JP7535153B2 - Movable Connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a movable connector, and in particular to an additional member that is attached to the housing of the movable connector, and to a movable connector that is equipped with the additional member.

As a connector that electrically connects to a connection object, for example, a movable connector as shown in Patent Document 1 is known. In this conventional technology, the movable connector includes a fixed housing, a movable housing that is movable relative to the fixed housing, and a terminal that is held by the fixed housing and the movable housing and has an elastic part (movable part) that can be elastically deformed. The fixed housing side and the movable housing side of this movable connector cooperate with each other to form a restricting means that sets a limit to the range of elastic deformation of the elastic part in the connector fitting direction.

JP 2017-212025 A, FIG. 3(B)

However, when such a movable connector is subjected to external forces such as vibrations or impacts during transportation before use, the movable housing vibrates relative to the fixed housing, and the movable part of the terminal also undergoes elastic deformation. If this vibration is repeated, fatigue may accumulate in the movable part, leading to damage. Even if the terminals are not damaged before the movable connector is first used, the durability of the movable part may have decreased. If the durability of the movable part has decreased, the movable part may be damaged when mating with the connection object or after use begins.

The present invention was made against the background of the above-mentioned conventional technology. Its purpose is to prevent the movable parts of the terminals of movable connectors from deteriorating or being damaged before use.

To achieve the above objective, the present invention is configured to have the following features.

That is, the present invention is characterized in that a movable connector includes a housing and a terminal held by the housing, the housing having a first housing and a second housing that is movable relative to the first housing within a predetermined movable range, the housing further includes an additional member attached to the housing, and the additional member has a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the second housing relative to the first housing to be narrower than the movable range.

According to the present invention, the movable connector is provided with an additional member having a restricting portion, so that the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing is restricted. Therefore, even if an external force such as vibration or impact is applied to the movable connector during transportation before use, the amplitude of the terminals can be kept small. Alternatively, vibration of the terminals can be prevented. This makes it possible to provide a movable connector with terminals that are less susceptible to damage due to fatigue.

Note that "restricting the range of movement so that it is narrower" also includes restricting the second housing so that it cannot move relative to the first housing.

The restricting portion can be configured to be disposed in the gap between the first housing and the second housing.

According to the present invention, the restricting portion is disposed in the gap formed as the movable area of the second housing, so that the restricting portion itself directly reduces the gap, thereby reliably narrowing the range of movement of the second housing relative to the first housing. Furthermore, because the restricting portion is disposed in the gap, the space occupied by the restricting portion can be contained within the gap, and the movable connector with the additional member attached can be made smaller.

The additional member can be configured to be removable from the movable connector.

According to the present invention, the additional member can be attached to the housing when the movable connector is manufactured. The additional member can then be removed from the movable connector after transportation. Furthermore, since the additional member can be removed from the movable connector when the movable connector is mounted on a board or the like, the space occupied by the movable connector on the board can be kept small, and it is possible to prevent it from interfering with other electronic components mounted on the board.

The restricting portion can be configured to be a first engaging portion that engages with the first housing.

According to the present invention, the first engagement portion of the additional member can restrict the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing. Therefore, the space occupied by the first engagement portion can be effectively utilized as a restricting portion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the restricting portion engages with the first housing, the additional member can be attached and detached without getting caught on the second housing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second housing from being displaced in an undesired direction relative to the first housing or from being displaced excessively.

The additional member can be configured to have a first engagement portion that engages with the first housing.

According to the present invention, since the additional member has a first engagement portion, the additional member can be engaged with the first housing. Therefore, since the additional member is integrated with the first housing, the additional member itself does not vibrate due to an external force and collide with the surrounding movable connectors. Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the additional member engages with the first housing, the additional member can be attached and removed without getting caught on the second housing.

The restricting portion can be configured to be a second engaging portion that engages with the second housing.

According to the present invention, the second engaging portion of the additional member can restrict the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing. Therefore, the space occupied by the second engaging portion can be effectively utilized as a restricting portion. Furthermore, since the additional member engages with the second housing, it is easy to prevent the additional member from becoming large, which can contribute to the miniaturization of the movable connector to which the additional member is attached.

The additional member can be configured to have a second engagement portion that engages with the second housing.

According to the present invention, since the additional member has a second engagement portion, the additional member can be engaged with the second housing. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the additional member from becoming large, for example by disposing the second engagement portion in the gap formed as the movable area of the second housing, which contributes to the miniaturization of the movable connector to which the additional member is attached.

The movable connector of the present invention can prevent the second housing from vibrating relative to the first housing and prevent the terminals from elastically deforming when subjected to external forces such as vibrations and impacts during transportation before use. Therefore, the movable connector of the present invention can prevent deterioration and damage to the terminals before use.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view including a rear surface, a left side surface, and a bottom surface of an additional member in the movable connector according to the first embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the cross section of line II-II in FIG. 1 . 3 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. 1 . 13 is an external perspective view including a rear surface, a right side surface, and a bottom surface of an additional member in a movable connector according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the cross section of line VV in FIG. 4. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. 13 is an external perspective view including the front, left side, and bottom of an additional member in a movable connector according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the cross section of line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7 . 9 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the cross section of line IX-IX in FIG. 7 . FIG. 13 is an external perspective view including the front, right side, and bottom of an additional member in a movable connector according to a fourth embodiment. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the cross section of line XI-XI in FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the cross section of line XII-XII in FIG. 10 . 13 is an external perspective view including the front, left side, and bottom of an additional member in a movable connector according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the cross section of line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the movable connector corresponding to the cross section of line XV-XV in FIG. 13.

The following describes an embodiment of the "movable connector" of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The "movable connector" of the present invention is mounted on a board and electrically connects a connection target such as a pin terminal to the board circuit. In this specification, the "movable connector" of the present invention is described by exemplifying a right-angle type connector whose mating surface is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the board when mounted in the first embodiment (Figs. 1 to 3) and the second embodiment (Figs. 4 to 6). Furthermore, in this specification, the "movable connector" of the present invention is described by exemplifying a straight type connector whose mating surface is parallel to the mounting surface of the board when mounted in the third embodiment (Figs. 7 to 9), the fourth embodiment (Figs. 10 to 12), and the fifth embodiment (Figs. 13 to 15).

The terms "first" and "second" used in this specification and claims are used to distinguish between different components of the invention, and are not used to indicate a particular order or superiority or inferiority. For convenience, in this specification and claims, as shown in FIG. 3, etc., the width direction (left-right direction) of the movable connector 1 as a "movable connector" is described as the X direction, the depth direction (front-back direction) is described as the Y direction, and the height direction (up-down direction) is described as the Z direction. The side of the movable connector 1 in the height direction of the board is described as the "lower side", and the side of the movable connector 1 is described as the "upper side". However, these do not limit the mating direction of the movable connector 1, etc., or the method of mounting on the board.

The "movable connector" is arranged so that the insertion and removal direction of the connected object is the Y direction in the first and second embodiments, and the Z direction in the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments.

First embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3)

The following describes the movable connector 1 as a first embodiment of the "movable connector" of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Movable connector 1

The movable connector 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 2 and terminals 3 held by the housing 2. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the movable connector 1 includes a fixed housing 4 as a "first housing" and a movable housing 5 as a "second housing" as the housing 2. The movable connector 1 is configured such that the fixed housing 4 is mounted on a substrate, and the movable housing 5 is supported by the terminals 3 so as to be movable relative to the fixed housing 4 (see Fig. 2). In other words, the movable connector 1 has a floating structure in which the movable housing 5 can move relative to the fixed housing 4 in three-dimensional directions that combine the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction.

The movable connector 1 has a floating structure, which allows it to absorb misalignment when connecting objects are mated. Furthermore, the movable connector 1 has a floating structure, which allows it to absorb external vibrations and shocks to a certain extent to prevent disconnection and damage, and also prevents stress concentration on the mounting parts and conductive connection parts of the terminals 3.

