Connector which is simple in structure and in which connection and disconnection can be readily carried out

Abstract: In a connector for use in connection between a pair of connection objects (60) having electroconductive inner surfaces, a long pin contact (10) is made of an electroconductive elastic material and has opposite ends which are brought into press contact with the inner surfaces with elastic deformation of a longitudinal intermediate portion of the pin contact. The connection objects are opposite to each other in a first direction (Y) and have a relative position changeable between a first and a second position in a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction. The inner surfaces extend in the first direction to define spaces. Before the connection is carried out, the opposite ends are inserted in the spaces, respectively. The opposite ends are loosely fitted in the spaces when the relative position is the first position. When the relative position is changed from the first position to the second position, each of the opposite ends is brought into press contact with each of the inner surfaces at two points different in the first and the second directions.

Description: Background of the Invention: This invention relates to a connection apparatus comprising a connector for use in electrically connecting a pair of connection objects opposite to each other in a first direction and, in particular, to a connector which can carry out connection and disconnection between the connection objects in accordance with a relative movement of the connection objects in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. For example, a conventional connector of the type is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 42309/1989. The connector is for electrically connecting two pin contacts to each other and includes an electroconductive socket contact. The socket contact has two socket portions each having a size that allows insertion of the pin contact with a gap, and a flexible elastic portion connecting these socket portions. Prior to electrical connection, the pin contacts are inserted into the respective socket portions. In this event, no special force is required for insertion of the contacts since each socket portion has such a size that allows insertion of the pin contact with a gap. Accordingly, the conventional connector will be called a zero-insertion-force connector. Next, two pin contacts are moved in a radial direction in reverse to each other. The socket portions are brought into press contact with the pin contacts with the flexible elastic portions bent. As a result, two pin contacts are electrically connected through the socket contact. However, the above-mentioned connector uses the socket contact including two socket portions connected through the flexible elastic portion and therefore has a complicated structure. In case of a high-density small-sized connector widely used in recent years, assembling of the socket contact is difficult and productivity is therefore decreased. In order to assure insertion of the pin contacts into the socket portions, a positioning member is essential to place the socket portions at preselected positions. It is generally difficult to install the positioning member because of a complicated structure of the socket portions. This will readily be understood in view of the fact that the connector disclosed in the above-referenced publication comprises no positioning member. Accordingly, the socket portions may suffer from misalignment. In this event, the pin contacts fail to be inserted into the socket portions. This results in defective connection. From EP 0 068 270 A a connection apparatus is known comprising a connector for connecting with a connection object. The connector comprises a pin contact of an electroconductive elastic material, the pin contact extending substantially in a first direction and having longitudinal opposite ends. The connector comprises a pair of insulating housings opposite to each other in the first direction and relatively movable in a second direction. Each of the insulation housings has a positioning hole for receiving the pin contact in proximity of the opposite ends of the pin contact. The pin contacts are loosely fitted in the insulation housings when the insulation housings are in a first position. The opposite ends of the pin contacts are brought into press contact with the insulation housings at a plurality of points, the pin contact has a longitudinal intermediate portion which is between the opposite ends thereof and is elastically deformed when the relative position of the insulation housings is changed from the first position to a second position. It is an object of this invention to provide a connection apparatus with a zero-insertion-force connector which is simple in structure and which is improved in productivity and which reduces a risk of defective connection. This object is solved by a connection apparatus as set forth in claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are defined in the subclaims. Brief Description of the Drawing: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment of this invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along a line II-II of Fig. 1, in which the connector is on a disconnection state; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a pin contact unit included in the connector of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2, in which the connector is on a connection state; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for use in describing a state of a pin contact included in the connector that is on the connection state of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a connector according to a second embodiment of this invention, in which the connector is on the disconnection state; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a holding member and a link plate which are included in the connector of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 6, in which the connector is on the connection state; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another example of the pin contact unit included in the connector of Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the holding member for use in holding the pin contact unit of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a sectional view of a pin contact unit included in a connector according to a third embodiment of this invention; Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along