is a risk of adverse effects such as becoming easier. In such cases, the present invention is particularly significant.

The present invention further includes a spacer portion for arranging the first support member and the second support member apart from each other, and the second housing connects the object to be connected to the second housing. At the time of fitting, the position displaced by the elastic deformation of the movable portion in the fitting direction can be arranged as the stationary position.

According to the present invention, it further includes a spacer portion that separates the first support member and the second support member, and the second housing connects the connection object to the second support member. Since the position displaced by the elastic deformation of the movable portion in the fitting direction when fitting with the housing is arranged as the stationary position, the movable portion can be elastically deformed reliably and easily. Therefore, it is possible to reliably and easily establish a steady state in which the movable portion generates a reaction force.

The present invention further includes a spacer portion that separates the first support member and the second support member, and the length of the spacer portion is such that the connecting object is connected to the second support member. The second housing is formed to be shorter than the separation distance between the first support member and the second support member when they are fitted to the two housings, and the second housing is formed to be closer to the first support member. and the second support member, the movable portion is pushed in the fitting direction in order to make up for the shortfall of the spacer portion with respect to the separation distance. It can be configured such that the position displaced by elastic deformation in the fitting direction is arranged as the stationary position.

In the present invention, when fitting and fixing, the second housing is pushed in the fitting direction in order to compensate for the insufficient length of the spacer portion with respect to the separation distance. The movable part is elastically deformed by the pressing force (pressing load) at that time. Therefore, the movable portion can be elastically deformed reliably and easily by the installation work of the spacer portion, the first support member, and the second support member at the time of fitting and fixing. Therefore, it is possible to reliably and easily establish a steady state in which the movable portion generates a reaction force.

The present invention further includes a spacer portion that separates the first support member and the second support member, and the length of the spacer portion is such that the connecting object is connected to the second support member. The distance between the first support member and the second support member is shorter than the separation distance between the first support member and the second support member when they are fitted to the two housings, and the second housing connects the connection object to the connection object. When the second housing is fitted, the movable portion is elastically deformed in the fitting direction to be displaced, and the spacer is placed between the first support member and the second support member. When the spacer portion is installed and fixed, it is pushed in the fitting direction in order to compensate for the shortfall of the spacer portion with respect to the separation distance, and the movable portion is elastically deformed in the fitting direction. It can be configured to be positioned as a stationary position.

According to the present invention, the second housing is displaced by elastic deformation of the movable portion in the fitting direction when the connection object is fitted into the second housing, and When the spacer portion is installed between the first support member and the second support member and fixed by fitting, the spacer portion is pushed in the fitting direction to compensate for the shortfall of the spacer portion with respect to the separation distance. Since the position displaced by the elastic deformation of the movable portion in the fitting direction is arranged as the stationary position, the movable portion can be elastically deformed more reliably and easily. Therefore, it is possible to reliably and easily establish a steady state in which the movable portion generates a reaction force.

The spacer portion can be configured as a columnar spacer member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably maintain the state in which the first support member and the second support member are spaced apart from each other. This columnar spacer member can be composed of a plurality of split pieces that can be connected to each other.

The spacer portion may be provided on the first housing and configured as a locking piece that locks onto the second support member.

According to the present invention, since the locking piece is provided on the first housing, it is possible to abolish the use of a special part functioning as a spacer portion, and to suppress an increase in the number of parts constituting the connection structure. Further, according to the present invention, the connection structure can be easily formed by locking the locking piece as the spacer portion to the second support member.

The spacer section can be configured by a housing that accommodates the movable connector and the connection object.

According to the present invention, since the spacer portion is configured by the housing, the housing can also serve as the spacer portion. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a member dedicated to the spacer, and the number of parts can be reduced. The housing can be configured, for example, to have a first body portion and a second body portion or lid that mate with each other. Then, for example, a first supporting member is attached to the first main body, a second supporting member is attached to the second main body or the lid, and the first main body and the second main body or housing are connected. are combined to form a housing, it is possible to obtain a fitting connection between the movable connector and the connection object. The term “casing” is a term that includes not only the outer casing of the device but also structural members such as brackets that are arranged inside the outer casing.

In the present invention, the first supporting member can be configured with a first substrate. Further, in the present invention, the second support member can be configured with a second substrate.

According to this, it is possible to realize the connection structure of the movable connector that exhibits the effects of the present invention while using at least one of the first support member and the second support member as the substrate.

According to the connection structure of the movable connector according to the present invention, the movable portion of the terminal urges the second housing toward the connection object in the normal state and in the displacement state, so that the second housing and the connection object are connected. It is possible to suppress the displacement of the fitting position. Therefore, according to the connection structure of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contact sliding between the terminal and the object to be connected when subjected to vibration, and to obtain a stable conductive connection.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view including the front, left side, and plan view of the movable connector according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the movable connector of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a terminal provided in the movable connector of FIG. 1; 5A is a plan view including the front, left side, and plane of the mating connector, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a mating terminal provided in the mating connector. FIG. 6B is an explanatory view schematically showing the connection structure between the movable connector and the object to be connected according to the first embodiment, FIG. 6A being an explanatory view before fitting, and FIG. 6B explaining a first connection state (fitting state). FIG. 6C is an explanatory diagram of the second connected state (fitted and fixed state), FIG. 6D is an explanatory diagram of the first displaced state (displaced state in the fitting direction), and FIG. 6E is the second displaced state ( Explanatory drawing of (displacement state in the withdrawal direction). FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the movable connector before mating according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the movable connector of the first embodiment and the mating connector before mating; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a mating state of the movable connector and the mating connector of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a mated and fixed state of the movable connector and the mating connector (connection structure of the movable connector) of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of displacement in the mating direction of the movable connector and the mating connector of the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of displacement in the removal direction of the movable connector and the mating connector of the first embodiment; 13A is an explanatory view before fitting, and FIG. 13B is a first connection state (fitting state) and a first connection state (fitting state). FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the connection state (fitting and fixing state) of No. 2. FIG. 14A is an explanatory view before fitting, and FIG. 14B is an explanation of a first connection state (fitting state). FIG. FIG. 14C is an explanatory diagram of the second connected state (fitted and fixed state), FIG. 14D is an explanatory diagram of the first displaced state (displaced state in the fitting direction), and FIG. 14E is the second displaced state ( Explanatory drawing of (displacement state in the withdrawal direction). FIG. 11 is a partially broken perspective view showing a modification of the movable connector; 16A is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment, FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a fifth embodiment, FIG. 16C is a diagram showing a sixth embodiment, and FIG. Fig. 16D is a diagram showing an embodiment; Fig. 16D is a diagram showing a seventh embodiment; 17A is a view showing the eighth embodiment, FIG. 17B is a view showing the ninth embodiment, and FIG. 17C is a view showing the tenth embodiment. FIG. 17D is a diagram showing an eleventh embodiment; FIG. 17E is a diagram showing a twelfth embodiment; FIG. 17F is a diagram showing a thirteenth embodiment; FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection structure between a movable connector and a connection object according to a fourteenth embodiment; FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection structure between a movable connector and a connection object according to a fifteenth embodiment;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a connection structure 30 and a connection forming method between a movable connector 10 and a mating connector 20 as a "connection object" and a "conducting connection member" will be described as an example. In this specification, claims, and drawings, the arrangement direction (horizontal direction) of the plurality of terminals 13 of the movable connector 10 shown in FIG. , the height direction (vertical direction) of the movable connector 10 is defined as the Z direction. However, the specification of such directions does not limit the mounting direction or usage direction of the movable connector 10 of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" described in this specification and claims are used to distinguish different constituent elements of the invention, and indicate a specific order or superiority or inferiority. It is not used for

First embodiment [Figs. 1 to 12]

Configuration of movable connector 10 [Figs. 1 to 4]

The movable connector 10 includes a fixed housing 11 as a “first housing”, a movable housing 12 as a “second housing”, and a plurality of terminals 13 .