Fixed housing 4

The fixed housing 4 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along the Y direction, and has a top wall 40 and a bottom wall 41 (see FIG. 2) located above and below in the Z direction, and a pair of side walls 42, 42 (see FIG. 3) located on the left and right in the X direction. An accommodating chamber 43 for the movable housing 5 is formed on the inner surface surrounded by the top wall 40, the bottom wall 41 and the side walls 42, 42. The fixed housing 4 is configured so that the movable housing 5 is disposed on the front side in the Y direction (the right side in FIG. 2), and the bottom wall 41 is not formed in this portion. Therefore, the front end of the bottom wall 41 is located in the middle of the fixed housing 4 in the Y direction .

As shown in Fig. 3, a pair of displacement restriction receiving portions 44, 44 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall portions 42, 42, each of which is cut out in a rectangular column shape toward both sides in the X direction so as to continue from the front end of the bottom wall portion 41. As a result, in the fixed housing 4, a T-shaped space is formed in bottom view with the front end of the bottom wall portion 41, the displacement restriction receiving portions 44, 44, and the side wall portions 42, 42 as its outer edges (see Fig. 3).

A plurality of terminal fixing parts 45 extending along the Y direction and arranged in parallel along the X direction (terminal arrangement direction) are formed on the inner surface of the bottom wall part 41 (see Figs. 2 and 3). Here, three terminal fixing parts 45 are formed on the fixed housing 4 in correspondence with the movable connector 1 having three terminals 3 illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. The terminal fixing parts 45 are formed in groove shapes so that the base ends of the terminals 3 (fixing parts 31 for fixed housing described later) are press-fitted and fixed.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of fixed-side legs 46, 46 that protrude downward in the Z direction are formed at the lower part of the front ends of the side walls 42, 42. The fixed-side legs 46, 46 are parts that come into contact with the board on which the fixed housing 4 is attached. Both fixed-side legs 46, 46 protrude a distance d2 in the Z direction from the lower end of the bottom wall 41. This means that the fixed housing 4 is attached to the board with the bottom wall 41 floating a distance d2 above the board.

A pair of engagement grooves 47, 47 are formed on the outer surfaces of the side walls 42, 42 at the center in the Z direction, each recessed inward in the X direction and extending from the rear end of the side walls 42, 42 along the Y direction. In addition, a pair of inclined surfaces 48, 48 are formed on the front side of the side walls 42, 42, each inclining from the outer surfaces of the side walls 42, 42 toward the engagement grooves 47, 47.

Movable housing 5

The movable housing 5 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape along the inner surface of the fixed housing 4. The movable housing 5 has a number of connection chambers 50 that electrically connect the terminals 3 to the connection object. The connection chambers 50 penetrate the movable housing 5 in the Y direction (depth direction) and open at the front end in the Y direction as an insertion port for the connection object.

A terminal fixing portion 51 is formed on the inner surface of the connection chamber 50 at the upper portion in the Z direction and extends along the Y direction (see FIG. 2). The terminal fixing portion 51 is formed in a groove shape so that the tip side of the terminal 3 (the movable housing fixing portion 33 described below) can be pressed in and fixed.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of displacement restriction protrusions 52, 52 that protrude downward in the Z direction are formed on the rear end of the movable housing 5 and on both outer sides in the X direction. The displacement restriction protrusions 52, 52 are positioned so as to be accommodated in the displacement restriction receiving portions 44, 44, respectively, when the movable housing 5 is assembled into the fixed housing 4. The displacement restriction protrusions 52, 52 have the function of restricting excessive displacement of the movable housing 5 by contacting the displacement restriction receiving portions 44, 44 in the X and Y directions and by contacting the substrate downward in the Z direction.

In addition, excessive upward displacement of the movable housing 5 in the Z direction is restricted by contact between the lower surface 40u of the top wall portion 40 of the fixed housing 4 and the upper surface 5t of the movable housing 5.

The movable housing 5 is configured to be movable relative to the fixed housing 4 within a predetermined movable range. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d1 upward in the Z direction between the upper surface 5t of the movable housing 5 and the lower surface 40u of the top wall portion 40 of the fixed housing 4. On the other hand, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d2 downward in the Z direction between the lower end of the displacement restriction protrusion 52 and the lower end of the fixed side leg portion 46 of the fixed housing 4. Furthermore, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d3 forward in the Y direction between the front surface 52f of the displacement restriction protrusion 52 and the front surface 44f of the displacement restriction receiving portion 44.

3, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d4 to the left in the X direction between the left surface 52l of the displacement restriction protrusion 52 and the left surface 44l of the displacement restriction receiving portion 44. On the other hand, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d5 to the right in the X direction between the right surface 52r of the displacement restriction protrusion 52 and the right surface 44r of the displacement restriction receiving portion 44.

Terminal 3

The multiple terminals 3 are formed by bending conductive metal pieces, and all have the same shape. From the base end to the tip, each terminal 3 has a board connection portion 30, a fixed portion for the fixed housing 31, a movable portion 32, a fixed portion for the movable housing 33, and a contact portion 34. When the terminals 3 are attached to the movable connector 1, the plate width is mainly arranged in the X direction, and the plate thickness (plate surface) is mainly arranged in the Z direction.

The terminal 3 is fixed to three locations: the board, the fixed housing 4, and the movable housing 5. The board connection portion 30 is a portion that electrically connects the terminal 3 to the board, and is fixed conductively by soldering or the like so that the plate surface of the board connection portion 30 contacts the board. The fixed housing fixing portion 31 has a plate width wider than the front and rear portions. The fixed housing fixing portion 31 is a portion that fixes the terminal 3 to the fixed housing 4, and is pressed into the groove-shaped terminal fixing portion 45. The movable housing fixing portion 33 has a plate width wider than the front and rear portions. The movable housing fixing portion 33 is a portion that fixes the terminal 3 to the movable housing 5, and is pressed into the groove-shaped terminal fixing portion 45.

The movable part 32 has a plate width narrower than the front and rear parts, and extends in an S-shape in side view. The movable part 32 is formed as a spring that supports the movable housing 5 relative to the fixed housing 4 so that it can move in a three-dimensional direction that combines the X direction (width direction), Y direction (depth direction), and Z direction (height direction). The movable part 32 extends mainly along the Y direction, and is arranged so that the plate surface is mainly perpendicular to the Z direction.

The terminal 3 branches into two parts, one above the other in the Z direction, from near the movable housing fixing part 33 to the tip, and is housed in the upper and lower parts of the connection chamber 50, respectively. The contact parts 34 are formed near the tips of both the upper and lower branches of the terminal 3, and are formed in a mountain (valley) shape that curves in the direction toward each other. The contact parts 34 are configured to electrically connect to the connection object inserted into the connection chamber 50 by pressing them with a predetermined contact pressure so as to sandwich them from above and below in the Z direction.

Additional member 6

The movable connector 1 further includes an additional member 6. The additional member 6 is configured as a "cap body" that is detachable from the housing 2. The additional member 6 has a restricting portion 60. The restricting portion 60 has a function of restricting the relative movement of the movable housing 5 with respect to the fixed housing 4 so that it is narrower than the movable range.

Since the movable connector 1 is equipped with an additional member 6 having a restricting portion 60, the movement of the movable housing 5 relative to the fixed housing 4 is restricted. Therefore, even if an external force such as vibration or impact is applied to the movable connector 1 during transportation before use, the amplitude of the terminals 3 can be kept small, or vibration of the terminals 3 can be prevented in the first place. This allows the movable connector 1 to be equipped with terminals 3 that are less likely to be damaged by fatigue. Furthermore, since vibration of the terminals 3 is restricted, the movable connector 1 can be stored for long periods of time. The additional member 6 also has the effect of preventing foreign matter from entering the interior of the movable connector 1.

Note that "restricting the movable range so that it is narrower" also includes restricting the movable housing 5 so that it cannot move relative to the fixed housing 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the additional member 6 has a top plate 61, upper and lower long side regulating pieces 62, 62 in the Z direction, left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 in the X direction, left and right engaging parts 64, 64 as "first engaging parts", and left and right protective parts 65, 65.