a line XII-XII of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a sectional view of a pin contact unit included in a connector according to a fourth embodiment of this invention; Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along a line XIV-XIV of Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a pin contact unit included in a connector according to a fifth embodiment of this invention; Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along a line XVI-XVI of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a sectional view of a connector according to a sixth embodiment of this invention, in which the connector is on the disconnection state; Fig. 18 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 17, in which the connector is on the connection state; Fig. 19 is a sectional view of a part of a connector according to a seventh embodiment of this invention, in which the connector is on the disconnection state; Fig. 20 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 19, in which the connector is on the connection state; Fig. 21 is a sectional view of a part of a connector according to an eighth embodiment of this invention, in which the connector is on the disconnection state; Fig. 22 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 21, in which the connector is on the connection state; Fig. 23 is a sectional view of a part of a connector according to a ninth embodiment of this invention, in which the connector is on the disconnection state; Fig. 24 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 23, in which the connector is on the connection state; Fig. 25 is a sectional view taken along a line XXV-XXV of Fig. 23; Fig. 26 is a sectional view taken along a line XXVI-XXVI of Fig. 24; Fig. 27 is a sectional view of a connector according to a tenth embodiment of this invention, in which the connector is on the disconnection state; Fig. 28 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 27, in which the connector is on the connection state; Fig. 29 is a sectional view of a connector according to an eleventh embodiment of this invention, in which the connector is on the disconnection state; Fig. 30 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 29, in which the connector is on the connection state; Fig. 31 shows, together with two circuit boards, a connector according to a twelfth embodiment of this invention, wherein (a) is a sectional view of a state in which a pin contact is inserted in a through hole, (b) being a sectional view of another state in which the pin contact is in press contact with an inner surface of the through hole, (c) being a side view of a state in which the connector connects the circuit boards to each other; Fig. 32 is a front view of an example of structure for arranging a plurality of pin contacts; Fig. 33 is a front view of another example of structure for arranging the pin contacts; and Fig. 34 shows, together with two circuit boards, a connector according to a thirteenth embodiment of this invention, wherein (a) is a sectional view of a disconnection state of the connector, (b) being a sectional view of a connection state of the connector. Description of the Preferred Embodiments: First Embodiment Figs. 1 and 2 show a connector according to a first embodiment of this invention. The connector comprises a housing member 30 for accommodating a plurality of pin contact units which will later be described. The housing member 30 comprises an upper insulation housing 31 and a lower insulation housing 32 which have meeting surfaces opposite to each other in a first direction Y. For convenience of illustration, a connection object 60 is illustrated only at the side of the lower insulation housing 32. As best shown in Fig. 2, the insulation housings 31 and 32 are provided at the meeting surfaces with spaces 31b and 32b for accommodating the pin contact units. On the opposite surfaces, positioning holes 31a and 32a are formed with a predetermined space apart from one another for insertion and hold of individual pin contacts 10 which are included in the pin contact units. Each of the pin contacts 10 is of an electroconductive elastic material. The positioning holes 31a and 32a communicate with the spaces 31b and 32b. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating one example of the pin contact units included in the connector that is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The pin contact units 2 are formed in the manner which will presently be described. After a plurality of the pin contacts 10 are arranged in parallel with a predetermined space apart from one another, the pin contacts 10 are fixedly held at their center portions by a bridge member 21 having a general circular section and made of an insulating resin material. As a result, each of the pin contact units forms a comb-like pin contact array. Returning back to Figs. 1 and 2, the pin contact units are juxtaposed in a second direction X perpendicular to the first direction Y and assembled into the insulation housings 31 and 32. Consequently, the pin contacts 10 of each of the pin contact units are arranged along a third direction Z perpendicular to the first and the second directions Y and X. Thus, a large number of the pin contacts 10 are arranged in a predetermined matrix fashion in a horizontal plane defined by the second and the third directions X and Z. For simplification of the drawing, only several ones of each of the pin contacts 10, the positioning holes 31a and 32a are shown in the drawings while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. In order to achieve an ultra-high-density arrangement, each of the pin contacts 10 is made of an electroconductive elastic stick member with acute opposite ends and a circular cross-section. Each of the pin contacts 10 may have acute opposite ends and a rectangular cross-section. It is noted here that the pin contacts 10 are not restricted to the above-mentioned configuration and may be an elongated plate having acute opposite ends. The pin contacts 10 can be manufactured from a linear material or from a plate material through pressing or etching. The manufacturing method is not restricted at all. The insulation housings 31 and 32 are provided at the meeting surfaces with elongated grooves 9 formed on the opposite wall surfaces of the spaces 31b and 32b. The elongated grooves 9 engage and receive the opposite ends of the bridge member 21 when the insulation housings 31 and 32 meet each other. Thus, the bridge member 21 fixedly holds the pin contacts 10 and is engaged between the upper and the lower insulation housings 31 and 32 while the pin contact units are accommodated in the spaces 31b and 32b. Accordingly, the pin contacts 10 can not be slipped out from the upper and the lower sides of the housing member 30. The spaces 31b and 32b have a size and a configuration such that collision and resultant distortion of the pin contacts 10 is not caused to occur when the insulation housings 31 and 32 are relatively moved in the second direction X. The elongated grooves 9 allow slight displacement of the bridge member 21 in the second direction X when the insulation housings 31 and 32 are relatively moved in the same direction. Thus, each of the pin contacts 10 is elastically deformed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center portion thereof. Each of the upper and the lower insulation housings 31 and 32 is provided with positioning pins 31c and 32c formed at predetermined locations on the external surface, for example, at corners as illustrated in the figure. The positioning pins 31c and 32c are to be inserted into positioning holes 61 formed on the connection object 60. Preferably, each of the positioning pins 31c and 32c has a height greater than the projecting length of each of the pin contacts 10 projecting from the insulation housings 31 and 32. The connection object 60 is a selected one of a mating connector, an LSI (a large scale integrated circuit), and a circuit board and comprises a socket contacts 63. The socket contacts 63 are arranged corresponding to the predetermined matrix fashion but only several ones are also shown for the purpose of simplification while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. Each of the socket contacts 63 has an electroconductive internal surface extending in the first direction Y and defining a space. Specifically, the socket contact 63 is plated at the inner surface of the space with an electroconductive material. In case where the connection object 60 is a circuit board, a plurality of through holes are formed to the circuit board and plated at the inner surfaces of the through holes with an electroconductive material. Referring to Fig. 4 in addition to Figs. 1 and 2, the description will be directed to connection between a pair of connection objects 60. At first, the connection objects 60 are placed at the upper and the lower sides of the housing member 30, respectively. The longitudinal opposite ends of the pin contacts 10 are inserted into the socket contacts 63 of the upper and the lower connection objects 60. In this state, the upper and the lower connection objects 60 can be located at a relative position variable between a first position and a second position along the second direction X. When the relative position is the first position, the opposite ends of the pin contacts 10 are loosely fitted to the socket contacts 63. When the connection objects 60 are arranged at the upper and the lower sides of the housing member 30 while the relative position is the first position, it is possible to reduce an insertion force required to insert the pin contacts 10 into the socket contacts 63. In this state, the pin contacts 10 and the socket contacts 63 are put in unstable contact. Next, the upper and the lower insulation housings 31 and 32 are horizontally relatively moved in the second direction X as depicted by white arrows 141 and 142 to obtain the state illustrated in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, the relative position is the second position. Each of the opposite ends of the pin contacts is brought into press contact with the internal surface of the socket contact 63 at two different points different in the first direction Y and in a radial direction while a longitudinal intermediate portion of the pin contact is elastically deformed. As a result, a predetermined connection is obtained between the connection objects 60. Fig. 5 shows deformation of the pin contact 10 in the state illustrated in Fig. 4. The relationship between contact forces P and F at each of the opposite ends of the pin contact 10 is represented by: P x m = F x M. The operation force W for relative movement is calculated by: W = P - F = P - (m/M)P = (M - m)/M x P. When(M - m) << M , the operation force W is considerably reduced. As will readily be understood, it is desirable that the upper and the lower parts of the pin contact 10 are completely symmetrically deformed with respect to a longitudinal center point O. Let the displacement of the insulation housings 31 and 32 be represented by δ. In this event, the point O is shifted by δ/2. Second Embodiment Figs. 6, 7, and 8 show a connector according to a second embodiment of this invention. Similar parts are designated by like reference numerals. The connector further comprises the holding member 50 and a link plate 41. The holding member 50 has a holding groove 51 which is formed by a series of circular holes communicating with one another and which extends in a longitudinal direction. Only several circular holes are shown in the figures for the purpose of simplification of the drawing while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. Each bridge member 21 has a center axis extending in the third direction and held in the holding groove 51 of the holding member 50 to be rotatable around the center axis. The holding member 50 is movable between the insulation housings 31 and 32 in the second direction X and has an end portion provided with a pin engagement hole 53. The pin engagement hole 53 is for insertion and engagement of a pin 43 projecting from one surface of the link plate 41. The link plate 41 is provided with a pair of elongated holes 45a and 45b in the vicinity of the opposite ends thereof. The elongated holes 45a and 45b are engaged with pins 31d and 32d formed on the inner wall surfaces of the spaced 31b and 32b in the insulation housings 31 and 32. A combination of the link plate 41, the pins 31d and 32d, and the pin 43 will be referred to as a link mechanism. When the insulation housings 31 and 32 are relatively moved in the second direction X after the connection objects 60 are placed on the insulation housings 31 and 32, the predetermined connection is obtained as shown in Fig. 8. Even when the insulation housings 31 and 32 are moved in directions depicted by arrows 145 and 146, the holding member 50 and the bridge member 21 (namely, the center point O of the pin contact as illustrated in Fig. 5) are substantially kept in a stationary state. Accordingly, each of the pin contacts 10 is deformed in a desired configuration in which the upper and the lower parts are completely symmetrical with respect to the center point O. In other words, the intermediate portion of each of the pin contacts 10 is elastically deformed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center portion. As a result, the predetermined connection is favorably obtained. Fig. 9 shows another example of each of the pin contact units which will be formed as follows. After the pin contacts 10 are arranged at a predetermined space apart from one another, the pin contacts 10 are fixedly held at their center portions by a bridge member 22 of a plastic film instead of the bridge member 21 illustrated in Fig. 3. As a result, each of the pin contact units forms a comb-like contact array. When the pin contact unit illustrated in Fig. 9 is used, a holding member 55 illustrated in Fig. 10 is used substituting for the holding member 50 illustrated in Fig. 7. The holding member 55 is provided with diagonal or elliptical projections 56 formed at a predetermined space apart from one another. Only several projections are shown in the figures for the purpose of simplification of the drawing while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. Each of the pin contacts 10 is interposed between the projections 56 and inserted between the projections 56 at the side opposite to that fixed to the bridge member 22. Each projection 56 has a diagonal section as illustrated or an elliptical section so that the pin contacts 10 can be freely inclined. The holding member 55 is assembled into the insulation housings 31 and 32 in the manner similar to the holding member 50 in Fig. 8 and exhibits the similar effect. Third Embodiment Figs. 11 and 12 show a pin contact unit included in a connector according to a third embodiment of this invention. Similar parts are designated by like reference numerals. The pin contact unit comprises a plate-shaped insulator formed by two insulation plates 23 opposite to each other in the first direction Y with a space left therebetween. The pin contacts 10 are held by the plate insulator. Each insulation plate 23 has a plurality of through holes 23a in the predetermined matrix fashion for receiving the longitudinal intermediate portions of the pin contacts 10. Only several through holes are shown in the figures for the purpose of simplification of the drawing while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. On the other hand, each pin contact 10 is enlarged in diameter at its center portion to form a flange portion 10a projecting in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the pin contact. The flange portion 10a is interposed between the insulation plates 23 and engaged therewith. Thus, each of the pin contacts 10 is prevented from being slipped off. In addition, it is possible to avoid misalignment of the top ends of the pin contacts 10. Fourth Embodiment Figs. 13 and 14 show a pin contact unit included in a connector according to a fourth embodiment of this invention. The pin contact unit comprises similar parts designated by like reference numerals. In the pin contact unit, each of the pin contacts 10 is provided in the vicinity of its center portion with two stepped portions 11a projecting in reverse to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. These stepped portions 11a are arranged at positions spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of each of the pin contacts 10. Each stepped portion 11a has a size that allows passage through the through hole 23a of the insulation plate 23. In order to hold the pin contacts 10, the through holes 23a of the insulation plates 23 of an identical shape are fitted between the stepped portions 11a of each of the pin contacts 10. Then, as depicted by dotted arrows 157 and 158 in Fig. 14, the insulation plates 23 are moved in reverse to each other and in reverse to the projecting directions of the stepped portions 11a. The insulation plates 23 are faced to the stepped portions 11a in the longitudinal direction of each of the pin contacts 10. Fifth Embodiment Figs. 15 and 16 show a pin contact unit included in a connector according to a fifth embodiment of this invention. The pin contact unit comprises similar parts designated by like reference numerals. The pin contacts 10 are provided at their axial center portions with the bridge members 21 each of which is similar to that illustrated in Fig. 3. The through holes 23a are formed on each of the insulation plates 23 and are fitted to the pin contacts 10 through the opposite ends thereof. The insulation plates 23 are faced to each other in the first direction Y. As a result, the bridge members 21 are interposed between the insulation plates 23 so that the center portions of the pin contacts 11 are held by the insulation plates 23. Thus, the pin contacts 10 are maintained at predetermined positions. The pin contact units according to the above-mentioned third through the fifth embodiments are also held in a pair of the insulation housings in the manner similar to the connector according to the first embodiment. By relative movement of the insulation housings, the pin contacts 10 are deformed in the manner similar to that described in the first embodiment. Sixth Embodiment Figs. 17 and 18 show a connector according to a sixth embodiment of this invention together with first and second mating connectors 60a and 60b as the connection objects. Similar parts are designated by like reference numerals. The first-mentioned connector comprises a housing member 70 including upper and lower insulation housings 71 and 72 meeting to each other for holding the pin contacts 10. Each of the contacts 10 has end parts which project from the upper and the lower sides of the housing member 70, respectively. The first mating connector 60a includes a plurality of socket contacts 2 each for connecting to an end of each of the pin contacts 10, and an insulation socket 101 for holding the socket contacts 2. The second mating connector 60b includes a plurality of the socket contacts 2 each for connecting to another end of each of the pin contacts 10, and an insulation plug 102 for holding the socket contacts 2. Only several socket contacts are shown in the figures for the purpose of simplification of the drawing while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. The upper and the lower insulation housings 71 and 72 are hollow cases having opposite open surfaces. