JP2019040799A - Floating connector - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a floating connector that can easily cope with downsizing (particularly, low profile). A first housing 10 fixed to a substrate 2 and a second housing 20 separate from the first housing 10 are connected by a plurality of terminal members 30 arranged in parallel. The floating connector 1 in which the second housing 20 is movable relative to the first housing 10 by elastic deformation of the flexible portion 31 included in each of the plurality of terminal members 30, and the flexible portion 31 includes a thin plate spring 310. Further, the thin plate spring 310 is arranged so that the direction perpendicular to the parallel direction of the plurality of terminal members 30 is the main elastic deformation direction. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a floating connector.

  For example, floating connectors are widely known as connectors that can absorb misalignment. The floating connector is configured by connecting a fixed housing fixed to a substrate and a movable housing movable with respect to the fixed housing by a plurality of terminals having flexible portions. Conventional floating connectors are mainly configured so as to be movable in the width direction (pitch direction) in which the terminals are arranged, giving priority to the multipolarization of a plurality of terminals (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2011-76755 A

  However, it is difficult to miniaturize the floating connector (especially to reduce the height) in the width direction (pitch direction). More specifically, in the case of movable in the width direction, it is necessary to arrange the flexible portions of the respective terminals that enable the movement in such a manner as to overlap in the width direction. It is difficult to reduce the height in the protruding direction (height direction).

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a floating connector that can be easily reduced in size (especially reduced in height) as compared with a conventional structure.

According to one aspect of the invention,
A first housing fixed to the substrate and a second housing separate from the first housing are connected by a plurality of terminal members arranged in parallel, and each of the plurality of terminal members has A floating connector in which the second housing is movable relative to the first housing by elastic deformation of a flexure;
The flexible portion is configured by a thin plate spring, and a floating connector is provided in which the thin plate spring is arranged so that a direction perpendicular to a parallel direction of the plurality of terminal members is a main elastic deformation direction.

  According to the present invention, downsizing (especially low profile) can be easily realized.

It is explanatory drawing which shows typically an example of the side cross-section structure of the floating connector which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically an example of the plane structure of the floating connector which concerns on this invention. It is A arrow directional view of the floating connector shown in FIG. It is a B arrow view of the floating connector shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the terminal member in the floating connector shown in FIG. 1, (a) is a figure which shows a side view, (b) is a figure which shows a planar view, (c) is a figure which shows a front view. . It is explanatory drawing which shows the side view of one specific example of the usage condition of the floating connector which concerns on this invention, (a) is a figure which shows the state before pin insertion, (b) is a figure which shows the state after pin insertion, (c) is a figure which shows the movement state to the downward side, (d) is a figure which shows the movement state to the upper side. It is explanatory drawing which shows the planar view of one specific example of the usage condition of the floating connector which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically a specific example of the aspect of the inclination which can arise when the main elastic deformation direction of a thin leaf | plate spring is made into a perpendicular direction (up-down direction). It is explanatory drawing which shows one specific example of the positional relationship of the thin-plate spring and support member in the floating connector which concerns on this invention, (a) is a figure which shows planar view, (b) is the case where it is assumed that a thin-plate spring is straight. It is a figure shown typically. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the modification of the floating connector which concerns on this invention, (a) is a figure which shows the example, (b) is a figure which shows another example.

  Hereinafter, a floating connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration of Floating Connector First, the configuration of the floating connector according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing an example of a side sectional configuration of a floating connector. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of a planar configuration of the floating connector. FIG. 3 is a view of the floating connector shown in FIG. 4 is a B arrow view of the floating connector shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal member in the floating connector illustrated in FIG. 1.

(Whole connector configuration)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the floating connector 1 described in the present embodiment is a first housing 10 as a fixed housing fixed to a circuit board (hereinafter simply referred to as “board”) 2 such as a printed wiring board. And a second housing 20 as a movable housing formed separately from the first housing 10 and a plurality of terminal members 30 connecting them. As will be described in detail later, the second housing 20 is configured to be movable with respect to the first housing 10 by elastically deforming the flexible portion 31 of each of the plurality of terminal members 30. . That is, the floating connector 1 is mounted with a floating mechanism that allows the second housing 20 to move.

  The floating connector 1 on which the floating mechanism is mounted is capable of absorbing positional deviation (fitting deviation) that occurs when mounted on the substrate 2. Specifically, for the second housing 20, the external pin 3 of the mating connector is inserted and removed from the side opposite to the side connected to the first housing 10. When the second housing 20 is moved when the external pin 3 is inserted into the housing 20, a positional shift or a board that occurs when the floating connector 1 is mounted (that is, when the first housing 10 is fixed to the board 2). Therefore, it is possible to absorb a positional shift or the like that occurs after mounting on the board 2.

  Various external pins 3 can be applied to the second housing 20 and are not particularly limited. For example, the external pins 3 are used for shunt resistors in an in-vehicle battery module. A cylindrical pin shape is mentioned. In the example shown in the figure, the case corresponding to the two external pins 3, that is, the case where the two terminal members 30 are arranged in parallel in the floating connector 1, is not limited to this. Three or more terminal members 30 may be arranged in accordance with the external pins 3 of the side connector. The direction in which the external pins 3 are arranged (that is, the direction in which the terminal members 30 are arranged in parallel) is assumed to be along the horizontal direction (including a direction that can be regarded as the horizontal direction).

  In addition, the floating connector 1 described in the present embodiment is provided with a support member 40 that restricts the movement of the second housing 20 (particularly, tilting downward in the vertical direction).

  Hereinafter, each component of the floating connector 1 will be described in more detail.

(First housing)
The first housing 10 is formed by integral molding of an insulating material such as resin, for example, and has a recess 11 into which a part of the terminal member 30 is inserted, and the terminal member 30 inserted into the recess 11. Is attached to the board 2 together with the terminal member 30 by mounting a part of the board on the board 2 by soldering or the like.

(Second housing)
Similar to the first housing 10, the second housing 20 is formed by integral molding of an insulating material such as a resin. The second housing 20 is formed with an engagement hole 21 into which another part of the terminal member 30 is fitted, and an opening 22 communicating with the engagement hole 21. And the 2nd housing 20 is comprised so that the external pin 3 of the other party connector can be inserted / extracted through the opening part 22, while it is supported by the terminal member 30 inserted by the engagement hole part 21. FIG. In addition, the number (for example, two) corresponding to the terminal member 30 is distribute | arranged the engagement hole part 21 and the opening part 22. As shown in FIG. Moreover, it is preferable that the formation material of the 2nd housing 20 is the same as the formation material of the 1st housing 10 for the reason mentioned later.

(Terminal member)
As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal member 30 is formed, for example, by punching and bending a conductive metal plate (for example, a copper plate or a copper alloy plate), and includes a thin plate spring 310. A flexible portion 31 that is elastically deformed as necessary, a substrate mounting portion 32 that is inserted into the concave portion 11 of the first housing 10 and mounted and fixed to the substrate 2, and an engagement hole portion 21 of the second housing 20. Terminal contact portion 33. The terminal member 30 has the first housing in a state where the board mounting portion 32 is inserted into the recess 11 of the first housing 10 and the terminal contact portion 33 is inserted into the engagement hole portion 21 of the second housing 20. 10 and the second housing 20 are connected to each other. At this time, the flexible portion 31 disposed between the board mounting portion 32 and the terminal contact portion 33 is elastically deformed, so that the second housing 20 can move with respect to the first housing 10.

The thin plate spring 310 constituting the flexible portion 31 is plate-shaped and elastically deforms so as to bend in the thickness direction. That is, the thin plate spring 310 has a plate thickness direction as a main elastic deformation direction.
Further, the thin plate spring 310 is arranged in a lying state so that its in-plane direction (direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction) is along the parallel direction in which the plurality of terminal members 30 are arranged (the pitch direction of the external pins 3). ing.
Therefore, the thin plate spring 310 is arranged so that the direction perpendicular to the parallel direction of the plurality of terminal members 30 is the main elastic deformation direction. If the parallel direction of the terminal members 30 is along the horizontal direction, the elastic deformation direction of the thin leaf spring 310 is along the vertical direction (including a direction that can be regarded as the vertical direction).

  The thin plate spring 310 includes a first connection portion 311 connected to the substrate mounting portion 32, a first folded portion 312 extending from the end of the first connection portion 311 toward the substrate mounting portion 32, and a first folded portion 312. A second folded portion 313 extending from the end of the second folded portion 313 toward the terminal contact portion 33 and a second connection portion 314 that connects the end of the second folded portion 313 to the terminal contact portion 33. It is formed as a continuous body from the connection part 311 to the second connection part 314 through the first folded part 312 and the second folded part 313. The thin plate spring 310 has a planar shape in which at least the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313 are arranged with symmetry. Specifically, at least the first folded portion 312 and the imaginary line along the insertion / extraction direction of the external pin 3 (that is, the imaginary line connecting the board mounting portion 32 side and the terminal contact portion 33 side) are set as the symmetry axis. The second folded portion 313 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the symmetry axis.

  The substrate mounting portion 32 is a portion that is mounted on the substrate 2 by soldering or the like, and is configured to be electrically connected to the wiring on the substrate 2 by the mounting.

  The terminal contact portion 33 is a portion that contacts the external pin 3 of the mating connector to ensure electrical continuity with the external pin 3. For this purpose, the terminal contact portion 33 has an elastic arm 330 protruding so as to sandwich the external pin 3. doing. However, in the terminal contact portion 33, the contact range between the external pin 3 inserted into the terminal contact portion 33 and the elastic arm 330 in the terminal contact portion 33 is such that the parallel direction of the terminal member 30 and the insertion / extraction of the external pin 3 are performed. The external pin 3 is set to a size that allows a predetermined amount of movement in the direction. Specifically, the width of the elastic arm 330 is set to a size that allows the movement of the external pin 3 in the parallel direction of the terminal member 30 (the pitch direction of the external pin 3), and the depth of the terminal contact portion 33. The dimension is set to a size that allows movement of the external pin 3 in the insertion / extraction direction of the external pin 3.

(Support material)
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the support member 40 is a part of the thin plate spring 310 that constitutes the flexible portion 31 to restrict the movement of the second housing 20 (particularly, the downward inclination in the vertical direction). It is attached to the flexible part 31 so as to support it. Specifically, the support member 40 is formed of an insulating material such as a resin, for example, and a part of the thin plate spring 310 constituting the flexible portion 31 (for example, on the substrate mounting portion 32 side in the second folded portion 313). (Part) is disposed in the recess 11 of the first housing 10 so as to support the portion from the lower side in the vertical direction. The support member 40 is disposed so as to support the vicinity of the outer edge of the second folded portion 313 while corresponding to the symmetry of the second folded portion 313.

  The support member 40 supports not all of the thin plate spring 310 but a part of the thin plate spring 310 (for example, a portion of the second folded portion 313 on the side of the substrate mounting portion 32 and in the vicinity of the outer edge of the second folded portion 313). However, the details of these specific positional relationships will be described later.

  The support member 40 may be formed separately from the first housing 10 as long as it can support a part of the thin plate spring 310, or may be integrated with the first housing 10 (ie, the first housing 10). It may be formed as part of the first housing 10. When the first housing 10 is separate from the first housing 10, the support member 40 may be fixed to the recess 11 of the first housing 10 by bonding or the like.

(2) Manufacturing Procedure of Floating Connector Here, a procedure for manufacturing the floating connector 1 having the above-described configuration will be briefly described.

  The floating connector 1 configured as described above employs a two-piece structure in which the second housing 20 is separate from the first housing 10 so that the second housing 20 can move relative to the first housing 10. However, when manufacturing the floating connector 1, it is preferable that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 have a structure that can be integrally molded in order to reduce manufacturing costs, equipment costs, and the like.

  Specifically, first, a structure in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected by a joint portion (not shown) is formed by integral molding. In that case, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are formed of the same material. And after inserting and attaching the terminal member 30 to the structure obtained by integral molding, the joint part which connects the 1st housing 10 and the 2nd housing 20 is removed, and these are made into a separate thing. As a result, the floating connector 1 is assembled.

  If the floating connector 1 is manufactured in such a procedure, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be integrally molded, and the terminal member 30 is attached to the integrally molded structure. Compared to the above case, it is possible to make the mounting work easier and more accurate, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the equipment cost.

(3) Usage Mode of Floating Connector Next, a specific mode when using the floating connector 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a side view of a specific example of a usage mode of the floating connector. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a plan view of a specific example of a usage mode of the floating connector.

(Pin insertion / extraction)
When the floating connector 1 is used, the external pin 3 of the mating connector is inserted through the opening 22 of the second housing 20 (see arrow C in the figure). When the external pin 3 is inserted, the external pin 3 comes into contact with the elastic arm 330 of the terminal member 30 fitted in the engagement hole portion 21 of the second housing 20 as shown in FIG. As a result, the external pin 3 is ensured to be electrically connected to the terminal member 30 and to be electrically connected to the wiring on the substrate 2 through the terminal member 30.

(Housing movable)
At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), when a force from the upper side acts on the external pin 3 (see arrow D in the figure), or a force from the lower side is applied to the mating substrate 2 or the like. In response, the thin plate spring 310 constituting the flexible portion 31 of the terminal member 30 is elastically deformed so as to bend in the plate thickness direction. Thereby, the relative position of the second housing 20 with respect to the first housing 10 moves downward along the vertical direction (vertical direction). Therefore, the positional deviation between the floating connector 1 and the external pin 3 due to the action of the force described above is absorbed by the movement of the second housing 20.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (d), when a force from the lower side acts on the external pin 3 (see arrow E in the figure), a force from the upper side is applied to the mating substrate 2 or the like. In response to this action, the thin leaf spring 310 constituting the flexible portion 31 of the terminal member 30 is elastically deformed so as to bend in the thickness direction. Thereby, the relative position of the second housing 20 with respect to the first housing 10 moves upward along the vertical direction (vertical direction). Therefore, the positional deviation between the floating connector 1 and the external pin 3 due to the action of the force described above is absorbed by the movement of the second housing 20.

  That is, among the positional shifts related to the external pin 3, the positional shift in the vertical direction (vertical direction) is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the thin plate spring 310 constituting the flexible portion 31.

(Position misalignment in other directions)
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the positional deviation in the other direction is as follows.

  For example, consider a case where a positional shift occurs in the pitch direction in which the plurality of external pins 3 are arranged (that is, the parallel direction of the plurality of terminal members 30) with respect to the relative position between the floating connector 1 and the external pins 3 (arrow F in the figure). reference). In this case, the width of the elastic arm 330 in the terminal member 30 is set to a size that allows a predetermined amount of movement of the external pin 3, thereby ensuring a wide contactable area between the external pin 3 and the elastic arm 330. Therefore, if the positional deviation is within the predetermined amount, the external pin 3 and the elastic arm 330 come into contact with each other while the positional deviation is absorbed. In other words, among the positional shifts related to the external pins 3, the positional shift in the pitch direction (left-right direction) is absorbed by appropriately setting the size of the elastic arm 330 in the terminal member 30.

  Further, for example, consider a case where a positional shift in the insertion / extraction direction of the external pin 3 occurs with respect to the relative position between the floating connector 1 and the external pin 3 (see arrow G in the figure). In this case, the depth dimension of the terminal contact portion 33 of the terminal member 30 is set to a size that allows a predetermined amount of movement of the external pin 3, whereby the contact between the cylindrical pin-shaped external pin 3 and the elastic arm 330. Since the possible area is secured widely, if the positional deviation is within the predetermined amount, the external pin 3 and the elastic arm 330 come into contact with each other while the positional deviation is absorbed. In other words, among the positional shifts related to the external pin 3, with respect to the positional shift in the insertion / extraction direction (front-rear direction), the external pin 3 is allowed to move with respect to the cylindrical pin-shaped external pin 3 (that is, the movement concerned). In order not to hinder the above, by appropriately setting the depth dimension of the terminal contact portion 33, the positional deviation is absorbed.

(Effect of displacement absorption)
The floating connector 1 that realizes the use mode as described above can absorb the displacement of the relative position between the floating connector 1 and the external pin 3 in any of the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction. Therefore, for example, even when a positional deviation occurs when the floating connector 1 is mounted on the board 2 or when a positional deviation occurs after mounting on the board 2, the positional deviation is absorbed. Therefore, the deformation of the external pin 3 due to the positional deviation does not occur, and the continuity between the external pin 3 and the wiring on the substrate 2 may be impaired due to the positional deviation. Absent. This is very useful when used for in-vehicle use. This is because in the case of in-vehicle use, it is conceivable that a positional deviation occurs due to vibration or the like when the vehicle travels.

(Corresponding to miniaturization)
As described above, the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment absorbs the positional deviation by utilizing the elastic deformation of the thin plate spring 310 that constitutes the flexible portion 31 of the terminal member 30 especially with respect to the positional deviation in the vertical direction. It is configured as follows. That is, the thin plate springs 310 constituting the flexible portion 31 are arranged so that the main elastic deformation direction is the direction orthogonal to the parallel direction of the terminal members 30 (that is, the pitch direction of the external pins 3). Has been. Thus, if the vertical direction that is orthogonal to the pitch direction is the main elastic deformation direction of the thin plate spring 310, the flexible portion 31 constituted by the thin plate spring 310 has a pitch in the in-plane direction of the thin plate spring 310. It will be arranged in a state of lying along the direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the elastic deformation direction of the flexible portion 31 is the pitch direction (that is, the thin plate spring 310 is configured to overlap in the pitch direction, for example), downsizing in the vertical direction (that is, floating) It is possible to easily realize a reduction in height in the height direction protruding from the board 2 on which the connector 1 is mounted.