The top plate 61 functions as a base for the additional member 6. The top plate 61 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape with its long side in the X direction and its short side in the Z direction, and is arranged so that the plate surface is perpendicular to the Y direction. The top plate 61 is formed so that its width (length) in the X direction is longer (wider) than the width of the fixed housing 4. Various parts of the additional member 6 are arranged on the plate surface of the top plate 61, mainly on the rear side in the Y direction.

The engaging portion 64 has a function of fixing the additional member 6 to the movable connector 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the engaging portion 64 is configured such that the additional member 6 is fixed to the fixed housing 4. The engaging portion 64 extends backward in the Y direction from the top plate 61 in a cantilever shape. The engaging portion 64 is formed in a flat plate shape having a plate surface along the YZ plane. As a result, the engaging portion 64 is configured to bend elastically in the X direction at its rear end in the Y direction. That is, the engaging portion 64 is formed as an "elastic engaging piece" having an engaging protrusion (engaging protrusion 64p described later) at the tip of the elastic arm. The pair of engaging portions 64, 64 on the left and right are respectively arranged near both outer sides in the X direction of the top plate 61 in accordance with the width (length) between the side wall portions 42, 42 of the fixed housing 4.

The engaging portions 64, 64 are provided with engaging protrusions 64p, 64p that protrude toward each other on the inner plate surface in the X direction. The engaging protrusions 64p, 64p are configured to enter the engaging grooves 47, 47 or the inclined surfaces 48, 48 of the fixed housing 4, respectively, when the additional member 6 is attached to the fixed housing 4. Since the additional member 6 has such engaging portions 64, 64, the additional member 6 can be engaged with the fixed housing 4. The engaging protrusions 64p, 64p are configured to catch on the inclined surfaces 48, 48 when the additional member 6 is pulled forward in the Y direction relative to the fixed housing 4, making it difficult for the additional member 6 to come off the fixed housing 4.

However, when removing the additional member 6 after the movable connector 1 is mounted on the board, it can be removed by pulling the additional member 6 strongly forward in the Y direction relative to the fixed housing 4. In this case, the areas on both sides of the protective parts 65, 65 of the top plate 61 in the X direction serve as gripping parts, so that the additional member 6 can be easily removed from the movable connector 1 with fingers or the like.

When the elastic modulus of the engagement parts 64, 64 is large, removal holes 66, 66 penetrating the top plate 61 in the Y direction may be formed. The removal holes 66, 66 are arranged on the inside of the engagement parts 64, 64 in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 3. When the elastic modulus of the engagement parts 64, 64 is small, when the additional member 6 is pulled forward in the Y direction relative to the fixed housing 4, the rear ends of the engagement parts 64, 64 deform in the X direction and are easily removed. However, when the elastic modulus of the engagement parts 64, 64 is large, the rear ends of the engagement parts 64, 64 are difficult to deform, making it difficult to remove the additional member 6 from the fixed housing 4. Even in such a case, the additional member 6 can be easily removed from the fixed housing 4 by inserting a removal tool such as a flathead screwdriver into the removal holes 66, 66 and prying them open.

A pair of protective parts 65, 65 are provided on the left and right sides of the engaging parts 64, 64 outside in the X direction and above and below in the Z direction. The protective parts 65, 65 have the function of preventing the engaging parts 64, 64 from being damaged by an operator's finger or the like accidentally hitting them, and preventing the additional member 6 attached to the fixed housing 4 from coming off. The protective parts 65, 65 are each formed in a rectangular tube shape around the engaging parts 64, 64, and extend rearward from the top plate 61 along the Y direction to the rear end position of the engaging parts 64, 64.

The protective parts 65, 65 are each missing approximately half of their inner side in the X direction and approximately half of their rear side in the Y direction, and are formed in an L-shape in a plan view. The L-shape of the protective parts 65, 65 corresponds to the corners of the front ends of the side walls 42, 42 of the fixed housing 4. In this way, the protective parts 65, 65 have the function of positioning the additional member 6 when it is attached to the fixed housing 4. When the additional member 6 is attached to the fixed housing 4, the engaging part 64 is prevented from being fitted at an angle that would apply a large force, particularly in the X direction. Therefore, the protective parts 65, 65 have the function of preventing the engaging part 64 from being damaged when the additional member 6 is attached to the fixed housing 4.

The long side regulating piece 62 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape with its long side in the X direction and its short side in the Y direction. The upper and lower long side regulating pieces 62, 62 protrude rearward in the Y direction from near the center of the surface of the top plate 61 in the X direction and from each of the upper and lower ends in the Z direction. The short side regulating piece 63 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape with its long side in the Z direction and its short side in the Y direction. The left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 protrude rearward in the Y direction from the surface of the top plate 61 at the left and right ends of the upper and lower long side regulating pieces 62, 62.

The left and right short-side regulating pieces 63, 63 are adjacent to the left and right protective parts 65, 65 on both outer sides in the X direction. The protruding (rear) ends of the left and right short-side regulating pieces 63, 63 are flush with the rear end faces of the lateral sides of the left and right protective parts 65, 65 that are missing in an L-shape in side view. The protruding ends of the left and right short-side regulating pieces 63, 63 and the rear ends of the L-shaped missing parts of the left and right protective parts 65, 65 form a series of π-shaped protruding rear faces 63b, 63b in rear view (see FIG. 1). The protruding rear faces 63b, 63b are configured to come into contact with the front faces 42f, 42f of the side walls 42, 42 of the fixed housing 4 when the additional member 6 is attached to the fixed housing 4. The additional member 6 is attached to the fixed housing 4 without rattling by being sandwiched between the above-mentioned engagement protrusions 64p, 64p and the protruding rear surfaces 63b, 63b.

The upper and lower long side regulating pieces 62, 62 each have a long side regulating inner surface 62i, 62i that faces each other. Furthermore, the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 each have a short side regulating inner surface 63i, 63i that faces each other. The top plate 61 has a regulating inner bottom surface 61i that extends in a direction intersecting the long side regulating inner surfaces 62i, 62i and the short side regulating inner surfaces 63i, 63i.

The upper and lower long side regulating pieces 62, 62 and the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 are formed in a frame shape when viewed from the back. The movable connector 1 is configured so that the displacement of the movable housing 5 relative to the fixed housing 4 is regulated by five surfaces formed inside this frame shape: the long side regulating inner surfaces 62i, 62i, the short side regulating inner surfaces 63i, 63i, and the regulating inner bottom surface 61i. In other words, the regulating section 60 is composed of the upper and lower long side regulating pieces 62, 62, the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63, and the top plate 61. The movable connector 1 is configured so that the front part of the movable housing 5 is accommodated in the regulating section 60 when the additional member 6 is attached. At this time, the upper surface 5t, lower surface 5u, side surfaces 5s, 5s, and front surface 5f of the movable housing 5 face the long side inner regulating surfaces 62i, 62i, the short side inner regulating surfaces 63i, 63i, and the inner regulating bottom surface 61i of the additional member 6, respectively.

When the movable housing 5 is displaced upward in the Z direction, the upper surface 5t comes into contact with the upper longitudinal side inner regulating surface 62i of the additional member 6 before coming into contact with the lower surface 40u of the top wall portion 40 of the fixed housing 4. On the other hand, when the movable housing 5 is displaced downward in the Z direction, the lower surface 5u comes into contact with the lower longitudinal side inner regulating surface 62i of the additional member 6 before the lower end of the displacement regulating protrusion 52 comes into contact with the substrate. Furthermore, when the movable housing 5 is displaced forward in the Y direction, the front surface 5f comes into contact with the regulating inner bottom surface 61i of the additional member 6 before the front surface 52f of the displacement regulating protrusion 52 comes into contact with the front surface 44f of the displacement regulating receiving portion 44.

Similarly, when the movable housing 5 is displaced leftward in the X direction, the side surface 5s comes into contact with the short-side inner regulating surface 63i on the left side of the additional member 6 before the left surface 52l of the displacement-regulating protrusion 52 comes into contact with the left surface 44l of the displacement-regulating receiving portion 44. On the other hand, when the movable housing 5 is displaced rightward in the X direction, the side surface 5s comes into contact with the short-side inner regulating surface 63i on the right side of the additional member 6 before the right surface 52r of the displacement-regulating protrusion 52 comes into contact with the right surface 44r of the displacement-regulating receiving portion 44.

Of the restricting portion 60, the upper and lower longitudinal restricting pieces 62, 62 are arranged in the gap (movable gap) between the fixed housing 4 and the movable housing 5. In this way, the restricting portion 60 is arranged in the gap formed as the movable area of the movable housing 5, so the restricting portion 60 reduces the gap, thereby reliably narrowing the range of movement of the movable housing 5 relative to the fixed housing 4. Furthermore, because the restricting portion 60 is arranged in the gap, the space occupied by the restricting portion 60 can be contained within the gap, and the movable connector 1 with the additional member 6 attached can be made smaller.

The long side regulating pieces 62, 62 are configured with extensions 62e, 62e so that they protrude, for example, twice as far as the short side regulating pieces 63, 63. In other words, the long side regulating inner surfaces 62i, 62i have an area twice as large as the short side regulating inner surfaces 63i, 63i by the amount of the extensions 62e, 62e. The long side regulating inner surfaces 62i, 62i are configured to receive the impact that the additional member 6 receives when the movable housing 5 is displaced over a wide area, thereby preventing damage to the movable connector 1, especially the movable housing 5.

In a right-angle type movable connector 1 such as that of this embodiment, the weight of the movable housing 5 and the terminals 3 may cause the movable part 32 to undergo plastic deformation during transportation. However, since the longitudinal side restricting pieces 62, 62 are configured to have extensions 62e, 62e that extend further rearward in the Y direction, it is possible to effectively prevent the movable part 32 from undergoing plastic deformation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d6 upward in the Z direction between the upper surface 5t and the upper longitudinal side regulating inner surface 62i of the additional member 6. On the other hand, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d7 downward in the Z direction between the lower surface 5u and the lower longitudinal side regulating inner surface 62i of the additional member 6. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the distance d6 is smaller than the distance d1, and the distance d7 is smaller than the distance d2. However, the movable connector 1 is configured so that at least the sum of the distances d6 and d7 is smaller than the sum of the distances d1 and d2. In other words, the additional member 6 regulates the vertical movement of the movable housing 5 relative to the fixed housing 4 in the Z direction to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d8 forward in the Y direction between the front surface 5f and the restricted inner bottom surface 61i of the additional member 6. The movable connector 1 is configured so that distance d8 is smaller than distance d3. In other words, the additional member 6 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 5 forward in the Y direction with respect to the fixed housing 4 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d9 toward the left in the X direction between the side surface 5s and the short-side restricting inner surface 63i on the left side of the additional member 6. On the other hand, the movable housing 5 has a movable range of distance d10 toward the right in the X direction between the side surface 5s and the short-side restricting inner surface 63i on the right side of the additional member 6. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the distance d9 is smaller than the distance d4, and the distance d10 is smaller than the distance d5. However, the movable connector 1 is configured so that at least the sum of the distances d9 and d10 is smaller than the sum of the distances d4 and d5. In other words, the additional member 6 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 5 in the left-right direction in the X direction with respect to the fixed housing 4 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

The additional member 6 here is formed separately from the fixed housing 4 and the movable housing 5 of the movable connector 1. In other words, the additional member 6 is configured to be removable from the movable connector 1. This allows the additional member 6 to be attached to the housing 2, here the fixed housing 4, during the manufacture of the movable connector 1, and the additional member 6 can be removed from the movable connector 1 after transportation. Furthermore, when the movable connector 1 is mounted on a board or the like, the additional member 6 can be removed from the movable connector 1. This allows the space occupied by the movable connector 1 on the board to be kept small, preventing it from interfering with other electronic components mounted on the board.

On the other hand, the additional member 6 may be attached to the fixed housing 4 or the movable housing 5 of the movable connector 1 by a hinge or the like and may not be removable. This eliminates the need to dispose of the additional member 6 once it has been removed.

When the additional member 6 is removed from the movable connector 1, it is preferable that it is first disconnected from the movable housing 5 and then removed from the fixed housing 4. This prevents the movable housing 5 from getting caught and applying force as the additional member 6 is removed from the movable connector 1, which can cause the movable part 32 of the terminal 3 to deform in an undesired direction or excessively.

In this embodiment, in a configuration in which the additional member 6 is fixed to the fixed housing 4, an example has been shown in which the engaging portions 64, 64 serving as the "first engaging portion" are not disposed in the gap between the fixed housing 4 and the movable housing 5. However, the engaging portions 64, 64 can also be disposed in the gap (movable gap) between the fixed housing 4 and the movable housing 5. This can be achieved, for example, by forming a configuration equivalent to the engaging grooves 47, 47 and the inclined surfaces 48, 48 of the fixed housing 4 on the inner surface side of the fixed housing 4.

In other words, the regulating portion 60 is configured by a "first engaging portion" that engages with the fixed housing 4. With this configuration, the "first engaging portion" of the additional member 6 can regulate the movement of the movable housing 5 relative to the fixed housing 4. Therefore, the space occupied by the "first engaging portion" can be effectively utilized as the regulating portion 60. Furthermore, with this configuration, since the regulating portion 60 engages with the fixed housing 4, the additional member 6 can be attached and detached without getting caught on the movable housing 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the movable housing 5 from being displaced in an undesired direction or from being displaced excessively relative to the fixed housing 4.

Second embodiment (FIGS. 4 to 6)

Below, we will explain the movable connector 101 as a second embodiment of the "movable connector" of the present invention, with reference to the drawings, mainly focusing on the parts of the configuration that differ from the movable connector 1 described above. In other words, unless otherwise specified, the movable connector 101 can achieve the same effects as the movable connector 1 described above.

Movable connector 101

The movable connector 101 of this embodiment includes a housing 102 and a terminal 3 held by the housing 102. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the movable connector 101 includes a fixed housing 104 as a "first housing" and a movable housing 105 as a "second housing" as the housing 102. The terminal 3 is the same in the movable connector 1 and the movable connector 101.

Fixed housing 104

As shown in FIG. 6, the fixed housing 104 has a pair of side walls 142, 142 located on the left and right in the X direction. The side walls 142, 142 differ from the side walls 42, 42 of the first embodiment in that the outer surfaces of the side walls 142, 142 do not have engagement grooves 47, 47 and inclined surfaces 48, 48 formed thereon. The fixed housing 104 is otherwise configured in the same way as the fixed housing 4.

Movable housing 105

As shown in FIG. 5, the movable housing 105 has an upper surface 105t and a lower surface 105u. A pair of engagement grooves 157, 157 recessed inward in the Z direction are formed in the center of the upper surface 105t and the lower surface 105u in the X direction, extending from the rear end of the upper surface 105t and the lower surface 105u along the Y direction. A pair of inclined surfaces 158, 158 inclined from the upper surface 105t and the lower surface 105u toward the engagement grooves 157, 157 are formed on the front side of the upper surface 105t and the lower surface 105u. Thus, the upper surface 105t and the lower surface 105u are different from the upper surface 5t and the lower surface 5u of the first embodiment in that the engagement grooves 157, 157 and the inclined surfaces 158, 158 are formed on the upper surface 105t and the lower surface 105u, respectively. The movable housing 105 is otherwise configured in the same manner as the movable housing 5.

The movable housing 105 is configured to be movable relative to the fixed housing 104 within a predetermined movable range. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the movable housing 105 has a movable range of distance d11 to the left in the X direction between the side surface 105s of the movable housing 105 and the inner surface 142i of the side wall portion 142 of the fixed housing 104. On the other hand, the movable housing 105 has a movable range of distance d12 to the right in the X direction between the side surface 105s and the inner surface 142i of the side wall portion 142.

Additional member 106

The movable connector 101 further includes an additional member 106. The additional member 106 is also configured as a "cap body" that is detachable from the housing 102. The additional member 106 has a restricting portion 160. Like the restricting portion 60, the restricting portion 160 also has a function of restricting the relative movement of the movable housing 105 with respect to the fixed housing 104 so that it is narrower than the movable range.

As shown in FIG. 4, the additional member 106 has a top plate 61, upper and lower long side regulating pieces 162, 162 in the Z direction, left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 in the X direction, and upper and lower engaging parts 164, 164 as "second engaging parts." The additional member 106 does not have a structure equivalent to the left and right protective parts 65, 65.

The top plate 61 is formed so that its width (length) in the X direction is shorter (narrower) than the width of the fixed housing 104. The top plate 61 of the movable connector 101 only needs to be wider than the movable housing 105, and does not depend on the width of the fixed housing 104. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the amount of material used for the top plate 61 can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

As shown in FIG. 5, the engaging portion 164 in the second embodiment is configured such that the additional member 106 is fixed to the movable housing 105. The engaging portion 164 extends backward from the top plate 61 in the Y direction in a cantilever shape. The engaging portion 164 is formed in a flat plate shape having a plate surface along the XY plane. This allows the engaging portion 164 to bend elastically in the Z direction at its rear end in the Y direction. That is, the engaging portion 164 is formed as an "elastic engaging piece" having an engaging protrusion (engaging protrusion 164p described later) at the tip of the elastic arm. The pair of upper and lower engaging portions 164, 164 are located near the upper and lower sides of the top plate 61 in the Z direction, respectively, near the center in the X direction, corresponding to the height between the upper surface 105t and the lower surface 105u of the movable housing 105.

The engaging portions 164, 164 are provided with engaging protrusions 164p, 164p that protrude toward each other on the inner plate surface in the Z direction. The engaging protrusions 164p, 164p are configured to enter the engaging grooves 157, 157 or the inclined surfaces 158, 158 of the movable housing 105, respectively, when the additional member 106 is attached to the movable housing 105. Since the additional member 106 has such engaging portions 164, 164, the additional member 106 can be engaged with the movable housing 105. The engaging protrusions 164p, 164p are configured to be caught by the inclined surfaces 158, 158 when the additional member 106 is pulled forward in the Y direction relative to the movable housing 105, making it difficult for the additional member 106 to come off the movable housing 105.

However, when the additional member 106 is to be removed after the movable connector 101 has been mounted on the board, the additional member 106 can be removed by being pulled strongly forward in the Y direction relative to the movable housing 105.

The additional member 106 may also have removal holes 166, 166 that penetrate the top plate 61 in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the removal holes 166, 166 are located on the inner side of the engagement portions 164, 164 in the Z direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the long side regulating piece 162 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape with a long side in the X direction and a short side in the Y direction, similar to the long side regulating piece 62. The upper and lower long side regulating pieces 162, 162 protrude rearward in the Y direction from near the center of the plate surface of the top plate 61 in the X direction and from the upper and lower ends in the Z direction. The upper and lower long side regulating pieces 162, 162 and the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 are formed in a frame shape when viewed from the rear. Similarly to the long side regulating piece 62, the long side regulating piece 162 has an extension 62e that protrudes rearward in the Y direction beyond the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63.

The upper and lower long side regulating pieces 162, 162 have groove-shaped engagement relief portions 162c, 162c that are cut out toward the lower and upper sides in the Z direction on the opposing surfaces near the center in the X direction. The above-mentioned engagement portions 164, 164 are arranged corresponding to the engagement relief portions 162c, 162c. As a result, the engagement portions 164, 164 are located inside the frame formed by the upper and lower long side regulating pieces 162, 162 and the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63.

The engagement relief portion 162c has the same function as the protective portion 65 in the first embodiment.

In this way, when the additional member 106 is attached, the movable connector 101 is configured so that the front part of the movable housing 105 is accommodated on the inner periphery of the frame-shaped configuration of the upper and lower long side regulating pieces 162, 162 and the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63. At this time, the engaging protrusions 164p, 164p of the additional member 106 are in an engaged state, sandwiching the engaging grooves 157, 157 and the inclined surfaces 158, 158 of the movable housing 105, respectively. Therefore, the additional member 106 is configured to be integrated with the movable housing 105 by attaching it to the movable connector 101. At that time, the upper and lower long side regulating pieces 162, 162 and the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 are arranged in the gap (movable gap) between the fixed housing 104 and the movable housing 105.

Furthermore, in the movable connector 101, as shown in FIG. 5, the engagement parts 164, 164 are also arranged in the gap (movable gap) between the fixed housing 104 and the movable housing 105. In this way, since the engagement parts 164, 164 are arranged in the gap formed as the movable area of the movable housing 105, the engagement parts 164, 164 themselves directly reduce the gap. This makes it possible to reliably narrow the relative movement range of the movable housing 105 with respect to the fixed housing 104. Furthermore, since the engagement parts 164, 164 are arranged in the gap, the space occupied by the engagement parts 164, 164 can be contained within the gap, and the movable connector 101 with the additional member 106 attached can be made smaller.

On the outer periphery of the frame-shaped configuration formed by the long side regulating pieces 162, 162 and the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63, the long side regulating outer surface 162o, 162o and the short side regulating outer surface 63o, 63o are respectively formed. The movable connector 101 is configured so that the displacement of the movable housing 105 relative to the fixed housing 104 is regulated by the four surfaces of the long side regulating outer surface 162o, 162o and the short side regulating outer surface 63o, 63o. The upper long side regulating outer surface 162o and the left and right short side regulating outer surfaces 63o, 63o of the integrated additional member 106 face the lower surface 40u of the top wall portion 40 in the fixed housing 104 and the inner surfaces 142i, 142i of the left and right side wall portions 142, respectively. Furthermore, the lower long side regulating outer surface 162o of the additional member 106 faces the board.

When the integrated movable housing 105 is displaced upward in the Z direction, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper long side regulating outer surface 162o of the additional member 106 comes into contact with the lower surface 40u of the fixed housing 104 with a shorter displacement than the upper surface 105t. Similarly, when the movable housing 105 is displaced leftward in the X direction, as shown in FIG. 6, the left short side regulating outer surface 63o comes into contact with the left inner surface 142i of the fixed housing 104 before the left side surface 105s comes into contact. On the other hand, when the movable housing 105 is displaced rightward in the X direction, the right short side regulating outer surface 63o comes into contact with the right inner surface 142i before the right side surface 105s comes into contact.

As shown in FIG. 5, the movable housing 105 has a movable range of distance d13 upward in the Z direction between the upper longitudinal side restriction outer surface 162o of the additional member 106 and the lower surface 40u of the fixed housing 104. This distance d13 is smaller than the distance d1, which is the upward movable range in the Z direction of the movable connector 101 when the additional member 106 is not attached. On the other hand, the movable housing 105 has a movable range of distance d2 downward in the Z direction between the lower end of the displacement restriction protrusion 52 and the lower end of the fixed side leg 46 of the fixed housing 104. This is constant regardless of the presence or absence of the additional member 106. Therefore, the additional member 106 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 105 in the vertical direction in the Z direction with respect to the fixed housing 104 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

If the movable housing 105 does not have the displacement restriction protrusion 52 as shown in FIG. 5, it has a movable range of distance d14 downward in the Z direction between the lower longitudinal side restriction outer surface 162o of the additional member 106 and the substrate. In contrast, the lower longitudinal side restriction piece 162 of the additional member 106 may be configured to extend downward beyond the bottom wall portion 41 of the fixed housing 104. By configuring the movable connector 101 in this way, it is possible to further narrow the downward movable range in the Z direction of the movable housing 105 relative to the fixed housing 104.

Similarly, as shown in Figure 6, the movable housing 105 has a movable range of distance d15 to the left in the X direction between the short-side restricting outer surface 63o on the left side of the additional member 106 and the inner surface 142i of the left side wall portion 142 of the fixed housing 104. On the other hand, the movable housing 105 has a movable range of distance d16 to the right in the X direction between the short-side restricting outer surface 63o on the right side of the additional member 106 and the inner surface 142i of the right side wall portion 142 of the fixed housing 104. Figure 6 shows an example in which distance d15 is smaller than distance d11 and distance d16 is smaller than distance d12.