The fixed housing 11 is made of a resin molding and has a peripheral wall 11a and a top wall 11b. Inside the fixed housing 11, an accommodating portion 11c is formed to accommodate the movable housing 12 and to serve as a displacement space for the movable housing 12. As shown in FIG. The peripheral wall 11a is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube, and a plurality of fixed-side terminal holding portions 11a1 are formed on the inner surface thereof so as to be spaced apart in the X direction. The top wall 11b is formed in the shape of a square frame protruding inward from the upper end of the peripheral wall 11a, and the inner peripheral edge thereof forms an opening 11b1 through which the movable housing 12 is inserted.

The movable housing 12 is made of resin molding and has a peripheral wall 12a, a bottom wall 12b, and a central wall 12c. The peripheral wall 12a is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube, and a fitting chamber 12a1 into which the mating connector 20 is inserted and fitted is formed inside. A guiding inclined surface 12a2 is formed at the entrance of the fitting chamber 12a1, and the guiding inclined surface 12a2 guides the insertion of the mating connector 20 into the fitting chamber 12a1. The bottom wall 12b as a "contact portion" closes the lower portion of the peripheral wall 12a. The bottom wall 12b is formed with a hole-shaped movable side terminal holding portion 12b1 into which each terminal 13 is press-fitted and fixed (FIG. 3). The center wall 12c is formed to protrude upward in the Z direction from the bottom wall 12b, and forms a fitting chamber 12a1 forming a rectangular frame-shaped fitting space in the inner space of the peripheral wall 12a. A plurality of terminal holding grooves 12c2 for holding contact portions 13e, which will be described later, of the terminals 13 are arranged side by side along the X direction in each wall surface 12c1 of the central wall 12c along the X direction.

The fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12 described above are not provided with a stopper structure for restricting the amount of displacement of the movable housing 12 . Therefore, structurally, the movable housing 12 can be displaced in the left-right direction (X direction) and the front-rear direction (Y direction) until it comes into contact with the edge of the opening 11b1 of the fixed housing 11 . In the upward direction (upward in the Z direction), the movable housing 12 can be displaced to the limit of elastic deformation of the movable portion 13c described later of the terminal 13, and in the downward direction (downward in the Z direction), the movable portion 13c can be elastically deformed. It can be displaced to the maximum possible limit or until it abuts against the surface (first substrate P1) facing the bottom wall 12b of the movable housing 12 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of terminals 13 are formed as bent terminals by punching a plate-shaped conductive metal piece as a material by press working and bending in the plate thickness direction at predetermined positions. Each terminal 13 has a board connecting portion 13a, a stationary housing fixing portion 13b, a movable portion 13c, a movable housing fixing portion 13d, and a contact portion 13e.

The substrate connection portion 13a forms a soldered portion by being soldered to a circuit of the first substrate P1, which will be described later. The fixed housing fixing portion 13b has fixing projections on each side edge, and is fixed to the fixed housing 11 by being press-fitted into the fixed side terminal holding portion 11a1. The movable housing fixing portion 13d also has fixing protrusions on each side edge, and is fixed to the movable housing 12 by being press-fitted into the movable side terminal holding portions 12b1. The contact portion 13e is formed in a flat plate shape, is inserted from the movable side terminal holding portion 12b1 of the bottom wall 12b, and is arranged in the terminal holding groove 12c2 of the central wall 12c. Each plate edge along the longitudinal direction of the contact portion 13e is locked and held in the terminal holding groove 12c2. A plated layer (not shown) such as gold plating is formed on the surface of the contact portion 13e.

The movable portion 13c is formed of a bent spring piece that can be elastically deformed. The movable portion 13c has a first extending portion 13c1, a first bending portion 13c2, a second extending portion 13c3, a second bending portion 13c4, and a third extending portion 13c5 in order from the stationary housing fixing portion 13b side. , and a third bent portion 13c6.

The first elongated portion 13c1 connects the upper end of the stationary housing fixing portion 13b and the first bent portion 13c2, and is formed in a linear shape extending upward while being inclined toward the movable housing 12. As shown in FIG. The first bent portion 13c2 connects the first elongated portion 13c1 and the second elongated portion 13c3 and is bent in an inverted U shape. The second elongated portion 13c3 connects the first bent portion 13c2 and the second bent portion 13c4, and is formed in a linear shape extending downward while being inclined toward the movable housing 12. As shown in FIG. The second bent portion 13c4 connects the second elongated portion 13c3 and the third elongated portion 13c5 and is bent into an L shape. The third elongated portion 13c5 connects the second bent portion 13c4 and the third bent portion 13c6 and is formed in a linear shape extending along the bottom wall 12b of the movable housing 12 . Further, the third extending portion 13c5 is formed as an inclined spring piece extending obliquely upward from the second bent portion 13c4 to the third bent portion 13c6. The third bent portion 13c6 connects the third elongated portion 13c5 and the movable housing fixing portion 13d and is bent into an L shape.

The first elongated portion 13c1, the first bent portion 13c2, and the second elongated portion 13c3 are elastically deformed in the Y direction (front-rear direction, cross-fitting direction) with the first bent portion 13c2 as the main fulcrum. It is designed as a "transverse spring piece". The "horizontal direction spring piece" is elastically deformed so that the fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12 can be displaced relative to each other in the Y direction. The "horizontal direction spring piece" can also be elastically deformed in the X direction (horizontal direction) by elastic deformation accompanied by twisting.

The second bent portion 13c4, the third extending portion 13c5, and the third bent portion 13c6 are elastic in the Z direction (vertical direction, fitting direction, and withdrawal direction) with the second bending portion 13c4 as the main fulcrum. It is formed as a deformable "longitudinal spring strip". The "vertical spring piece" is elastically deformed so that the fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12 can be displaced relative to each other in the Z direction.

As described above, the movable portion 13c can be roughly divided into a “horizontal direction spring piece” that mainly functions for elastic deformation in the XY direction and a “vertical direction spring piece” that mainly functions for elastic deformation in the Z direction. have a combination of Therefore, the movable portion 13c is elastically deformed in the XYZ directions so that the movable housing 12 and the mating connector 20 can be displaced relative to each other.

Configuration of mating connector 20 [Fig. 5]

A mating connector 20 as a “connection object” and a “conducting connection member” includes a mating housing 21 and a plurality of mating terminals 22 .

The mating housing 21 is formed of a rectangular tubular resin molding, and has a peripheral wall 21a and a bottom wall 21b (FIGS. 5A and 8). The peripheral wall 21 a fits with the movable housing 12 by being inserted into the fitting chamber 12 a 1 of the movable housing 12 . The central wall 12c of the movable housing 12 is inserted inside the peripheral wall 21a. A plurality of terminal holding grooves 21a1 are formed side by side in the X direction on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 21a. A fitting-side end (upper end face) of the peripheral wall 21a (mating housing 21) is a contact receiving portion that contacts the bottom wall 12b of the movable housing 12 as a “contact portion” when the movable connector 10 is fitted. 21a2. A hole-shaped terminal holding portion 21b1 into which each mating terminal 22 is press-fitted and fixed is formed in the bottom wall 21b.

The plurality of mating terminals 22 are formed as bent terminals by punching a conductive metal piece as a material by press working and bending the punched piece in the plate thickness direction at predetermined positions. Each mating terminal 22 has a board connection portion 22a, a housing fixing portion 22b, and a contact portion 22c. The board connection portion 22a is soldered to a circuit of the second board P2, which will be described later. The housing fixing portion 22b has fixing protrusions on each side edge, which are press-fitted into the terminal holding portions 21b1 of the mating housing 21 to be fixed. The contact portion 22c has an elastic arm 22c1 made of a spring piece extending from the housing fixing portion 22b, and a contact portion 22c2 bent in a mountain shape.

Description of connection structure and connection formation method between movable connector and connection object (Fig. 6)

Before explaining the connection structure 30 between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 and the connection formation method, the connection structure 3 and the connection between the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 are generalized by omitting the detailed structure of the movable connector 10. The principle of the forming method will be described with reference to FIG.

The movable connector 1 includes a fixed housing 1a as a "first housing" fixed to the first substrate P1, a movable housing 1b as a "second housing", and a movable housing 1b displaceable with respect to the fixed housing 1a. It has a terminal with a movable part 1c that can be supported. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 6 shows only the movable portion 1c of the terminal. A first end (lower end) of a spacer member R as a "spacer" is fixed to the first substrate P1 as a "first support member".

The connection object 2 is fixed to a second substrate P2 as a "second support member". Such connection objects 2 can be flat conductors such as FPCs and FFCs, terminals such as bus bars and connection pins, electronic components including electric elements, and the like, in addition to the mating connector 20 described above.

Note that FIG. 6 illustrates the first substrate P1 as the "first support member" on which the spacer member R is installed. However, the "first support member" is not limited to the first substrate P1, and may be a structure such as a bracket or a housing for mounting the first substrate P1. Similarly, in FIG. 6, the second substrate P2 is illustrated as the "second support member" on which the spacer member R is installed, but the second substrate P2 is attached as the "second support member". A structure such as a bracket or a housing may be used.

Before mating [Fig. 6A]

FIG. 6A shows a pre-fitting state in which the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 are separated from each other. The movable portion 1c of the movable connector 1 before mating is in a free state and is not elastically deformed. Although the weight of the movable housing 1b acts on the movable portion 1c, the movable portion 1c is formed to have hardness (spring constant) so that it does not deform elastically. Note that even if the movable portion 1c is elastically deformed by the weight of the movable housing 1b, such elastic deformation of the movable portion 1c before fitting to the connection object 2 is defined as "elastic deformation" in the present invention. shall not be included in

Fitted state [Fig. 6B]

FIG. 6B shows a "fitted state" in which the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 are fitted and connected. When the object to be connected 2 is inserted into the movable housing 1b from the pre-fitting state of FIG. When the connection object 2 is continued to be inserted, the contact receiving portion 2a positioned at the fitting-side end (insertion-side end) of the connection object 2 comes into contact with the contact portion 1b1 of the movable housing 1b. This stops the insertion of the connection object 2 . That is, the abutment between the abutment receiving portion 2a and the abutment portion 1b1 means that the connection object 2 has reached the fitting limit (insertion limit) with respect to the movable housing 1b. In this way, a fitted state in which the connection object 2 is fitted and connected to the movable connector 1 can be obtained (first step).

This mated state has two characteristics. A first feature is that the second end (upper end) of each spacer member R is not in contact with the second substrate P2. In the fitted state, the spacer member R is formed shorter than the separation distance between the first board P1 and the second board P2. Therefore, a gap S1 is formed between the spacer member R and the second substrate P2, and the spacer member R and the second substrate P2 face each other with a separation distance d1 therebetween. Therefore, in order to complete the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the object to be connected 2, the second substrate P2 must be placed against the elastic force of the movable portion 1c so as to eliminate the gap S1. It must be fixed to the spacer member R after it is pushed in by the gap distance d1, which is the insufficient length.

The second feature is that the weight of the object to be connected 2 and the second substrate P2 acts as a load on the movable portion 1c, but the movable portion 1c is not elastically deformed. In the conventional movable connector that suppresses contact sliding, the contact pressure of the terminal against the object to be connected is high, so the insertion force for the object to be connected is high. Therefore, in order to fit the object to be connected to the movable housing, it is common to fit the object to be connected while the movable housing is abutted against the board so as not to move. In this case, when the object to be connected is completely fitted into the movable housing, the contact pressure of the terminals keeps the movable housing in contact with the board.

However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the movable portion 1c presses the movable housing 1b against the connection object 2 instead of suppressing the contact sliding by the height of the contact pressure of the terminal, and the fitting and fixing state described below is achieved. Suppresses the occurrence of contact sliding by obtaining Therefore, while the spring constant of the movable portion 1c is set high so as to realize such fitting connection, the contact pressure of the terminals need not be so high as to suppress the occurrence of contact sliding. Therefore, when the connection object 2 is inserted into the movable housing 1b, the movable portion 1c is not elastically deformed. Further, in the fitted state shown in FIG. 6B, the movable portion 1c is not elastically deformed even if a load due to the weight of the connection object 2 and the second substrate P2 acts. Therefore, the movable housing 1b is not displaced downward, and the movable housing 1b is engaged with the connection object 2 while being separated from the first board P1. Moreover, since it is not necessary to increase the contact pressure of the terminals for the purpose of suppressing sliding of the contacts as described above, the contact pressure of the terminals can be made smaller than that of the conventional movable connector. Therefore, the insertion force for fitting the connection object 2 into the movable housing 1b is reduced, and connection workability can be improved. In addition, since the insertion force can be reduced, incomplete fitting can be prevented, and connection work can be performed reliably.

Fitted and fixed state [Fig. 6C]

FIG. 6C shows a "fitted and fixed state" in which the second substrate P2 and each spacer member R are fixed with fixing members such as bolts (not shown). The spacer member R of this embodiment is placed between and fixed to the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2. In the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the object to be connected 2 of the present embodiment, the stationary position and state in the mated and fixed state are defined as the "steady position" and the "steady state" of the movable housing 1b and the object to be connected 2. and The movable housing 1b and the object to be connected 2 can exhibit a floating function with this stationary position as the center of displacement, that is, can be displaced in the XYZ directions.

6C, the connecting object 2 to be fitted with the movable housing 1b is further pushed in the fitting direction from the fitted state shown in FIG. A "second step" of elastically deforming the movable portion 1c by displacing it in the fitting direction is executed. As a result, the movable portion 1c is elastically deformed in the fitting direction and arranged in a state of generating a reaction force that presses the connection object 2 in the withdrawal direction. Subsequently, a "third step" of fixing the installation position of the movable connector 1 and the installation position of the connection object 2 while maintaining the reaction force of the movable part 1c pressing the connection object 2 in the withdrawal direction. to run.

That is, from the state of FIG. 6B, the second substrate P2 is pushed in and displaced by the separation distance d1 of the gap S1, which is the insufficient length of the spacer member R, and the second substrate P2 is brought into contact with the spacer member R. . When the second board P2 is pushed in, the object to be connected 2 is also displaced in the fitting direction (downward in the Z direction) by the separation distance d1 of the gap S1. Then, the contact receiving portion 2a of the object to be connected 2 presses the contact portion 1b1 of the movable housing 1b in the fitting direction, so that the movable housing 1b is also moved toward the first substrate P1 by the separation distance d1 of the gap S1. Displace. When the movable portion 1c is elastically deformed as the movable housing 1b is displaced, the movable portion 1c generates a reaction force (pressing force) in which the contact portion 1b1 pushes back the contact receiving portion 2a (second step). The reaction force generated by the movable portion 1 c serves as a “pressing support force” that supports the movable housing 1 b in a displaceable manner and presses the movable housing 1 b against the connection object 2 . Then, the second substrate P2 and each spacer member R are fixed by a fixing member (third step). Thus, in the fitted and fixed state, the movable portion 1c maintains its elastically deformed state, whereby the contact portion 1b1 presses against the contact receiving portion 2a in the withdrawal direction, and the movable portion 1c moves toward the movable housing. A state of displaceably supporting 1b is obtained.

In addition, in the fitted and fixed state, a movable gap S2 is formed below the outer bottom surface of the movable housing 1b. Therefore, the movable housing 1b can be displaced toward the movable gap S2 in the fitted and fixed state, as shown in FIG. 6D, which will be described later. As described above, in the conventional movable connector that suppresses contact sliding, the contact pressure of the terminal against the object to be connected is high, so the insertion force of the object to be connected increases, and when the object to be connected is fitted into the movable housing, The mated state is typically achieved by pushing the movable housing until it contacts the substrate. Therefore, in the conventional movable connector, the movable housing cannot be displaced in the mating direction in the initial mating state. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, contact sliding is not suppressed by the height of the contact pressure of the terminal, but by bringing the movable portion 1c into a state of pressing the movable housing 1b against the connection object 2, thereby suppressing the sliding of the contact. suppress the occurrence of Therefore, in the connection structure 3 of the present invention, a movable gap S2 is formed below the movable housing 1b, so that the movable housing 1b can be displaced in the fitting direction in the initial fitted and fixed state.

When the movable housing 1b and the object to be connected 2 are stationary without being displaced, the fitting position between the movable housing 1b and the object to be connected 2 is maintained. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the object to be connected 2 is maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding is suppressed. Then, as will be described below, even when external vibration along the Z direction, which tends to cause contact sliding, acts on the connection structure 3, the occurrence of contact sliding is suppressed.

First displaced state [displaced state in fitting direction, FIG. 6D]

FIG. 6D shows the displacement of the connection structure 3 between the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2. FIG. That is, it shows a first displacement state in which the movable housing 1b and the connecting object 2 are displaced in the fitting direction so as to approach the fixed housing 1a. The reason why the movable housing 1b and the object to be connected 2 are displaced in the fitting direction is that, for example, external vibration or impact acts on the connection structure 3, and the second board P2 on which the object to be connected 2 is installed is not fitted. This is the case in which it bends in the mating direction. Even in such a case, contact sliding does not occur.

That is, when the second substrate P2 bends in the fitting direction and the connection object 2 is displaced, the connection object 2 pushes down the movable housing 1b in the fitting direction. At this time, the movable housing 1b continues to press the connecting object 2 in the removal direction due to the elastic deformation of the movable portion 1c. Therefore, the fitting position between the connection object 2 and the movable housing 1b does not change, and the contact position between the terminal and the connection object 2 does not change.

Next, when the second substrate P2, which is bent in the fitting direction, returns, the object to be connected 2 is displaced in the removal direction, but the movable part 1c moves the movable housing 1b toward the removal direction by reaction force. Since it continues to press against the object 2, the movable housing 1b is displaced together with the object 2 to be connected while urging it in the withdrawal direction. Therefore, the fitting position between the connection object 2 and the movable housing 1b does not change, and the contact position between the terminal and the connection object 2 does not change. In this way, contact sliding does not occur even at the time of return.

Second displaced state [displaced state in withdrawal direction, FIG. 6E]

FIG. 6E shows the displacement of the connection structure 3 between the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2. FIG. That is, it shows a second displacement state in which the movable housing 1b and the object to be connected 2 are displaced in the removal direction so as to separate from the fixed housing 1a. The connection object 2 is displaced in the removal direction when, for example, external vibration or external impact acts on the connection structure 3 and the second substrate P2 on which the connection object 2 is installed is bent in the removal direction. . However, contact sliding does not occur in this case either.

That is, when the second substrate P2 bends in the removal direction, the object to be connected 2 is displaced in the removal direction. However, since the movable portion 1c presses the movable housing 1b against the object to be connected 2 in the withdrawal direction due to the reaction force, the contact portion 1b1 pushes up the contact receiving portion 2a, and the movable housing 1b and the object to be connected are pushed up. The objects 2 are displaced together in the withdrawal direction. Therefore, the fitting position between the connection object 2 and the movable housing 1b does not change, and the contact position between the terminal and the connection object 2 does not change.

Next, when the second board P2 recovers from the bent state in the withdrawal direction, the connecting object 2 is displaced in the fitting direction. At this time, the movable housing 1b continues to press the object to be connected 2 in the removal direction by means of the movable portion 1c. Therefore, the fitting position between the connection object 2 and the movable housing 1b does not change, and the contact position between the terminal and the connection object 2 does not change. In this way, contact sliding does not occur even at the time of return.

That is, the movable connector 1 and the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 may be installed in any orientation. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the movable connector 1 may be installed so that the fitting direction is the vertical direction, or the fitting direction may be other than the vertical direction (inclination direction and horizontal direction with respect to the vertical direction). It is good also as embodiment which installs the movable connector 1 so that it may become.

Description of connection structure and connection formation method between movable connector 10 and mating connector 20 (Figs. 7 to 12)

Next, the connection structure 30 between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 and the connection formation method will be specifically described.

Before mating [Figs. 7 and 8]

7 and 8 show the state before mating in which the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 are arranged apart from each other. Four spacer members R are fixed to the first substrate P1 on which the movable connector 10 is mounted. The second substrate P2 on which the mating connector 20 is mounted is provided with holes at positions corresponding to the respective spacer members R for inserting fixing members (not shown) such as bolts. The movable portion 13c of the movable connector 10 before mating is in a free state where no load is applied, and is not elastically deformed. Even if the movable portion 13c is bent due to the weight of the movable housing 12, it is not included in the "elastic deformation" of the movable portion 13c.

Mating state [Fig. 9]

7 and 8, when the mating connector 20 is inserted into the fitting chamber 12a1 of the movable housing 12 (FIG. 9), the contact portion 22c2 of the mating terminal 22 contacts the contact portion 13e of the terminal 13. press contact. As described above, the contact pressure of the contact portion 22c2 is not so high as to suppress the occurrence of contact sliding. Therefore, the insertion force for inserting the mating connector 20 is small, and the mating connector 20 can be easily inserted. If the mating connector 20 continues to be inserted, as shown in FIG. 9, the abutment receiving portion 21a2 of the mating housing 21 abuts against the bottom wall 12b of the movable housing 12 as the "abutting portion", and further, It becomes impossible to insert the mating connector 20 into the movable housing 12 . In this way, a mated state in which the mating connector 20 is fitted and connected to the movable housing 12 is obtained.

In this fitted state, the entire upper end surface of the rectangular frame shape of the mating housing 21 (FIG. 5), that is, the contact receiving portion 21a2 has a large area with respect to the bottom wall 12b, which is the "contact portion" of the movable housing 12. direct contact with In addition, the fitting chamber 12a1 of the movable housing 12 is formed deep, and the peripheral wall 21a of the mating housing 21 is inserted therein to about half the height, so that the inner surface of the fitting chamber 12a1 and the peripheral wall 21a have a wide area. Contact. Since the mating housing 21 and the movable housing 12 are in contact with each other over a wide area in this way, it is possible to prevent the movable housing 12 and the mating housing 21 from prying each other in the fitted state, and the movable housing 12 pushes the mating housing 21. It is designed so that it can be reliably pressed in the withdrawal direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, the upper end of each spacer member R is not in contact with the second substrate P2, and a gap S1 is formed therebetween. In the mated state, the load of the mating connector 20 and the second substrate P2 is applied to the movable portion 13c, but the movable portion 13c is not elastically deformed. This is because the spring constant of the movable portion 13c is set high.

Fitted and fixed state [Fig. 10]

Next, the second substrate P2 in the fitted state shown in FIG. 9 is further pushed in the fitting direction by the separation distance d1 to abut on the upper end of the spacer member R, and is fixed by a fixing member such as a bolt (not shown). A second substrate P2 is fixed to the spacer member R. As shown in FIG. As a result, the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 10 is obtained.

In the connection structure 30 between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 shown in FIG. 10, the movable housing 12 is displaced in the XYZ directions with respect to the fixed housing 11, with the stationary position in the mated and fixed state as the stationary position. be able to. In particular, a movable gap S2 is formed between the movable housing 12 and the first substrate P1. Therefore, the movable housing 12 can be displaced downward in the fitting direction from the stationary position, as shown in FIG. 11, which will be described later.

Further, when the movable housing 12 is displaced in the fitting direction by the separation distance d1, the movable portion 13c is elastically deformed when the fitting and fixing state is formed. That is, in the fitted state of FIG. 9, the third extending portion 13c5 is inclined upward from the outer peripheral surface side of the movable housing 12 to the center of the outer bottom surface, and this state is defined as the free state. However, in the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 10, the movable housing 12 is pushed down by the separation distance d1 by the mating connector 20, so that the third elongated portion 13c5 becomes horizontal mainly with the second bent portion 13c4 as a fulcrum. , and the side of the third bent portion 13c6 is pushed down in the fitting direction.

In this state where the movable portion 13c is elastically deformed, the movable housing 12 pushes back the contact receiving portion 21a2 of the mating housing 21 in the removal direction via the bottom wall 12b as the "contact portion". pressure) is generated. Therefore, the movable portion 13 c not only supports the movable housing 12 so as to be displaceable, but also urges the movable housing 12 in the withdrawal direction to constantly press the movable housing 12 against the mating connector 20 . Therefore, the mating position of the movable housing 12 and the mating housing 21 is maintained both in a normal state in which the movable housing 12 and the mating connector 20 are not displaced and in a state of displacement due to external vibration or external impact. Therefore, the contact position deviation between the contact portion 13e of the terminal 13 and the contact portion 22c2 of the mating terminal 22 is also suppressed, and the occurrence of contact sliding is suppressed. As will be described later, even when external vibration or shock along the Z direction, which tends to cause contact sliding, acts on the connection structure 30, contact sliding is suppressed.

Further, the reaction force generated by the movable portion 13c in the fitted and fixed state is also applied to the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2. Therefore, the resonance frequencies of the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 are increased, and the occurrence of resonance can be suppressed.

First displaced state [displaced state in fitting direction, FIG. 11]

When the connection structure 30 between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 in the mated and fixed state is subjected to, for example, external vibrations or external impacts in the usage environment, the second board P2 is fitted as shown in FIG. Although it bends by the distance d2 in the mating direction, contact sliding does not occur.

That is, when the mating connector 20 is displaced in the mating direction by bending the second board P2 in the mating direction, the contact receiving portion 21a2 of the mating connector 20 abuts against the bottom wall 12b of the movable housing 12. contact, and push down the movable housing 12 in the fitting direction. That is, the mating housing 21 and the movable housing 12 are displaced together in the fitting direction toward the movable gap S2. Therefore, the mating position between the mating connector 20 and the movable housing 12 does not change, and the contact position between the contact portion 13e of the terminal 13 and the contact portion 22c2 of the mating terminal 22 does not change.

When the movable housing 12 is displaced in this manner, the movable portion 13c rotates mainly about the second bent portion 13c4 so that the third elongated portion 13c5 inclines downward, and the third bent portion 13c5 tilts downward. The portion 13c6 is elastically deformed so as to be pushed down in the fitting direction. In the course of this elastic deformation, the movable portion 13c generates a reaction force that presses the movable housing 12 against the mating housing 21 in the removal direction.

Next, the second board P2 returns to the removal direction from the state of bending in the fitting direction. At this time, the movable portion 13c, which generates the reaction force as described above, continuously presses the movable housing 12 against the mating connector 20 in the removal direction. Therefore, the movable housing 12 pushes up the mating connector 20 and is displaced in the withdrawal direction together with the mating connector 20, and returns to the steady position of the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. Even when returning in this manner, the mating position between the movable housing 12 and the mating connector 20 does not change, and the contact position between the contact portion 13e of the terminal 13 and the contact portion 22c2 of the mating terminal 22 does not change. Therefore, contact sliding does not occur even at the time of return.

Second displaced state [displaced state in withdrawal direction, FIG. 12]

In addition, when the connection structure 30 between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 in the mated and fixed state is subjected to external vibrations or external shocks under the operating environment, the second substrate P2 is broken as shown in FIG. It may be bent by a distance d2 in the removal direction. However, contact sliding does not occur in this case either.

That is, when the second board P2 bends in the removal direction, the mating connector 20 is displaced in the removal direction to be removed from the movable housing 12. As shown in FIG. However, the movable portion 13c in the fitted and fixed state continues to press the movable housing 12 against the mating housing 21 in the removal direction due to the reaction force as described above. Therefore, the movable housing 12 is displaced in the removal direction together with the mating connector 20 . Therefore, the mating position between the mating connector 20 and the movable housing 12 does not change. Further, the contact position between the contact portion 13e of the terminal 13 and the contact portion 22c2 of the mating terminal 22 does not change.

When the movable housing 12 is displaced in the removal direction in this manner, the movable portion 13c rotates mainly about the second bent portion 13c4 as a fulcrum so that the third extended portion 13c5 inclines upward. 3 is elastically deformed so that the side of the bent portion 13c6 of 3 is pushed up in the removal direction. In the course of this elastic deformation, the movable portion 13c generates a reaction force that presses the movable housing 12 against the mating housing 21 in the withdrawal direction. Therefore, even if the second substrate P2 bends in the removal direction due to external vibration or the like, the limit displacement amount is set to be smaller than the gap S1 in the fitted state shown in FIG. In other words, the amount of displacement of the second substrate P2 in the removal direction is the amount of displacement due to the separation distance d1 that causes the reaction force on the movable portion 13c, that is, the amount of displacement required for the movable portion 13c to return to its free state. limited in range. Therefore, in the connection structure 30, even if the second board P2 is bent and displaced in the removal direction, the movable housing 12 can always press the mating connector 20 in the removal direction.

Next, when the second board P2 returns to the connecting direction from the state in which it is bent in the removing direction, the mating connector 20 is pushed in the connecting direction while being pressed by the movable housing 12 in the removing direction. Displace. Therefore, the mating position between the mating connector 20 and the movable housing 12 does not change, and the contact position between the contact portion 13e of the terminal 13 and the contact portion 22c2 of the mating terminal 22 does not change. In this way, contact sliding does not occur even at the time of return.

Second embodiment [Fig. 13]

Next, the connection structure and connection formation method of the movable connector and the movable connector of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the hardness (spring constant) of the movable portion 1c as a spring is softer than that of the first embodiment. Further, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the length of the spacer member R is the same as the separation distance between the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 in the fitted state. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, redundant description will be omitted.

Similar to FIG. 6, FIG. 13 shows the principle of the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the object to be connected 2 and the connection forming method generalized by omitting the detailed structure of the movable connector according to the second embodiment. .

FIG. 13A shows a pre-fitting state in which the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 are separated from each other. FIG. 13B shows a "fitted state" in which the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 are fitted and connected, and a "fitted state" in which the second substrate P2 and each spacer member R are fixed with fixing members such as bolts (not shown). state.

As shown in these figures, the connection object 2 is inserted until the abutment receiving portion 2a of the connection object 2 abuts against the abutment portion 1b1 of the movable housing 1b, and the connection object 2 is fitted into the movable housing 1b. situation). In this mated state, the weight of the object to be connected 2 and the second substrate P2 acts as a load on the movable portion 1c, and the movable portion 1c is elastically deformed to sink in the mating direction by a distance d3 (FIG. 13B). As a result, the movable portion 1c generates a reaction force (pressing force) with which the contact portion 1b1 pushes back the contact receiving portion 2a. In this fitted state, since the second substrate P2 is in contact with the upper end of the spacer member R, it can be fixed to the spacer member R with a fixing member such as a bolt. Thereby, a fitted and fixed state is formed.

In the connection structure of the movable connector 1 of the second embodiment, the movable portion 1c is elastically deformed by the weight of the connection object 2 and the second substrate P2, and a reaction force is generated in the withdrawal direction. Also by this, when the movable housing 1b and the fixed housing 1a are displaced relative to each other, the fitting position between the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2 is maintained by the reaction force of the movable portion 1c. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the connection object 2 is also maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding can be suppressed.

In addition, in the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 13B, a movable gap S3 is formed below the movable housing 1b. Therefore, the movable housing 1b can be displaced in the fitting direction in a steady state.

In the movable connector 1 and the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 of the second embodiment, the weight of the connection object 2 and the second substrate P2 acts as a load on the movable portion 1c, and the movable portion 1c is An installation posture that allows elastic deformation so as to sink in the fitting direction by a distance d3 may be adopted. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, not only the embodiment in which the movable connector 1 is installed so that the fitting direction is vertical, but also the movable connector 1 is movable so that the fitting direction is in a direction other than the vertical direction (a direction inclined to the vertical direction). It is good also as embodiment which installs the connector 1. FIG. For example, when the fitting direction is horizontal, and when the vertical positional relationship between the movable connector 1 and the object to be connected 2 shown in FIG. does not act as a load on the movable portion 1c. corresponds to the first embodiment shown in .

Third embodiment [Fig. 14]

Next, the connection structure and connection formation method of the movable connector and the movable connector of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14 . The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the hardness (spring constant) of the movable portion 1c as a spring is softer than that of the first embodiment. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, redundant description will be omitted.

Similar to FIG. 6, FIG. 14 shows the principle of the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the object to be connected 2 and the connection formation method generalized by omitting the detailed structure of the movable connector according to the third embodiment. .

FIG. 14A shows a pre-fitting state in which the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 are separated from each other. From this pre-fitting state, when the contact receiving portion 2a of the connection object 2 is inserted until it contacts the contact portion 1b1 of the movable housing 1b, the connection object 2 shown in FIG. 14B is engaged with the movable housing 1b. (mated state).

In the mated state shown in FIG. 14B, the weight of the connection object 2 and the second substrate P2 acts as a load on the movable portion 1c, and the movable portion 1c is elastically deformed so as to sink in the mating direction by a distance d3. As a result, the movable portion 1c generates a reaction force (pressing force) with which the contact portion 1b1 pushes back the contact receiving portion 2a. This point is different from the first embodiment.

Further, the spacer member R is shorter than the separation distance between the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2. Therefore, a gap S4 is formed between the spacer member R and the second substrate P2. Therefore, in order to complete the connecting structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the object to be connected 2, the second substrate P2 must be placed against the elastic force of the movable portion 1c so as to eliminate the gap S4. It is fixed to the spacer member R after being pushed in by the gap distance d4 which is the insufficient length. This point is common to the first embodiment. The fitted and fixed state is as shown in FIG. 14C.

In the connection structure of the movable connector 1 of the third embodiment, the load of the connection object 2 and the second board P2 at the time of fitting and the fitting direction of the movable housing 1b through the second board P2 at the time of fitting and fixing. A pressure load that pushes into the movable portion 1c acts on the movable portion 1c. Therefore, the movable portion 1c can be elastically deformed more reliably and easily, and a steady state in which the movable portion 1c generates a reaction force can be reliably and easily established.

In the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 14C, a movable gap S5 is formed below the movable housing 1b. Therefore, the movable housing 1b can be displaced in the fitting direction in a steady state.

FIG. 14D shows a first displaced state in which the movable housing 1b and the fixed housing 1a are relatively displaced in the approaching direction. Specifically, the second board P2 is bent in the fitting direction by a distance d5, and the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2 are displaced in the fitting direction. Therefore, also in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the fitting position between the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2 is maintained by the reaction force of the movable portion 1c. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the connection object 2 is also maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding can be suppressed.

FIG. 14E shows a second displaced state in which the movable housing 1b and the fixed housing 1a are relatively displaced in a direction away from each other. Specifically, the second substrate P2 is bent in the removal direction by a distance d6, and the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2 are displaced in the removal direction. At this time, the maximum amount of displacement of the second board P2, the object to be connected 2, and the movable housing 1b in the removal direction is smaller than the sum of the distance d3 at the time of fitting and the separation distance d4 at the time of fitting and fixing. Become. This is because the movable portion 1c keeps pressing the movable housing 1b against the connecting object 2 in the removal direction by the reaction force. Therefore, also in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the fitting position between the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2 is maintained by the reaction force of the movable portion 1c. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the connection object 2 is also maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding can be suppressed.

In the movable connector 1 and the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 of the third embodiment, the weight of the connection object 2 and the second substrate P2 acts as a load on the movable portion 1c, and the movable portion 1c is An installation posture that allows elastic deformation so as to sink in the fitting direction by a distance d3 may be adopted. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, not only the embodiment in which the movable connector 1 is installed so that the fitting direction is vertical, but also the movable connector 1 is movable so that the fitting direction is in a direction other than the vertical direction (a direction inclined to the vertical direction). It is good also as embodiment which installs the connector 1. FIG. For example, when the fitting direction is horizontal, and when the vertical positional relationship between the movable connector 1 and the object to be connected 2 shown in FIG. is considered not to act as a load on the movable portion 1c. 6 corresponds to the first embodiment.

Description of other embodiments and modifications [Figs. 15 to 19]

Since the above embodiment can be implemented by partially modifying its configuration, some examples thereof will be described.

In the first and second embodiments, the fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12 are not provided with the stopper structure for restricting the amount of displacement of the movable housing 12 . However, a stopper structure may be provided, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, the fixed housing 11 is provided with an engaging recess 11d, and the movable housing 12 is provided with an engaging projection 12d. The maximum amount of displacement when the fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12 are displaced relative to each other is regulated until the locking protrusion 12d comes into contact with the locking recess 11d in each of the upward directions of the X, Y, and Z directions. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress problems such as plastic deformation of the movable portion 13c due to excessive displacement of the movable housing 12 in each direction.

In the above embodiment, the connector (mating connector 20) was exemplified as the "connection object". However, the "connection object" is not limited to connectors, and may be flat conductors such as FPCs and FFCs, terminals such as bus bars and connection pins, and electronic components including electric elements. In this case, the movable connector 10 is implemented as a modified example in which the configuration is changed according to the "connection object".

In the above-described embodiment, the bottom wall 12b of the movable housing 12 is the "contact portion" and the upper end surface of the mating housing 21 is the contact receiving portion 21a2. The combination of "receiving part" is not limited to this. An example thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the "contact portion" of the movable connector 1 is the bottom surface 1b2 and the upper end surface 1b3 of the movable housing 1b, and the "contact receiving portion" is the fitting side tip portion 2a1 and the stepped portion 2a2 of the connection object 2. there is In this manner, the "contact portion" and the "contact receiving portion" may be provided at a plurality of locations.

FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the "contact portion" of the movable connector 1 is the upper end surface 1b3 of the movable housing 1b, and the "contact receiving portion" is the substrate surface 2a3 of the second substrate P2. The “contact receiving portion” with which the movable housing 1b abuts in the fitting direction and the withdrawal direction is not limited to the part of the connection object 2 . When the object to be connected 2 is, for example, a flat conductor such as an FPC or FFC, a terminal such as a bus bar or a connection pin, or an electronic component including an electric element, the housing made of resin molded body of the connector, It is difficult to provide a contact receiving portion for receiving the pressing force of the contact portion. Even in such a case, according to the present embodiment, instead of the connection object 2, the movable housing 1b can be brought into contact with the substrate surface 2a3.

FIG. 16C is a diagram showing the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the "contact portion" of the movable connector 1 is the flange portion 1b4 formed on the movable housing 1b, and the "contact receiving portion" is the contact receiving portion 2a4 provided on the connection object 2. FIG. In this case, the object to be connected 2 can be a mating connector, and the contact receiving portion 2a4 can be, for example, a projecting portion provided on the housing of the mating connector. The "contact receiving portion" with which the movable housing 1b abuts in the mating direction and the withdrawal direction is limited to the mating portion of the mating connector (connection object 2) inserted into the mating chamber of the movable housing 1b. do not have. In addition, in this embodiment, the movable portion 1c can be protected from the outside by providing the eaves-like flange portion 1b4 on the movable housing 1b.

FIG. 16D is a diagram showing the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the "contact portion" of the movable connector 1 is the flange portion 1b4 formed on the movable housing 1b, and the "contact receiving portion" is the contact receiving member 2a5 provided on the second substrate P2. The contact receiving member 2a5 is a separate member from the connection object 2 and the second substrate P2, and can be a substrate mounting member that is mounted on the second substrate P2 facing the flange portion 1b4. The "contact receiving portion" with which the movable housing 1b contacts in the removal direction is not limited to the connection object 2 and the second board P2. In addition, in this embodiment, the movable portion 1c can be protected from the outside by providing the eaves-like flange portion 1b4 on the movable housing 1b.

In the first to third embodiments, an example in which the movable connector 10 is a plug connector has been shown, but it may be a socket connector.

In the first to third embodiments, the outer bottom surface of the movable housing 12 of the movable connector 10 is not hidden by the fixed housing 11 but exposed to the outside. However, the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 17A may be used. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17A, the fixed housing 1a may be provided with a bottom wall 1a1 facing the outer bottom surface of the movable housing 1b. In this case, a movable gap S6 that allows relative displacement between the fixed housing 1a and the movable housing 1b is between the movable housing 1b and the bottom wall 1a1 of the fixed housing 1a.

In the first to third embodiments, the movable gap S2 that allows relative displacement between the fixed housing 1a and the movable housing 1b is between the first substrate P1 and the movable housing 1b. However, it may be like the movable connector 1 of the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 17B. As shown in FIG. 17B, the movable connector 1 of this embodiment is provided with a fixed member 1a2 for fixing the fixed housing 1a to the first substrate P1, and a movable gap S7 is formed between the movable housing 1b and the fixed member 1a2. good.

In the first to third embodiments, examples were shown in which both ends of the spacer member R are fixed to the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2. However, it may be like the movable connector 1 of the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 17C. In the movable connector 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17C, the spacer member R may be fixed to a fixed portion 1a3 provided on the fixed housing 1a. According to this structure, since the movable connector 1 and the spacer member R are integrated without being separated from each other, there is no wasted space between the movable connector 1 and the spacer member R, and the connecting structure 3 of the movable connector 1 can be miniaturized. can.

In the first to third embodiments, examples were shown in which both ends of the spacer member R are fixed to the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2. However, the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 17D may be used. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 17D, a lock arm-shaped locking piece 1a4 is formed integrally with the fixed housing 1a, and a locking hole P21 is provided in the second substrate P2. The locking piece 1a4 functions as a "spacer" of the present invention. In this embodiment, the movable portion 1c is elastically deformed in the process of inserting and locking the locking piece 1a4 into the locking hole P21, and the reaction force is generated while the locking piece 1a4 is locked to the second substrate P2. Occur. The locking pieces 1a4 may be provided at the four corners of the fixed housing 1a, provided at the upper ends of the pair of opposing walls forming the peripheral wall of the fixed housing 1a, or provided so as to extend from the top wall of the fixed housing 1a. can do.

In the first to third embodiments, examples were shown in which both ends of the spacer member R are fixed to the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2. However, like the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the twelfth embodiment shown in FIG. 17E, at least one end of the spacer member R does not have to be fixed. For example, the movable connector 1 of FIG. 17E is the same as that of FIG. 17D, but the spacer member R only needs to be placed between the first board P1 and the second board P2 and does not have to be fixed relative to them. good too. For example, at least one of the spacer members R may be fixed and the other may be in contact. Further, since the spacer member R should not be displaced in the surface direction (Y direction) of the surfaces of the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2, the holes formed in the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 can be inserted into the body and removed in the Z direction. However, in this case, a structure such as the locking piece 1a4 is required to prevent the second substrate P2 from coming off.

In the first to third embodiments, the straight connection type movable connector 1 whose fitting direction is the vertical direction (Z direction) of the first substrate P1 is exemplified. However, the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the thirteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 17F may be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 17F, this embodiment is a movable connector 1 of a right angle connection type in which the fitting direction is the surface direction (Y direction) of the surface of the first substrate P1, and its connection structure. In this case, the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 are respectively fixed to structural members such as brackets and housings that support them. Alternatively, the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 may be installed by a support member (for example, an L-shaped spacer member) that directly holds them. When the movable housing 1b and the connecting object 2 are fitted and fixed, the movable portion 1c is elastically deformed and generates a reaction force. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 are relatively displaced in the Y direction, the fitting position between the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2 is maintained by the reaction force of the movable portion 1c. is maintained. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the connection object 2 is also maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding can be suppressed. Further, even if the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2 are displaced in at least one of the X direction and the Z direction, fitting connection can be performed while resolving the displacement.

In the first to third embodiments, an example in which the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 are supported by the spacer member R is shown. However, like the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the fourteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the "spacer section" of the present invention may be a housing. That is, in this embodiment, the first substrate P1 is held by the first housing R1, and the second substrate P2 is held by the second housing R2. The technical means for holding the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 in this way can be realized by engaging, screwing, bonding, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the first housing R1 is provided with a first butting end R11 that abuts against the second housing R2. The second housing R2 is provided with a second abutting end R21 that abuts against the first housing R1. In the present embodiment, the first mating end R11 and the second mating end R21 are the opening end of the first housing R1 and the opening end of the second housing R2, respectively. It may be provided in other parts of the body R1 and the second housing R2.

As shown in FIG. 18A, there is a distance d6 between the first mating edge R11 and the substrate surface P11 of the first substrate P1. is separated from the substrate surface P22 of the substrate P2 by a distance d7.

FIG. 18B shows a fitted state in which the connection object 2 is fitted into the movable housing 1b. In this fitted state, the substrate surface P11 of the first substrate P1 and the substrate surface P22 of the second substrate P2 are separated by a distance d8, and the first butted end R11 and the second butted end R11 are separated from each other by a distance d8. A gap S8 is formed between the portion R21.

FIG. 18C shows the mated and fixed state. When the first housing R1 and the second housing R2 are combined, a pressing load that pushes the movable housing 1b in the fitting direction acts on the movable portion 1c. Therefore, the movable portion 1c can be elastically deformed more reliably and easily, and a steady state in which the movable portion 1c generates a reaction force can be reliably and easily established.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is an example in which the pressing load for pushing the second substrate P2 is applied to the movable portion 1c as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, like the second embodiment, the weight of the second housing R2 or the like can be used as a load to act on the movable portion 1c. Further, in this embodiment, like the third embodiment, both the pressure load and the weight load can be applied to the movable portion 1c.

In the fourteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 18, an example is shown in which the "spacer section" of the present invention is divided into the first casing R1 and the second casing R2. However, like the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the fifteenth embodiment shown in FIG. You may comprise by a member. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the plurality of spacer members have a first spacer member R3 arranged on the first substrate P1 and a second spacer member R4 arranged on the second substrate P2. Configurable. FIG. 19 shows the fitted state, like FIG. 6B of the first embodiment. In this fitted state, a gap S9 is formed between the first spacer member R3 and the second spacer member R4 by a distance d9. At this time, the substrate surface P11 of the first substrate P1 and the substrate surface P22 of the second substrate P2 are separated by a distance d10 longer than the distance d9 of the gap S9.

When the first spacer member R3 and the second spacer member R4 are connected from the fitted state shown in FIG. 19, a pressing load for pushing the movable housing 1b in the fitting direction acts on the movable portion 1c. Therefore, the movable portion 1c can be elastically deformed more reliably and easily, and a steady state in which the movable portion 1c generates a reaction force can be reliably and easily established. The first spacer member R3 and the second spacer member R4 can be directly connected to each other by screwing or press-fitting. Also, the first spacer member R3 and the second spacer member R4 can be connected to each other by bolts, which are separate members, and the specific connection method is not limited.

Further, the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is an example in which a pressing load for pushing the second substrate P2 is applied to the movable portion 1c as in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, like the second embodiment, the weight of the second housing R2 or the like can be used as a load to act on the movable portion 1c. Further, in this embodiment, like the third embodiment, both the pressure load and the weight load can be applied to the movable portion 1c.

In the above-described embodiment, the third elongated portion 13c5 of the terminal 13 is inclined obliquely upward from the second bent portion 13c4 to the third bent portion 13c6 in the free state, and is horizontally elastic in the fitted and fixed state. A modified example is shown. However, the third elongated portion 13c5 may extend horizontally in a free state, or the portion of the third elongated portion 13c5 may be arcuate downward.

In the first to third embodiments, an example in which only the second substrate P2 is bent (FIGS. 6E, 6D, 11, 12, and 14) is shown, but the second substrate P2 is bent. First, only the first substrate P1 may bend. Also, the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 may bend in the same direction or in different directions. However, in either case, the movable housing 1b presses the connection object 2 and the movable housing 12 presses the mating housing 21. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the contacts can be prevented from sliding no matter how they bend.

1 Movable Connector 1a Fixed Housing (First Housing) 1a1 Bottom Wall 1a2 Fixed Member 1a3 Fixed Part 1a4 Locking Piece (Spacer Part) 1b Movable Housing (Second Housing) 1b1 Contact Part 1b2 Bottom surface 1b3 Upper end surface (contact portion) 1b4 Flange portion (contact portion) 1c Movable portion 2 Connection object 2a Contact receiving portion 2a1 Fitting side tip (contact receiving portion) 2a2 Step portion (contact receiving portion) 2a3 Board surface (contact receiving portion) 2a4 Contact receiving portion 2a5 Contact receiving member 3 Connection structure 10 Movable connector 11 Fixed housing (first housing) 11a Peripheral wall 11a1 Fixed-side terminal holding portion 11b Top wall 11b1 Opening 11c Accommodating portion 11d Locking recess 12 Movable housing (second housing) 12a Peripheral wall 12a1 Fitting chamber 12a2 Guidance slope 12b Bottom wall (contact portion) 12b1 movable side terminal holding portion 12c central wall 12c1 wall surface 12c2 terminal holding groove 12d locking projection 13 terminal 13a board connecting portion 13b fixing portion for fixed housing 13c movable portion 13c1 first elongated portion 13c2 first bent portion 13c3 second elongated portion 13c4 second bent portion 13c5 third elongated portion 13c6 third bent portion 13d fixed portion for movable housing 13e Contact portion 20 Mating connector (object to be connected) 21 Mating housing 21a Peripheral wall 21a1 Terminal holding groove 21a2 Contact receiving portion 21b Bottom wall 21b1 Terminal holding portion 22 Mating terminal 22a Board connecting portion 22b Housing 22c contact portion 22c1 elastic arm 22c2 contact portion 30 connection structure P1 first substrate (first support member) P2 second substrate (second support member) P21 locking hole , R spacer member (spacer portion)

Claims (14)

The object to be connected is connected to the movable connector,
The movable connector is
a first housing disposed on the first support member;
a second housing fitted with the connection object;
a terminal in conductive contact with the object to be connected,
The terminals are configured such that the first housing and the second housing can be displaced relative to each other in a fitting direction in which the connection object is fitted in the second housing and in a withdrawal direction, which is the opposite direction. In the connection structure of a movable connector having a movable part supported by
The connecting object is fitted into the second housing, and the second housing is relatively displaced in the fitting direction, so that the movable part constantly moves the second housing with respect to the connecting object. It is elastically deformed in the fitting direction so as to generate a reaction force for pressing,
Further, the movable portion is configured to be fixed in the fitting direction when the first housing and the second housing are not displaced relative to each other, and when the first housing and the second housing are displaced relative to each other. and is arranged in a state in which a reaction force is generated in the removal direction, and constantly presses the second housing against the connection object,
Connection of a movable connector, characterized in that a movable gap is provided between the second housing and the first housing or the first support member so that the second housing can be displaced in the fitting direction. structure. A connection object arranged on the second support member is connected to the movable connector,
The movable connector is
a first housing disposed on the first support member;
a second housing fitted with the connection object;
a terminal in conductive contact with the object to be connected,
The terminals are configured such that the first housing and the second housing can be displaced relative to each other in a fitting direction in which the connection object is fitted into the second housing and in a withdrawal direction, which is the opposite direction. In the connection structure of a movable connector having a movable part supported by
The connecting object is fitted into the second housing, and the second housing is relatively displaced in the fitting direction, so that the movable part constantly moves the second housing with respect to the connecting object. It is elastically deformed in the fitting direction so as to generate a reaction force for pressing,
Further, the movable portion is configured to be fixed in the fitting direction when the first housing and the second housing are not displaced relative to each other, and when the first housing and the second housing are displaced relative to each other. The second housing is arranged in a state in which it maintains an elastically deformed state and generates a reaction force in the removal direction, and the second housing is attached to the contact receiving member attached to the second support member or the second housing. constantly pressed against the support member,
Connection of a movable connector, characterized in that a movable gap is provided between the second housing and the first housing or the first support member so that the second housing can be displaced in the fitting direction. structure. the object to be connected is a conductive connection member,
The conductive connection member is arranged on a second support member,
3. The connection of the movable connector according to claim 1, wherein the second housing has contact portions that contact the conducting connection member in the fitting direction and the withdrawal direction and are pressed by the reaction force. structure. the conducting connection member is a mating connector,
4. The connecting structure of a movable connector according to claim 3, wherein said abutting portion abuts against a mating housing of said mating connector. the object to be connected is a conductive connection member,
The conductive connection member is arranged on a second support member,
3. The movable connector according to claim 1, wherein the second housing has contact portions that contact the second support member in the fitting direction and the removal direction and that are pressed by the reaction force. connection structure. the object to be connected is a conductive connection member,
The conductive connection member is arranged on a second support member,
The second support member has a contact receiving member,
3. The movable connector according to claim 1, wherein the second housing has a contact portion that contacts the contact receiving member in the fitting direction and the withdrawal direction and is pressed by the reaction force. connection structure. further comprising a spacer portion that separates the first support member and the second support member,
The second housing is
A position displaced by elastic deformation of the movable portion in the fitting direction after fitting the connecting object to the second housing is arranged as a stationary position. 6. The connection structure of a movable connector according to any one of items 6. further comprising a spacer portion that separates the first support member and the second support member,
The length of the spacer portion is formed to be shorter than the separation distance between the first support member and the second support member when the connecting object is fitted to the second housing. has been
The second housing is
4. A stationary position is a position where the movable portion is pushed in the fitting direction in order to make up for a short length of the spacer portion with respect to the clearance, and the movable portion is elastically deformed in the fitting direction. 7. The connection structure for a movable connector according to any one of claims 6 to 7. further comprising a spacer portion that separates the first support member and the second support member,
The length of the spacer portion is formed to be shorter than the separation distance between the first support member and the second support member when the connecting object is fitted into the second housing. has been
The second housing is
When the connecting object is fitted into the second housing, the movable portion is elastically deformed in the fitting direction to be displaced, thereby compensating for the shortfall of the spacer portion with respect to the separation distance. 7. The movable connector according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein a position displaced by elastic deformation of said movable portion in said fitting direction is arranged as a stationary position. connection structure. 10. The connection structure of a movable connector according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the spacer portion is a columnar spacer member. 10. The connection structure of a movable connector according to claim 7, wherein the spacer portion is a locking piece provided on the first housing and locked to the second support member. 10. The connection structure of a movable connector according to claim 7, wherein the spacer portion is a housing that accommodates the movable connector and the object to be connected. 13. The connecting structure of a movable connector according to claim 1, wherein said first support member is a first substrate. The connection structure of a movable connector according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein said second support member is a second substrate.

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