Connector capable of accommodating misalignment at time of counterpart terminal insertion

A housing having a height, width, and a depth direction, and cantilevered terminals having one end side secured to the housing on one side in the depth direction and having a resilient member forming a free end in an end portion on the other end side opposite to said one end side on the side opposite to the one side in the depth direction. Counterpart terminals are inserted into an insertion space within the housing from locations spaced apart in the height direction through insertion apertures occupying a predetermined area in a plane formed by the depth direction and width direction of the housing, the resilient member has contact points that contact with counterpart terminals inserted through the insertion apertures, and at least a portion of the resilient member other than the contact points, along with the contact points, is positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area in at least the plane.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-218845, filed Dec. 28, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector capable of accommodating misalignment at the time of counterpart terminal insertion.

Related Art

An exemplary conventional connector of the above-mentioned type has been disclosed in Patent Document 1.

In this conventional connector, a movable housing is secured to one end side of the terminals and a stationary housing is secured to the other end side of the terminals, with the movable housing enabled for movement relative to said stationary housing as a result of resilient deformation of the terminals.

Such movement of the movable housing relative to the stationary housing is useful in accommodating misalignment relative to a counterpart connector caused by vibration or shock at the time of connection to the counterpart connector.

PATENT DOCUMENTS

Patent Document 1

SUMMARY

Problems to be Solved

It is an object to eliminate the need for a movable housing to be provided in order to accommodate misalignment at the time of counterpart terminal insertion.

In the above-mentioned conventional connector, a movable housing was provided in addition to a stationary housing in order to accommodate misalignment at the time of counterpart terminal insertion. In addition, the problem with the above-mentioned conventional configuration was that since the movable housing was supported on the stationary housing essentially by the terminals alone, considerable loads were likely to be applied to the terminals by the weight of the movable housing, as a result of which the resistance of the terminals against significant shock or vibration was insufficient.

It is an object of the invention to provide a connector in which the above-described drawbacks are eliminated.

Technical Solution

In order to eliminate the above-mentioned problems, a connector according to one aspect of the present invention, which comprises a housing having a height direction, a width direction, and a depth direction, and cantilevered terminals having one end side secured to the housing on one side in the depth direction and having a resilient member forming a free end in an end portion on the other end side opposite to said one end side on the side opposite to the one side in the depth direction, is characterized by the fact that the counterpart terminals are configured to be inserted into an insertion space within the housing from locations spaced apart in the height direction through insertion apertures occupying a predetermined area in a plane formed by the depth direction and width direction of the housing, the resilient member has contact points that make contact with counterpart terminals inserted through the insertion apertures, and at least a portion of the resilient member other than the contact points, along with the contact points, is positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area in at least the above-mentioned plane.

The effect of the connector according to this aspect consists in eliminating the movable housing, which makes it possible to alleviate the load applied to the terminals and allows for the durability of the terminals to be improved. In addition, since there is no longer need to provide a movable housing, the construction can be streamlined and the number of parts can be minimized, as a result of which manufacturing costs can also be reduced.

Technical Effect

The present invention can provide a connector in which the drawbacks of conventional connectors are eliminated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments used to practice the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to drawings. However, the materials, dimensions, and shapes, as well as the relative positions of the components, etc., described in the following embodiments, are discretionary and can be modified in accordance with the configuration of the device used to practice the present invention or depending on various conditions. In addition, unless specifically stated otherwise, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described hereinbelow.

First Embodiment

A top perspective view of a connector1according to a first embodiment of the present invention1is illustrated inFIG.1, an exploded perspective view of the connector ofFIG.1is illustrated inFIG.2, a plan view thereof is illustrated inFIG.3, a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV inFIG.3is illustrated inFIG.4, a bottom view thereof is illustrated inFIG.5, and, furthermore, a rear view of an exemplary mode of use of the connector1is illustrated inFIG.6.

On the whole, the connector1has a generally cuboid shape and includes a housing (2,3) as well as terminals6and anchor fittings8secured to the housing (2,3). Although there are only three terminals6provided in the present embodiment, the number is not limited to three, and may be either smaller or greater than three. The array direction of the terminals6coincides with the width direction “γ” of the housing (2,3).

As shown inFIG.6, in actual use, the connector1is employed while being attached to a fixed member, such as a board13or an enclosure (not shown). Attachment to a board13and the like can be accomplished primarily with the help of the anchor fittings8attached to the housing (2,3) and, furthermore, the anchoring portions630of the terminals6can also be used. The anchor fittings8include a base portion80and a threaded portion82, with these portions jointly forming a generally L-shaped configuration when viewed from the side. In order to secure the anchor fittings8to the housing (2,3), outwardly protruding press-fit projections80aare respectively provided on the opposite sides of the base portion80. When the connector1is attached to a board13or an enclosure (not shown), the threaded portion82of the anchor fittings8is positioned parallel to, for example, the rear surface of the board13, and, while having a portion of a screw (not shown) engaged with a semi-circular notch82aprovided in the threaded portion82, said screw is screwed into the board13.

The connector1can be connected to a counterpart connector, in particular, to the counterpart terminals11thereof (seeFIG.1,FIG.6). At the time of such connection, at least a portion of the counterpart terminals11can be inserted into the insertion space20of the housing (2,3) from locations spaced apart in the height direction “α” of the housing (2,3) from one side (m) toward the other side (n), or alternatively, from the other side (n) toward the one side (m), and can be electrically connected to at least a portion of the terminals6positioned within the insertion space20. As described hereinafter, the counterpart terminals11can be inserted from the other side (n) toward the one side (m).

The housing includes a main body of the housing2and lid-shaped members3. A perspective view of the main body of the housing2is illustrated inFIG.7, a plan view thereof is illustrated inFIG.8, and, furthermore, a bottom view thereof is illustrated inFIG.9, respectively. In addition, a top perspective view of a lid-shaped member3is illustrated inFIG.10, a bottom perspective view thereof is illustrated inFIG.11, and a VI-VI cross-sectional view ofFIG.6, which shows the relationship between the lid-shaped members3and the main body of the housing2, is illustrated inFIG.12, respectively. The main body of the housing2and the lid-shaped member3are both made of plastics.

To attach the anchor fittings8to the main body of the housing2, a pair of grooves23arespectively indented in the width direction “γ” are provided along the height direction “α” and depth direction “β” on the respective opposite sides of the main body of the housing2in the width direction “γ”. The anchor fittings8can be press-fittingly secured to the main body of the housing2using press-fit projections80aby press-fitting the anchor fittings8into each groove23afrom the other side (n) toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α”.

The insertion space20, into which the counterpart terminals11are inserted, is formed in the interior of the housing (2,3) by the main body of the housing2and the lid-shaped members3. Within the insertion space20, a portion of the terminals6is positioned in a state that enables contact with inserted counterpart terminals11as well as in a state that enables movement in the interior of the insertion space20through contact with the counterpart terminals11.

Insertion apertures21(first insertion apertures) and insertion apertures22(second insertion apertures) intended for inserting the counterpart terminals11, which are placed in communication with the insertion space20, are respectively provided on one side (m) and on the other side (n) in the height direction “α” of the housing (2,3).

Insertion apertures21occupy a predetermined area (x) within a first “β-γ” plane (plane X) formed by the depth direction “β” and width direction “γ” of the housing (2,3) (seeFIG.3) and, on the other hand, insertion apertures22occupy a predetermined area (y) within a second “β-γ” plane (plane Y) formed by the same directions (seeFIG.5).

Insertion apertures21are provided in the main body of the housing2and, furthermore, in the neck portion24of the main body of the housing2protruding on one side (m) in the height direction “α”. To facilitate leading the counterpart terminals11into the insertion space20, insertion apertures21are provided with inclined faces21a,21b. Inclined faces21aare pairs of inclined faces respectively extending in the width direction “γ” at locations opposed in the depth direction “β” of the first “β-γ” plane (plane X). On the other hand, inclined faces21bare pairs of inclined faces respectively extending in the depth direction “β” at locations opposed in the width direction “γ” of the first “β-γ” plane (plane X). Here, inclined faces21aextend deeper into the insertion apertures21in the height direction “α” than inclined faces21b. Therefore, in the vicinity of their boundaries, inclined faces21aand inclined faces21bform stepped portions in the height direction “α”.

On the other hand, insertion apertures22are provided in the lid-shaped members3and not in the main body of the housing2. To facilitate leading the counterpart terminals11into the insertion space20, insertion apertures22are also provided with inclined faces22a,22b. Inclined faces22aare pairs of inclined faces respectively extending in the width direction “γ” at locations opposed in the depth direction “β” of the second “β-γ” plane (plane Y). On the other hand, inclined faces22bare pairs of inclined faces respectively extending in the depth direction “β” at locations opposed in the width direction “γ” of the second “β-γ” plane (plane Y). Here, due to the fact that both inclined faces22aand inclined faces22bextend to the same degree into the interior of insertion apertures21in the height direction “α”, these inclined faces22a,22bform rectangular circumferential inclined faces in the second “β-γ” plane (plane Y).

The counterpart terminals11are inserted from locations spaced apart in the height direction “α” into the insertion space20within the housing (2,3) through the insertion apertures21from one side (m) toward the other side (n) and, in addition, inserted from locations spaced apart in the height direction “α” into the insertion space20within the housing (2,3) through the insertion apertures22from the other side (n) toward the one side (m).

The insertion apertures21,22serve as through-holes that allow the counterpart terminals11to pass therethrough. For example, if the counterpart terminals11are inserted through the insertion apertures21from one side (m) toward the other side (n) and if the length of the counterpart terminals11is longer than the dimensions of the housing (2,3), the counterpart terminals11can extend through the insertion space20and protrude from the other insertion apertures22. Therefore, the connectors can be connected without regard to the length of the counterpart terminals11.

To attach the terminals6, a single groove25ais provided for each terminal6in the height direction “α” on one side (f) of the main body of the housing2in the depth direction “β”. Since there are three terminals6provided in the present embodiment, a total of three grooves25aare provided in the width direction “γ”. The terminals6are inserted into the insertion space20from the other side (n) toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α” through opening portions27provided in the second “β-γ” plane (plane Y) and in the “α-β” plane (plane Z) formed by the height direction “α” and the width direction “γ” of the housing (2,3). At such time, a portion of the terminals6(621) is press-fitted into each groove25ain the height direction “α”, such that the terminals6, with one end side61athereof, are secured to and are resiliently supported by the main body of the housing2in a cantilever configuration.