However, the movable connector 101 is configured so that at least the sum of the distances d15 and d16 is smaller than the sum of the distances d11 and d12. In other words, the additional member 106 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 105 in the left-right direction in the X direction with respect to the fixed housing 104 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

When the movable housing 105 is displaced rearward in the Y direction relative to the fixed housing 104, the additional member 106 does not have to come into contact with the fixed housing 104. However, the surface of the additional member 106 that comes into contact with the fixed housing 104 (corresponding to the protruding rear surface 63b in the first embodiment (see Figures 1 and 3)) can be configured to be extended further rearward in the Y direction (the length corresponding to the distance d20 in Figure 11 is shortened). In this way, when the movable housing 105 is displaced rearward in the Y direction, the additional member 106 comes into contact with the fixed housing 104 before the displacement restriction protrusion 52 comes into contact with the displacement restriction receiving portion 44. In other words, the additional member 106 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 105 in the Y direction relative to the fixed housing 104 so that it is narrower than a predetermined movable range.

Third embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 9)

Below, we will explain the movable connector 201 as a third embodiment of the "movable connector" of the present invention, with reference to the drawings, mainly explaining the parts of the configuration that differ from the movable connector 1 described above. In other words, unless otherwise specified, the movable connector 201 can achieve the same effects as the movable connector 1 described above.

Movable connector 201

The movable connector 201 of this embodiment includes a housing 202 and a terminal 203 held by the housing 202. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the movable connector 201 includes, as the housing 202, a fixed housing 204 as a "first housing" and a movable housing 205 as a "second housing."

Fixed housing 204

The fixed housing 204 has a front wall 240 and a rear wall 241 (see FIG. 8) located at the front and rear in the Y direction, and a pair of side walls 242, 242 (see FIG. 9) located at the left and right in the X direction. Because the movable connector 201 is a straight type, the fixed housing 204 is oriented in a different direction from the fixed housing 4, but the structures of the two are similar, and the front wall 240 and rear wall 241 correspond to the top wall 40 and bottom wall 41 of the fixed housing 4.

The rear wall 241 differs from the bottom wall 41 in that there is no missing portion above or below in the Z direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, a pair of displacement restriction receiving portions 244, 244 are formed on the inner surface of the side wall portions 242, 242, each of which is missing a rectangular column-like shape downward in the Z direction, except for the front end of the side wall portions 242, 242. The displacement restriction receiving portion 244 extends in a different direction from the displacement restriction receiving portion 44 of the fixed housing 4. The pair of fixed side legs 246, 246 differ from the fixed side legs 46, 46 in that they each protrude downward in the Z direction along the Z direction in which the front wall portion 240 extends. Apart from the above, the fixed housing 204 is configured in the same way as the fixed housing 4.

Movable housing 205

The movable housing 205, like the fixed housing 204, has a different orientation from the movable housing 5, but the two have similar structures. The movable housing 205 differs from the movable housing 5 in that it has displacement restriction protrusions 252, 252 instead of the displacement restriction protrusions 52, 52. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the pair of displacement restriction protrusions 252, 252 protrude downward in the Z direction from the rear end of the movable housing 205 and from both outer sides in the X direction. The displacement restriction protrusions 252 have the function of restricting excessive displacement of the movable housing 205 by contacting the displacement restriction receiving portions 244, 244 in the X and Y directions and by contacting the substrate downward in the Z direction.

8, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d17 between the front surface 252f of the displacement restriction protrusion 252 and the front surface 244f of the displacement restriction receiving portion 244 toward the front in the Y direction. On the other hand, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d18 toward the rear in the Y direction between the rear surface 252b of the displacement restriction protrusion 252 and the rear surface 244b of the displacement restriction receiving portion 244. Furthermore, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d2 toward the downward direction in the Z direction between the lower end of the displacement restriction protrusion 252 and the lower end of the fixed side leg 246 of the fixed housing 204. On the other hand, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d3 toward the upward direction in the Z direction between the upper surface 252t of the displacement restriction protrusion 252 and the upper surface 244t of the displacement restriction receiving portion 244 as shown in FIG.

9, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d4 to the left in the X direction between the left surface 252l of the displacement restriction protrusion 252 and the left surface 244l of the displacement restriction receiving portion 244. On the other hand, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d5 to the right in the X direction between the right surface 252r of the displacement restriction protrusion 252 and the right surface 244r of the displacement restriction receiving portion 244.

Terminal 203

Terminal 203 is configured similarly to terminal 3, except that the orientation of board connection portion 230 is different from that of board connection portion 30.

Additional member 206

The movable connector 201 further includes an additional member 206. The additional member 206 is also configured as a "cap body" that is detachable from the housing 202. The additional member 206 has a restricting portion 260. Like the restricting portion 60, the restricting portion 260 also has a function of restricting the relative movement of the movable housing 205 with respect to the fixed housing 204 so that it is narrower than the movable range.

As shown in FIG. 7, the additional member 206 has a top plate 61, front and rear long side regulating pieces 262, 262 in the Y direction, left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 in the X direction, left and right engaging portions 64, 64 as "first engaging portions", and left and right protective portions 265, 265.

The long side regulating pieces 262, 262 do not have the extensions 62e, 62e, and differ from the long side regulating pieces 62, 62 in that the protruding ends protrude downward in the Z direction so as to be flush with the short side regulating pieces 63, 63. In this way, in a straight type movable connector 201 in which plastic deformation of the movable part 32 due to the weight of the movable housing 205 or the terminals 203 is unlikely to occur, the long side regulating pieces 262, 262 can be configured not to have the extensions 62e, 62e.

As shown in FIG. 8, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d6 between the front surface 205f and the front longitudinal side restriction inner surface 262i of the additional member 206 toward the front in the Y direction. On the other hand, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d7 between the rear surface 205b and the rear longitudinal side restriction inner surface 262i of the additional member 206 toward the rear in the Y direction. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the distance d6 is smaller than the distance d17 and the distance d7 is smaller than the distance d18. However, the movable connector 201 is configured so that at least the sum of the distances d6 and d7 is smaller than the sum of the distances d17 and d18. That is, the additional member 206 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 205 in the front-rear direction in the Y direction with respect to the fixed housing 204 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d8 upward in the Z direction between the top surface 205t and the restricted inner bottom surface 61i of the additional member 206. The movable connector 201 is configured so that distance d8 is smaller than distance d3, as shown in Figure 9. In other words, the additional member 206 restricts the upward relative movement of the movable housing 205 in the Z direction with respect to the fixed housing 204 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

On the other hand, the movable range between the lower end of the displacement restriction protrusion 252 and the lower end of the fixed-side leg 246 of the fixed housing 204, i.e., the downward distance d2 in the Z direction, is constant regardless of the presence or absence of the additional member 206. Therefore, the additional member 206 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 205 in the up and down direction in the Z direction with respect to the fixed housing 204 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d9 toward the left in the X direction between the side surface 205s and the short-side restricting inner surface 63i on the left side of the additional member 206. On the other hand, the movable housing 205 has a movable range of distance d10 toward the right in the X direction between the side surface 205s and the short-side restricting inner surface 63i on the right side of the additional member 206. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the distance d9 is smaller than the distance d4, and the distance d10 is smaller than the distance d5. However, the movable connector 201 is configured so that at least the sum of the distance d9 and the distance d10 is smaller than the sum of the distance d4 and the distance d5. In other words, the additional member 206 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 205 in the left-right direction in the X direction with respect to the fixed housing 204 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

In the additional member 206, the front and rear long side regulating pieces 262, 262 and the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 that constitute the regulating section 260 are not disposed in the gap between the fixed housing 204 and the movable housing 205. However, in the movable connector 201 as well, the additional member 206 regulates the relative movement of the movable housing 205 with respect to the fixed housing 204 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range. Therefore, the movable connector 201 can also be configured so that the regulating section 260 is not disposed in the gap (movable gap) between the fixed housing 204 and the movable housing 205.

If the restricting portion 260 is configured not to enter the gap between the fixed housing 204 and the movable housing 205, it is difficult to position the additional member 206, particularly in the front and rear in the Y direction, when attaching it to the movable connector 201. For this reason, the left and right protective portions 265, 265 may be formed with protruding rear surfaces 265b, 265b that protrude downward in the Z direction further than the short side restricting pieces 63, 63, as shown in FIG. 7. Correspondingly, the fixed housing 204 may be formed with a recess for positioning.

Fourth embodiment (FIGS. 10 to 12)

Below, we will explain the movable connector 301 as a fourth embodiment of the "movable connector" of the present invention, with reference to the drawings, mainly explaining the parts of the configuration that differ from the movable connector 1 described above. In other words, unless otherwise specified, the movable connector 301 can achieve the same effects as the movable connector 1 described above.

Movable connector 301

The movable connector 301 of this embodiment includes a housing 302 and a terminal 203 held by the housing 302. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the movable connector 301 includes, as the housing 302, a fixed housing 304 as a "first housing" and a movable housing 305 as a "second housing."

Fixed housing 304

As shown in FIG. 12, the fixed housing 304 has a pair of side walls 342, 342 located on the left and right in the X direction. The side walls 342, 342 differ from the side walls 242, 242 of the third embodiment in that the outer surfaces of the side walls 342, 342 do not have the engagement grooves 47, 47 and the inclined surfaces 48, 48 formed thereon. The fixed housing 304 is otherwise configured in the same way as the fixed housing 204.

Movable housing 305

A pair of engagement grooves 357, 357 recessed inward in the Y direction are formed in the center of the X direction on the front surface 305f and the rear surface 305b of the movable housing 305, extending from the lower ends of the front surface 305f and the rear surface 305b along the Z direction. A pair of inclined surfaces 358, 358 are formed on the upper sides of the front surface 305f and the rear surface 305b, inclining from the front surface 305f and the rear surface 305b toward the engagement grooves 357, 357. The movable housing 305 is otherwise configured in the same way as the movable housing 205.

As shown in FIG. 11, the movable housing 305 has a movable range of distance d19 rearward in the Y direction between the inner surface 241i and the rear surface 305b.

Additional member 306

The movable connector 301 further includes an additional member 306. The additional member 306 is also configured as a "cap body" that is detachable from the housing 302. The additional member 306 has a restricting portion 360. Like the restricting portion 60, the restricting portion 360 has a function of restricting the relative movement of the movable housing 305 with respect to the fixed housing 304 so that it is narrower than the movable range.

As shown in FIG. 10, the additional member 306 has a top plate 61, front and rear long side regulating pieces 362, 362 in the Y direction, left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 in the X direction, and front and rear engaging parts 164, 164 as "second engaging parts". The additional member 306 does not have a configuration corresponding to the extension parts 62e, 62e and the engaging escape parts 162c, 162c. From the opposite perspective, the left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 have a configuration corresponding to the extension parts 62e, 62e, respectively. End faces 63d, 63d, 63d, 63d are formed at the front and rear ends in the Y direction of the configuration corresponding to the extension parts 62e, 62e. And the long side regulating pieces 362, 362 have a protruding lower surface 362u at the lower end in the Z direction that is flush with the short side regulating pieces 63, 63. Other than this, additional member 306 is configured similarly to additional member 106.

11, the movable housing 305 has a movable range of distance d13 toward the front in the Y direction between the front end faces 63d, 63d in the Y direction of the additional member 306 and the inner surface 240i of the front wall portion 240 of the fixed housing 304. On the other hand, the movable range of distance d14 toward the rear in the Y direction between the rear end faces 63d, 63d in the Y direction and the inner surface 241i of the rear wall portion 241 of the fixed housing 304.

Figure 11 shows an example in which distance d13 is smaller than distance d17, and distance d14 is smaller than distance d19. However, the movable connector 301 is configured such that at least the sum of distance d13 and distance d14 is smaller than the sum of distance d17 and distance d19. In other words, the additional member 306 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 305 in the forward and backward directions in the Y direction with respect to the fixed housing 304 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the movable housing 305 has a movable range of distance d20 downward in the Z direction between the protruding lower surface 362u of the additional member 306 and the top surfaces 240t, 241t of the front wall portion 240 and the rear wall portion 241 of the fixed housing 304. The movable connector 301 is configured so that the distance d20 is smaller than the distance d2. In other words, the additional member 306 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 305 downward in the Z direction with respect to the fixed housing 304 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12, the movable housing 305 has a movable range of distance d15 to the left in the X direction between the left short-side restricting outer surface 63o and the inner surface 342i of the left side wall portion 342 of the fixed housing 304. On the other hand, the movable housing 305 has a movable range of distance d16 to the right in the X direction between the right short-side restricting outer surface 63o and the inner surface 342i of the right side wall portion 342.

Figure 12 shows an example in which distance d15 is smaller than distance d11, and distance d16 is smaller than distance d12. However, the movable connector 301 is configured such that at least the sum of distance d15 and distance d16 is smaller than the sum of distance d11 and distance d12. In other words, the additional member 306 restricts the relative movement of the movable housing 305 in the left-right direction in the X direction with respect to the fixed housing 304 to be narrower than a predetermined movable range.

Fifth embodiment (FIGS. 13 to 15)

The following describes the movable connector 401 as a fifth embodiment of the "movable connector" of the present invention, with reference to the drawings, mainly explaining the differences in configuration from the above-mentioned movable connector 1, etc. In other words, unless otherwise specified, the movable connector 401 can achieve the same effects as the above-mentioned movable connector 1, etc.

Movable connector 401

The movable connector 401 of this embodiment includes a housing 402 and a terminal 203 held by the housing 402. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the movable connector 401 includes, as the housing 402, a fixed housing 404 as a "first housing" and a movable housing 305 as a "second housing".

Fixed housing 404

As shown in FIG. 15, the fixed housing 404 has a pair of side wall portions 442, 442 located on the left and right sides in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the inner surface of the side wall portions 442, 442 is formed with a pair of displacement restriction receiving portions 444, 444 that are each cut out in a rectangular column shape facing downward in the Z direction, except for the front ends of the side wall portions 442, 442. The fixed housing 404 is otherwise configured in the same way as the fixed housing 204.

Additional member 406

The movable connector 401 further includes an additional member 406. The additional member 406 is also configured as a "cap body" that is detachable from the housing 402. The additional member 406 has a restricting portion 460. Like the restricting portion 60, the restricting portion 460 has a function of restricting the relative movement of the movable housing 305 with respect to the fixed housing 404 so that it is narrower than the movable range. In particular, the restricting portion 460 has a function of restricting the movable housing 305 to be unable to move relative to the fixed housing 404.

As shown in FIG. 13, the additional member 406 has a top plate 61, front and rear long side regulating pieces 262, 262 in the Y direction, left and right short side regulating pieces 63, 63 in the X direction, left and right engaging parts 64, 64 as "first engaging parts", and left and right protective parts 265, 265. Furthermore, the additional member 406 has upper and lower engaging parts 164, 164 as "second engaging parts", and engaging escape parts 162c, 162c. The additional member 406 is otherwise configured in the same way as the additional member 206.

The restricting portion 460 in the movable connector 401 is both the left and right engaging portions 64, 64 as the "first engaging portion" that engages with the fixed housing 404, and the upper and lower engaging portions 164, 164 as the "second engaging portion" that engages with the movable housing 305. And, since the restricting portion 460 of the additional member 406 engages with both the fixed housing 404 and the movable housing 305, the movable housing 305 does not move relative to the fixed housing 404. In other words, the additional member 406 restricts the movable housing 305 so that it cannot move relative to the fixed housing 404. Therefore, according to the movable connector 401, even if it is subjected to external forces such as vibrations and impacts during transportation before use, it is possible to completely prevent the movable housing 305 from vibrating relative to the fixed housing 404, and to reliably prevent the terminal 203 from elastically deforming. Therefore, according to the movable connector 401, it is possible to prevent deterioration and damage of the terminal 203 to the utmost before use. In addition, the space occupied by the left and right engagement parts 64, 64 and the upper and lower engagement parts 164, 164 can be effectively utilized as the restriction part 460.

In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the engaging portions 64, 64 as the "first engaging portion" engage with the outer surface of the fixed housing 404. However, the engaging portions 64, 64 can also be disposed in the gap (movable gap) between the fixed housing 404 and the movable housing 305. This can be achieved, for example, by forming a configuration equivalent to the engaging grooves 47, 47 and the inclined surfaces 48, 48 of the fixed housing 404 on the inner surface side of the fixed housing 404.

Modifications of the embodiment

The movable connector 1 described above can be modified, so we will explain one example.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the engaging portions 64, 64 are formed on the additional member 6. However, a configuration equivalent to the engaging portions 64, 64 can also be formed on the fixed housing 4, etc. or the movable housing 5, etc.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the additional member 6 is fixed to the movable connector 1 by the engaging protrusions 64p, 64p of the engaging portions 64, 64 entering (catching) into the engaging grooves 47, 47 or the inclined surfaces 48, 48. However, the method of fixing the additional member 6 to the movable connector 1 may be another method using a material with a large elastic limit, elastic force of a spring, a material or structure that is not easily slippery, or the like. For example, the additional member 6 can be fixed by adsorbing it to the movable connector 1.

1 Movable connector (first embodiment)
2 Housing 3 Terminal 4 Fixed housing 5 Movable housing 5f Front surface 5s Side surface 5t Top surface 5u Bottom surface 6 Additional member 30 Board connection section 31 Fixing section for fixed housing 32 Movable section 33 Fixing section for movable housing 34 Contact section 40 Top wall section 40u Bottom surface 41 Bottom wall section 42 Side wall section 42f Front surface 43 Storage chamber 44 Displacement regulation receiving part 44f Front 44l Left face 44r Right face 45 Terminal fixing part 46 Fixed side leg part 47 Engagement groove 48 Inclined surface 50 Connection chamber 51 Terminal fixing part 52 Displacement regulation protrusion 52f Front 52l Left face 52r Right face 60 Regulation part 61 Top plate 61i Regulation inner bottom 62 Length Hand side regulation piece 62e Extension portion 62i Long side inner regulating surface 63 Short side regulating piece 63b Protruding rear surface 63d End surface 63i Short side inner regulating surface 63o Short side outer regulating surface 64 Engagement portion 64p Engagement protrusion 65 Protective portion 66 Removal hole 101 Movable connector (second embodiment)
102 Housing 104 Fixed housing 105 Movable housing 105s Side surface 105t Upper surface 105u Lower surface 106 Additional member 142 Side wall portion 142i Inner surface 157 Engagement groove 158 Inclined surface 160 Restriction portion 162 Longitudinal side restriction piece 162c Engagement relief portion 162o Longitudinal side restriction outer surface 164 Engagement portion 164p Engagement protrusion 1 66 Removal hole 201 Movable connector (third embodiment)
202 Housing 203 Terminal 204 Fixed housing 205 Movable housing 205b Rear surface 205f Front surface 205s Side wall 205t Top surface 206 Additional member 230 Board connection portion 240 Front wall portion 240i Inner surface 240t Top surface 241 Rear wall portion 241i Inner surface 241t Top surface 242 Side wall portion 244 Displacement regulation receiving portion 244 b Rear surface 244f Front surface 244l Left surface 244r Right surface 244t Top surface 246 Fixed side leg portion 252 Displacement regulating protrusion 252b Rear surface 252f Front surface 252l Left surface 252r Right surface 252t Top surface 260 Regulating section 262 Longitudinal side regulating piece 262i Longitudinal side regulating inner surface 265 Protective section 265b Projecting rear surface 30 1 Movable connector (fourth embodiment)
302 Housing 304 Fixed housing 305 Movable housing 305b Rear surface 305f Front surface 306 Additional member 342 Side wall portion 342i Inner surface 357 Engagement groove 358 Inclined surface 360 Restriction portion 362 Longitudinal side restriction piece 362u Protruding lower surface 401 Movable connector (Fifth embodiment)
402 Housing 404 Fixed housing 406 Additional member 442 Side wall portion 444 Displacement restriction receiving portion 460 Restriction portion d1 to d20 Distance X Width direction, left-right direction Y Depth direction, front-rear direction Z Height direction, up-down direction

Claims (12)

Housing and
a terminal held in the housing;
The housing includes:
A first housing;
a second housing movable within a predetermined movable range relative to the first housing,
An additional member attached to the housing,
the additional member has a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the second housing with respect to the first housing to be narrower than the movable range,
the movable connector is mounted on a board with the additional member attached to the housing,
The movable connector is characterized in that a connection operation between a connection target and the terminals is performed in a state in which the additional member is detached from the housing. Housing and
a terminal held in the housing;
The housing includes:
A first housing;
A movable connector having a second housing that is movable relative to the first housing within a predetermined movable range (excluding a movable connector having a flexible transmission line that allows the second housing to rotate relative to the first housing by tightening or loosening the transmission line),
An additional member attached to the housing,
the additional member has a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the second housing with respect to the first housing to be narrower than the movable range,
The movable connector is transported in a state in which the additional member is attached to the housing,
The movable connector is characterized in that a connection operation between a connection target and the terminals is performed in a state in which the additional member is detached from the housing. Housing and
a terminal held in the housing;
The housing includes:
A first housing;
a second housing that is movable relative to the first housing within a predetermined movable range ;
The terminal has a board connection portion fixed to the board by soldering.
In the movable connector,
An additional member attached to the housing,
the additional member has a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the second housing with respect to the first housing to be narrower than the movable range,
The movable connector is transported in a state in which the additional member is attached to the housing,
The movable connector is characterized in that a connection operation between a connection target and the terminals is performed in a state in which the additional member is detached from the housing. The restricting portion is disposed in a gap between the first housing and the second housing.
The movable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The movable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the additional member is configured to be detachable from the movable connector. The movable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the restricting portion is a first engaging portion that engages with the first housing. 6. The movable connector according to claim 1, wherein the additional member has a first engaging portion that engages with the first housing. The movable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the restricting portion is a second engaging portion that engages with the second housing. The movable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the additional member has a second engaging portion that engages with the second housing. Housing and
a terminal held in the housing;
The housing includes:
A first housing;
a second housing that is movable relative to the first housing within a predetermined movable range,
The movable connector further includes an additional member attached to the housing,
the additional member has a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the second housing with respect to the first housing to be narrower than the movable range,
The movable connector is configured such that a connection operation between a connection target and the terminals is performed in a state in which the additional member is detached from the housing,
In the mounting method, the movable connector is mounted on a board with the additional member attached to the housing.
How to mount a movable connector. Housing and
a terminal held in the housing;
The housing includes:
A first housing;
A method for transporting a movable connector (excluding a movable connector having a flexible transmission line that allows rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing by tightening or loosening), the method comprising:
The movable connector further includes an additional member attached to the housing,
the additional member has a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the second housing with respect to the first housing to be narrower than the movable range,
The movable connector is configured such that a connection operation between a connection target and the terminals is performed in a state in which the additional member is detached from the housing,
In the transportation method, the movable connector is transported in a state in which the additional member is attached to the housing.
How to transport a movable connector. Housing and
a terminal held in the housing;
The housing includes:
A first housing;
a second housing that is movable relative to the first housing within a predetermined movable range ;
The terminal has a board connection portion fixed to the board by soldering.
A method for transporting a movable connector, comprising:
The movable connector further includes an additional member attached to the housing,
the additional member has a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the second housing with respect to the first housing to be narrower than the movable range,
The movable connector is configured such that a connection operation between a connection target and the terminals is performed in a state in which the additional member is detached from the housing,
In the transportation method, the movable connector is transported in a state in which the additional member is attached to the housing.
How to transport a movable connector.