In addition, in the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, the thin plate spring 310 constituting the flexible portion 31 includes the first connection portion 311, the first return portion 312, the second return portion 313, and the second connection portion 314. Is formed. As described above, the thin plate spring 310 is formed to include at least the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313, so that the longitudinal direction of the thin plate spring 310 (that is, the parallel direction of the terminal member 30 and the flexibility). The effective span (that is, the effective spring length) of the continuous body constituting the thin plate spring 310 can be sufficiently ensured without causing an increase in size in a direction orthogonal to any of the elastic deformation directions of the portion 31. . That is, in the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, since the thin plate spring 310 is formed having at least the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313, the movable range by the flexible portion 31 is not impaired. Not only downsizing in the vertical direction (lowering the height) described above, but also downsizing in the front-rear direction can be realized.
From the viewpoint of downsizing in the front-rear direction, it is preferable to form the thin plate spring 310 so that the first connection portion 311 and the second connection portion 314 are arranged close to each other. Further, from the viewpoint of securing the effective span (that is, securing the movable range of the flexible portion 31), the thin plate spring 310 is formed so that the extending lengths of the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313 are increased. Is preferred.

(Inclination control of the second housing)
By the way, as described above, the floating connector 1 according to the present embodiment is arranged in a state in which the in-plane direction of the thin leaf spring 310 is laid along the pitch direction, thereby reducing the size (particularly, reducing the height). Can be easily realized.
However, when the thin plate spring 310 is laid down and the vertical direction (vertical direction) is the main elastic deformation direction, the second is positioned on the deformation end side as shown in FIG. The weight of the housing 20 and the terminal contact portion 33 of the terminal member 30 may cause the second housing 20 and the like to tilt so as to fall downward (see arrow H in the figure).
Therefore, in the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, the support member 40 that supports a part of the thin plate spring 310 is provided in order to restrict the movement of the second housing 20 (particularly, the downward inclination in the vertical direction). -ing

  The support member 40 is disposed such that the upper surface thereof is in contact with the lower surface side of a portion of the thin plate spring 310 (for example, the portion of the second folded portion 313 on the side of the substrate mounting portion 32). Is supported from below in the vertical direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the external pin 3 is not inserted into the second housing 20, the support member 40 supports a part of the thin plate spring 310, so that the vertical direction of the second housing 20 is reached. The inclination to the lower side of the direction is regulated. That is, even if the elastic deformation direction of the thin plate spring 310 is along the vertical direction, the second housing 20 is inclined downward in the vertical direction (that is, the direction in which gravity acts) by disposing the support member 40. Can be suppressed. This is very useful in that the external pin 3 can be reliably fitted to the second housing 20 when the floating connector 1 is used.

  In addition, the support member 40 is disposed so as to support a part of the thin plate spring 310 from the lower side in the vertical direction instead of the entire thin plate spring 310. Therefore, the flexible portion 31 constituted by the thin plate spring 310 does not lose its movable range for both the lower side in the vertical direction and the upper side in the vertical direction.

Here, the specific positional relationship between the thin plate spring 310 and the support member 40 that supports a part of the thin plate spring 310 will be described in detail.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the positional relationship between the thin plate spring and the support member in the floating connector.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the thin leaf spring 310 is formed as a continuous body from the first connecting portion 311 to the second connecting portion 314 through the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313. The length between the fixed portion 321 which is a fixed end on the one housing 10 side and the fixed portion 331 which is the fixed end on the second housing 20 side is the effective span (that is, effective spring length) of the continuous body. Become. With respect to such a thin plate spring 310, it is preferable that the support member 40 is disposed near the midpoint of the effective span between the fixed portions 321 and 331. That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, when it is assumed that the continuous body constituting the thin plate spring 310 extends straight, the support member 40 has an effective span of the both-end fixed spring that extends straight. It is preferably located near the midpoint. This is because, with such a positional relationship, even if the support member 40 is provided, the spring property of the continuous body constituting the thin plate spring 310 can be used effectively in a balanced manner.

  Specifically, when trying to embody the above-described positional relationship, the support member 40 has, for example, the second folded portion 313 with respect to the thin plate spring 310 having at least the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313. The size of the support surface by the support member 40 (that is, the thin plate spring 310) that is arranged so as to support the portion of the second folded portion 313 on the side of the substrate mounting portion 32 from the lower side in the vertical direction. The area of the portion where the support member 40 contacts or the length in the effective span direction of the portion is not particularly limited as long as the thin plate spring 310 can be supported. As long as it is set appropriately in consideration of the balance and the like.

  FIG. 9B shows a movable restricting portion 41 described later in addition to the support member 40, but the movable restricting portion 41 has the same positional relationship with respect to the thin plate spring 310. It is preferable. For example, even when the support member 40 and the movable restricting portion 41 are arranged so as to sandwich the thin plate spring 310, the thin plate spring 310 is positioned by positioning them near the midpoint of the effective span of the both end fixing springs. This is because the spring property of can be effectively used in a balanced manner.

  Due to such a positional relationship, for example, as shown in FIG. 6C, when a force in a direction in which the second housing 20 moves downward is applied to the first housing 10, the thin plate spring 310 is supported by the support member. With the one end edge of 40 as a fulcrum, the connecting end side of the second folded portion 313 with the second connecting portion 314 moves downward (see arrow d1 in the figure), and the first connecting portion 311 in the second folded portion 313 and Is moved upward (see arrow d2 in the figure). Therefore, the movable range to the lower side in the vertical direction is not impaired.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6D, when a force in the direction in which the second housing 20 moves upward is applied to the first housing 10, the thin plate spring 310 is fixed to the first housing 10 side. Using the end as a fulcrum or the connection end side of the second folded portion 313 with the first connection portion 311 as a fulcrum, the connection end side of the second folded portion 313 with the second connection portion 314 moves upward ( (See arrow e1 in the figure). Therefore, the range of motion upward in the vertical direction is not impaired.

  That is, even if it is a case where the inclination of the 2nd housing 20 to the vertical direction lower side by gravity is controlled, by arranging support member 40 so that it may have the above-mentioned positional relationship to the 2nd return part 313, It is possible to avoid the movable range of the flexible portion 31 from being damaged on both the upper side in the vertical direction and the lower side in the vertical direction. In addition, by arranging the support member 40 so as to have the above-described positional relationship with respect to the thin plate spring 310 having the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313, the flexible portion 31 can be reduced in size in the front-rear direction. It is also possible to ensure a sufficient range of motion of the flexible portion 31 while making it feasible.

(Second housing twisting suppression)
In the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, the thin plate spring 310 has a planar shape in which at least the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313 are arranged with symmetry as described above. Therefore, when the thin plate spring 310 is elastically deformed vertically upward or vertically downward, each of the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313 bends substantially equally on both sides of the symmetry axis. . Thus, if the 1st folding | returning part 312 and the 2nd folding | turning part 313 bend substantially equally on the both sides of a symmetrical axis, generation | occurrence | production of the twist at the time of the thin-plate spring 310 elastically deforming can be suppressed. This leads to suppression of twisting of the second housing 20, so that when the floating connector 1 is used, the external pin 3 can be reliably fitted to the second housing 20. Useful.

  In addition, the support member 40 that supports the second folded portion 313 of the thin plate spring 310 from the lower side in the vertical direction supports the vicinity of the outer edge of the second folded portion 313 while corresponding to the symmetry of the second folded portion 313. Are arranged as follows. That is, the support members 40 are also arranged on both sides of the axis of symmetry, and each support member 40 supports the vicinity of the outer edge of the second folded portion 313. Accordingly, the support member 40 can not only suppress the inclination of the second housing 20 by supporting the thin plate spring 310 from below, but also the twist of the thin plate spring 310 when the thin plate spring 310 is supported. Occurrence can be suppressed. This also leads to suppression of twisting of the second housing 20, so that when the floating connector 1 is used, the external pin 3 can be reliably fitted to the second housing 20. Useful.

(4) Effects obtained by the present embodiment According to the present embodiment, one or more of the following effects can be obtained.

(A) Since the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment is configured to absorb the displacement of the relative position with respect to the external pin 3 by the elastic deformation of the flexible portion 31 of the terminal member 30, The external pin 3 is not deformed or poorly conductive due to the deviation, and is particularly useful for in-vehicle use.
Moreover, in the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, the flexible portion 31 of the terminal member 30 that contributes to the absorption of misalignment is configured by the thin plate spring 310, and the thin plate spring 310 is in the parallel direction of the terminal member 30 (that is, The direction perpendicular to the pitch direction of the external pins 3 (that is, the vertical direction) is the main elastic deformation direction. As described above, when the direction perpendicular to the pitch direction is the main elastic deformation direction of the thin plate spring 310, the flexible portion 31 constituted by the thin plate spring 310 has an in-plane direction of the thin plate spring 310 along the pitch direction. It will be arranged in the state of sleeping. Therefore, compared with the case where the elastic deformation direction of the flexible portion 31 is the pitch direction (that is, the thin plate spring 310 is configured to overlap in the pitch direction, for example), downsizing in the vertical direction (that is, floating) It is possible to easily realize a reduction in height in the height direction protruding from the board 2 on which the connector 1 is mounted.
That is, according to the present embodiment, the floating connector 1 configured to absorb the positional deviation can be easily reduced in size (particularly, reduced in height) as compared with the conventional structure.

(B) In the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, the support member 40 that supports a part of the thin plate spring 310 is provided to restrict the movement of the second housing 20 (particularly, the inclination downward in the vertical direction). . Therefore, even if the elastic deformation direction of the thin plate spring 310 is along the vertical direction, the second housing 20 is tilted downward in the vertical direction (that is, the direction in which gravity acts) when the support member 40 supports it. Can be suppressed. That is, according to the present embodiment, when the floating connector 1 is used by suppressing the inclination of the second housing 20 when the external pin 3 is not inserted into the second housing 20, Thus, the external pin 3 can be securely fitted to the connector 20, and the reliability and convenience as a connector can be sufficiently enhanced.

(C) In the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, the thin plate spring 310 constituting the flexible portion 31 has the first connection portion 311, the first return portion 312, the second return portion 313, and the second connection portion 314. Is formed. As described above, the thin plate spring 310 is formed to include at least the first folded portion 312 and the second folded portion 313, so that the thin plate spring 310 is not increased in size in the front-rear direction. The effective span (that is, effective spring length) of the continuum constituting the spring 310 can be sufficiently ensured. That is, according to the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, not only the above-described reduction in height but also the reduction in size in the front-rear direction can be realized without impairing the movable range of the flexible portion 31.

(D) In the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, the support member 40 for restricting the movement of the second housing 20 is not the whole of the thin plate spring 310 but a part of the second folded portion 313 in the thin plate spring 310 vertically. It arrange | positions so that it may support from a direction lower side. Therefore, the flexible portion 31 constituted by the thin plate spring 310 does not lose its movable range for both the lower side in the vertical direction and the upper side in the vertical direction. That is, according to the present embodiment, the vertical downward direction due to the gravity of the second housing 20 while avoiding the loss of the movable range of the flexible portion 31 on both the upper side in the vertical direction and the lower side in the vertical direction. The inclination to the side can be reliably suppressed.

(E) In the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, the thin leaf spring 310 is formed in a planar shape having symmetry, and corresponds to the symmetry (that is, has similar symmetry). A support member 40 is disposed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, generation | occurrence | production also about the twist of the flexible part 31 can be suppressed. Thus, if not only the inclination but also the twisting is suppressed, the external pin 3 can be reliably fitted to the second housing 20 when the floating connector 1 is used. And convenience can be further enhanced.

(F) In the floating connector 1 of the present embodiment, the width of the elastic arm 330 in the terminal member 30 is set to a size that allows a predetermined amount of movement of the external pin 3, thereby the external pin 3 and the elastic arm 330. Wide contact area is ensured. Furthermore, the depth dimension of the terminal contact portion 33 of the terminal member 30 is set to a size that allows a predetermined amount of movement of the external pin 3, and thereby the contact between the cylindrical pin-shaped external pin 3 and the elastic arm 330. Wide possible area is secured. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, not only the vertical direction due to elastic deformation of the thin plate spring 310 constituting the flexible portion 31 but also the terminal member 30 parallel direction (pitch direction) and the external pin 3 insertion / extraction direction (front-rear direction). In addition, the displacement of the relative position between the floating connector 1 and the external pin 3 can be absorbed, and the deformation or conduction failure of the external pin 3 due to the displacement does not occur.

(5) Modifications etc. One embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist thereof.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing a modification of the floating connector.

(Regulation of upward movement)
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the support member 40 regulates the inclination of the second housing 20 to the lower side in the vertical direction has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to this, it may be configured to restrict the upward movement in the vertical direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the floating connector 1 a corresponds to the symmetry of the second folded portion 313 in the thin plate spring 310 and is near the upper end of the movable range of the second folded portion 313. The movable restricting portion 41 may be provided so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the second folded portion 313.

  In the floating connector 1a having such a configuration, since the movable range to the upper side of the second folded portion 313 is regulated by having the movable restricting portion 41, excessive movement of the second housing 20 to the upper side is suppressed, The amount of deformation of the thin leaf spring 310 during the upward movement does not become excessive. In addition, since the movable restricting portion 41 corresponds to the symmetry of the second folded portion 313 (that is, has the same symmetry), the second housing 20 moves upward. In addition, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of twist. Therefore, according to the floating connector 1a having such a configuration, when the floating connector 1a is used, the floating pin 1a is very useful for securely fitting the external pin 3 to the second housing 20, and the connector Reliability and convenience can be further enhanced.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the support member 40 and the movable restricting portion 41 are formed integrally with the first housing 10 (that is, as a part of the first housing 10). The first housing 10 may be formed separately from the first housing 10 without being limited thereto.

(Direction when using)
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the floating connector 1 is mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 2 and the thin plate spring 310 constituting the flexible portion 31 is elastically deformed along the vertical direction has been described as an example. There is no limit.

  That is, even if the floating connector 1 is arranged in any direction (for example, when the elastic deformation direction of the thin leaf spring 310 is along a direction other than the vertical direction), the external pin 3 of the mating connector is inserted. Can be used. Even in such a case, the floating connector 1 can be easily downsized in the protruding direction from the board 2 if the thin plate springs 310 are arranged so that the direction perpendicular to the pitch direction of the external pins 3 is the main elastic deformation direction. It becomes feasible.

  Further, when the elastic deformation direction of the thin plate spring 310 is along the vertical direction, it is not necessarily mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 2. For example, as shown in FIG. Connector 1b may be mounted. In such a case, the support member 40 that supports a part of the thin plate spring 310 is positioned between the thin plate spring 310 and the second housing 20 rather than between the substrate 2 and the thin plate spring 310.

  10B also shows a case where the support member 40 is formed integrally with the first housing 10 (that is, as a part of the first housing 10), but the present invention is not limited to this. However, the first housing 10 may be formed separately.

(Other variations)
In the above-described embodiment, an example of the external pin 3 of the mating connector has been described as being used for a shunt resistor in an in-vehicle battery module. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various electronic devices are used. Even when a device is a connection partner, the present invention can be applied in exactly the same manner.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b ... Floating connector, 2 ... Circuit board (board | substrate), 3 ... External pin, 10 ... 1st housing, 20 ... 2nd housing, 30 ... Terminal member, 31 ... Flexible part, 32 ... Board mounting part 33 ... Terminal contact part, 40 ... Support member, 41 ... Movable restricting part, 310 ... Thin plate spring, 311 ... First connection part, 312 ... First folding part, 313 ... Second folding part, 314 ... Second connection part

Claims (8)

A first housing fixed to the substrate and a second housing separate from the first housing are connected by a plurality of terminal members arranged in parallel, and each of the plurality of terminal members has A floating connector in which the second housing is movable relative to the first housing by elastic deformation of a flexure;
The flexible portion is configured by a thin plate spring, and the thin plate spring is disposed so that a direction perpendicular to a parallel direction of the plurality of terminal members is a main elastic deformation direction. The flexible portion is arranged so that the elastic deformation direction of the thin leaf spring is along the vertical direction,
The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein a support member for restricting the inclination of the second housing to the lower side in the vertical direction is attached to the flexible portion. In addition to the flexible portion, the terminal member includes a board mounting portion that is fitted into the first housing and fixed to the substrate, and a terminal contact portion that is fitted into the second housing and into which an external pin is inserted and removed. , And
The thin plate spring constituting the flexible portion includes a first connection portion connected to the substrate mounting portion, a first folded portion extending from the end of the first connection portion toward the substrate mounting portion, A second folded portion that extends from the end of the first folded portion toward the terminal contact portion; and a second connection portion that connects the end of the second folded portion to the terminal contact portion. The floating connector according to claim 2 formed. The floating connector according to claim 3, wherein the support member is disposed so as to support a portion of the second folded portion on the board mounting portion side from a vertically lower side. The floating connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the thin plate spring has a planar shape in which at least the first folded portion and the second folded portion are arranged symmetrically. The floating connector according to claim 5, wherein the support member is arranged to support the vicinity of the outer edge of the second folded portion while corresponding to the symmetry of the second folded portion. 7. A movable restricting portion disposed so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the second folded portion in the vicinity of the upper end of the movable range of the second folded portion while corresponding to the symmetry of the second folded portion. Floating connector as described in The terminal contact portion allows a predetermined amount of movement of the external pin in the parallel direction of the terminal member and the insertion / removal direction of the external pin within a contact range with the external pin inserted into the terminal contact portion. The floating connector according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the floating connector is set to a size.