ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR CIRCUIT BOARDS AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH CIRCUIT BOARD

The engaging portions 34 of the mating detecting member 30 are provided at locations offset upwardly from the pressure-receiving portion 32A of the operating portion 32 and, when the mating detecting member 30 is located in the retracted position, are positioned in a manner that permits locking engagement, from the rear, with sections of the housing 10 other than the locking arm portion 12; and, when pressure is applied from the rear to the pressure-receiving portion 32A of the operating portion 32 of the mating detecting member 30 located in the retracted position, the location of locking engagement of the engaging portions 34 and the housing 10 is used as a fulcrum to displace the front end of the mating detecting member 30 upward and the abutment portion 35 abuts part of the locking arm portion 12 from the rear.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-178753, filed Nov. 8, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electrical connector for circuit boards disposed on a mounting face of a circuit board and an electrical connector with a circuit board in which said electrical connector for circuit boards is mounted on a mounting face of the circuit board.

BACKGROUND ART

Such electrical connectors for circuit boards are exemplified by the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, which is a so-called floating connector having a stationary housing secured to a circuit board through the medium of terminals, a housing capable of relative motion with respect to the stationary housing, and a plurality of the above-mentioned terminals provided spanning between the stationary housing and movable housing. In said Patent Document 1, the terminals, which are made by bending metal strip-like pieces in the through-thickness direction, are arranged side-by-side in a direction parallel to the circuit board. Said terminals have a resiliently deformable resilient portion located between a section retained in the stationary housing and a section retained in the movable housing. The resilient portion, which has an inverted U-shaped configuration, has two leg portions extending in the vertical direction, and a bend portion that is located at the top end of the stationary housing and couples the top ends of the two leg portions while being bent in a downwardly open configuration.

The resilient portions located between the stationary housing and movable housing are exposed from both housings. Consequently, characteristic impedance in these resilient portions is increased in comparison with other parts of the terminals, which makes characteristic impedance mismatches more likely to be generated and risks causing degradation in signal transmission quality. According to Patent Document 1, partition wall members made of synthetic plastics are fitted from below into the bend portions of every other terminal among the plurality of terminals. The partition wall members have partition wall portions located on both outer sides of the bend portions in the terminal width direction, with said partition wall portions being located between the bend portions of adjacent terminals. That is, the bend portions of adjacent terminals are separated not by air spaces, but by a layer of synthetic plastics. In this manner, in Patent Document 1, the occurrence of increases in characteristic impedance and, in turn, mismatches in characteristic impedance in the bend portions is avoided by providing synthetic plastic layers between the bend portions.

PATENT DOCUMENTS

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-045739.

SUMMARY

Problems to be Solved

Patent Document 1 does not clearly indicate the stage at which the partition wall members are attached to the bend portions of the terminals during connector manufacture. Assuming that the partition wall members are adapted to be attached to the bend portions of the terminals once said terminals have been retained in place in the stationary housing and movable housing, due to the fact that said bend portions are located at the top end of the stationary housing, i.e., on the far side in the direction of attachment of the partition wall members, the partition wall members will have to be reliably pushed in all the way to the far side, which makes the procedure of partition wall member attachment extremely cumbersome.

With these considerations in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector for circuit boards and an electrical connector with a circuit board that allow for the simple and easy attachment of a member designed to avoid degradation in the quality of signal transmission in terminals.

Technical Solution

(1) The inventive electrical connector for circuit boards is an electrical connector for circuit boards disposed on a mounting face of a circuit board and having a plurality of terminals and a housing retaining the plurality of terminals, wherein the terminals have a connection portion provided at one end and connectable to the mounting face, a contact portion provided at the other end and capable of making contact with a counterpart connect body, and an intermediate portion coupling the connection portion and the contact portion.

Such an electrical connector for circuit boards according to the present invention is characterized by the fact that there is provided a cover member made of an electrically insulating material that is attached to the housing or the terminals in a predetermined direction of attachment, the cover member has a plate-shaped main body portion whose major faces extend in a direction transverse to the direction of attachment, and the main body portion is provided at the rearward end of the electrical connector for circuit boards in the direction of attachment and, as seen in the direction of attachment, covers a range including, at least in part, the sections of the intermediate portions of the terminals that are exposed from the housing.

In the present invention, an electrically insulating layer that covers a range including, at least in part, the sections of the terminals that are exposed from the housing is formed by attaching a cover member made of an electrically insulating material to the housing or the terminals. Therefore, increases in characteristic impedance at least in part of the aforementioned exposed sections are minimized, thereby making characteristic impedance mismatches less likely to occur and, as a result, making it possible to adequately avoid degradation in the quality of signal transmission in terminals. In addition, the main body portion of the cover member is provided at the rearward end of the electrical connector for circuit boards in the aforementioned direction of attachment, i.e., at the proximal end in the direction of attachment. Therefore, when the cover member is attached to the housing or the terminals, the attachment procedure can be accomplished in a simple and easy manner because there is no longer any need, as in the prior art, to attach the member designed to avoid degradation in the quality of signal transmission on the far side in the direction of attachment.

(2) In the invention of (1), the housing may have a stationary housing secured to the circuit board through the medium of the terminals and a movable housing capable of relative motion with respect to the stationary housing, the terminals may be provided spanning between the stationary housing and movable housing, the intermediate portion may have a stationary-side retained portion retained in the stationary housing, a movable-side retained portion retained in the movable housing, and a resilient portion located between the stationary-side retained portion and movable-side retained portion and capable of resilient deformation, and the cover member, which is attached to the stationary housing or movable housing, may be out of contact with the resilient portions at least when the resilient portions are in their free state.

With such an arrangement, the cover member is less likely to interfere with the resilient deformation of the resilient portions because said cover member does not make contact with said resilient portions at least when the resilient portions of the terminals are in their free state. Therefore, the resilient portions can be easily resiliently deformed at a high level of deformation and, as a result, a sufficiently large degree of floating action can be ensured in the movable housing.

(3) In the inventions of (1) or (2), the terminals, whose shape may be obtained by bending a metal strip-like piece in the through-thickness direction, may have a U-shaped section bent in a manner to be open toward the side where the cover member is attached, and the cover member may have upright portions that rise up toward the front in the direction of attachment from the plate-shaped main body portion whose through-thickness direction is the direction of attachment and are positioned in a manner to enter the U-shaped sections. Even though the U-shaped sections are formed in the terminals in this manner, providing the cover member with upright portions positioned so as to enter the U-shaped sections minimizes increases in characteristic impedance in said U-shaped sections and makes it easier to avoid the occurrence of characteristic impedance mismatches.

(4) In the invention of (3), the stationary-side retained portions may be provided extending in the direction of attachment as part of the U-shaped sections and may be formed of a greater width than other parts coupled to the stationary-side retained portions, and the upright portions may have a portion thereof positioned along coupling sections of the stationary-side retained portions and the other parts. In this manner, due to the fact that the stationary-side retained portions are formed of a greater width than the aforementioned other parts, characteristic impedance mismatches are likely to occur in the coupling sections of the stationary-side retained portions and the aforementioned other parts when terminal width dimensions abruptly change in these coupling sections. Thus, providing the upright portions along the aforementioned coupling sections as described above makes it easier to avoid the occurrence of characteristic impedance mismatches.

(5) In the inventions of (1) to (4), the cover member may be attached such that the direction of attachment is an upwardly facing direction at right angles to the mounting face of the circuit board, and may cover a range including, at least in part, the exposed sections of the intermediate portions from below.

(6) The inventive electrical connector with a circuit board is an electrical connector with a circuit board in which the electrical connector for circuit boards of any of the inventions of inventions (1) to (5) is mounted on the mounting face of the circuit board, wherein the circuit board has a ground layer extending along the mounting face, and the ground layer has formed therein empty areas within ranges corresponding to the connecting portions of the terminals.

As a result of forming empty areas free of the ground layer on the circuit board within ranges corresponding to the connecting portions of the terminals in this manner, there is no metal layer and only the plastic layer of the circuit board is present at the locations where the connection portions are connected. Consequently, in the terminals, the characteristic impedance of the connection portions can be brought closer to the characteristic impedance of sections other than the connection portions, as a result of which it becomes easier to avoid the occurrence of characteristic impedance mismatches.

Technical Effect

The present invention can provide an electrical connector for circuit boards and an electrical connector with a circuit board that allow for the simple and easy attachment of a member designed to avoid degradation in the quality of signal transmission in terminals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1to3are diagrams illustrating a state prior to mating connection of an electrical connector for circuit boards1according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “connector1”) and an electrical connector for circuit boards2serving as a counterpart connector (counterpart connector body) (hereinafter referred to as “counterpart connector2”), whereinFIG.1is a perspective view taken obliquely from above,FIG.2is a perspective view taken obliquely from below,FIG.3(A) is a lateral view, andFIG.3(B) is a plan view.FIG.4is a perspective view illustrating the connector1and counterpart connector2in a state after mating connection as seen obliquely from above.FIG.5is a plan view of the connector1ofFIG.1.

FIGS.6(A) and6(B) shows cross-sectional views taken in a plane perpendicular to the terminal array direction of the connector1and counterpart connector2illustrated inFIG.4. Specifically,FIG.6(A), which is a cross-sectional view along line VIA-VIA inFIG.4, shows a cross-section taken at the location of the hereinafter-described first signal terminals10in the terminal array direction, andFIG.6(B), which is a cross-sectional view along line VIB-VIB inFIG.4, shows a cross-section taken at the location of the hereinafter-described second signal terminals20in the terminal array direction. InFIGS.1,4,5,6(A) and6(B), the connector1is shown mounted on the mounting face of a circuit board, P1. InFIG.2, the counterpart connector2is shown mounted on the mounting face of another circuit board, P2.

As shown inFIGS.1,4,5,6(A) and6(B), the connector1is an electrical connector for circuit boards mounted on the mounting face of a circuit board, P1. In addition, the counterpart connector2is an electrical connector for circuit boards mounted on the mounting face of another circuit board, P2. Arranged in an orientation in which the mounting faces of the circuit boards P1, P2are parallel, the connector1and counterpart connector2are matingly connected to form an electrical connector assembly such that the direction of connection of the connectors is a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) normal to the mounting faces. In the present embodiment, the counterpart connector2is adapted to be matingly connected to the connector1from above.

The connector1and counterpart connector2are so-called hermaphroditic connectors identical in shape to each other. As shown inFIGS.1to4, the counterpart connector2is matingly connected to the connector1from above in an orientation which, while being vertically inverted relative to the connector1, is rotated 180° about an axial line passing through the center of the connector1as seen in the vertical direction. In the counterpart connector2, reference numerals obtained by adding “100” to the reference numerals used for the connector1are assigned to sections corresponding to the respective components of the connector1described hereinbelow, and description thereof is omitted. It should be noted that while the discussion of the present embodiment assumes that the connector disposed on circuit board P1is “connector1” and the connector disposed on circuit board P2is “counterpart connector2,” from the standpoint of the connector disposed on circuit board P2, the connector disposed on circuit board P1is a counterpart connector.

As shown inFIGS.1to5, the connector1has a plurality of signal terminals10,20and power supply terminals30,40(collectively referred to hereinbelow as “terminals10,20,30,40” where distinctions need not be drawn) arranged side by side such that the terminal array direction is a direction (Y-axis direction) parallel to the mounting face of circuit board P1, a housing50retaining the plurality of terminals10,20,30,40, anchor fittings80retained at the opposite ends of the housing50in the terminal array direction, and a cover member90attached to the housing50from below.

The housing50, which is made of plastics (e.g., made of synthetic plastics), has a stationary housing60secured to circuit board P1through the medium of the terminals10,20,30,40, and a movable housing70capable of relative motion with respect to the stationary housing60. The terminals10,20,30,40are provided spanning between the stationary housing60and movable housing70. The connector1is a so-called floating connector, in which motion of the movable housing70with respect to the stationary housing60is permitted by resilient deformation of the terminals10,20,30,40. In the present embodiment, the movable housing70can move in three directions, i.e., in the connector width direction (X-axis direction), in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), and in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

The signal terminals10,20include first signal terminals10and second signal terminals20, which differ in shape from each other. The power supply terminals30,40include first power supply terminals30and second power supply terminals40, which differ in shape from each other. As shown inFIG.1, the first signal terminals10are arranged in two rows within a range leaning toward the Y2 side in the intermediate area in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction) of the housing50. As shown inFIG.1, the second signal terminals20are arranged in two rows within a range leaning toward the Y1 side in the intermediate area in the terminal array direction of the housing50. The signal terminals10,20arranged in two rows are opposed in a symmetrical orientation in the connector width direction (X-axis direction) (see alsoFIGS.6(A) and6(B)).

A pair of first power supply terminals30are provided at the end of the housing50on the Y1 side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction). A pair of second power supply terminals40are provided at the end of the housing50on the Y2 side in the terminal array direction. In pairs of first power supply terminals30and pairs of second power supply terminals40, the respective power supply terminals30,40in each pair are opposed in a symmetrical orientation in the connector width direction (X-axis direction) direction.

FIGS.7(A) to7(D) shows perspective views illustrating each terminal10,20,30,40in isolation, whereinFIG.7(A) illustrates a first signal terminal10,FIG.7(B) illustrates a second signal terminal20,FIG.7(C) illustrates a first power supply terminal30, andFIG.7(D) illustrates a second power supply terminal40. As shown inFIGS.7(A) to7(D), the terminals10,20,30,40, which are formed by bending metal strip-like pieces in the through-thickness direction, have stationary-side retained portions11,21,31,41, which are retained in the stationary housing60, movable-side retained portions12,22,32,42, which are retained in the movable housing70, resilient portions13,23,33,43, which are located between the stationary-side retained portions11,21,31,41and movable-side retained portions12,22,32,42and are capable of resilient deformation, connection portions14,24,34,44, which extend from the stationary-side retained portions11,21,31,41and are solder-connectable to circuit board P1, and contact arm portions15,25,35,45, which extend from the movable-side retained portions12,22,32,42and can make contact with the counterpart connector2. In other words, the terminals10,20,30,40are configured such that the connection portions14,24,34,44and contact arm portions15,25,35,45are coupled by intermediate portions, and said intermediate portions have stationary-side retained portions11,21,31,41, movable-side retained portions12,22,32,42, and resilient portions13,23,33,43.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.7(A) to7(D), the resilient portions13,23,33,43and the top ends of the stationary-side retained portions11,21,31,41are coupled via the bend portions16,26,36,46, the connection portions14,24,34,44and the bottom ends of the stationary-side retained portions11,21,31,41are coupled via the bend portions17,27,37,47, and resilient portions13,23,33,43and the bottom ends of the movable-side retained portions12,22,32,42are coupled via the bend portions18,28,38,48.

Prior to describing the terminals10,20,30,40, the configuration of the stationary housing60and movable housing70will be described with reference toFIGS.1to5. As shown inFIG.1, the stationary housing60has a pair of lateral wall portions61extending in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction) and a pair of end wall portions62that extend in the connector width direction (X-axis direction) and couple the end portions of the pair of lateral wall portions61, with the pair of lateral wall portions61and the pair of end walls portions62forming a peripheral wall. The space enclosed within this peripheral wall and disposed therethrough in the vertical direction forms a central space63accommodating a portion of the movable housing70. In addition, on the Y1 side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), the central space63has an end receiving portion63A receiving the hereinafter-described second outer guide portion178of the counterpart connector2from above.

As shown inFIG.1, in the intermediate area in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), the lateral wall portions61press-fittingly retain the stationary-side retained portions11of the first signal terminals10within a range leaning toward the Y2 side (seeFIG.6(A)) and press-fittingly retain the stationary-side retained portions21of the second signal terminals20within a range leaning toward the Y1 side (seeFIG.6(B)). Specifically, as shown inFIG.6(A), groove-shaped stationary-side retaining portions61A used to accommodate the stationary-side retained portions11and a portion of the resilient portions13of the first signal terminals10are recessed from the interior lateral faces (surfaces perpendicular to the connector width direction) of the lateral wall portions61while being formed in a downwardly open configuration in the bottom portion of the lateral wall portions61within the range of the lateral wall portions61leaning toward the Y2 side. Further, as shown inFIG.6(B), groove-shaped stationary-side retaining portions61B used to accommodate the stationary-side retained portions21and a portion of the resilient portions23of the second signal terminals20are recessed from the interior lateral faces (surfaces perpendicular to the connector width direction) of the lateral wall portions61while being formed in a downwardly open configuration in the bottom portion of the lateral wall portions61within the range of the lateral wall portions61leaning toward the Y1 side. The stationary-side retaining portions61A,61B respectively press-fittingly retain the stationary-side retained portions11,21.

In addition, as shown inFIG.1, the lateral wall portions61press-fittingly retain the stationary-side retained portions31(seeFIG.7(C)) of the first power supply terminals30at the end on the Y1 side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), and press-fittingly retain the stationary-side retained portions41(seeFIG.7(D)) of the second power supply terminals40at the end on the Y2 side. Specifically, stationary-side terminal groove portions (not shown) used to accommodate the stationary-side retained portions31and a portion of the resilient portions33of the first power supply terminals30are formed at the end of the lateral wall portions61on the Y1 side, and stationary-side terminal groove portions (not shown) used to accommodate the stationary-side retained portions41and a portion of the resilient portions43of the second power supply terminals40are formed at the end on the Y2 side. These stationary-side retaining portions respectively press-fittingly retain the stationary-side retained portions31,41. Although these stationary-side terminal groove portions are shaped as grooves similar to the stationary-side retaining portions61A,61B, they differ from the stationary-side retaining portions61A,61B in that they are formed of a slightly greater width.

In the end wall portions62, groove-shaped fitting retaining portions62A used to press-fittingly retain anchor fittings80are recessed from the outer end faces of the end wall portions62and formed extending through the end wall portions62in the vertical direction.

In the movable housing70, a base portion71of a generally rectangular parallelepiped-like external shape, which constitutes the bottom portion thereof and extends longitudinally in the terminal array direction, is accommodated within the central space63of the stationary housing60. As shown inFIG.5, the base portion71is located within the central space63while maintaining a clearance from the interior surfaces of the stationary housing60(the interior surfaces of the lateral wall portions61and the interior surfaces of the end wall portions62). The movable housing70can move bi-directionally in the connector width direction (X-axis direction) and in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction) within the bounds of this clearance. As shown inFIG.5, the clearance between the base portion71and the end wall portion62of the stationary housing60on the Y1 side in the terminal array direction is larger than the clearances at other locations, with this clearance constituting the end receiving portion63A. In addition, the base portion71is formed to substantially the same dimensions in the vertical direction as the stationary housing60, and the top face of said base portion71is located at the same height in the vertical direction as the top face of the stationary housing60.

As shown inFIG.5, in the intermediate area in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), two first intermediate aperture portions71A are formed in the base portion71within a range leaning toward the Y2 side and one second intermediate aperture portion71B is formed within a range leaning toward the Y1 side. The first intermediate aperture portions71A, one of which is formed on each opposite side of the hereinafter-described first signal terminal placement portion72in the connector width direction, extend over the array range of the first signal terminals10while extending through the base portion71in the vertical direction. Final guiding portions71A-1used to guide the opposing wall portions173E of the hereinafter-described second signal terminal placement portions173of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position are formed in the edge portions of the top end portions of the first intermediate aperture portions71A. The final guiding portions71A-1are inclined faces obtained by chamfering the edge portions of the top end portions of the first intermediate aperture portions71A.

Support wall portions71F are formed on the base portion71outwardly of the first signal terminal placement portion72and first intermediate aperture portions71A in the connector width direction. The support wall portions71F, which extend across the range of the first signal terminal placement portion72in the terminal array direction, are part of the wall portions forming the first intermediate aperture portions71A. When the connectors are in a mated state, the support wall portions71F are placed in surface contact with the exterior lateral faces of the opposing wall portions173E of the counterpart connector2and can externally support the opposing wall portions173E in the connector width direction (seeFIG.12(B)).

The second intermediate aperture portion71B, which is formed between the two opposing wall portions73E of the hereinafter-described second signal terminal placement portions73in the connector width direction, extends over the array range of the second signal terminals20while extending through the base portion71in the vertical direction. Final guiding portions71B-1used to guide the hereinafter-described first signal terminal placement portion172of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position are formed in the edge portion of the top end portion of the second intermediate aperture portion71B. The final guiding portions71B-1are inclined faces obtained by chamfering the edge portion of the top end portion of the second intermediate aperture portion71B.

In addition, two first end aperture portions71C and one inner end aperture portion71D are formed in the base portion71at the end on the Y1 side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), and one second end aperture portion71E is formed at the end on the Y2 side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction). The first end aperture portions71C, one of which is formed on each opposite side of the hereinafter-described first power supply terminal placement portion74in the connector width direction, extend through the base portion71in the vertical direction within a range including the first power supply terminal placement portion74in the terminal array direction.

Final guiding portions71C-1used to guide the hereinafter-described second power supply terminal placement portions177of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position are formed in the edge portions of the top end portions of the first end aperture portions71C. The final guiding portions71C-1are inclined faces obtained by chamfering the edge portions of the top end portions of the first end aperture portions71C.

As shown inFIG.5, the inner end aperture portion71D is located in the central area in the connector width direction as well as between the second intermediate aperture portion71B and the hereinafter-described first inner guide portion76in the terminal array direction. The inner end aperture portion71D is placed in communication with the second intermediate aperture portion71B while extending through the base portion71in the vertical direction.

As shown inFIG.5, the second end aperture portion71E, as seen in the vertical direction, is partially surrounded by the hereinafter-described second power supply terminal placement portions77, second outer guide portion78, and second inner guide portion79, and extends through the base portion71in the vertical direction within a range including the second power supply terminal placement portions77in the terminal array direction.

As shown inFIG.6(A), in the bottom portion of the base portion71, in the intermediate area in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), holding groove portions71G used to accommodate a portion of the resilient portions13of the first signal terminals10are formed within a range leaning toward the Y2 side, and, as shown inFIG.6(B), holding groove portions71H used to accommodate a portion of the resilient portions23of the second signal terminals20are formed within a range leaning toward the Y1 side. The holding groove portions71G,71H are recessed from the exterior lateral faces of the base portion71(surfaces perpendicular to the connector width direction) and are formed in a downwardly open configuration.

In addition, in the bottom portion of the base portion71, holding groove portions (not shown) used to accommodate a portion of the resilient portions33of the first power supply terminals30are formed at the end on the Y1 side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), and holding groove portions (not shown) used to accommodate a portion of the resilient portions43of the second power supply terminals40are formed at the end on the Y2 side. These holding groove portions are similar in shape to the holding groove portions71G,71H.

In the intermediate area in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), the movable housing70has a first signal terminal placement portion72within a range leaning toward the Y2 side, and second signal terminal placement portions73within a range leaning toward the Y1 side. As shown inFIG.5, the first signal terminal placement portion72is located in the central area in the connector width direction, in other words, between the two first intermediate aperture portions71A, with the top portion thereof constituting a protruding wall portion72A extending upward from the top face of the base portion71, and the bottom portion thereof forming part the base portion71. Movable-side terminal groove portions72B used for placement of the first signal terminals10are formed in a side-by-side arrangement in the terminal array direction in the exterior lateral faces on the opposite sides of the first signal terminal placement portion72in the connector width direction.

As shown inFIG.6(A), the movable-side terminal groove portions72B are shaped as grooves which, while being recessed from the aforementioned exterior lateral faces, extend in the vertical direction over a range extending from the location of the top end of the first signal terminal placement portion72to a location slightly downward of the top face of the base portion71. As shown inFIG.6(A), the movable-side terminal groove portions72B are recessed from the aforementioned exterior lateral faces and have a groove-like configuration extending in the vertical direction over a range extending across the top portion of the base portion71, protruding wall portion72A, and part of a range corresponding to the contact arm portions15of the first signal terminals10in the vertical direction. As shown inFIG.6(A), the movable-side terminal groove portions72B, which are formed as grooves whose top portion is deeper than the bottom portion, are adapted to permit resilient deformation of the contact arm portions15of the first signal terminals10within these deep grooves (seeFIGS.12(A) and12(B)). The wall thickness dimensions of the first signal terminal placement portion72at locations corresponding to the bottom portion of the movable-side terminal groove portions72B are larger than the wall thickness dimensions at locations corresponding to the top portion of the movable-side terminal groove portions72B. In addition, at locations corresponding to the top portion of the movable-side terminal groove portions72B, the wall thickness dimensions (dimensions in the connector width direction) of the first signal terminal placement portion72become gradually larger as one moves downwardly.

In addition, movable-side retaining portions72C accommodating and retaining the movable-side retained portions12of the first signal terminals10are formed below the movable-side terminal groove portions72B. The movable-side retaining portions72C are shaped as grooves which, while being recessed from the exterior lateral faces of the first signal terminal placement portion72, extend in the vertical direction over a range extending from the locations of the bottom ends of the movable-side terminal groove portions72B to the location of the bottom end of the base portion71. The movable-side retaining portions72C are grooves having the same depth as the bottom portion of the movable-side terminal groove portions72B.

Final guiding portions72D used to guide the opposing wall portions173E of the hereinafter-described second signal terminal placement portions173of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position are formed in the edge portions of the top end portion of the protruding wall portion72A. The final guiding portions72D are inclined faces obtained by chamfering the edge portions of the top end portion of the protruding wall portion72A.

As shown inFIGS.5and6(B), the second signal terminal placement portions73are located on the opposite sides of the second intermediate aperture portion71B in the connector width direction, with the top portion thereof constituting a protruding wall73A extending upward from the top face of the base portion71, and the bottom portion thereof forming part of the base portion71. In the second signal terminal placement portions73, part of the range corresponding to the contact arm portions25of the second signal terminals20in the vertical direction, i.e., part of the range extending across the protruding walls73A and the top portion of the base portion71, is formed as opposing wall portions73E facing each other in the connector width direction. As shown inFIG.6(B), movable-side terminal groove portions73B used for placement of the second signal terminals20are formed in a side-by-side arrangement in the terminal array direction in the interior lateral faces of the opposing wall portions73E.

As shown inFIG.6(B), the movable-side terminal groove portions73B are shaped as grooves which, while being recessed from the aforementioned interior lateral faces, extend over the range of the opposing wall portions73E, i.e., the entire extent of the range corresponding to the contact arm portions25in the vertical direction. As shown inFIG.6(B), the movable-side terminal groove portions72B are formed as grooves whose top portion is deeper than the bottom portion and are adapted to permit resilient deformation of the contact arm portions25of the second signal terminals20within these deep grooves (seeFIGS.12(A) and12(B)). The wall thickness dimensions of the bottom portion of the opposing wall portions73E are larger than those of the top portion. In addition, at locations corresponding to the top portion of the movable-side terminal groove portions73B, the wall thickness dimensions (dimensions in the connector width direction) of the opposing wall portions73E become gradually larger as one moves downwardly.

In addition, movable-side retaining portions73C accommodating and retaining the movable-side retained portions22of the second signal terminals20are formed below the movable-side terminal groove portions73B. The movable-side retaining portions73C are shaped as grooves which, while being recessed from the interior lateral faces of the second signal terminal placement portions73, extend in the vertical direction over a range extending from the locations of the bottom ends of the movable-side terminal groove portions73B to the location of the bottom end of the base portion71. The movable-side retaining portions73C are grooves having the same depth as the bottom portion of the movable-side terminal groove portions73B.

Final guiding portions73D used to guide the hereinafter-described first signal terminal placement portion172of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position are formed in the edge portions of the top end portions of the opposing wall portions73E. The final guiding portions73D are inclined faces obtained by chamfering the edge portions of the top end portions of the opposing wall portions73E.

As shown inFIGS.1and5, the movable housing70has a first power supply terminal placement portion74, a first outer guide portion75, and a first inner guide portion76at the end on the Y1 side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction), and has second power supply terminal placement portions77, a second outer guide portion78, and a second inner guide portion79at the end on the Y2 side. Below, the first outer guide portion75and first inner guide portion76are referred to collectively as the “first guide portions75,76” if there is no need to distinguish between them. In addition, the second outer guide portion78and second inner guide portion79are referred to collectively as the “second guide portions78,79” if there is no need to distinguish between them.

The first power supply terminal placement portion74is located in the central area in the connector width direction, in other words, between the two first end aperture portions71C, with the top portion thereof extending upward from the top face of the base portion71and the bottom portion thereof forming part of the base portion71. As shown inFIG.3(A), the top end face of the first power supply terminal placement portion74is located at the same height in the vertical direction as the first signal terminal placement portion72and second signal terminal placement portions73. Movable-side terminal groove portions74B used for placement of the contact arm portions35of the first power supply terminals30are formed in the exterior lateral faces on the opposite sides of the first power supply terminal placement portion74in the connector width direction. The shape of the movable-side terminal groove portions74B could be obtained by increasing the width of the movable-side terminal groove portions72B of the previously discussed first signal terminal placement portion72.

In addition, movable-side retaining portions (not shown) accommodating and retaining the movable-side retained portions32of the first power supply terminals30are formed below the movable-side terminal groove portions74B. The shape of said movable-side retaining portions could be obtained by increasing the width of the movable-side retaining portions72C of the previously discussed first signal terminal placement portion72.

Final guiding portions74D used to guide the hereinafter-described second power supply terminal placement portions177of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position are formed in the edge portions of the top end portion of the first power supply terminal placement portion74. The final guiding portions74D are inclined faces obtained by chamfering the edge portions of the top end portion of the first power supply terminal placement portion74.

The first outer guide portion75is located outwardly of the first power supply terminal placement portion74in the terminal array direction and is coupled to the first power supply terminal placement portion74. As shown inFIG.5, when seen from above, the first outer guide portion75protrudes from the end face of the movable housing70on the Y1 side in the terminal array direction and is located in the end receiving portion63A. The top portion of the first outer guide portion75extends upward from the top face of the base portion71, and the bottom portion thereof forms part of the base portion71. In addition, as shown inFIG.3(A), the top end portion of the first outer guide portion75protrudes upwardly of the first power supply terminal placement portion74. Preliminary guiding portions75A used to guide the hereinafter-described second outer guide portion178of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position are formed in the edge portions of the top end portion of this first outer guide portion75. The preliminary guiding portions75A are inclined faces obtained by chamfering the edge portions of the top end portion of the first outer guide portion75. The dimensions of the inclined faces of the preliminary guiding portions75A in the direction of inclination are larger than those of the final guiding portions71A-1,71B-1,71C-1,72D, and73D.

The first inner guide portion76is located inwardly of the first power supply terminal placement portion74in the terminal array direction and is coupled to the first power supply terminal placement portion74. The top portion of the first inner guide portion76extends upward from the top face of the base portion71, and the bottom portion thereof forms part of the base portion71. In addition, as shown inFIG.3(A), the top end portion of the first inner guide portion76protrudes upwardly of the first power supply terminal placement portion74. Preliminary guiding portions76A used to guide the hereinafter-described second inner guide portion179of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position are formed in the edge portion of the top end portion of this first inner guide portion76. The preliminary guiding portions76A are inclined faces obtained by chamfering the edge portions of the top end portion of the first inner guide portion76. The dimensions of the inclined faces of the preliminary guiding portions76A in the direction of inclination are larger than those of the final guiding portions71A-1,71B-1,71C-1,72D, and73D.

The second power supply terminal placement portions77, one of which is provided on each opposite side of the second end aperture portion71E in the connector width direction, have their top portion extending upward from the top face of the base portion71and their bottom portion forming part of the base portion71. As shown inFIG.3(A), the top end faces of the second power supply terminal placement portions77are located at the same height in the vertical direction as the first signal terminal placement portion72and second signal terminal placement portions73. Movable-side terminal groove portions77B used for placement of the contact arm portions45of the second power supply terminals40are formed in the interior lateral faces of the second power supply terminal placement portions77in the connector width direction, in other words, in the interior lateral faces of the two second power supply terminal placement portions77facing each other in the connector width direction. The shape of the movable-side terminal groove portions77B could be obtained by increasing the width of the movable-side terminal groove portions73B of the previously discussed second signal terminal placement portions73.

In addition, movable-side retaining portions (not shown) accommodating and retaining the movable-side retained portions42of the second power supply terminals40are formed below the movable-side terminal groove portions77B. The shape of said movable-side retaining portions could be obtained by increasing the width of the movable-side retaining portions73C of the previously discussed second signal terminal placement portions73.

Final guiding portions77D used to guide the hereinafter-described first power supply terminal placement portion174of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position are formed in the edge portions of the top end portions of the second power supply terminal placement portions77. The final guiding portions77D are inclined faces obtained by chamfering the edge portions of the top end portions of the second power supply terminal placement portions77.

The second outer guide portion78is located outwardly (on side Y2) of the second power supply terminal placement portions77in the terminal array direction. As shown inFIG.5, the second outer guide portion78, as seen from above, is of a U-shaped configuration that is open inwardly (on the Y1 side) in the terminal array direction, and has a section extending in the connector width direction (X-axis direction), and sections extending inwardly in the terminal array direction from the opposite ends in the connector width direction. The top portion of the second outer guide portion78extends upward from the top face of the base portion71, and the bottom portion thereof forms part of the base portion71. In addition, as shown inFIG.3(A), the top end portion of the second outer guide portion78protrudes upwardly of the second power supply terminal placement portions77. A preliminary guiding portion78A used to guide the hereinafter-described first outer guide portion175of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position is formed in the edge portion of the top end portion of this second outer guide portion78. The preliminary guiding portion78A is an inclined face obtained by chamfering the edge portion of the top end portion of the second outer guide portion78. The dimensions of the inclined face of the preliminary guiding portion78A in the direction of inclination are larger than those of the final guiding portions71A-1,71B-1,71C-1,72D, and73D.

The second inner guide portion79, which is located inwardly (on the Y1 side) of the second power supply terminal placement portions77, is coupled to the first signal terminal placement portion72. The top portion of the second inner guide portion79extends upward from the top face of the base portion71, and the bottom portion thereof forms part of the base portion71. In addition, as shown inFIG.3(A), the top end portion of the second inner guide portion79protrudes upwardly of the second power supply terminal placement portions77. A preliminary guiding portion79A used to guide the hereinafter-described first inner guide portion176of the counterpart connector2toward the regular mating position is formed in the edge portion of the top end portion of this second inner guide portion79. The dimensions of the inclined face of the preliminary guiding portion79A in the direction of inclination are larger than those of the final guiding portions71A-1,71B-1,71C-1,72D, and73D.

As shown inFIG.5, in the present embodiment, as seen from above, the second power supply terminal placement portions77, second outer guide portion78, and second inner guide portion79are located in the peripheral edge portion of the second end aperture portion71E and partially surround said second end aperture portion71E. When the connectors are matingly connected, these second power supply terminal placement portions77, second outer guide portion78, and second inner guide portion79, as seen in the vertical direction, can partially surround the first power supply terminal placement portion174, first outer guide portion175, and first inner guide portion176of the counterpart connector2.

As shown inFIG.2, a plurality of attachment projections70A for attaching the cover member90are provided on the bottom face of the base portion71of the movable housing70. The attachment projections70A are formed in the shape of downwardly protruding circular columns at a plurality of locations on the bottom face of the base portion71.

Going back to the description of the terminals10,20,30,40, as shown inFIG.6(A), in the first signal terminals10, the stationary-side retained portions11extend in the vertical direction and, for the most part, except for the bottom end portion thereof, are accommodated within the stationary-side retaining portions61A of the stationary housing60, with the bottom end portions thereof projecting outside the stationary-side retaining portions61A. As shown inFIG.7(A), the stationary-side retained portions11, on both lateral edges thereof, have a plurality of press-fitting projections11A protruding outwardly in the terminal width direction, and are adapted to be press-fittingly retained within the stationary-side retaining portions61A by the press-fitting projections11A.

As shown inFIGS.6(A) and7(A), the resilient portions13extend from the top ends of the stationary-side retained portions11in a crank-like configuration. Specifically, after extending inwardly in the connector width direction from the top ends of the stationary-side retained portions11and projecting out of the stationary-side retaining portions61A, the resilient portions13extend downwardly within the holding groove portions71G and extend inwardly in the connector width direction along the bottom face of the base portion71.

As shown inFIG.6(A), the connection portions14extend outwardly in the connector width direction from the bottom ends of the stationary-side retained portions11along the bottom face of the stationary housing60. The connection portions14are adapted to have their bottom faces solder-connected to the corresponding circuits P1A of the circuit board.

As shown inFIGS.6(A) and7(A), the movable-side retained portions12extend upwardly from the ends of the resilient portions13located internally in the connector width direction and, as shown inFIG.7(A), are accommodated within the bottom portion of the movable-side retaining portions72C. That is, the movable-side retained portions12are located inwardly of the stationary-side retained portions11in the connector width direction. As shown inFIG.7(A), the movable-side retained portions12, on both lateral edges thereof, have a plurality of press-fitting projections12A protruding outwardly in the terminal width direction, and are adapted to be press-fittingly retained within the movable-side retaining portions72C by the press-fitting projections12A.

As shown inFIGS.6(A) and7(A), the contact arm portions15extend upwardly from the top ends of the movable-side retained portions12and, in the top end portions thereof, are provided with contact portions15A bent in a manner to protrude outwardly in the connector width direction. The top portions of the contact arm portions15extend along the movable-side terminal groove portions72B. The contact arm portions15are capable of resilient deformation in the through-thickness direction thereof, i.e., in the connector width direction. The contact arm portions15can make contact with the contact arm portions115of the first signal terminals110of the counterpart connector2under contact pressure using the contact portions15A (seeFIG.12(B)).

The first signal terminals10are retained in the stationary housing60and movable housing70due to the fact that the stationary-side retained portions11are press-fitted into the stationary-side retaining portions61A of the stationary housing60from below while the movable-side retained portions12are press-fitted into the movable-side retaining portions72C of the movable housing70from below.

In the present embodiment, the first signal terminals10have formed therein a U-shaped section formed by the stationary-side retained portion11and a portion of the resilient portion13. As shown inFIG.6(A) andFIG.7, etc., this U-shaped section, which is downwardly open, is an inverted U-shaped section. As shown inFIG.7, the stationary-side retained portion11is formed such that the dimensions thereof in the terminal width direction are larger, i.e., it is formed of a greater width, than the bend portion16, i.e., the coupling section coupled to the top end of said stationary-side retained portion11, and the bend portion17, i.e., the coupling section coupled to the bottom end of said stationary-side retained portion11. In addition, the movable-side retained portion12is formed of a greater width than the bend portion18, i.e., the coupling section coupled to the bottom end of said movable-side retained portion12. In addition, the resilient portion13is formed of a greater width than the bend portion16, i.e., the coupling section coupled to the outer end in the connector width direction, and the bend portion18, i.e., the coupling section coupled to the inner end in the connector width direction.

As shown inFIGS.6(B) and7(B), the shape of the second signal terminals20would be obtained if the contact portions15A of the first signal terminals10protruded toward the opposite side in the connector width direction. That is, the second signal terminals20are of the same shape as the first signal terminals10with the exception of the contact portions25A. Here, parts of the second signal terminals20corresponding to the respective parts of the first signal terminals10are identified with reference numerals obtained by adding “10” to the reference numerals used for the first signal terminals10, and description thereof is omitted. In addition, the second signal terminals20are press-fittingly attached to the stationary housing60and movable housing70from below in accordance with the same procedure as the first signal terminals10.

As shown inFIG.7(C), the shape of the first power supply terminals30could be obtained by increasing the width of the first signal terminals10. InFIG.7(C), parts of the first power supply terminals30corresponding to the respective parts of the first signal terminals10are identified with reference numerals obtained by adding “20” to the reference numerals used for the first signal terminals10. In the first power supply terminals30, the resilient portions33, which have formed therein a slit33A extending in the center in the terminal width direction over substantially the entire longitudinal range of the resilient portions33, are two thin strips located on the opposite sides of said slit33A. Providing the resilient portions33in the form of two thin strips in this manner makes the terminal width dimensions of each thin strip smaller, thereby making the resilient portions33more prone to resilient displacement.

The contact arm portions35, which have formed therein a slit35B extending in the center in the terminal width direction over substantially the entire longitudinal range of the contact arm portions35, are two thin strips located on the opposite sides of said slit35B. Providing the contact arm portions35in the form of two thin strips in this manner makes the terminal width dimensions of each thin strip smaller, thereby making the contact arm portions35more prone to resilient displacement. In addition, the stationary-side retained portions31, on both lateral edges thereof, have press-fitting projections31A protruding outwardly in the terminal width direction. The movable-side retained portions32, on both lateral edges thereof, have press-fitting projections32A protruding outwardly in the terminal width direction. The first power supply terminals30are press-fittingly attached to the stationary housing60and movable housing70from below in accordance with the same procedure as the first signal terminals10.

As shown inFIG.7(D), the shape of the second power supply terminals40would be obtained if the contact portions35A of the first power supply terminals30protruded toward the opposite side in the connector width direction. That is to say, the second power supply terminals40are of the same shape as the first power supply terminals30with the exception of the contact portions45A. Here, parts of the second power supply terminals40corresponding to the respective parts of the first power supply terminals30are identified with reference numerals obtained by adding “10” to the reference numerals used for the first power supply terminals30, and description thereof is omitted. In addition, the second power supply terminals40are press-fittingly attached to the stationary housing60and movable housing70from below in accordance with the same procedure as the first signal terminals10.

As shown inFIG.1, the anchor fittings80, which are formed by bending a sheet metal member in the through-thickness direction, have an L-shaped configuration as seen in the connector width direction. The anchor fittings80have retained portions81extending in the vertical direction, and securing portions82extending from the bottom ends of the retained portions81outwardly in the terminal array direction. The anchor fittings80are retained in the stationary housing60due to the fact that the retained portions81are press-fitted into the fitting retaining portions62A of the stationary housing60from below. The securing portions82are secured with their bottom faces to the corresponding portions of the circuit board via solder connections.

FIGS.8(A) and8(B) show perspective views illustrating the cover member90in isolation, whereinFIG.8(A) is a perspective view illustrating an orientation used for attachment to the connector1, andFIG.8(B) a perspective view illustrating an orientation vertically inverted with respect to the orientation ofFIG.8(A). The cover member90, which is made of plastics, has a plate-shaped main body portion91whose major faces extend in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, a protruding portion92protruding from the top face of the main body portion91in a cross-shaped configuration, and upright portions93rising upward from the opposite lateral edges of the main body portion91in the connector width direction while extending in the terminal array direction. Although in the present embodiment the cover member90is made of plastics, the material of the cover member90is not limited thereto and it may be made of any electrically insulating material; for example, it may be made of rubber.

The main body portion91, whose longitudinal direction is the terminal array direction, extends in the terminal array direction over the array range of the first signal terminals10and second signal terminals20(seeFIG.2), and, in the connector width direction, over a range extending across the stationary-side retaining portions61A,61B of the two lateral wall portions61of the stationary housing60(seeFIGS.6(A) and6(B)).

The protruding portion92has a long protruding portion92A which extends in the central area in the connector width direction over the entire extent of the main body portion91in the terminal array direction, and a short protruding portion92B which extends outwardly in the connector width direction from the lateral edges of the long protruding portion92A in the central area of the long protruding portion92A in the terminal array direction and which is coupled to the upright portions93. Interior partition walls92C protruding upwardly and outwardly in the connector width direction are formed at the opposite lateral edges of the long protruding portion92A at the respective locations between adjacent first signal terminals10and between adjacent second signal terminals20.

In addition, in the main body portion91, attachment aperture portions92D of a circular shape, as seen in the vertical direction, are formed extending through the main body portion91at the locations of the opposite ends of the long protruding portion92A in the terminal array direction and at the locations of the opposite ends of the short protruding portion92B in the connector width direction.

As shown inFIGS.8(A) and8(B), at the respective locations of the first signal terminals10and second signal terminals20in the terminal array direction, the upright portions93have exterior partition walls93A that protrude outwardly in the connector width direction while extending in the vertical direction.

The cover member90is attached to the bottom face of the movable housing70such that the direction of attachment is an upwardly facing direction. That is to say, in the present embodiment, “up” is forward in the direction of attachment, and “down” is backward in the direction of attachment. When the cover member90is attached, the attachment projections70A protruding from the bottom face of the movable housing70are inserted into the attachment aperture portions92D of the cover member90, and the distal end portions of said attachment projections70A are deformed by heat swaging. As a result, the distal end portions of the attachment projections70A become lockingly engaged with the peripheral edge portions of the attachment aperture portions92D, thereby securing the cover member90to the bottom face of the movable housing70. Therefore, the main body portion91of the cover member90is provided at the bottom end of the connector1, i.e., at the rearward end in the aforementioned direction of attachment (proximal end in the aforementioned direction of attachment). Therefore, when attaching the cover member90to the movable housing70, there is no need to perform the procedure of attachment of the cover member90on the forward side (far side) in the aforementioned direction of attachment, thereby making it possible to attach the cover member90in a simple and easy manner.

As shown inFIGS.6(A) and6(B), once the cover member90is attached to the bottom face of the movable housing70, the bend portions18,28of the signal terminals10,20are accommodated between adjacent interior partition walls92C. In addition, the upright portions93enter the respective inverted U-shaped sections of the signal terminals10,20from below. Furthermore, the cover member90is not in contact with the signal terminals10,20at least when the resilient portions13,23of the signal terminals10,20are in their free state.

When the cover member90is attached to the movable housing70in this manner, a range including part of the sections of the signal terminals10,20that are exposed from the housing50, more specifically, the resilient portions13,23, is covered when viewed from below. That is to say, a plastic layer is formed that covers the range including the resilient portions13,23from below. Therefore, increases in characteristic impedance in the resilient portions13,23are minimized, which makes characteristic impedance mismatches less likely to occur and, as a result, makes it possible to avoid degradation in the quality of signal transmission in terminals in an appropriate manner.

Due to the fact that terminal width dimensions abruptly change in the signal terminals10,20in the coupling sections of the stationary-side retained portions11,21and bend portions16,26as well as in the coupling portions of the bend portions16,26and resilient portions13,23, characteristic impedance mismatches are likely to occur in these coupling sections. In the present embodiment, the upright portions93are so provided as to enter the inverted U-shaped sections of the signal terminals10,20along the aforementioned coupling sections. Therefore, it becomes easier to avoid the occurrence of characteristic impedance mismatches in the aforementioned coupling sections.

In addition, since the cover member90is not in contact with said resilient portions13,23at least when the resilient portions13,23of the signal terminals10,20are in their free state, the cover member90becomes less likely to interfere with the resilient deformation of the resilient portions13,23. Therefore, the resilient portions13,23can be easily resiliently deformed at a high level of deformation and, as a result, a sufficiently large degree of floating action can be ensured in the movable housing70.

Although in the present embodiment the cover member90is attached to the movable housing70, as an alternative, the cover member may be attached to the stationary housing and, in addition, may be attached to the terminals. In all instances, the cover member is preferably attached in a manner to avoid contact with the resilient portions at least when the resilient portions of the terminals are in their free state.

As shown inFIGS.6(A) and6(B), in the present embodiment, circuit board P1has a ground layer P1B extending along the mounting face thereof. Although the ground layer P1B, as seen in the vertical direction, is formed extending over a range including most of the connector1, there are empty areas P1C formed within ranges corresponding to the connection portions14,24of the signal terminals10,20. Specifically, empty areas P1C having no ground layer P1B are formed as aperture portions including the connection portions14,24at locations corresponding to each of the connection portions14,24, as seen in the vertical direction. That is to say, each connection portion14,24is enclosed within the peripheral edges of the aperture portions of the ground layer P1B. In addition, circuit board P2, on which the counterpart connector2is mounted, has the same configuration as circuit board P1.

In this manner, due to the fact that empty areas P1C, in which there is no ground layer P1B, are formed on circuit board P1within ranges corresponding to the connection portions14,24of the signal terminals10,20, there is no metal layer and only the plastic layer of circuit board P1is present at the locations where the connection portions14,24are connected. Therefore, the characteristic impedance of the connection portions14,24in the signal terminals10,20can be brought closer to the characteristic impedance in sections other than the connection portions14,24, as a result of which it becomes easier to avoid the occurrence of characteristic impedance mismatches.

The thus configured connector1and the counterpart connector2, which is identical in shape, are matingly connected in accordance with the following procedure. Hereinbelow, the operation of matingly connecting the connector1and counterpart connector2will be described with reference toFIGS.1to4andFIGS.9to12.

First, the connector1is mounted on the mounting face of circuit board P1via solder connections and the counterpart connector2is mounted on the mounting face of circuit board P2via solder connections. Next, as can be seen inFIGS.1,2,3,9, and10, the counterpart connector2is positioned above the connector1in an orientation vertically inverted relative to the connector1. Subsequently, the counterpart connector2is lowered while maintaining the same orientation, and the first signal terminal placement portion172, second signal terminal placement portions173, first power supply terminal placement portion174, and second power supply terminal placement portions177are mated from above with the second signal terminal placement portions73, first signal terminal placement portion72, second power supply terminal placement portions77, and first power supply terminal placement portion74of the movable housing70of the connector1.

If the position of the counterpart connector2relative to the connector1is offset from the regular position toward the Y1 side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction) immediately prior to the start of connector mating (referred to herein as “preliminary mating”), then as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the preliminary guiding portion176A of the first inner guide portion176of the counterpart connector2is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the preliminary guiding portion79A of the second inner guide portion79of the connector1, and the preliminary guiding portion179A of the second inner guide portion179of the counterpart connector2is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the preliminary guiding portions76A of the first inner guide portion76of the connector1. Therefore, as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the first inner guide portion176and second inner guide portion179are guided by the preliminary guiding portions79A,76A toward the regular mating position, i.e., toward the Y2 side. At such time, the first signal terminal placement portion172, second signal terminal placement portions173, first power supply terminal placement portion174, and second power supply terminal placement portions177also move toward the Y2 side.

If the position of the counterpart connector2relative to the connector1is offset from the regular position toward the Y2 side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction) immediately prior to the start of preliminary mating, then as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the preliminary guiding portion175A of the first outer guide portion175of the counterpart connector2is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the preliminary guiding portion78A of the second outer guide portion78of the connector1, and the preliminary guiding portion178A of the second outer guide portion178of the counterpart connector2is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the preliminary guiding portions75A of the first outer guide portion75of the connector1. Therefore, as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the first outer guide portion175and second outer guide portion178are guided by the preliminary guiding portions78A,75A toward the regular mating position, i.e., toward the Y1 side. At such time, the first signal terminal placement portion172, second signal terminal placement portions173, first power supply terminal placement portion174, and second power supply terminal placement portions177also move toward the Y1 side.

If the position of the counterpart connector2relative to the connector1is offset from the regular position toward either side in the connector width direction (X-axis direction) immediately prior to the start of preliminary mating, then as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the preliminary guiding portion175A of the first outer guide portion175of the counterpart connector2is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the preliminary guiding portion78A of the second outer guide portion78of the connector1, and the preliminary guiding portion178A of the second outer guide portion178of the counterpart connector2is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the preliminary guiding portions75A of the first outer guide portion75of the connector1. Therefore, as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the first outer guide portion175and second outer guide portion178are guided by the preliminary guiding portions78A,75A toward the regular mating position, i.e., toward the X2 side in the event of offset toward the X1 side, and toward the X1 side in the event of offset toward the X2 side. At such time, first signal terminal placement portion172, second signal terminal placement portions173, first power supply terminal placement portion174, and second power supply terminal placement portions177also move toward either the X2 side or the X1 side.

Mating (referred to herein as “final mating”) of the first signal terminal placement portion172, second signal terminal placement portions173, first power supply terminal placement portion174, and second power supply terminal placement portions177with the second signal terminal placement portions73, first signal terminal placement portion72, second power supply terminal placement portions77, and first power supply terminal placement portion74of the connector1starts after the counterpart connector2has been guided by the preliminary guiding portions75A,76A,78A, and79A.

If the position of the counterpart connector2relative to the connector1is offset toward either side in the terminal array direction (X-axis direction) immediately prior to the start of final mating, then as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the final guiding portions172D of the first signal terminal placement portion172of the counterpart connector2are brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions73D of the second signal terminal placement portions73of the connector1, and the final guiding portions173D of the second signal terminal placement portions173of the counterpart connector2are brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions72D of the first signal terminal placement portion72of the connector1. In addition, the final guiding portions174D of the first power supply terminal placement portion174of the counterpart connector2are brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions77D of the second power supply terminal placement portions77of the connector1, and the final guiding portions177D of the second power supply terminal placement portions177of the counterpart connector2are brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions74D of the first power supply terminal placement portion74of the connector1. Therefore, as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the first signal terminal placement portion172, second signal terminal placement portions173, first power supply terminal placement portion174, and second power supply terminal placement portions177are guided toward the regular mating position, i.e., toward the X2 side in the event of offset toward the X1 side, and toward the X1 side in the event of offset toward the X2 side.

If the position of the counterpart connector2relative to the connector1is offset from the regular position toward either side in the terminal array direction (Y-axis direction) while final mating is in progress, then as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the final guiding portion172D of the first signal terminal placement portion172of the counterpart connector2is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions71B-1of the second intermediate aperture portion71B of the connector1, and the final guiding portions173D of the second signal terminal placement portions173of the counterpart connector2are brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions71A-1of the first intermediate aperture portions71A of the connector1. In addition, the final guiding portions177D of the second power supply terminal placement portions177of the counterpart connector2are brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions71C-1of the first end aperture portions71C of the connector1. Therefore, as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the first signal terminal placement portion172, second signal terminal placement portions173, and second power supply terminal placement portions177are guided toward the regular mating position, i.e., toward the Y2 side in the event of offset toward the Y1 side, and toward the Y1 side in the event of offset toward the Y2 side. At the same time, the first power supply terminal placement portion174also moves toward either the Y2 side or the Y1 side.

If the position of the counterpart connector2relative to the connector1in the process of the final mating is offset toward either side in the connector width direction (X-axis direction) while final mating is in progress, then as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the final guiding portion172D of the first signal terminal placement portion172of the counterpart connector2is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions71B-1of the second intermediate aperture portion71B of the connector1, the final guiding portions173D of the second signal terminal placement portions173of the counterpart connector2are brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions71A-1of the first intermediate aperture portions71A of the connector1, and the final guiding portions177D of the second power supply terminal placement portions177of the counterpart connector2are brought into abutment (surface contact) with the final guiding portions71C-1of the first end aperture portions71C of the connector1. Therefore, as the counterpart connector2is lowered, the first signal terminal placement portion172and second power supply terminal placement portions177are guided toward the regular mating position, i.e., toward the X2 side in the event of offset toward the X1 side, and toward the X1 side in the event of offset toward the X2 side. At the same time, the second signal terminal placement portions173and first power supply terminal placement portion174also move toward either the X2 side or the X1 side.

As shown inFIGS.11(B) and12(B), when final mating proceeds after bringing the counterpart connector2to the regular mating position in this manner, the first signal terminal placement portion172of the counterpart connector2enters the second intermediate aperture portion71B from above between the two opposing wall portions73E of the second signal terminal placement portions73of the connector1. In addition, at the same time, the opposing wall portions73E of the second signal terminal placement portions73of the connector1enter the first intermediate aperture portions171A of the counterpart connector2from below. Furthermore, the first signal terminal placement portion72of the connector1enters the second intermediate aperture portion171B from below between the opposing wall portions173E of the second signal terminal placement portions173of the counterpart connector2. In addition, at the same time, the opposing wall portions173E of the second signal terminal placement portions173of the counterpart connector2enter the first intermediate aperture portions71A of the connector1from above. As a result, the first signal terminals10and first signal terminals110, as well as the second signal terminals20and second signal terminals120, are placed in contact.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.11(B) and12(B), the first power supply terminal placement portion174of the counterpart connector2enters between the two second power supply terminal placement portions77of the connector1from above. Furthermore, at the same time, the first power supply terminal placement portion74of the connector1enters between the two second power supply terminal placement portions177of the counterpart connector2from below. As a result, the first signal terminals30and first signal terminals130, as well as the second signal terminals40and second signal terminals140, are placed in contact.

In addition, as shown inFIG.11(B), the bottom portion of the first inner guide portion176and the bottom portion of the first outer guide portion175of the counterpart connector2enter the bottom portion of the second end aperture portion71E of the connector1from above. At the same time, as shown inFIG.11(B), the top portion of the first inner guide portion76and the top portion of the first outer guide portion75of the connector1enter the top portion of the second end aperture portion171E of the connector2from below. Furthermore, as shown inFIG.11(B), the bottom portion of the second outer guide portion178of the counterpart connector2enters the end receiving portion63A of the connector1from above, and the bottom portion of the second inner guide portion179of the counterpart connector2enters the inner end aperture portion71D of the connector1from above. At the same time, as shown inFIG.11(B), the top portion of the second outer guide portion78of the connector1enters the end receiving portion163A of the counterpart connector2from below, and the second inner guide portion79of the connector1enters the inner end aperture portion171D of the counterpart connector2from below.

Assembling the connector1and counterpart connector2in this manner completes the operation of mating connection of the connectors.

In the present embodiment, in the process of performing the mating connection of the two connectors, guidance is first provided by the preliminary guiding portions75A,76A,78A, and79A, followed by guidance provided by the final guiding portions71A-1,71B-1,71C-1,72D,73D,74D, and77D. Since these preliminary guiding portions are formed of larger dimensions in the direction of inclination than the final guiding portions, these preliminary guiding portions provide general guidance prior to mating the terminal placement portions72,73,74,77and terminal placement portions173,172,177,174. Therefore, by the time that mating begins, the pairs of terminal placement portions are already brought to positions proximate to the regular mating positions.

That is to say, the pairs of terminal placement portions are brought to the regular mating positions without difficulty because by the time that guidance by the final guiding portions starts, the terminal placement portions72,73,74,77and terminal placement portions173,172,177,174are located in positions proximate to the regular mating positions. In this manner, in the present embodiment, when the two movable housings70,170are brought into abutment with each other in the vertical direction, guidance is provided by these final guiding portions, thereby making it possible to adequately avoid damage to the terminal placement portions72,73,74,77and terminal placement portions173,172,177,174.

In addition, despite the fact that in the present embodiment the first guide portions75,76and second guide portions78,79, as well as the second guide portions178,179and first guide portions175,176of the connector1and counterpart connector2, are initially brought into abutment using a relatively high mating operating force at the beginning of the mating operation, these first guide portions and second guide portions are formed of a thickness that is adequate to form the preliminary guiding portions in the terminal array direction and connector width direction, and, as a result, even when they are brought into abutment using the aforementioned mating operating force, they possess sufficient strength to counteract it and are not likely to be damaged. In addition, abutment between the first guide portions and second guide portions reduces the subsequently applied mating operating force. Therefore, even though they are brought into abutment during mating, the terminal placement portions72,73,74,77and terminal placement portions173,172,177,174become less likely to be damaged.

A state of contact between the second signal terminals20of the connector1and the first signal terminals110of the counterpart connector2in a state of mated connection between the two connectors is illustrated in the right half ofFIG.12(B). As shown inFIG.12(B), the contact portion115A of the first signal terminal110is placed in contact with the bottom portion of the contact arm portion25of the second signal terminal20under contact pressure, and the contact portion25A of the second signal terminal20is placed in contact with the top portion of the contact arm portion115of the first signal terminal110under contact pressure. At such time, the top portion, i.e., the section corresponding to the movable-side terminal groove portion73B, of the second signal terminals20of the connector1is subject to resilient deformation outwardly in the connector width direction, and the bottom portion, i.e., the section corresponding to the movable-side terminal groove portion172B, of the first signal terminals110of the counterpart connector2is subject to resilient deformation outwardly in the connector width direction. Resilient deformation of the second signal terminals20is permitted by the movable-side terminal groove portions73B while resilient deformation of the first signal terminals110is permitted by the movable-side terminal groove portions172B.

As described above, the contact portion115A of the first signal terminal110is placed in contact with the bottom portion of the contact arm portion25of the second signal terminal20, i.e., with the section extending along the interior surface of the bottom portion of the opposing wall portion73E of the movable housing70. Although the bottom portion of this contact arm portion25is subject to contact pressure directed outwardly in the connector width direction from the contact portion115A, at such time, it is externally supported in the connector width direction by the bottom portion of the opposing wall portion73E.

In the present embodiment, the wall thickness dimensions (dimensions in the connector width direction) of the bottom portion of the opposing wall portion73E are larger than the wall thickness dimensions of the top portion thereof. Therefore, sufficient strength to make it possible to counteract external forces applied by the contact portions115A of the first signal terminals110, i.e., external forces directed outwardly in the connector width direction, can be ensured in the bottom portion. As a result, restricting deformation of the opposing wall portions73E makes it possible to prevent damage to said opposing wall portions73E.

As described above, the top portion of the contact arm portion25of the second signal terminals20is subject to resilient deformation outwardly in the connector width direction, and this resilient deformation is permitted by the movable-side terminal groove portion73B formed in the top portion of the opposing wall portion73E. In the present embodiment, the wall thickness dimensions of the top portions of the opposing wall portions73E increase as one moves downwardly within a range corresponding to the movable-side terminal groove portions73B in the vertical direction. Adopting such a shape for the top portions of the opposing wall portions73E allows for significant flexural deformation of the terminals within the top portions of the movable-side terminal groove portions73B while making it possible to ensure significant strength in the sections of the opposing wall portions73E corresponding to the bottom portion of the movable-side terminal groove portions73B. Therefore, even if the contact arm portions25were to undergo excessive flexural deformation and abut the interior wall surface of the movable-side terminal groove portions73B, sufficient strength to make it possible to counteract the external forces applied by the contact arm portions25can be ensured in the opposing wall portions73E. As a result, restricting deformation of the opposing wall portions73E makes it possible to prevent damage to said opposing wall portions73E.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.12(B), when the connectors are matingly connected, the support wall portions171F of the counterpart connector2are located outwardly of the opposing wall portions73E of the connector1in the connector width direction and placed in a face-to-face relationship with the exterior lateral faces of said opposing wall portions73E, thereby making it possible to externally support the opposing wall portions73E in the connector width direction. Therefore, the opposing wall portions73E are externally supported by said support wall portions171F in the connector width direction, and the top portions of the contact arm portions25can counteract external forces directed outwardly in the connector width direction from the contact portions115A with the help of the supporting force provided thereby. As a result, restricting deformation of the opposing wall portions73E directed outwardly in the connector width direction makes it possible to prevent damage to said opposing wall portions73E.

In addition, in the present embodiment, not only are movable-side terminal groove portions73B shaped in this manner, but other movable-side terminal groove portions in the connector1and counterpart connector2have the same shape as said movable-side terminal groove portions73B. Therefore, sufficient strength can be ensured in the movable housings70,170at locations corresponding to those other movable-side terminal groove portions.

In addition, as shown inFIG.12(B), when the connectors are matingly connected, the support wall portions171F of the movable housing170of the counterpart connector2are in proximate face-to-face relationship with the exterior lateral faces of the opposing wall portions73E of the connector1and can externally support said opposing wall portions73E in the connector width direction. Therefore, even if the contact arm portions25were to undergo excessive flexural deformation and abut the interior wall surface of the movable-side terminal groove portions73B, the external forces applied by the contact arm portions25can be counteracted with the help of the supporting force directed inwardly in the connector width direction from the support wall portions171F. As a result, restricting deformation of the opposing wall portions73E directed outwardly in the connector width direction makes it possible to prevent damage to said opposing wall portions73E. Although the description herein covers effects obtained in the opposing wall portions73E of the connector1, similar effects are obtained in the opposing wall portions173E of the counterpart connector2.

Although in the present embodiment the final guiding portions are provided both in the first signal terminal placement portion and in the second signal terminal placement portion, as an alternative, the final guiding portions may be provided in either one of the first signal terminal placement portion and second signal terminal placement portion. In addition, although the final guiding portions are provided both in the first power supply terminal placement portion and in the second power supply terminal placement portions, as an alternative, the final guiding portions may be provided in either one of the first power supply terminal placement portion and second power supply terminal placement portions.

Although in the present embodiment the cover member is provided in a connector in which the direction of connection to the counterpart connect body is a direction perpendicular to the mounting face of the circuit board, connectors in which the cover member is provided are not limited thereto and, for example, may be so-called right-angle connectors in which the direction of connection to the counterpart connect body is a direction parallel to the mounting face of the circuit board.

Although in the present embodiment the cover member is attached such that the direction of attachment is an upwardly facing direction normal to the mounting face of the circuit board, the direction of attachment of the cover member is not limited thereto. For example, if the intermediate portions of the terminals are exposed when the connector is viewed from the lateral side (in a direction parallel to the mounting face of the circuit board), the cover member may be adapted to be attached to a lateral face of the connector (surface perpendicular to the mounting face of the circuit board) such that the direction of attachment is a direction parallel to the mounting face of the circuit board.

Although in the present embodiment the cover member is provided in a floating connector in which floating action of the movable housing is made possible by resilient deformation of the resilient portions of the terminals, the connector provided with the cover member does not necessarily have to be a floating connector and, for example, may be a connector in which terminals are retained within in a single non-floating housing. At such time, the cover member may be attached to the housing and may also be attached to the terminals.

Although in the present embodiment only one cover member is provided in the connector, as an alternative, there may be provided a plurality of cover members. At such time, for example, the cover member of the present embodiment may be configured to be split into a plurality of sections in the terminal array direction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS