JP7376499B2 - Movable connector and movable connector connection structure - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art A movable connector is known as a connector that conductively connects a circuit on a board and an object to be connected. The movable connector includes a fixed housing installed on a board, a movable housing that fits into a connection target, and a terminal that supports the fixed housing and the movable housing so that they can be relatively displaced. The terminal is made of a conductive metal piece. The terminal includes a board connection part that connects to the board, a contact part that is disposed on the movable housing and makes conductive contact with the object to be connected, and a movable part that supports the movable housing so that it can be displaced with respect to the fixed housing. The movable part is formed of an elastically deformable spring piece. An example of a movable connector is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP2013-16363A, Figure 3

The above-mentioned movable connector may be subjected to vibrations in the fitted state where it is fitted to the object to be connected. Vibration is transmitted to the movable connector from the board on which the movable connector is installed. Alternatively, vibrations are transmitted from the object to be connected to the movable connector. When vibrations are transmitted to a movable connector, "contact sliding" may occur, in which the contact portion of the terminal slightly slides against the object to be connected. Contact sliding is likely to occur when vibrations are transmitted to the movable connector along the fitting direction in which a connection target is fitted into the movable connector and the removal direction that is the opposite direction. When the contacts are repeatedly slid, the plating film on the contact part of the terminal and the plating film on the object to be connected may rub against each other and peel off, resulting in an increase in resistance and a risk of damaging a good conductive connection. .

The present invention has been made against the background of the above-mentioned prior art. That is, the present invention is directed to suppressing the occurrence of contact sliding due to vibration in a movable connector having a floating function using a technical approach different from that of the prior art.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following features.

That is, the present invention includes a first housing disposed on a first support member, a second housing that fits into a connection object, and a terminal that is in conductive contact with the connection object, and the terminal Regarding a movable connector having a movable part that supports the first housing and the second housing so that they can be displaced relative to each other, the second housing is biased toward the object to be connected. A biasing member is provided, and the biasing member is elastically deformed in a fitting direction in which the connection target is fitted into the second housing in a state where the second housing is fitted with the connection target. By doing so, the second housing is characterized in that it is arranged so as to apply a reaction force to the second housing in a direction opposite to the direction of fitting, which is a direction of removal.

According to the present invention, the biasing member is elastically deformed in the fitting direction when the second housing is fitted with the connection target object, and therefore generates a reaction force in the removal direction. That is, the biasing member has a "supporting function" that supports relative displacement between the first housing and the second housing, and a "pressing function" that biases the second housing toward the connection target by a reaction force. has. Therefore, the second housing can be displaced together with the connection target while maintaining the fitted position with the connection target. Further, since the fitted position between the second housing and the connection target is maintained, the contact position between the terminal and the connection target is also maintained. Therefore, according to the movable connector 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, the biasing member has a "pressing function" that biases the second housing toward the connection target. Therefore, in the present invention, it is not essential that the movable part of the terminal has a "pressing function", for example. Therefore, according to the present invention, the movable portion of the terminal can be designed without considering the pressing function, and the terminal can be designed easily. On the other hand, since the biasing member can be designed without considering the pressing function of the movable portion of the terminal, the biasing member can be designed easily. As described above, the present invention has the advantage that design can be simplified by clarifying the functional division of roles between the biasing member and the movable portion of the terminal.

Further, in the movable connector of the present invention, the displacement of the second housing in the fitting direction is mainly supported by the biasing member. On the other hand, the displacement of the second housing in the cross-fitting direction is mainly supported by the movable portion of the terminal. Therefore, according to the movable connector of the present invention, the movable portion of the terminal can be configured to be soft, while the biasing member can be configured as a spring that is harder than the movable portion so as to reliably support the second housing. I can do it. That is, the biasing member and the movable part can be configured to have different characteristics as springs depending on their functions.

The biasing member includes a holding portion held by the first housing, a pressing portion that abuts against the second housing inside the first housing in the removal direction, and the biasing member includes a holding portion held by the first housing; The pressing part may be configured to include a spring part that urges the pressing part toward the second housing.

According to the biasing member, since the holding portion is held by the first housing, the second housing can be biased with respect to the first housing toward the connection target. The biasing member may be provided inside the first housing. According to this, the movable connector can be made smaller and the urging member can be protected compared to the case where the urging member is disposed outside the first housing.

The biasing member is an elastic body, and the elastic body can be configured to be a rubber-like elastic body or a metal spring.

According to the biasing member, the spring design is easy and the biasing member can be configured with a simple structure. The metal spring can be configured, for example, by a coil spring made of a metal wire or a plate spring made of a metal piece.

The biasing member may be configured not to be elastically deformed in the cross-fitting direction in a state where the second housing and the first housing are relatively displaced in the cross-fitting direction that intersects the fitting direction. .

In the movable connector of the present invention, the second housing may be fitted and connected to the object to be connected in a state where the second housing is displaced in the fitting cross direction with respect to the first housing. In this case, the positional shift caused by the displacement of the second housing in the cross-fitting direction is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the movable portion of the terminal. Even though the movable portion is elastically deformed in this manner, the biasing member is not elastically deformed in the direction crossing the fitting. Therefore, the biasing member can reliably support the second housing in the fitting direction.

Further, in the present invention, a connection target is connected to a movable connector, and the movable connector includes a first housing disposed on a first support member, a second housing fitted with the connection target, A connection structure for a movable connector, comprising a terminal that makes conductive contact with the connection object, the terminal having a movable part that supports the first housing and the second housing so that they can be relatively displaced. Regarding, the movable connector is capable of connecting the connection target in a steady state in which the first housing and the second housing are not relatively displaced and in a displacement state in which the first housing and the second housing are relatively displaced. is arranged in a state where it is elastically deformed in the fitting direction in which it is fitted into the second housing, thereby generating a reaction force in the removal direction that is the opposite direction to the fitting direction, and the reaction force is applied to the second housing. The housing further includes a biasing member that biases the second housing toward the connection object, and further includes a movable gap that allows the second housing to be displaced in the fitting direction. shall be.

According to the present invention, since the biasing member is elastically deformed in the fitting direction during steady state and during displacement, a reaction force is generated in the removal direction. That is, the biasing member has a "supporting function" that supports relative displacement between the first housing and the second housing, and a "pressing function" that biases the second housing toward the connection target by a reaction force. has. Therefore, the second housing can be displaced together with the connection target while maintaining the fitted position with the connection target. Further, since the fitted position between the second housing and the connection target is maintained, the contact position between the terminal and the connection target is also maintained. Therefore, according to the movable connector 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.

Furthermore, the connection structure of the present invention has a movable gap in which the second housing can be displaced in the fitting 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 connection object by the reaction force of the urging member, is configured to abut against the connection object, the second support member, or the abutment receiving member, for example, as shown below. can do.

In the present invention, the connection target is a conductive connection member, the conduction connection member is disposed on a second support member, and the second housing is arranged in the fitting position with respect to the conduction connection member. It can be configured to have an abutting portion that abuts in the mating direction and the ejecting direction and is pressed by the reaction force.

According to this, since the abutting part of the second housing directly contacts and presses the conductive connecting member, the abutting part and the conductive connecting member are more reliably connected to each other so that they do not separate during normal operation and during displacement. It can be followed. The conductive connection member may be, for example, a connector, a flat conductor such as FPC or FFC, a terminal such as a bus bar or a connection pin, or an electronic component including an electric element.

In the present invention, the conductive connection member may be a mating connector, and the contact portion may be configured to abut a mating housing of the mating connector.

According to this, the contact portion can reliably abut against the mating housing of the mating connector. In addition, since the object to be contacted by the contact portion is the mating housing, which is a resin molded body, a contact surface suitable for the second housing and mating connector is formed depending on the shape and size of the mating connector. can do. That is, the degree of freedom in the shape of the contact surface can be increased.

In the present invention, the connection object is a conductive connection member, the conduction connection member is disposed on a second support member, and the second housing is connected to the second support member. It can be configured to have a contact portion that contacts in the fitting direction and the removal direction and is 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 the contact portion with the contact portion in place of the conduction 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. Among these flat conductors, terminals, electronic components, etc. other than connectors, it is difficult to provide a contact portion that can receive the pressing force of the contact portion, similar to the housing made of a resin molded body of the connector. The present invention is particularly useful in such cases.

In the present invention, the connection target is a conductive connection member, the conduction connection member is disposed on a second support member, and the second support member has an abutment receiving member. The second housing may be configured to have a contact portion that contacts the contact receiving member in the fitting direction and the removal direction and is pressed by the reaction force.

According to this, the contact portion presses the contact receiving member. For this reason, even if it is difficult to provide a contact portion with the abutting portion on the conductive connection member and the second support member, a contact receiving member may be provided as the contact portion with the abutting portion instead. I can do it. 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. Among these, for flat conductors, terminals, electronic components, etc. other than connectors, it is difficult to provide a contact portion with an abutting portion. Furthermore, when the pressing force of the abutting part is applied directly to the second support member, peeling and cracking may occur at the fixed parts (for example, soldered parts, adhesive parts, etc.) between the second support member and the conductive connection member. There is a risk of adverse effects such as making it easier. The present invention is particularly useful in such cases.

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 is arranged to separate the connection object from the second housing. At the time of fitting, the biasing member is elastically deformed in the fitting direction, and the displaced position can be configured to be disposed as a normal position.

When the movable connector and the first support member are placed at the bottom and the connection target (conductive connection member) and the second support member are placed at the top, the biasing member acts as a biasing member for the connection target and the second support member. Elastically deforms in the fitting direction due to weight. In addition, when the movable connector and the first support member are placed on top and the connection target (conductivity connection member) and the second support member are placed on the bottom, the biasing member is placed between the first housing and the first support member. The weight of the support member causes elastic deformation in the fitting direction. The second housing is disposed at a position displaced in the fitting direction due to the elastic deformation of the biasing member as a steady position. The spacer portion, the first support member, and the second support member are fixed so as to maintain the normal position of the second housing. According to the present invention, the biasing member can be reliably and easily elastically deformed by using the weight of the connection target and the second support member or the weight of the first housing and the first support member. Therefore, a steady state in which the biasing member generates a reaction force can be reliably and easily established.

The present invention further includes a spacer section that arranges the first support member and the second support member apart, and the spacer section has a length that separates the connection object from the second support member. The distance between the first support member and the second support member is shorter than the distance between the first support member and the second support member when they are fitted into the second housing, and the second housing is connected to the first support member. When the spacer section is installed between the spacer section and the second support member and is fitted and fixed, the spacer section is pushed in the fitting direction to compensate for the insufficient length with respect to the separation distance, and the biasing member is pushed in. It can be configured such that a position displaced by elastic deformation in the fitting direction is set as a normal position.

In the present invention, when the second housing is fitted and fixed, 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 biasing member is elastically deformed by the pressing force (pressing load) applied at that time. Therefore, the biasing member can be elastically deformed reliably and easily by the installation work of the spacer portion, the first support member, and the second support member when they are fitted and fixed. Therefore, a steady state in which the biasing member generates a reaction force can be reliably and easily established.

The present invention further includes a spacer section that arranges the first support member and the second support member apart, and the spacer section has a length that separates the connection object from the second support member. The distance between the first support member and the second support member is shorter than the distance between the first support member and the second support member when they are fitted into the second housing, and the second housing supports the object to be connected to the second housing. When the second housing is fitted into the second housing, the biasing member is elastically deformed and displaced in the fitting direction, and further between the first support member and the second support member. When the spacer section is installed and fixed, the spacer section is pushed in the mating direction to compensate for the insufficient length of the spacer section relative to the separation distance, and the biasing member is displaced by being elastically deformed in the mating direction. The position can be configured to be placed as a steady position.

When the movable connector and the first support member are arranged below and the connection object (conductivity connection member) and the second support member are arranged above, the connection object and the second The weight of the support member and the aforementioned pressing force that pushes the second housing in the fitting direction when the fitting is fixed act on the biasing member. In addition, when the movable connector and the first support member are placed on top and the connection target (conductivity connection member) and the second support member are placed on the bottom, the first housing and the first The weight of the support member and the pressing force that pushes the second housing in the removal direction when the second housing is fitted and fixed act on the biasing member. Therefore, the biasing member can be elastically deformed more reliably and easily. Therefore, a steady state in which the biasing member generates a reaction force can be reliably and easily established.

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 divided pieces that can be connected to each other.

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

According to the present invention, since the locking piece is provided in the first housing, it is possible to eliminate the use of a special part that functions as a spacer part, and it is possible 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 serving as the spacer portion to the second support member.

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

According to the present invention, since the spacer section is configured by the casing, the casing can also serve as the spacer section. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a member exclusively for the spacer, and the number of parts can be reduced. The casing can be configured to include, for example, a first main body portion and a second main body portion or a lid body that are combined with each other. For example, the first support member is attached to the first body part, the second support member is attached to the second body part or the lid, and the first body part and the second body part or the casing are connected to each other. By combining the two to form a housing, it is possible to achieve a fitting connection between the movable connector and the connection target. Note that the term "casing" includes not only the exterior casing of the device but also structural members such as brackets arranged inside the exterior casing.

In the present invention, the first support member may be formed of a first substrate. Further, in the present invention, the second support member may be formed of a second substrate.

According to this, it is possible to realize a connection structure for a 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 a substrate.

When the second housing and the first housing are relatively displaced in a fitting cross direction that intersects the fitting direction, the biasing member may be configured not to be elastically deformed in the fitting cross direction. .

In the movable connector connection structure of the present invention, the second housing may be fitted and connected to the connection target while being displaced in the fitting cross direction with respect to the first housing. In this case, the positional shift caused by the displacement of the second housing in the cross-fitting direction is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the movable portion of the terminal. Even though the movable portion is elastically deformed in this manner, the biasing member is not elastically deformed in the direction crossing the fitting. Therefore, the biasing member can reliably support the second housing in the fitting direction.

According to the movable connector and the connection structure of the movable connector according to the present invention, the biasing member biases the second housing toward the connection target, thereby adjusting the fitting position between the second housing and the connection target. Misalignment can be suppressed. Therefore, according to 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 plane of the movable connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the movable connector in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a terminal included in the movable connector of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a biasing member included in the movable connector of FIG. 1; FIG. 5A is a plan view including the front, left side, and top surface of the mating connector, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of mating terminals provided in the mating connector. 6A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a connection structure between a movable connector and a connection target according to the first embodiment, FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of a pre-fitting state, and FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of a first connecting state (fitting state). Explanatory diagram, FIG. 6C is an explanatory diagram of the second connection state (fitted and fixed state), FIG. 6D is an explanatory diagram of the first displacement state (displacement state in the mating direction), and FIG. 6E is an explanatory diagram of the second displacement state (Displacement state in the removal direction) An explanatory diagram. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the movable connector of the first embodiment and a mating connector before mating, FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line VIIA-VIIA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 2. Cross-sectional view. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the fitted state of the movable connector and the mating connector following FIG. 7; 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the fitted and fixed state of the movable connector and the mating connector (connection structure of the movable connector) following FIG. 8; FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view following FIG. 9 showing a state in which the movable connector and the mating connector are displaced in the fitting direction. FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a state in which the movable connector and the mating connector are displaced in the removal direction following FIG. 9 or FIG. 10; FIG. 7 is a plan view of a movable connector according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view including the front, bottom, and right side of a movable housing included in the movable connector of FIG. 12; FIG. 13 is a perspective view including the front, bottom, and right side of the fixed housing included in the movable connector of FIG. 12; 13 is a front view showing a coil spring provided in the movable connector of FIG. 12. FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the fitted and fixed state of the movable connector and the mating connector of FIG. 12 (connection structure of the movable connector). FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view including the front, plane, and left side of the movable connector of the third embodiment. 18 is a sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17. FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the fitted and fixed state of the movable connector and the mating connector of FIG. 17 (connection structure of the movable connector). 20A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a connection structure between a movable connector and a connection target according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 20A is an explanatory diagram before mating, and FIG. 20B is a first connection state (fitted state) and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the connection state (fitted and fixed state) of No. 2; 21A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a connection structure between a movable connector and a connection target according to a fifth embodiment, FIG. 21A is an explanatory diagram before mating, and FIG. 21B is a first connection state (fitted state); 21C is an explanatory diagram of the second connection state (fitted and fixed state), FIG. 21D is an explanatory diagram of the first displacement state (displacement state in the mating direction), and FIG. 21E is an explanatory diagram of the second displacement state (displacement state in the removal direction). (displacement state). FIG. 22A is a diagram showing a sixth embodiment, FIG. 22B is a seventh embodiment, and FIG. 22C is an eighth embodiment. FIG. 22D is a diagram showing the ninth embodiment. 23A is a diagram showing a tenth embodiment, FIG. 23B is a diagram showing an eleventh embodiment, and FIG. 23C is a diagram showing a twelfth embodiment. 23D is a diagram showing the thirteenth embodiment, FIG. 23E is a diagram showing the fourteenth embodiment, and FIG. 23F is a diagram showing the fifteenth embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection structure between a movable connector and a connection target according to a sixteenth embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection structure between a movable connector and a connection target according to a seventeenth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a connection structure 30 and a connection formation method between the movable connector 10 and a mating connector 20 serving as a "connection object" and a "conductive connection member" will be described by way of example. In this specification, claims, and drawings, the arrangement direction (left-right 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 will be described as the Z direction. However, specifying such a direction does not limit the direction in which the movable connector 10 of the present invention is mounted or used, unless otherwise mentioned. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" described in this specification and claims are used to distinguish different constituent elements of the invention, and are used to indicate a specific order or superiority. It is not used for this purpose.

First embodiment [Figures 1 to 11]

Configuration of movable connector 10 [Figures 1 to 4]

The movable connector 10 includes a fixed housing 11 as a "first housing", a movable housing 12 as a "second housing", a plurality of terminals 13, and a biasing spring piece 14 as a "biasing member". Equipped with

The fixed housing 11 is formed of a resin molded body and has a peripheral wall 11a and a top wall 11b. An accommodating portion 11c is formed inside the fixed housing 11 to accommodate the movable housing 12 and to serve as a displacement space for the movable housing 12. The peripheral wall 11a is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube, and a plurality of fixed terminal holding portions 11a1 are formed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 11a, spaced apart in the X direction. The top wall 11b is formed in the shape of a square frame that projects inward from the upper end of the peripheral wall 11a, and its inner peripheral edge forms an opening 11b1 through which the movable housing 12 is inserted.

The movable housing 12 is formed of a resin molded body and has a peripheral wall 12a, a bottom wall 12b, and a center wall 12c. The peripheral wall 12a is formed into a rectangular tube shape, and a fitting chamber 12a1 into which the mating connector 20 is inserted and fitted is formed inside the circumferential wall 12a. Pressure receiving portions 12a3 that protrude outward in the left-right direction X are formed on each of the left and right side walls 12a2 forming the peripheral wall 12a. The pressure receiving portion 12a3 is a portion that receives pressure contact from a biasing spring piece 14 serving as a “biasing member” which will be described later. The bottom wall 12b serving as a "contact portion" closes off the lower part of the peripheral wall 12a. A hole-shaped movable terminal holding portion 12b1 into which each terminal 13 is press-fitted and fixed is formed in the bottom wall 12b. The center wall 12c is formed to protrude upward in the Z direction from the bottom wall 12b, and forms a fitting chamber 12a1 that is a square 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 of the terminals 13, which will be described later, are arranged side by side in the X direction on each wall surface 12c1 of the center wall 12c along the X direction.

A movable gap is provided between the fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12 described above, in which the movable housing 12 can be displaced in the left-right direction X, the front-back direction Y, and the up-down direction Z. Therefore, the movable housing 12, which is movably supported by a movable portion 13c of the terminal 13, which will be described later, can be displaced in the XYZ direction with respect to the fixed housing 11 and the first substrate P1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of terminals 13 are formed as bent terminals by punching a flat plate-shaped conductive metal piece by press working and bending it in the thickness direction at predetermined locations. Each terminal 13 has a board connection part 13a, a fixed housing fixing part 13b, a movable part 13c, a movable housing fixing part 13d, and a contact part 13e.

The board connecting part 13a forms a soldering part by being soldered to a circuit of the first board P1, which will be described later. The fixed housing fixing part 13b has a fixing protrusion on each side edge, and is fixed to the fixed housing 11 by being press-fitted into the fixed terminal holding part 11a1. The movable housing fixing part 13d also has a fixing protrusion on each side edge, and is fixed to the movable housing 12 by being press-fitted into the movable terminal holding part 12b1. The contact portion 13e is formed into a flat plate shape, and is inserted from the movable terminal holding portion 12b1 of the bottom wall 12b and arranged in the terminal holding groove 12c2 of the center wall 12c. Each plate edge along the longitudinal direction of the contact portion 13e is held by being engaged with the terminal holding groove 12c2. A plating layer (not shown) made of gold plating or the like 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 part 13c includes, in order from the side of the fixed housing fixed part 13b, a first extension part 13c1, a first bending part 13c2, a second extension part 13c3, a second bending part 13c4, and a third extension part 13c5. , has a third bent portion 13c6.

The first extension part 13c1 connects the upper end of the fixed housing fixing part 13b and the first bending part 13c2, and is formed in a linear shape that extends upward while being inclined in a direction approaching the movable housing 12. The first bent portion 13c2 connects the first extended portion 13c1 and the second extended portion 13c3, and is bent into an inverted U shape. The second extending portion 13c3 connects the first bent portion 13c2 and the second bent portion 13c4, and is formed in a linear shape that extends downward while being inclined toward the movable housing 12. The second bent portion 13c4 connects the second extended portion 13c3 and the third extended portion 13c5, and is bent into an L-shape. The third extending 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 that extends obliquely upward from the second bent portion 13c4 to the third bent portion 13c6. The third bent portion 13c6 connects the third extension 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 (back-and-forth direction, cross-fitting direction) using the first bent portion 13c2 as a main fulcrum. It is designed as a "lateral spring piece". This "lateral spring piece" is elastically deformed so that the fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12 can be relatively displaced in the Y direction. The "lateral spring piece" can also be elastically deformed in the X direction (left-right direction) by elastic deformation accompanied by torsion.

The second bent portion 13c4, the third extension portion 13c5, and the third bent portion 13c6 are elastic in the Z direction (vertical direction, fitting direction, and removal direction) with the second bent portion 13c4 as the main fulcrum. It is formed as a "vertical spring piece" that deforms. This "vertical spring piece" is elastically deformed so that the fixed housing 11 and the movable housing 12 can be relatively displaced in the Z direction.

As described above, the movable part 13c can be roughly divided into "horizontal spring pieces" that mainly function for elastic deformation in the XY direction, and "vertical spring pieces" that mainly function for elastic deformation in the Z direction. It has a combination of Therefore, the movable portion 13c is elastically deformed in the XYZ direction, thereby allowing the movable housing 12 and the mating connector 20 to be relatively displaced.

The biasing spring piece 14 is formed as a metal plate spring by punching out a flat metal piece by press working and bending it in the thickness direction at predetermined locations. The biasing spring piece 14 is formed with two board fixing parts 14a, two fixed housing holding parts 14b as "holding parts", two spring parts 14c, and one pressing part 14d. .

The board fixing parts 14a are formed at both ends of the biasing spring piece 14, and are parts that are fixed to the first board P1 by soldering or the like. Therefore, the board fixing part 14a has a function as a fixture for fixing the movable connector 10 to the first board P1.

The fixed housing holding portion 14b is formed adjacent to each board fixing portion 14a. The two fixed housing holding parts 14b are fixed by press fitting into groove-shaped biasing spring piece holding parts 11a3 provided on one side wall 11a2 and the other side wall 11a2 of the fixed housing 11 in the front-rear direction Y, respectively. (Figure 7).

The spring portion 14c is formed as a support spring that movably supports the pressing portion 14d by elastic deformation. The spring portion 14c is formed in a wavy shape in which a chevron-shaped bent portion 14c1 and a valley-shaped bent portion 14c2 are continuous.

The pressing portion 14d is formed as a horizontal piece spanning between a pair of spring portions 14c, and is movably supported by the pair of spring portions 14c. The pressing portion 14d is arranged to face the pressing portion 12a3 of the movable housing 12 in the vertical direction Z, as will be described later, and has a function of urging the movable housing 12 toward the mating connector 20. As described above, the pressing portion 14d is formed as a horizontal piece having a predetermined length along the horizontal direction. Here, if the pressing part 14d is formed, for example, like a chevron-shaped bent part 14c1, and is configured to make point contact with the pressure receiving part 12a3, the movable housing 12 can move forward or backward using the contact part as a rocking fulcrum. There is a possibility that the posture of the movable housing 12 may become unstable because it is supported so as to be tilted backward. However, since the pressing portion 14d is formed in the shape of a strip having a predetermined length along the front-rear direction Y and a predetermined width along the left-right direction, it makes surface contact with the press receiving portion 12a3 of the movable housing 12. Therefore, the movable housing 12 can be urged straight upward, and the fitted posture of the movable housing 12 can be stabilized. Further, the pressing portion 14d is formed in the shape of a band plate as described above. Therefore, even if the movable housing 12 is displaced in either the left-right direction X or the front-back direction Y, the movable housing 12 does not tilt, and the fitted posture can be stabilized.

As described above, the biasing spring piece 14 can bias the movable housing 12 toward the mating connector 20 by itself. Therefore, it is not essential that the movable portion 13c of the terminal 13 generates a reaction force that urges the movable housing 12 toward the mating connector 20. Therefore, it is possible to easily design each of the biasing spring piece 14 and the movable portion 13c of the terminal. Further, the movable portion 13c of the terminal 13 can be formed to be soft so that it can be elastically deformed flexibly in the XYZ directions. On the other hand, the biasing spring piece 14 can be formed to reliably support the movable housing 12.

Configuration of mating connector 20 [Figure 5]

The mating connector 20 serving as a "connection object" and a "conductive connection member" includes a mating housing 21 and a plurality of mating terminals 22.

The mating housing 21 is formed of a rectangular cylindrical resin molded body, and has a peripheral wall 21a and a bottom wall 21b (FIG. 7A). The peripheral wall 21a is inserted into the fitting chamber 12a1 of the movable housing 12, thereby fitting into the movable housing 12. The center wall 12c of the movable housing 12 is inserted inside the peripheral wall 21a. On the inner surface of the peripheral wall 21a, a plurality of terminal holding grooves 21a1 are formed side by side in the X direction, and each terminal holding groove 21a1 holds the contact portion 22c of the mating terminal 22. The fitting side end (upper end surface) of the peripheral wall 21a (the mating housing 21) is a contact receiving part that comes into contact with the bottom wall 12b as a "contact part" of the movable housing 12 in the fitted state with the movable connector 10. It is 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 out a conductive metal piece by press working and bending it in the thickness direction at predetermined locations. Each mating terminal 22 has a board connecting portion 22a, a housing fixing portion 22b, and a contact portion 22c. The board connecting portion 22a is soldered to a circuit on a second board P2, which will be described later. The housing fixing part 22b has a fixing protrusion on each side edge, and is fixed by being press-fitted into the terminal holding part 21b1 of the mating housing 21. 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 into a mountain shape.

Description of the connection structure and connection formation method of the movable connector 10 [Figure 6]

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

The movable connector 1 includes a fixed housing 1a as a "first housing" fixed to a first board P1, a movable housing 1b as a "second housing", and a movable housing 1b that is displaceable with respect to the fixed housing 1a. It has a terminal having a movable part 1c that can be supported. Furthermore, the movable connector 1 has a biasing spring piece 1d as a "biasing member". In addition, in FIG. 6, only the movable part 1c of the terminal is shown for convenience of explanation. A first end (lower end) of a spacer member R as a "spacer part" is fixed to the first substrate P1 as a "first support member".

The connection target 2 is fixed to a second substrate P2 serving as a "second support member." In addition to the mating connector 20 described above, the connection object 2 can be a flat conductor such as an FPC or FFC, a bus bar, a terminal such as a connection pin, an electronic component including an electric element, or the like.

In addition, in FIG. 6, the first substrate P1 is illustrated 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 casing to which the first substrate P1 is attached. Similarly, in FIG. 6, the second board P2 is illustrated as the "second support member" on which the spacer member R is installed, but the second board P2 is installed as the "second support member". It may also be a structure such as a bracket or a housing.

Condition before mating [Figure 6A]

FIG. 6A shows a pre-fitting state in which the movable connector 1 and the connection target object 2 are placed apart from each other. The movable portion 1c and the biasing spring piece 1d of the movable connector 1 in the pre-fitting state are in a free state and are not elastically deformed. Although the biasing spring piece 1d is in contact with the pressure receiving portion 1b5 of the movable housing 1b, it does not need to be in contact with it. Although the weight of the movable housing 1b acts on the movable part 1c and the biasing spring piece 1d, the movable part 1c and the biasing spring piece 1d are formed to have a hardness (spring constant) that will not cause them to be elastically deformed. There is. Incidentally, even if the biasing spring piece 1d is elastically deformed by the weight of the movable housing 1b, the elastic deformation of the biasing spring piece 1d before fitting with the connection target 2 is such that in the present invention, the biasing spring piece 1d is It shall not be included in "elastic deformation".

Fitted state [Figure 6B]

FIG. 6B shows a "fitted state" in which the movable connector 1 and the connection target 2 are fitted and connected. When the connection object 2 is inserted into the movable housing 1b from the pre-fitting state shown in FIG. 6A, the contact portion (not shown) of the terminal (terminal 13) first comes into conductive contact with the connection object 2. When the connection target 2 is further inserted, the contact receiving part 2a located at the fitting side end (insertion side end) of the connection target 2 comes into contact with the contact part 1b1 of the movable housing 1b. As a result, insertion of the connection target object 2 is stopped. That is, the contact between the contact receiving part 2a and the contact part 1b1 means that the connection target 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 target 2 is fitted and connected to the movable connector 1 can be obtained (first step).

This fitted state has two characteristics. The 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 distance between the first substrate P1 and the second substrate 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 between them. Therefore, in order to complete the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection target 2, the second board P2 is applied to the elastic force of the biasing spring piece 1d (and the movable part 1c) so that the gap S1 is eliminated. In contrast, the spacer member R must be fixed to the spacer member R after being pushed in by the distance d1, which is the insufficient length of the spacer member R.

The second feature is that although the weight of the connection target 2 and the second board P2 acts as a load on the biasing spring piece 1d, the biasing spring piece 1d is not elastically deformed. Some conventional movable connectors increase the contact pressure of the contact portion of the terminal with respect to the object to be connected in order to suppress contact sliding. However, if it is attempted to suppress the contact sliding only by increasing the contact pressure of the contact portion, the insertion force of the connection target increases. Therefore, in order to fit the connection object into the movable housing, it is customary to fit the connection object into the movable housing with the movable housing butted against the board and not moving. In this case, when the connection target is completely fitted into the movable housing, the movable housing is kept in contact with the substrate due to the contact pressure of the contact portion of the terminal.

However, in the embodiment of the present invention, instead of suppressing the contact sliding only by the height of the contact pressure of the contact portion of the terminal, the biasing spring piece 1d presses the movable housing 1b against the connection object 2, which will be described later. By achieving a fixed and fitted state, the occurrence of contact sliding is suppressed. Therefore, while the spring constant of the biasing spring piece 1d is set high to realize such a fitting connection, the contact pressure of the terminal needs to be high enough to suppress the occurrence of contact sliding. There is no. Therefore, when inserting the connection object 2 into the movable housing 1b, the biasing spring piece 1d does not undergo elastic deformation. Further, in the fitted state shown in FIG. 6B, even if a load due to the weight of the connection target 2 and the second board P2 acts, the biasing spring piece 1d does not undergo elastic deformation. Therefore, the movable housing 1b does not displace downward, and the movable housing 1b fits into the connection target 2 while remaining apart from the first board P1. Further, as described above, since it is not necessary to increase the contact pressure of the contact portion of the terminal for the purpose of suppressing contact sliding, the contact pressure of the terminal can be lower than that of conventional movable connectors. Therefore, the insertion force required when fitting the connection object 2 into the movable housing 1b is reduced, and connection workability can be improved. Further, since the insertion force can be reduced, half-fitting can be prevented, and the connection work can be performed reliably.

Fitted and fixed state [Figure 6C]

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

At the time of mating and fixing to form the mating and fixing state of FIG. 6C, the connection object 2 that is mated to the movable housing 1b is further pushed in the mating direction from the mating state shown in FIG. 6B, and the movable housing 1b is separated by a distance d1. A "second step" is performed in which the biasing spring piece 1d is elastically deformed by displacing the biasing spring piece 1d in the fitting direction. As a result, the biasing spring piece 1d is elastically deformed in the fitting direction and is placed in a state where it generates a reaction force that presses the connection object 2 in the removal direction. Following this, the biasing spring piece 1d fixes the installation position of the movable connector 1 and the installation position of the connection object 2 while maintaining the reaction force that presses the connection object 2 in the removal direction. Execute the process.

That is, from the state shown in 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 connection target object 2 is also displaced in the fitting direction (downward in the Z direction) by the distance d1 of the gap S1. Then, the contact receiving part 2a of the connection object 2 presses the contact part 1b1 of the movable housing 1b in the fitting direction, so that the movable housing 1b also moves toward the first substrate P1 by the distance d1 of the gap S1. Displace. Due to this displacement of the movable housing 1b, the pressure receiving part 1b5 presses the biasing spring piece 1d, and when the biasing spring piece 1d is elastically deformed, the contact part 1b1 of the biasing spring piece 1d pushes back the contact receiving part 2a. A reaction force (pressing force) is generated (second step). The reaction force generated by the biasing spring piece 1d serves as a "pressing support force" that supports the movable housing 1b in a displaceable manner and presses the movable housing 1b against the connection target 2. Then, the second substrate P2 and each spacer member R are fixed by the fixing member (third step). In this way, in the fitted and fixed state, the biasing spring piece 1d maintains an elastically deformed state to bias the pressure receiving part 1b5, so that the abutting part 1b1 moves toward the abutting receiving part in the removal direction. A state is obtained in which the biasing spring piece 1d movably supports the movable housing 1b while pressing the movable housing 1b. Note that in this fitted and fixed state, the movable portion 1c is also elastically deformed in the same way as the biasing spring piece 1d, and may generate a reaction force that presses the movable housing 1b against the connection target object 2.

Furthermore, 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 mentioned above, in conventional movable connectors that suppress contact sliding, the contact pressure of the terminal to the object to be connected is high, so the insertion force of the object to be connected is high, and when the object to be connected is fitted into the movable housing, the insertion force is high. Usually, the movable housing is pushed in until it comes into contact with the board, resulting in a fitted state. Therefore, in the conventional movable connector, the movable housing cannot be displaced in the mating direction in the initial mated state. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, instead of suppressing the contact sliding by the height of the contact pressure of the terminal, the contact is moved by pressing the movable housing 1b against the connection object 2 with the biasing spring piece 1d. Suppresses the occurrence of sliding. 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.

In a steady state where the movable housing 1b and the connection target 2 are stationary without being displaced, the fitted position of the movable housing 1b and the connection target 2 is maintained. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the connection target 2 is maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding is suppressed. As described below, even if external vibration along the Z direction, in which contact sliding tends to occur, acts on the connection structure 3, the occurrence of contact sliding is suppressed.

First displacement state [displacement state in the mating direction, Fig. 6D]

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

That is, when the second board P2 is bent in the fitting direction (downward in the vertical direction Z) 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 connection target 2 in the removal direction (upward in the vertical direction Z) due to the elastic deformation of the biasing spring piece 1d. 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 either.

Next, when the second board P2 which has been bent in the fitting direction returns, the connection target 2 is displaced in the removal direction, but the biasing spring piece 1d moves the movable housing 1b in the removal direction by the reaction force. Since the movable housing 1b continues to be pressed against the connection object 2, the movable housing 1b urges the connection object 2 and is displaced together with the connection object 2 in the removal direction. Therefore, the fitting position between the connection target 2 and the movable housing 1b does not change, and the contact position between the terminal and the connection target 2 does not change either. In this way, contact sliding does not occur even when returning.

Second displacement state [displacement state in the removal direction, Fig. 6E]

FIG. 6E shows a state in which the connection structure 3 between the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2 is displaced. That is, a second displacement state is shown in which the movable housing 1b and the connection target 2 are displaced in the removal direction so as to be separated 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 board P2 on which the connection object 2 is installed is bent in the removal direction. . However, in this case as well, contact sliding does not occur.

That is, when the second board P2 is bent in the removal direction, the connection object 2 is displaced in the removal direction. However, since the biasing spring piece 1d presses the movable housing 1b against the connection target 2 in the removal direction due to the reaction force, the contact portion 1b1 pushes up the contact receiving portion 2a while the movable housing 1b engages with the movable housing 1b. The connection objects 2 are displaced together in the removal direction. Therefore, the fitting position between the connection target 2 and the movable housing 1b does not change, and the contact position between the terminal and the connection target 2 does not change either.

Next, when the second board P2 returns from the state where it is bent in the removal direction, the connection object 2 is displaced in the fitting direction. At this time, the movable housing 1b continues to press the connection object 2 in the removal direction by the biasing spring piece 1d. 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 either. In this way, contact sliding does not occur even when returning.

That is, the movable connector 1 and the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection target 2 may be installed in any orientation. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the movable connector 1 may be installed so that the mating direction is vertical, or the movable connector 1 may be installed so that the mating direction is other than the vertical direction (inclination direction and horizontal direction with respect to the vertical direction). It is also possible to adopt an embodiment in which the movable connector 1 is installed so that

The movable connector 1 may be fitted and connected to the connection target 2 in a state where the movable housing 1b is displaced with respect to the fixed housing 1a in the fitting cross direction. Further, in the movable connector 1, in the fitted and fixed state, the movable housing 1b may be displaced in the fitting cross direction with respect to the fixed housing 1a. In these cases, the movable portion 1c of the terminal is elastically deformed in the cross-fitting direction, but the biasing spring piece 1d is not elastically deformed in the cross-fitting direction. Therefore, the biasing spring piece 1d can reliably support the movable housing 1b in the fitting direction, regardless of whether or not the movable housing 1b is displaced in the fitting direction.

Description of the connection structure and connection formation method between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 [FIGS. 7 to 1] 2]

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

Condition before mating [Figure 7]

FIG. 7 shows a pre-fitting state in which the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 are placed 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 board P2 on which the mating connector 20 is mounted is provided with holes at positions corresponding to the respective spacer members R through which fixing members (not shown) such as bolts are inserted. The biasing spring piece 1d of the movable connector 10 in the pre-fitting state is in a free state where no load is applied and is not elastically deformed. Note that even if the biasing spring piece 1d is bent due to the weight of the movable housing 12, this is not included in the "elastic deformation" of the biasing spring piece 1d here.

Fitted state [Figure 8]

When the mating connector 20 is inserted into the fitting chamber 12a1 of the movable housing 12 from the pre-mating state shown in FIG. . As described above, the contact pressure of the contact portion 22c2 is not high enough 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. 8, the abutment receiving part 21a2 of the mating housing 21 will butt against the bottom wall 12b as the "contacting part" of the movable housing 12, and no further insertion will occur. It becomes impossible to insert the mating connector 20 into the movable housing 12. In this way, a fitted state in which the mating connector 20 is fitted and connected to the movable housing 12 is obtained.

In this fitted state, the entire surface of the square frame-shaped upper end surface of the mating housing 21 (FIG. 5), that is, the abutment receiving part 21a2 has a large area with respect to the bottom wall 12b, which is the "contact part" of the movable housing 12. Contact directly. Further, the fitting chamber 12a1 of the movable housing 12 is formed deeply, into which the circumferential wall 21a of the mating housing 21 is inserted up to about half the height, and the inner surface of the fitting chamber 12a1 and the circumferential wall 21a have a large 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 can also prevent the mating housing 21 from twisting. It is designed to ensure that it can be pressed in the removal direction.

As shown in FIG. 8, the upper end of each spacer member R is not in contact with the second substrate P2, and a gap S1 is formed therebetween. Further, in the fitted state, the weight of the mating connector 20 and the second board P2 acts on the biasing spring piece 1d, but the biasing spring piece 1d is not elastically deformed. This is because the spring constant of the urging spring piece 1d is set high.

Fitted and fixed state [Figure 9]

Next, the second substrate P2 in the fitted state shown in FIG. 8 is further pushed in the fitting direction by a distance d1 so as to come into contact with the upper end of the spacer member R, and with a fixing member such as a bolt (not shown), The second substrate P2 is fixed to the spacer member R. As a result, the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 9 is obtained.

In the connection structure 30 between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 shown in FIG. 9, the movable housing 12 is displaced in the XYZ direction with respect to the fixed housing 11, with the stationary position in the mated and fixed state being the normal 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 normal position, as shown in FIG. 10, which will be described later.

Furthermore, when the fitted state is changed from the fitted state to the fitted fixed state, the movable housing 12 is displaced in the fitting direction by the distance d1, and the movable portion 13c is elastically deformed. That is, in the fitted state shown in FIG. 8, the third extension portion 13c5 is inclined obliquely upward from the outer peripheral surface of the movable housing 12 to the center of the outer bottom surface, and this state is a free state. However, in the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 9, the movable housing 12 is pushed down by the distance d1 by the mating connector 20, so that the third extension part 13c5 becomes horizontal mainly with the second bent part 13c4 as a fulcrum. The third bent portion 13c6 side is pushed down in the fitting direction. Like the movable part 13c, the biasing spring piece 14 is also elastically deformed. That is, when the pressure receiving part 12a3 of the movable housing 12 presses down the pressing part 14d, the spring part 14c is elastically deformed, and the pressing part 14d is displaced toward the first substrate P1. At this time, the band-shaped pressing part 14d is in surface contact with the pressing receiving part 12a3, so that it can be displaced straight downward without tilting forward or backward.

In this state where the biasing spring piece 14 is elastically deformed, the reaction force generated by the spring portion 14c causes the movable housing 12 to contact the mating housing 21 via the bottom wall 12b serving as the “contact portion”. Push back the portion 21a2 in the removal direction. Therefore, the biasing spring piece 14 not only supports the movable housing 12 so that it can be displaced, but also biases the movable housing 12 in the removal direction and constantly presses the movable housing 12 against the mating connector 20. Therefore, the fitted position of the movable housing 12 and the mating housing 21 is maintained both in a steady state where the movable housing 12 and the mating connector 20 are not displaced and in a displacement state where the movable housing 12 and the mating connector 20 are displaced due to external vibration or external impact. Therefore, displacement of the contact position between the contact portion 13e of the terminal 13 and the contact portion 22c2 of the mating terminal 22 is also suppressed, and occurrence of contact sliding is suppressed. As will be described later, even if external vibration or shock along the Z direction, where contact sliding is likely to occur, acts on the connection structure 30, the occurrence of contact sliding will be suppressed.

Further, the reaction force generated by the biasing spring piece 14 in the fitted and fixed state is also applied to the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2. Therefore, the resonance frequency of the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 increases, and the occurrence of resonance can be suppressed.

First displacement state [displacement state in the mating direction, Fig. 10]

When the connection structure 30 between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 in the mating and fixed state is subjected to external vibration or external shock under the usage environment, the second board P2 will be mated as shown in FIG. 10. Although it is displaced by a distance d2 in the mating direction, no contact sliding occurs.

That is, when the mating connector 20 is displaced in the mating direction by bending the second board P2 in the mating direction, the abutment receiving portion 21a2 of the mating connector 20 comes into contact with the bottom wall 12b of the movable housing 12. The movable housing 12 is pressed down 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 fitting 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 either.

When the movable housing 12 is displaced in this way, the movable part 13c mainly rotates about the second bending part 13c4 so that the third extension part 13c5 inclines downward, and the third bending part 13c rotates so as to tilt downward. The portion 13c6 side is elastically deformed so as to be pushed down in the fitting direction. During this process of 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. Further, in the biasing spring piece 14, when the pressure receiving portion 12a3 presses down the pressing portion 14d, the spring portion 14c is elastically deformed, and the pressing portion 14d is displaced toward the first substrate P1. During this process of elastic deformation, the spring portion 14c generates a reaction force that presses the movable housing 12 against the mating housing 21 in the removal direction.

Next, the second substrate P2 returns from the state of being bent in the fitting direction to the removing direction. At this time, the movable portion 13c and the biasing spring piece 14, which are generating a reaction force as described above, continuously press the movable housing 12 against the mating connector 20 in the removal direction. Therefore, the movable housing 12 is displaced in the removal direction while pushing up the mating connector 20, and returns to the normal position of the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. Even when returning in this manner, the fitting 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 either. Therefore, contact sliding does not occur even when returning.

Second displacement state [displacement state in the removal direction, Fig. 11]

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 vibration or external impact under the usage environment, the second board P2 will be damaged as shown in FIG. It may be displaced by a distance d2 in the removal direction. However, in this case as well, contact sliding does not occur.

That is, when the second board P2 is bent in the removal direction, the mating connector 20 is displaced in the removal direction so as to be removed from the movable housing 12. However, the biasing spring piece 14 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 together with the mating connector 20 in the removal direction. Therefore, the fitting position between the mating connector 20 and the movable housing 12 remains unchanged. Furthermore, 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 way, the movable part 13c mainly rotates about the second bent part 13c4 so that the third extension part 13c5 is inclined upward, and The side of the bent portion 13c6 of No. 3 is elastically deformed so as to be pushed up in the removal direction. During this process of 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. Further, in the biasing spring piece 14, the spring portion 14c is elastically deformed so that the pressing portion 14d biases the pressure receiving portion 12a3. During this process of elastic deformation, the spring portion 14c generates a reaction force that presses the movable housing 12 against the mating housing 21 in the removal direction. Therefore, even if the second substrate P2 is bent in the removal direction due to external vibration or the like, the second substrate P2 is installed so that the limit displacement thereof is smaller than the gap S1 in the fitted state shown in FIG. In other words, the amount of displacement of the second board P2 in the removal direction is the amount of displacement due to the separation distance d1 that caused the reaction force on the biasing spring piece 14, that is, the amount of displacement necessary for the biasing spring piece 14 to return to the free state. is limited to a range of displacements. 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 mating direction from the state where it is bent in the removal direction, the mating connector 20 is moved in the mating direction while being pressed in the removal direction by the movable housing 12. Displace. Therefore, the fitting 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 either. In this way, contact sliding will not occur even when returning.

Second embodiment [Figures 12 to 16]

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the biasing spring piece 14 serving as the "biasing member" of the movable connector 10 is a coil spring 15. The other configurations and effects of the movable connector 10 and the connection structure 30 for the movable connector 10 are the same unless otherwise specified, and therefore, repeated explanation will be omitted.

The movable connector 10 of the second embodiment includes a coil spring 15 as a "biasing member". As shown in FIG. 15, the coil spring 15 is formed by winding a wire made of a metal material into an inverted cone shape with a small spring diameter at the lower end and a large spring diameter at the upper end. That is, the coil spring 15 is formed as an uneven pitch compression coil spring having nonlinear spring characteristics.

The lower end of the coil spring 15 is a holding portion 15a into which a mounting shaft portion 11d formed on the fixed housing 11 is inserted (FIGS. 14 and 16). The upper end of the coil spring 15 forms a pressing portion 15b disposed in a locking recess 12a4 formed in a pressing receiving portion 12a3 of the movable housing 12.

A spring portion 15c is provided between the holding portion 15a and the pressing portion 15b, and is elastically deformed in the compression direction to generate a reaction force that biases the movable housing 12 toward the mating connector 20. The spring portion 15c is formed as an uneven pitch compression coil spring, and is formed such that the lower end side has a small diameter and a high spring constant, and the spring constant decreases as the diameter increases toward the upper end side. Near the center of the spring portion 15c, the distance between adjacent strands in the vertical direction Z is wide, and the spring constant is set low. Therefore, since the spring portion 15c is hard on the lower end side, which is the fixed side, and has little displacement, the spring portion 15c is stably held without being removed from the mounting shaft portion 11d. On the other hand, in the upper end side of the spring portion 15c, where the movable housing 12 is displaced from the center where the distance between the strands in the vertical direction Z is wide, the spring is soft and easily elastically deformed, so that the elastic deformation causes the movable housing 12 to be displaced. This allows for soft support.

Next, the connection structure 30 and connection formation method between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 will be described. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that a coil spring 15 is used as the biasing spring piece 14. The operation of the movable connector 10 in the second displacement state and the second displacement state is the same as in the first embodiment. In the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 16, the movable housing 12 is displaced in the fitting direction by the separation distance d1, so that a preload is applied to the coil spring 15. Therefore, the coil spring 15 continues to press the movable housing 12 against the mating housing 21 in the removal direction by the reaction force against the preload in the fitted and fixed state, the first displacement state, and the second displacement state. Even when the coil spring 15 is used as the "biasing member" in this way, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of contact sliding.

Third embodiment [Figures 17 to 19]

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the biasing spring piece 14 serving as the "biasing member" of the movable connector 10 is a biasing rubber piece 16. The other configurations and effects of the movable connector 10 and the connection structure 30 for the movable connector 10 are the same unless otherwise specified, and therefore, repeated explanation will be omitted.

The biasing rubber piece 16 is accommodated in a biasing rubber piece accommodating portion 11e provided adjacent to the accommodating portion 11c of the fixed housing 11, as shown in FIG. The biasing rubber piece accommodating portions 11e are provided at both ends in the left-right direction X, and biasing rubber pieces 16 are installed at each end.

The biasing rubber piece 16 includes a base 16a, a pair of locking arms 16b projecting upward from each end of the base 16a in the front-rear direction Y, and a pair of locking arms 16b projecting upward from between the pair of locking arms 16b. The spring portion 16c has a pressing portion 16d that connects the upper ends of the pair of spring portions 16c. Among these, the locking arm portion 16b is formed with a hook-shaped locking claw 16b1 as a "holding section", and the locking claw 16b1 is formed in a locking recess 11e1 provided in the biasing rubber piece housing section 11e. It is locked against. A hole 16e is formed between the pair of spring parts 16c. The spring portion 16c is easily compressed and deformed by providing the hole 16e. The upper surface of the pressing portion 16d is a flat surface, and makes surface contact with the pressing receiving portion 12a3 of the movable housing 12, similarly to the pressing portion 14d of the first embodiment.

The biasing rubber piece 16 is formed of a molded rubber-like elastic body. Synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) can be used as the rubber elastic body, such as silicone rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylic rubber, etc. In addition to synthetic rubber, natural rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based TPE, olefin-based TPE, urethane-based TPE, polyester-based TPE, and vinyl chloride-based TPE can be mentioned.

Next, the connection structure 30 and connection formation method between the movable connector 10 and the mating connector 20 will be explained. The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is that the biasing rubber piece 16 is used instead of the biasing spring piece 14, and there is a pre-fitting state, a fitted state, a fitted and fixed state (FIG. 19), The operation of the movable connector 10 in the first displacement state and the second displacement state is the same as in the first embodiment. In the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 19, the movable housing 12 is displaced in the fitting direction by the distance d1, so that a preload is applied to the biasing rubber piece 16. Therefore, the biasing rubber piece 16 is compressed and deformed as shown in FIG. 19B. Therefore, the biasing rubber piece 16 continues to press the movable housing 12 against the mating housing 21 in the removal direction due to the reaction force against the preload in the fitted and fixed state, the first displacement state, and the second displacement state. . Even when the biasing rubber piece 16 is used as the "biasing member" in this manner, the occurrence of contact sliding can be suppressed.

Fourth embodiment [Figure 20]

Next, a connection structure and a connection formation method between the movable connectors of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the spring hardness (spring constant) of the biasing spring piece 14 is softer than that of the first embodiment. Further, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the length of the spacer member R is the same as the distance between the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 in the fitted state. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so redundant explanation will be omitted.

Similar to FIG. 6, FIG. 20 shows the generalized connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 and the principle of the connection forming method, omitting the detailed structure of the movable connector according to the fourth embodiment. .

FIG. 20A shows a pre-fitting state in which the movable connector 1 and the connection target object 2 are placed apart from each other. FIG. 20B shows a "fitted state" in which the movable connector 1 and the connection target 2 are fitted and connected, and a "fitted state" in which the second board P2 and each spacer member R are fixed with fixing members such as bolts (not shown). indicates the status.

As shown in these figures, the connection object 2 is inserted until the contact receiving part 2a abuts the contact part 1b1 of the movable housing 1b, and the connection object 2 is fitted into the movable housing 1b (fitting situation). In this fitted state, the weight of the connection target 2 and the second board P2 acts as a load on the biasing spring piece 1d, and the biasing spring piece 1d is elastically deformed so as to sink in the mating direction by a distance d3 (Fig. 20B). As a result, the biasing spring piece 1d generates a reaction force (pressing force) that causes the contact portion 1b1 to push back the contact receiving portion 2a. In this fitted state, the second substrate P2 is in contact with the upper end of the spacer member R, so that it can be fixed to the spacer member R with a fixing member such as a bolt. As a result, a fitted and fixed state is formed.

In the connection structure of the movable connector 1 of the fourth embodiment, the biasing spring piece 1d is elastically deformed by the weight of the connection target 2 and the second board P2, and a reaction force is generated in the removal direction. Also in this case, when the movable housing 1b and the fixed housing 1a are displaced relative to each other, the fitted position between the movable housing 1b and the connection target 2 is maintained by the reaction force of the biasing spring piece 1d. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the connection target 2 is also maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 20B, a movable gap S3 is formed below the movable housing 1b. Therefore, the movable housing 1b can be displaced in the fitting direction during normal operation.

In the movable connector 1 of the fourth embodiment and the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection target 2, the weight of the connection target 2 and the second board P2 acts as a load on the biasing spring piece 1d, and the biasing spring piece 1d is biased. Any installation position is sufficient as long as the spring piece 1d can be elastically deformed so as to sink in the fitting direction by a distance d3. That is, as shown in FIG. 20, not only the embodiment in which the movable connector 1 is installed so that the mating direction is vertical, but also the movable connector 1 in which the movable connector 1 is installed so that the mating direction is other than the vertical direction (direction inclined to the vertical direction) It is also possible to adopt an embodiment in which the connector 1 is installed. Note that, for example, when the fitting direction is horizontal, and when the vertical positional relationship between the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 shown in FIG. 20 is switched, the weight of the connection object 2 and the second board P2 is considered not to act as a load on the biasing spring piece 1d, but in this case, in order to push one of the first and second substrates P1 and P2 closer together in the mating direction, This corresponds to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

Fifth embodiment [Figure 21]

Next, a connection structure and a connection formation method between the movable connectors of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the spring hardness (spring constant) of the biasing spring piece 1d is softer than that of the first embodiment. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so redundant explanation will be omitted.

Similar to FIG. 6, FIG. 21 shows the generalized connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 and the principle of the connection forming method, omitting the detailed structure of the movable connector according to the fifth embodiment. .

FIG. 21A shows a pre-fitting state in which the movable connector 1 and the connection target 2 are placed apart from each other. When the connection object 2 is inserted from this pre-fitting state until the contact receiving part 2a contacts the contact part 1b1 of the movable housing 1b, the connection object 2 shown in FIG. 21B is fitted to the movable housing 1b. (mated state).

In the fitted state shown in FIG. 21B, the weight of the connection target 2 and the second board P2 acts on the biasing spring piece 1d that is in contact with the pressure receiving part 1b5 of the movable housing 1b. is elastically deformed so as to sink in the fitting direction by a distance d3. As a result, the biasing spring piece 1d generates a reaction force (pressing force) that causes the contact portion 1b1 to push back the contact receiving portion 2a. This point is different from the first embodiment.

Further, the spacer member R is shorter than the 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 connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection target 2, the second board P2 is applied to the elastic force of the biasing spring piece 1d (and the movable part 1c) so that the gap S4 is eliminated. In contrast, the spacer member R is fixed to the spacer member R after being pushed in by a distance d4, which is the insufficient length of the spacer member R. This point is common to the first embodiment. The fitted and fixed state is as shown in FIG. 21C.

In the connection structure of the movable connector 1 of the fifth embodiment, the weight of the connection object 2 and the second board P2 at the time of fitting, and the direction in which the movable housing 1b is connected via the second board P2 at the time of fitting and fixing are determined. A pressing load that causes the spring to be pressed acts on the biasing spring piece 1d. Therefore, the biasing spring piece 1d can be elastically deformed more reliably and easily, and a steady state in which the biasing spring piece 1d generates a reaction force can be reliably and easily formed.

In the fitted and fixed state shown in FIG. 21C, a movable gap S5 is formed below the movable housing 1b. Therefore, the movable housing 1b can be displaced in the fitting direction during normal operation.

FIG. 21D shows a first displacement state in which the movable housing 1b and the fixed housing 1a are relatively displaced in a direction toward each other. Specifically, the second board P2 is bent in the fitting direction by a distance d5, and the movable housing 1b and the connection target 2 are displaced in the fitting direction. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment as well, similarly to the first embodiment, the fitted position between the movable housing 1b and the connection target 2 is maintained by the reaction force of the biasing spring piece 1d. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the connection target 2 is also maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding can be suppressed.

FIG. 21E shows a second displacement state in which the movable housing 1b and the fixed housing 1a are relatively displaced in the direction of separation. Specifically, the second board P2 is bent in the removal direction by a distance d6, and the movable housing 1b and the connection target 2 are displaced in the removal direction. At this time, the maximum displacement of the second board P2, the connection target 2, and the movable housing 1b in the removal direction is smaller than the sum of the distance d3 when mated and the separation distance d4 when the mating is fixed. Become. This is so that the biasing spring piece 1d continues to press the movable housing 1b against the connection target 2 in the removal direction by a reaction force. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment as well, similarly to the first embodiment, the fitted position between the movable housing 1b and the connection target 2 is maintained by the reaction force of the biasing spring piece 1d. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the connection target 2 is also maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding can be suppressed.

In the movable connector 1 of the fifth embodiment and the connection structure 3 between the movable connector 1 and the connection target 2, the weight of the connection target 2 and the second board P2 acts as a load on the biasing spring piece 1d, and the biasing spring piece 1d is biased. Any installation position is sufficient as long as the spring piece 1d can be elastically deformed so as to sink in the fitting direction by a distance d3. That is, as shown in FIG. 21, not only the embodiment in which the movable connector 1 is installed so that the mating direction is vertical, but also the movable connector 1 in which the movable connector 1 is installed so that the mating direction is other than the vertical direction (direction inclined to the vertical direction) It is also possible to adopt an embodiment in which the connector 1 is installed. Note that, for example, when the fitting direction is horizontal, and when the vertical positional relationship between the movable connector 1 and the connection object 2 shown in FIG. 21 is reversed, the weight of the connection object 2 and the second board P2 is considered not to act as a load on the biasing spring piece 1d, but in this case, in order to push either of the first board P1 and the second board P2 in the mating direction so that they approach each other. , corresponds to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

Description of other embodiments and modifications [FIGS. 22 to 25]

The above embodiments can be implemented by partially modifying the configuration, so some examples will be described.

In the embodiment, the connector (the mating connector 20) is exemplified as the "connection target". However, the "connected object" is not limited to a connector, but may also be a flat conductor such as an FPC or FFC, a bus bar, a terminal such as a connecting pin, an electronic component including an electric element, or the like. In this case, the movable connector 10 is implemented as a modified example whose configuration is changed depending on the "connection target".

In the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the bottom wall 12b of the movable housing 12 is the "contact part" and the upper end surface of the mating housing 21 is the abutment receiving part 21a2. The combination of "receiving parts" is not limited to this. An example thereof will be explained based on FIG. 22. In addition, in order to simplify the description from FIG. 22 onwards, the description of the biasing spring piece 1d is omitted except for FIG. 23F.

FIG. 22A is a diagram showing the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the "contact parts" of the movable connector 1 are the bottom surface 1b2 and the upper end surface 1b3 of the movable housing 1b, and the "contact receiving parts" are the fitting end part 2a1 and the step part 2a2 of the connection object 2. There is. In this way, the "contact part" and the "contact receiving part" may be provided at multiple locations.

FIG. 22B is a diagram showing the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the "contact part" of the movable connector 1 is the upper end surface 1b3 of the movable housing 1b, and the "contact receiving part" is the board surface 2a3 of the second board P2. The "contact receiving part" that the movable housing 1b comes into contact with in the fitting direction and the removing direction is not limited to the part of the connection target 2. When the connection object 2 is, for example, a flat conductor such as an FPC or FFC, a bus bar, a terminal such as a connection pin, or an electronic component including an electric element, it is similar to the housing made of a resin molded body of a connector. It is difficult to provide an abutment receiving part that receives the pressing force of the abutment part. Even in such a case, in this embodiment, the movable housing 1b can be brought into contact with the substrate surface 2a3 instead of the connection target 2.

FIG. 22C is a diagram showing the eighth embodiment. In this embodiment, the "contact part" of the movable connector 1 is a flange part 1b4 formed on the movable housing 1b, and the "contact receiving part" is a contact receiving part 2a4 provided on the connection target 2. The connection object 2 in this case can be a mating connector, and the abutment receiving part 2a4 can be a protrusion provided on the housing of the mating connector, for example. In this way, the "contact receiving part" with which the movable housing 1b comes into contact in the mating direction and the uncoupling direction is limited to the mating part 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 part 1c can be protected from the outside by providing the eave-like flange part 1b4 on the movable housing 1b.

FIG. 22D is a diagram showing the ninth embodiment. In this embodiment, the "contact part" of the movable connector 1 is a flange part 1b4 formed on the movable housing 1b, and the "contact receiving part" is a contact receiving member 2a5 provided on the connection target 2. The contact receiving member 2a5 is a separate member from the connection target 2 and the second board P2, and can be a board mounting member that is mounted on the second board P2 facing the flange portion 1b4. The "contact receiver" that the movable housing 1b comes into contact with in the removal direction is not limited to the connection target 2 and the second board P2. In addition, in this embodiment, the movable part 1c can be protected from the outside by providing the eave-like flange part 1b4 on the movable housing 1b.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the movable connector 10 is a plug connector, but it may also be a socket connector.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the outer bottom surface of the movable housing 12 of the movable connector 10 is not hidden by the fixed housing 11, but is exposed to the outside. However, the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 23A may be used. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23A, the fixed housing 1a may be provided with a bottom wall 1a1 that faces 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 fifth embodiments, the example is shown in which 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, the movable connector 1 of the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 23B may be used. As shown in FIG. 23B, the movable connector 1 of this embodiment includes a fixing member 1a2 that fixes the fixed housing 1a to the first substrate P1, and a movable gap S7 is provided between the movable housing 1b and the fixing member 1a2. good.

In the first to fifth embodiments, examples have been 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 of the twelfth embodiment shown in FIG. 23C may be used. In the movable connector 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23C, the spacer member R may be fixed to a fixing portion 1a3 provided in the fixed housing 1a. According to this, since the movable connector 1 and the spacer member R are not separated and are integrated, there is no wasted space between the movable connector 1 and the spacer member R, and the connection structure 3 of the movable connector 1 can be miniaturized. can.

In the first to fifth embodiments, examples have been 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 thirteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 23D may be used. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 23D, a locking arm-shaped locking piece 1a4 is integrally formed on the fixed housing 1a, and a locking hole P21 is provided in the second substrate P2. The locking piece 1a4 functions as a "spacer part" of the present invention. In this embodiment, in the process of inserting and locking the locking piece 1a4 into the locking hole P21, the biasing spring piece 1d is elastically deformed, and the locking piece 1a4 rebounds while being locked to the second board P2. generate force. The locking pieces 1a4 may be provided at the four corners of the fixed housing 1a, provided at the upper ends of a pair of opposing walls forming the peripheral wall of the fixed housing 1a, or extended from the top wall of the fixed housing 1a. can do.

In the first to fifth embodiments, examples have been 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 fourteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 23E, at least one end of the spacer member R may not be fixed. For example, the movable connector 1 in FIG. 23E is the same as in FIG. 23D, but the spacer member R only needs to be installed between the first board P1 and the second board P2, and does not need to be fixed to them. Good too. For example, it is sufficient that at least one of the spacer members R is fixed and the other is in contact with each other. In addition, since the spacer member R does not need to be misaligned in the surface direction (Y direction) of the surfaces of the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2, It may be inserted in the Z direction and removed in the Z direction. However, in this case, a structure such as a locking piece 1a4 that prevents the second substrate P2 from coming off is required.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the straight connection type movable connector 1 in which the fitting direction is perpendicular to the first board P1 (Z direction) was exemplified. However, the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the fifteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 23F may be used. That is, this embodiment is a right-angle connection type movable connector 1 whose fitting direction is the surface direction (Y direction) of the first substrate P1, as shown in FIG. 23F, and its connection structure. In this case, the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 are each fixed to a structural member such as a bracket or a casing that supports 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 connection target 2 are in a fixed and fitted state, the biasing spring piece 1d is elastically deformed and generates a reaction force. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the first board P1 and the second board P2 are relatively displaced in the Y direction, the reaction force of the biasing spring piece 1d causes the movable housing 1b and the connection object 2 to fit together. The alignment is maintained. Therefore, the contact position between the terminal and the connection target 2 is also maintained, and the occurrence of contact sliding can be suppressed. Further, even if the movable housing 1b and the connection target object 2 are misaligned in at least one of the X direction and the Z direction, the fitting connection can be achieved while eliminating the misalignment.

In the first to fifth embodiments, examples have been shown in which the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 are supported by the spacer member R. However, like the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the sixteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the "spacer part" of the present invention may be a housing. That is, in this embodiment, the first substrate P1 is held in the first casing R1, and the second substrate P2 is held in the second casing R2. Note that the technical means for holding the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 in this manner can be realized by engagement, screwing, adhesion, etc.

As shown in FIG. 24A, the first casing R1 is provided with a first abutting end R11 that abuts against the second casing R2. The second casing R2 is provided with a second abutting end R21 that abuts against the first casing R1. In this embodiment, the first abutting end R11 and the second abutting end R21 are the open end of the first casing R1 and the open end of the second casing R2, respectively. It may be provided in other parts of the body R1 and the second housing R2.

As shown in FIG. 24A, the first abutting end R11 and the substrate surface P11 of the first substrate P1 are separated by a distance d6, and similarly, the second abutting end R21 and the second abutting end R11 are separated by a distance d6. There is a distance d7 from the substrate surface P22 of the substrate P2.

FIG. 24B shows a fitted state in which the connection target 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 butt end R11 and the second butt end R11 are separated from each other by a distance d8. A gap S8 is formed between the portion R21 and the portion R21.

FIG. 24C shows the fitted 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 biasing spring piece 1d. Therefore, the biasing spring piece 1d can be elastically deformed more reliably and easily, and a steady state in which the biasing spring piece 1d generates a reaction force can be reliably and easily formed.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 24 is an example in which a pressing load for pushing the second substrate P2 is applied to the biasing spring piece 1d as in the first embodiment. However, like the fourth embodiment, this embodiment can be configured so that the weight of the second housing R2 and the like acts on the biasing spring piece 1d as a load. Further, in this embodiment, like the fifth embodiment, both a pressing load and a weight load can be applied to the biasing spring piece 1d.

In the sixteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 24, an example is shown in which the "spacer section" of the present invention is divided into a first casing R1 and a second casing R2. However, as in the movable connector 1 and its connection structure 3 of the seventeenth embodiment shown in FIG. It may be composed of members. That is, as shown in FIG. 25, the plurality of spacer members include a first spacer member R3 disposed on the first substrate P1 and a second spacer member R4 disposed on the second substrate P2. Can be configured. FIG. 25 shows a fitted state similar to FIG. 6B of the first embodiment. In this fitted state, a gap S9 spaced apart by a distance d9 is formed between the first spacer member R3 and the second spacer member R4. 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, which is 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. 25, a pressing load that pushes the movable housing 1b in the fitting direction acts on the biasing spring piece 1d. Therefore, the biasing spring piece 1d can be elastically deformed more reliably and easily, and a steady state in which the biasing spring piece 1d generates a reaction force can be reliably and easily formed. Note that the first spacer member R3 and the second spacer member R4 can be directly connected to each other by screwing or press fitting. Further, the first spacer member R3 and the second spacer member R4 can be connected to each other by bolts that are separate members, and the specific connection method is not limited.

Furthermore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 25 is an example in which a pressing load for pushing the second substrate P2 is applied to the biasing spring piece 1d as in the first embodiment. However, like the fourth embodiment, this embodiment can be configured so that the weight of the second housing R2 and the like acts on the biasing spring piece 1d as a load. Further, in this embodiment, like the fifth embodiment, both a pressing load and a weight load can be applied to the biasing spring piece 1d.

In the embodiment, the third extending 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. An example of transformation is shown. However, the third extension part 13c5 may extend in the horizontal direction in a free state, or the third extension part 13c5 may have a downwardly arcuate shape.

In the first to fifth embodiments, examples were shown in which only the second substrate P2 is bent (FIGS. 6, 10, 11, and 21), but the second substrate P2 is not bent and the first substrate P2 is not bent. In some cases, only the substrate P1 is bent. Further, the first substrate P1 and the second substrate P2 may be bent in the same direction or in different directions. However, in either case, the movable housing 1b presses the connection target object 2, and the movable housing 12 presses the mating housing 21. Therefore, contact sliding can be prevented no matter how it bends.

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 part), 1b4 Flange part (contact part) ), 1b5 Pressure receiving part, 1c Movable part, 1d Biasing spring piece, 2
Connection target, 2a Contact receiving part, 2a1 Fitting side tip (contact receiving part), 2a2 Step part (contact receiving part), 2a3 Board surface (contact receiving part), 2a4 Contact receiving part, 2a5 Contact receiving member, 3 connection structure, 10 movable connector, 11 fixed housing (first housing), 11a peripheral wall, 11a1 fixed side terminal holding part, 11a2 side wall, 11a3 biasing spring piece holding part, 11b top wall, 11b1 opening , 11c housing part, 11d mounting shaft part, 11e biasing rubber piece housing part, 11e1 locking recessed part, 12 movable housing (second housing), 12a peripheral wall, 12a1 fitting chamber, 12a2 side wall, 12a3 pressure receiving part, 12a4 Locking recess, 12b Bottom wall (contact part), 12b1 Movable side terminal holding part, 12c Center wall, 12c1 Wall surface, 12c2 Terminal holding groove, 13 Terminal, 13a Board connection part, 13b Fixed housing fixing part, 13c Movable part, 13c1 first extension part, 13c2 first bending part, 13c3 second extension part, 13c4 second bending part, 13c5 third extension part, 13c6 third bending part, 13d fixing part for movable housing , 13e contact part, 14
Biasing spring piece (biasing member, metal spring), 14a board fixing part, 14b fixed housing holding part, 14c spring part, 14c1 chevron-shaped bent part, 14c2 valley-shaped bent part, 14d pressing part, 15 coil spring (biasing part) 15a holding part, 15b pressing part, 15c spring part, 16 biasing rubber piece, 16a base, 16b locking arm part, 16b1 locking claw (holding part), 16c spring part, 16d pressing part, 16e hole, 20 mating connector (connection object), 21 mating housing, 21a peripheral wall, 21a1 terminal holding groove, 21a2 contact receiving part, 21b bottom wall, 21b1 terminal holding part, 22 mating terminal, 22a board connection part, 22b housing fixing part, 22c contact part, 22c1 elastic arm, 22c2 contact part, 30 connection structure, P1 first board (first support member), P2 second board (second support member), P21 locking hole , R spacer member (spacer part)

Claims (21)

a first housing disposed on the first support member;
a second housing that fits with the connection target;
A movable terminal that integrally includes a contact portion that makes conductive contact with the connection object, and a movable portion that supports the second housing so as to be movable relative to the first housing by being elastically deformed. In the connector,
A biasing member capable of biasing the second housing toward the connection target is provided, and the biasing member is configured to bias the second housing toward the connection target in a state where the second housing is fitted with the connection target. By elastically deforming the object in a fitting direction in which the object is fitted into the second housing, a reaction force directed in a removal direction that is opposite to the fitting direction is applied to the second housing. Ori,
The biasing member is
a holding part held by the first housing;
a pressing portion that contacts the second housing in the removal direction inside the first housing;
a spring portion that urges the pressing portion toward the second housing by the reaction force ;
The pressing portion is a band having a length along a first direction intersecting the fitting direction and a width along a second direction intersecting both the fitting direction and the first direction. A movable connector characterized in that it is formed into a plate shape and makes surface contact with the second housing . The pressing part is formed as a horizontal piece spanning between the pair of spring parts, and is supported by the pair of spring parts so that it can be displaced.
The movable connector according to claim 1. a first housing disposed on the first support member;
a second housing that fits with the connection target;
A movable terminal that integrally includes a contact portion that makes conductive contact with the connection object, and a movable portion that supports the second housing so as to be movable relative to the first housing by being elastically deformed. In the connector,
A biasing member capable of biasing the second housing toward the connection target is provided, and the biasing member is configured to bias the second housing toward the connection target in a state where the second housing is fitted with the connection target. By elastically deforming the object in a fitting direction in which the object is fitted into the second housing, a reaction force directed in a removal direction that is opposite to the fitting direction is applied to the second housing. and the second housing is movable in the removal direction with a center of displacement at a position where the biasing member is elastically deformed in the fitting direction and at rest;
The biasing member is
a holding part held by the first housing;
a pressing portion that contacts the second housing in the removal direction inside the first housing;
a spring portion that urges the pressing portion toward the second housing by the reaction force ;
The second housing has a contact portion that contacts the connection target in the removal direction, and when the biasing member is elastically deformed, the reaction force generated by the spring portion causes the second housing to The movable connector is characterized in that the second housing pushes back the connection object in the removal direction via the contact portion . The biasing member is an elastic body,
The movable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic body is a rubber-like elastic body or a metal spring. In a state where the second housing and the first housing are relatively displaced in a fitting cross direction that intersects the fitting direction, the biasing member does not elastically deform in the fitting cross direction. The movable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . 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 that fits with the connection target;
A movable terminal that integrally includes a contact portion that makes conductive contact with the connection object, and a movable portion that supports the second housing so as to be movable relative to the first housing by being elastically deformed. In the connection structure of the connector,
The movable connector connects the connection object to the connection target during a steady state in which the first housing and the second housing are not relatively displaced and in a displacement state in which the first housing and the second housing are relatively displaced. By elastically deforming in the fitting direction in which the second housing is fitted, the second housing is arranged to generate a reaction force in the removal direction, which is the opposite direction to the fitting direction, and the reaction force is transferred to the second housing. and a biasing member that biases the second housing toward the connection target,
Furthermore, the second housing has a movable gap that can be displaced in the fitting direction,
The biasing member is
a holding part held by the first housing;
a pressing portion that contacts the second housing in the removal direction inside the first housing;
a spring portion that urges the pressing portion toward the second housing by the reaction force ;
The pressing portion is a band having a length along a first direction intersecting the fitting direction and a width along a second direction intersecting both the fitting direction and the first direction. A connection structure for a movable connector , characterized in that it is formed in a plate shape and makes surface contact with the second housing . The pressing part is formed as a horizontal piece spanning between the pair of spring parts, and is supported by the pair of spring parts so that it can be displaced.
The movable connector connection structure according to claim 6. 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 that fits with the connection target;
A movable terminal that integrally includes a contact portion that makes conductive contact with the connection object, and a movable portion that supports the second housing so as to be movable relative to the first housing by being elastically deformed. In the connection structure of the connector,
The movable connector connects the connection object to the connection target during a steady state in which the first housing and the second housing are not relatively displaced and in a displacement state in which the first housing and the second housing are relatively displaced. By elastically deforming in the fitting direction in which the second housing is fitted, the second housing is arranged to generate a reaction force in the removal direction, which is the opposite direction to the fitting direction, and the reaction force is transferred to the second housing. and a biasing member that biases the second housing toward the connection target,
Furthermore, the second housing has a movable gap that allows the second housing to be displaced in the fitting direction, and the second housing is configured to be able to move from a stationary position while the biasing member is elastically deformed in the fitting direction. movable in the removal direction as a center ;
The biasing member is
a holding part held by the first housing;
a pressing portion that contacts the second housing in the removal direction inside the first housing;
a spring portion that urges the pressing portion toward the second housing by the reaction force ;
The second housing has a contact portion that contacts the connection target in the removal direction, and when the biasing member is elastically deformed, the reaction force generated by the spring portion causes the second housing to A connection structure for a movable connector, characterized in that the second housing pushes back the connection object in the removal direction via the contact portion . The connection target is a conductive connection member,
The conductive connection member is arranged on a second support member,
The contact portion contacts the conductive connection member in the fitting direction and the removal direction, and is pressed by the reaction force.
The movable connector connection structure according to claim 8 . the conductive connection member is a mating connector,
10. The movable connector connection structure according to claim 9 , wherein the contact portion contacts a mating housing of the mating connector. The connection target is a conductive connection member,
The conductive connection member is arranged on a second support member,
The contact portion contacts the second support member in the fitting direction and the removal direction and is pressed by the reaction force.
The movable connector connection structure according to claim 8 . The connection target is a conductive connection member,
The conductive connection member is arranged on a second support member,
The second support member has an abutment receiving member,
The contact portion contacts the contact receiving member in the fitting direction and the removal direction and is pressed by the reaction force.
The movable connector connection structure according to claim 8 . The method further includes a spacer portion for arranging the first support member and the second support member apart from each other,
The second housing includes:
When the object to be connected is fitted into the second housing, the biasing member is elastically deformed in the fitting direction, and a displaced position is set as a normal position. 12. Connection structure of the movable connector according to any one of paragraphs 12 to 12. The method further includes a spacer portion for arranging the first support member and the second support member apart from each other,
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 connection target is fitted into the second housing. has been
The second housing includes:
When the spacer part is installed between the first support member and the second support member and is fitted and fixed, the spacer part is pushed in the fitting direction to compensate for the insufficient length of the spacer part with respect to the separation distance. The movable connector connection structure according to any one of claims 9 to 12 , wherein the biasing member is disposed at a position displaced by elastic deformation in the fitting direction as a normal position. The method further includes a spacer portion for arranging the first support member and the second support member apart from each other,
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 connection target is fitted into the second housing. has been
The second housing includes:
When the connection object is fitted into the second housing, the biasing member is elastically deformed and displaced in the fitting direction, and the first support member and the second support When the spacer part is installed between the members and the member is fitted and fixed, the spacer part is pushed in the fitting direction to compensate for the short length of the spacer part with respect to the separation distance, and the biasing member is elastically moved in the fitting direction. The movable connector connection structure according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the movable connector connection structure is arranged at a position displaced by deformation as a normal position. The movable connector connection structure according to any one of claims 13 to 15 , wherein the spacer portion is a columnar spacer member. The movable connector connection structure according to any one of claims 13 to 15 , wherein the spacer portion is a locking piece that is provided on the first housing and locks on the second support member. The movable connector connection structure according to any one of claims 13 to 15 , wherein the spacer portion is a casing that accommodates the movable connector and the connection object. The movable connector connection structure according to any one of claims 6 to 18 , wherein the first support member is a first board. The movable connector connection structure according to any one of claims 9 to 18 , wherein the second support member is a second board. When the second housing and the first housing are relatively displaced in the cross-fitting direction that intersects the fitting direction, the biasing member does not elastically deform in the cross-fitting direction . A connection structure for a movable connector according to claim 20 .

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