After attaching the terminals to the main body of the housing2, the lid-shaped members3are attached to opening portions27. Attaching the lid-shaped members3to the main body of the housing2can substantially seal the insertion space20and prevent dust and other foreign matter from entering the insertion space20. In addition, providing the lid-shaped members3can prevent the terminals6from decoupling and falling off the main body of the housing2. The lid-shaped members3are attached by sliding in the depth direction “β” into the opening portions27provided in the main body of the housing2from the other side (b) toward the one side (f) in the depth direction “β”.

The lid-shaped members3have a generally box-like main body31with an open top portion, an engagement portion32provided on the distal end side of the main body31, and, furthermore, a sealing portion35provided in a raised configuration on the rear end side of the main body31.

The main body31is provided with opening portions passing therethrough in the height direction “α” to thereby define insertion apertures22. The engagement portion32is provided with resilient engagement pieces32athat can undergo resilient deformation in the width direction “γ”, and, when attached to the main body of the housing2, the lid-shaped members3can engage projections28provided in the opening portions27. In the “α-β” plane (plane Z), the sealing portion35is shaped to be complementary to the opening sections of the opening portions27in the perimeter wall of the main body of the housing2on the side (b) opposite to the one side (f) in the depth direction “β” of the main body of the housing2, and when the lid-shaped members3are attached to the main body of the housing2, the perimeter wall of the housing can be substantially sealed.

A top perspective view of a terminal6is illustrated inFIG.13, a bottom perspective view thereof is illustrated inFIG.14, a lateral view thereof is illustrated inFIG.15, and, furthermore, a plan view thereof is illustrated inFIG.16, respectively. The terminals6are formed in a generally plate-like configuration by blanking from a metal sheet and bending.

Each terminal6includes a base portion621and an anchoring portion630on one end side61aand comprises a resilient member62forming a free end on the other end side61bopposite said one end side61a. When the terminals6are attached to the main body of the housing2, one end side61ais positioned on one side (f) in the depth direction “β” and the other end side61bis positioned on the side (b) opposite to the one side (f) in the depth direction “β”.

The base portion621has press-fit projections621athat protrude outwardly on the opposite sides in the width direction “γ”. As a result of press-fitting the base portions621of each terminal6into the respective grooves25aprovided in the main body of the housing2(seeFIG.9, etc.) from locations spaced apart in the height direction “α”, the terminals6are press-fittingly secured to the main body of the housing2using the press-fit projections621a.

The anchoring portions630, which are sections of a generally L-shaped configuration when viewed from the side in conjunction with the base portions621, are positioned in parallel to, for example, the rear surface of a board13after the base portions621have been press-fitted into the grooves25a. The anchoring portions630are secured to a board13, i.e., a fixed member, using solder or the like. Therefore, in the same manner as the anchor fittings8, the anchoring portions630can be used to attach the connector1to a board13or the like.

The terminals6, which have only one end side61asecured to the main body of the housing2, are provided in a cantilever configuration within the insertion space20. The other end side61b, on which the resilient member62is formed, is not secured. Thus, the resilient member62is installed with play within the insertion space20of the main body of the housing2, and the other end side61bof the terminals6can move within the insertion space20and, in addition, relative to the housing (2,3), in particular, the insertion apertures21thereof. Although the dimensions of the terminals6need to permit installation with play within the insertion space20, the dimensions occupied by the terminals6in the first “β-γ” plane (plane X) may, of course, exceed the predetermined area (x) occupied by insertion apertures21in the above-mentioned plane (plane X) and, similarly, the dimensions occupied by the terminals6in the second “β-γ” plane (plane Y) may, of course, exceed the predetermined area (y) occupied by insertion apertures21in the above-mentioned plane (plane Y). As a result, the resilient member62is not affected by vibration and the like generated by other members, and resonance frequencies can also be properly minimized. In addition, due to the fact that in contradistinction to conventional connectors described in the prior art, there is no movable housing secured to the terminals6, the load applied to the terminals6can be alleviated and the durability of the terminals can be improved.

The resilient member62includes a plurality of vertical sections622,623extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, a plurality of curved sections631,632,633, and634having apex portions631a,632a,633a, and634arespectively on one side (m) or on the other side (n), and furthermore, a contact member64forming a free end at the end on the other end side61b. The curved sections633,634also form part of the contact member64. The plurality of vertical sections622,623and the plurality of curved sections631,632,633, and634are coupled in an alternating manner and, furthermore, on the whole, these sections and the contact member64are coupled to one another so as to extend in the depth direction “β”.

Although the vertical sections622,623are formed as generally linear members extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, they may be inclined to a certain extent.

The curved sections631,632,633, and634, along with the vertical sections622,623, couple the contact member64to the one end side61aof the terminals6and jointly impart resilience to the contact member64. The curved sections631,633are formed as generally U-shaped portions, with their apex portions631a,633adirected toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, that is, toward the insertion apertures22. Further, in the same manner as the curved sections631,633, the curved section632is also formed as a generally U-shaped portion, with its apex portion632adirected toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α”, that is, toward the insertion apertures21. On the other hand, the curved section634is formed as a generally semi-U-shaped portion, with its apex portion634adirected toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, that is, toward the insertion apertures22.

As best shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, when the terminals6are installed in the main body of the housing2, at least a portion of the curved sections633,634, for example, sections633b,634b, which are somewhat closer to the insertion apertures22than the apex portions633a,634aof the curved sections633,634, is positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area (y) occupied by insertion apertures22in the second “β-γ” plane (plane Y). Thus, using the portions633b,634bof the curved sections633,634as lead-in portions allows counterpart terminals11inserted with misalignment relative to the insertion apertures22to be reliably led into the insertion space20. It should be noted that “misalignment”, as used in the present embodiment as well as the hereinafter-described embodiments and reference examples, includes not only “misalignment” that may occur when the counterpart terminals11are inserted in a rectilinear manner almost completely in the height direction “α”, but also “misalignment” that may occur, for example, when the counterpart terminals11are inserted in a direction other than completely in the height direction “α”, that is, in a diagonal direction. In addition, this also includes “misalignment” due to forcible insertion when the counterpart terminals11are significantly offset from the insertion apertures22regardless of being inserted rectilinearly or inserted in a diagonal direction. In other words, as used herein, “misalignment” includes all instances of “misalignment” that may occur when the counterpart terminals11are inserted into the insertion apertures22from locations spaced apart in the height direction “α”. In all instances of “misalignment” as used in the present embodiment as well as in the hereinafter-described embodiments and reference examples, the counterpart terminals11can be reliably led into the insertion space20.

The contact member64forms a free end at the end of the resilient member62. In addition to a pair of contact pieces624,625, which are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction “β”, a plate-shaped supporting portion640, which extends between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the depth direction “β” and couples the pair of contact pieces624,625at the end portion of one side (m) in the height direction “α”, and, furthermore, curved sections633,634forming part of the contact member64, the contact member64includes a plate-shaped supporting portion642, which couples these curved sections633,634, and, furthermore, a plate portion641, which couples the plate-shaped supporting portion642and the plate-shaped supporting portion640and which extends between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction “α”. The contact points62awith the counterpart terminals11are formed in a raised shape by bending this pair of contact pieces624,625in a wedge-like shape converging toward each other in the depth direction “β” at locations proximate the other side (n) in the height direction “α”. As a result of bending in a wedge-like shape, the pair of contact pieces624,625form slopes converging toward each other as one moves deeper into the insertion space20in the height direction “α”, with these inclined sections624a,625adrawing in the counterpart terminals11in cooperation with the lead-in portions633b,634bof the curved sections633,634and reliably guiding the counterpart terminals11toward the contact points62a. The counterpart terminals11inserted into the insertion space20through the insertion apertures21,22are ultimately sandwiched between the contact points62aformed on this pair of contact pieces624,625and are connected to the terminals6in a state of resilient contact.

As can be seen inFIGS.3,4,5,8,9, etc., in the present configuration, at least a portion of the resilient member62other than the contact points62aof the terminals6, for example, at least the portions624a,625aor624b,625bof the pair of contact pieces624,625, along with the contact points62a, are positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area (x) in the first “β-γ” plane (plane X) defined by insertion apertures21and, in addition, are positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area (y) in the second “β-γ” plane (plane Y) defined by insertion apertures22. In other words, the insertion apertures21,22are substantially open for the contact points62a. In this case, before the counterpart terminals11, inserted with misalignment relative to the insertion apertures21,22, make contact with the contact points62a, collision with the counterpart terminals11takes place in sections other than the contact points62a, for example, sections624a,625aor624b,625b, and, as a result of such collision, the contact member64, which forms a free end, is caused to move within the predetermined area (x) or (y) under the action of the resilient member62and correct the misalignment, thereby allowing the counterpart terminals11to be brought into solid contact with the contact points62a. Thus, the contact pieces624,625not only serve to lead the counterpart terminals11inserted through the insertion apertures21,22toward the contact points62a, but also have the capability to correct misalignment through collision with the counterpart terminals11inserted with misalignment relative to the insertion apertures21,22. Therefore, the present configuration accommodates misalignment at the time of insertion of the counterpart terminals11without providing a movable housing. It should be noted that since misalignment due to forcible insertion that occurs when the counterpart terminals11are significantly offset from the insertion apertures22is also accommodated, a portion of the terminals6may be provided at a location offset from the insertion apertures22. In other words, the present configuration makes it sufficient to position sections other than the contact points62awith the counterpart terminals11within the bounds of the insertion apertures22, and also includes aspects wherein a portion of the terminals6is positioned outside of the bounds of the insertion apertures22.

An exemplary mode of use of the connector1is illustrated inFIGS.17to20.FIG.17is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the counterpart terminals11have been inserted into the insertion space20through the insertion apertures21from one side (m) toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α” and are sandwiched by the contact points62arespectively provided in the pair of contact pieces624,625, in other words, a state of full connection of the terminals6to the counterpart terminals11.

On the other hand,FIG.18is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the counterpart terminals11have been inserted into the insertion space20through the insertion apertures22from the other side (n) toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α” and the terminals6have been fully connected to the counterpart terminals11.

As can be seen from these drawings, in accordance with the present configuration, the counterpart terminals11can be inserted not only from one side (m) toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, but also from the other side (n) toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α”.

FIG.19andFIG.20are lateral cross-sectional views illustrating a state before the terminals6are fully connected to the counterpart terminals11and, furthermore, views used to explain a configuration intended for preventing excessive displacement of the resilient member62, whereinFIG.19illustrates a state in which the counterpart terminals11have been inserted through the insertion apertures21from one side (m) toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α” and have collided with the pair of contact pieces624,625, andFIG.20illustrates a state in which the counterpart terminals11have been inserted through the insertion apertures22from the other side (n) toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α” and have collided with the pair of contact pieces624,625, respectively.

In accordance with the present configuration, the resilient action of the resilient member62is used to cause at least a portion of the resilient member62to collide with any of the inner walls of the insertion space20and thus make it possible to prevent excessive displacement of the resilient member62.

For example, as shown inFIG.19, in the case in which the counterpart terminals11are inserted through the insertion apertures21and collide with the contact pieces624,625, due to the action of the resilient member62, the contact member64, along with the counterpart terminals11, is subject to pressure applied from one side (m) toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, as a result of which at least a portion of the curved sections633,634, for example, the apex portions633a,634a, can collide with the inner walls33a,34aof the lid-shaped members3that constitute the housing. This prevents excessive displacement toward the other side (n).

In addition, as shown inFIG.20, in the case in which the counterpart terminals11are inserted through the insertion apertures22and collide with the contact pieces624,625, due to the action of the resilient member62, the contact member64, along with the counterpart terminals11, is subject to pressure applied from the other side (n) toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α”, as a result of which the pair of contact pieces624,625and the edge portion640aon one side (m) in the height direction “α” of the plate-shaped supporting portion640can collide with the inner walls24aof the insertion space20. This prevents excessive displacement toward the one side (m).

Second Embodiment

A connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described next. The same reference numerals are used, with the letters “A”, “B” assigned thereto, for members corresponding to the connector1of the first embodiment. Matters not specifically recited herein may be construed in a manner similar to the matters relating to connector1.

A top perspective view of the connector1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG.21, a plan view of the connector1A ofFIG.1is illustrated inFIG.22, a cross-sectional view ofFIG.22taken along line XXIII-XXIII is illustrated inFIG.23, and a bottom view thereof is illustrated inFIG.24. The connector1A according to the second embodiment differs from the connector1according to the first embodiment in terms of the shape of the terminals6A as well as the direction of insertion of the counterpart terminals11, in other words, in that it is configured with a view to insert the counterpart terminals11into the insertion space20A of the housing (2A,3A) only from one side (m) toward the other side (n). With regard to other features, the connector can be considered to have a configuration that is the same or corresponds to that of the connector1of the first embodiment. Although it should be noted that the counterpart terminals11can be inserted from the other side (n) toward the one side (m), this is not the intended mode of insertion.

In the same manner as the connector1of the first embodiment, the connector A1also includes a housing (2A,3A) along with terminals6A and anchor fittings8A secured to the housing (2A,3A).

A perspective view of the main body of the housing2A is illustrated inFIG.25, a plan view thereof is illustrated inFIG.26, and furthermore, a bottom view thereof is illustrated inFIG.27. In addition, a top perspective view of a lid-shaped member3A is illustrated inFIG.28and a bottom perspective view thereof is illustrated inFIG.29, respectively.

An insertion space20A is formed in the interior of the housing (2A,3A) by the main body of the housing2A and the lid-shaped members3A. Within the insertion space20A, a portion of the terminals6A is positioned in a state that enables contact with the inserted counterpart terminals11while also enabling movement in the interior of the insertion space20A through contact with the counterpart terminals11. Although both sides, i.e., the one side “m” and the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, are respectively open in the same manner as in the first embodiment, only the one side “m” serves to provide insertion apertures21A for inserting the counterpart terminals11while the other side “n” serves mainly to provide through-holes22A that allow the counterpart terminals11to pass therethrough. The counterpart terminals11are inserted into the insertion space20A of the housing (2A,3A) from locations spaced apart in the height direction “α” from one side (m) toward the other side (n).

The insertion apertures21A occupy a predetermined area (xA) in the first “β-γ” plane (plane X) formed by the depth direction “β” and width direction “γ” of the housing (2A,3A).

The inclined faces21Aa,21Ab are provided in the insertion apertures21A in order to facilitate leading the counterpart terminals11into the insertion space20A.

Each terminal6A is inserted into the insertion space20A through opening portions27A provided in the second “β-γ” plane (plane Y) and in the “α-β” plane (plane Z) from the other side (n) toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α” and is secured at a predetermined location of the main body of the housing2A.

After securing the terminals6A to the main body of the housing2A, the lid-shaped members3A are attached to the opening portions27A provided to attach the terminals6A. The lid-shaped members3A have a generally box-like main body31A with an open top portion, an engagement portion32A provided on the distal end side of the main body31A, and, furthermore, a sealing portion35A provided on the rear end side of the main body31A. Although the shapes are slightly different from the lid-shaped members3of the first embodiment, there are no substantial differences in terms of functionality.

Top perspective views of the terminals6A are shown inFIGS.30,31, a bottom perspective view thereof is illustrated inFIG.32, a lateral view thereof is illustrated inFIG.33, and, furthermore, a plan view thereof is illustrated inFIG.34.

The terminals6A have one end side61Aa thereof secured to the main body of the housing2A and are resiliently supported in a cantilever configuration. Each terminal6A includes a base portion621A and an anchoring portion630A on one end side61Aa, and comprises a resilient member62A forming a free end on the other end side61Ab opposite to said one end side61Aa. When the terminals6A are attached to the main body of the housing2A, one end side61Aa is positioned on one side (f) in the depth direction “β” and the other end side61Ab is positioned on the side (b) opposite to the one side (f) in the depth direction “β”.

The base portion621A, which has press-fit projections621Aa, is press-fittingly secured to the main body of the housing2A by press-fitting into the respective grooves25Aa (seeFIG.27, etc.) provided in the main body of the housing2A. In the same manner as the anchor fittings8A, the anchoring portion630A is secured to a board13or the like.

The resilient member62A includes a plurality of vertical sections622A,623A, and626extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, a plurality of curved sections631A,632A, and633A having apex portions631Aa,632Aa, and633Aa respectively on one side (m) or on the other side (n), and furthermore, a contact member64A forming a free end at the end on the other end side61Ab. The plurality of vertical sections622A,623A and the plurality of curved sections631A,632A, and633A are coupled in an alternating manner and, furthermore, on the whole, these sections and the contact member64A are coupled to one another so as to extend in the depth direction “β”.

Although the vertical sections622A,623A, and626are formed as generally linear members extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, they may be inclined to a certain extent. The vertical section626forms part of the contact member64A.

The curved sections631A,632A, and633A, along with the vertical sections622A,623A, couple the contact member64A to the one end side61Aa of the terminals6A and impart resilience to the contact member64A. The curved sections631A,633A are formed as generally U-shaped portions, with their apex portions631Aa,633Aa directed toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, in other words, toward the through-holes22A side. Further, in the same manner as the curved sections631A,633A, the curved section632A is also formed as a generally U-shaped portion, with its apex portion632Aa directed toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α”, that is, toward the insertion apertures21A side.

The contact member64A forms a free end at the end of the resilient member62A. The contact member64A includes a pair of contact pieces624A,625A, which are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction “β”, a pair of vertical sections626,627, which are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction “β” while sandwiching this pair of contact pieces624A,625A therebetween in the depth direction “β”, a plate-shaped coupling portion640A, which extends between one side (f) and the other side (b) in the depth direction “β” and couples the vertical sections626,627at an intermediate location in the height direction “α”, a curved section635, which couples the vertical section626and the contact piece624A, and a curved section636, which couples the vertical section627and the contact piece625A. The contact point62Aa with the counterpart terminals11are formed in a raised shape by bending this pair of contact pieces624A,625A in a wedge-like shape converging toward each other in the depth direction “β” at locations proximate the other side (n) in the height direction “α”. As a result of bending in a wedge-like shape, the pair of contact pieces624A,625A form slopes converging toward each other as one moves deeper into the insertion space20in the height direction “α”, with these inclined sections624Aa,625Aa drawing in and reliably guiding the counterpart terminals11toward the contact points62Aa. The counterpart terminals11inserted into the insertion space20through the insertion apertures21A are ultimately connected to the terminals6A in a state of resilient contact with the contact points62Aa formed by this pair of contact pieces624A,625A.

As best shown inFIGS.22and23, when the terminals6A are installed in the main body of the housing2A, at least a portion of the curved sections635,636, for example, the portions635b,636b, which are somewhat closer to the insertion apertures21A than the apex portions635a,636aof the curved sections635,636, is positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area (xA) occupied by insertion apertures21A in the first “β-γ” plane (plane X). Thus, using the portions635b,636bof the curved sections635,636as lead-in portions makes it possible for the counterpart terminals11inserted with misalignment relative to the insertion apertures21A to be reliably led into the insertion space20A.

As can be seen inFIGS.22,23,26,33, etc., in the present configuration, at least a portion of the resilient member62A other than the contact points62Aa of the terminals6A, for example, at least portions624Ab,625Ab of the pair of contact pieces624A,625A, along with the contact points62Aa, are positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area (xA) in the first “β-γ” plane (plane X) defined by insertion apertures21A. In other words, the insertion apertures21A are substantially open for the contact points62Aa. In this case, before the counterpart terminals11, inserted with misalignment relative to the insertion apertures21A, make contact with the contact points62Aa, collision with the counterpart terminals11takes place in sections other than the contact points62Aa, for example, sections624Ab,625Ab, and, as a result of such collision, the contact member64A, which forms a free end, is caused to move within the predetermined area (xA) under the action of the resilient member62A and correct the misalignment, thereby allowing the counterpart terminals11to be brought into solid contact with the contact points62Aa. Thus, the contact pieces624A,625A not only serve to lead the counterpart terminals11inserted through the insertion apertures21A toward the contact points62Aa, but also have the capability to correct misalignment through collision with the counterpart terminals11inserted with misalignment relative to the insertion apertures21A.

FIG.35shows an exemplary mode of use of the connector1A.

FIG.35is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the counterpart terminals11have been inserted into the insertion space20A through the insertion apertures21A from one side (m) toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α” and are sandwiched by the contact points62Aa respectively provided in the pair of contact pieces624A,625A, in other words, a state of full connection between the terminals6A and the counterpart terminals11.

In addition, in the present configuration, the resilient action of the resilient member62A is also used to cause at least a portion of the resilient member62A to collide with any of the inner walls of the insertion space20A, thereby making it possible to prevent excessive displacement of the resilient member62A. For example, as can be seen inFIG.23,FIG.35, etc., the edge portions640Aa,640Ab of the plate-shaped coupling portion640A on one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction “α” are adapted for collision with any of the inner walls of the main body of the housing2A constituting the insertion space20A, for example, the upper stepped portion35and lower stepped portion36formed in the depth of the main body of the housing2A. This prevents excessive displacement toward the one side (m) and the other side (n).

Reference Example

A connector according to a reference example based on the inventive concept of the present invention will be described hereinbelow. The same reference numerals are used, with the letter “B” assigned thereto, for members corresponding to the connector1according of the first embodiment. Matters not specifically recited herein may be construed in a manner similar to the matters relating to connector1.

A top perspective view of a connector1B according to a reference example is illustrated inFIG.36, an exploded perspective view of the connector1B ofFIG.36is illustrated inFIG.37, a plan view thereof is illustrated inFIG.38, and a bottom view thereof is illustrated inFIG.39.

The connector1B differs from the connector1of the first embodiment mainly in terms of the shape of the housing2B and the shape of the terminals6B, as well as the direction of insertion of the counterpart terminals11, in other words, in that it is configured with a view to insert the counterpart terminals11into the insertion space20B of the housing2B only from the one side (m) toward the other side (n). Although it should be noted that the counterpart terminals11can be inserted from the other side (n) toward the one side (m), this is not the intended mode of insertion. In terms of other features, the connector can be considered to be of the same or of a corresponding configuration as the connectors1,1A according to the first embodiment or second embodiment.

In the same manner as the connector1according to the first embodiment, the connector1B includes a housing along with terminals6A and anchor fittings8A secured to the housing. However, the housing2B, which is a single-piece housing, is not divided into a main body of the housing2and lid-shaped members3as in the first and second embodiments.

A perspective view of the housing2B is illustrated inFIG.40and a bottom view thereof is illustrated inFIG.41. The housing2B is made of plastics. An insertion space20B is formed in the interior of the housing2B. Within the insertion space20B, a portion of the terminals6B is positioned in a state that enables contact with the inserted counterpart terminals11while also enabling movement in the interior of the insertion space20B through contact with the counterpart terminals11. Although both sides, i.e., the one side “m” and the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, are respectively open in the same manner as in the first embodiment, only the one side “m” serves to provide insertion apertures21B for inserting the counterpart terminals11while the other side “n” serves mainly to provide through-holes22B that allow the counterpart terminals11to pass therethrough. The counterpart terminals11are inserted into the insertion space20B of the housing2B from locations spaced apart in the height direction “α” from one side (m) toward the other side (n).

The insertion apertures21B occupy a predetermined area (xB) within the first “β-γ” plane (plane X) formed by the depth direction “β” and width direction “γ” of the housing2B and, on the other hand, the through-holes22B occupy a predetermined area (yB) within the substantially planar second “β-γ” plane (plane Y) formed by the same directions.

Each terminal6B is inserted into the insertion space20B from the other side (f) toward the one side (n) in the depth direction “β” through opening portions27B provided only in the “α-β” plane (plane Z) and is secured at a predetermined location of the housing2B. At such time, in the “α-β” plane (plane Z), the opening portions27B are at least partly blocked by a portion (621B) of the terminals6B. In this manner, each terminal6B is attached to the housing2B in the depth direction “β” and, in addition, unlike the first and second embodiment, no lid-shaped members are provided because the opening portions27B of the housing2B are blocked using the terminals6B.

A top perspective view of a terminal6B is illustrated inFIG.42, a lateral view thereof is illustrated inFIG.43, a plan view thereof is illustrated inFIG.44, and, furthermore, a plan view thereof is illustrated inFIG.45, respectively. The terminals6B have one end side61Ba thereof secured to the housing2B and are resiliently supported in a cantilever configuration. Each terminal6B includes a base portion621B and an anchoring portion630B on one end side61Ba and comprises a resilient member62B that forms a free end on the other end side61Bb opposite to said one end side61Ba. When the terminals6B are attached to the housing2B, one end side61Ba is positioned on one side (f) in the depth direction “β” and the other end side61Bb is positioned on the side (b) opposite to the one side (f) in the depth direction “β”.

An anchoring plate portion610extends from the base portion621B in the depth direction “β”. By press-fitting the plate portions610having press-fit projections610ainto the respective grooves25Ba (seeFIGS.36,37, etc.) provided in the housing2B, the terminals6are press-fittingly secured to the housing2B. In the same manner as the anchor fittings8B, the anchoring portion630B is secured to the board13and the like.

The resilient member62B includes a plurality of vertical sections622B,623B extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, a plurality of curved sections631B,632B, and633B having apex portions631Ba,632Ba, and633Ba respectively on one side (m) or on the other side (n), and furthermore, a contact member64B forming a free end at the end on the other end side61Bb. The plurality of vertical sections622B,623B and the plurality of curved sections631B,632B, and633B are coupled in an alternating manner and, furthermore, on the whole, these sections and the contact member64are coupled to one another so as to extend in the depth direction “β”.

Although the vertical sections622B,623B are formed as generally linear members extending between one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, they may be inclined to a certain extent.

The curved sections631B,632B, and633B, along with the vertical sections622B,623B, couple the contact member64B to the one end side61Ba of the terminals6B and impart resilience to the contact member64B. The curved sections631B,633B are formed as generally U-shaped portions, with their apex portions631Ba,633Ba directed toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, that is, toward the through-holes22B. Further, in the same manner as the curved sections631B,633B, the curved section632B is also formed as a generally U-shaped portion, with its apex portion632Ba directed toward the one side (m) in the height direction “α”, that is, toward the insertion apertures21B.

The contact member64B forms a free end at the end of the resilient member62B. The contact member64B includes a pair of contact pieces624B,625B spaced apart from each other in the depth direction “β” and a plate-shaped coupling portion640B, which extends between one side (f) and the other side (b) in the depth direction “β” and couples the pair of contact pieces624B,625B at the end portion of one side (n) in the height direction “α”. The contact points62Ba with the counterpart terminals11are formed in a raised shape by bending this pair of contact pieces624B,625B in a wedge-like shape converging toward each other in the depth direction “β” at locations proximate the one side (m) in the height direction “α”. As a result of bending in a wedge-like shape, the pair of contact pieces624B,625B form slopes converging toward each other as one moves deeper into the insertion space20B in the height direction “α”, with these inclined sections624Ba,625Ba drawing in and reliably guiding the counterpart terminals11toward the contact points62Ba. The counterpart terminals11inserted into the insertion space20B through the insertion apertures21B are ultimately connected to the terminals6B in a state of resilient contact with the contact points62Ba formed by this pair of contact pieces624B,625B.

As can be seen inFIGS.38through41, etc., in the present configuration, at least a portion of the resilient member62B other than the contact points62Ba of the terminals6B, for example, at least portions624Bb,625Bb of the pair of contact pieces624B,625B, along with the contact points62Ba, are positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area (xB) in the first “β-γ” plane (plane X) defined by insertion apertures21B and, in addition, are positioned within the bounds of the predetermined area (yB) in the second “β-γ” plane (plane Y) defined by insertion apertures22B. In other words, the insertion apertures21B and through-holes22B are substantially open for the contact points62Ba. In this case, before the counterpart terminals11, inserted with misalignment relative to the insertion apertures21B (and/or through-holes22B), make contact with the contact points62Ba, collision with the counterpart terminals11takes place in sections other than the contact points62Ba, for example, sections624Bb,625Bb, and, as a result of such collision, the contact member64B, which forms a free end, is caused to move within the predetermined area (xB) or (yB) under the action of the resilient member62B and correct the misalignment, thereby allowing the counterpart terminals11to be brought into solid contact with the contact points62Ba. Thus, the contact pieces624B,625B not only serve to lead the counterpart terminals11inserted through the insertion apertures21B (or through-holes22B) toward the contact points62Ba, but also have the capability to correct misalignment through collision with the counterpart terminals11inserted with misalignment relative to the insertion apertures21B (or through-holes22B).

An exemplary mode of use of the connector1B is illustrated inFIG.46andFIG.47.

FIG.46is a perspective cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the counterpart terminals11have been inserted into the insertion space20B through the insertion apertures21B from one side (m) toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α” and are sandwiched by the contact points62Ba respectively provided in the pair of contact pieces624B,625B, in other words, a state of full connection between the terminals6B and the counterpart terminals11.

On the other hand,FIG.47, which is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a state before the terminals6B are fully connected to the counterpart terminals11, in other words, a view used to explain a configuration intended to prevent excessive displacement of the resilient member62B, shows a state in which the counterpart terminals11B have been inserted through the insertion apertures21B from one side (m) toward the other side (n) in the height direction “α”, and have collided with the pair of contact pieces624B,625B.

In addition, in the present configuration, the resilient action of the resilient member62B is also used to cause at least a portion of the resilient member62B to collide with any of the inner walls of the insertion space20B, thereby making it possible to prevent excessive displacement of the resilient member62B. For example, as can be seen inFIG.46,FIG.47, etc., the edge portions640Ba,640Bb of the plate-shaped coupling portion640B on one side (m) and the other side (n) in the height direction “α” are adapted for collision with any of the inner walls of the housing2B constituting the insertion space20B, for example, the stepped portion35B or the bottom inner wall36B formed in the depth of the housing2B. This prevents excessive displacement toward the one side (m) and the other side (n).

It is to be appreciated that the foregoing discussion is of the preferred embodiments and is merely representative of the article. It can be appreciated that variations and modifications of the different embodiments, in light of the above teachings, will be readily apparent to a person of skill in the art. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, can be made without departing from the spirit of the articles and methods set forth in the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS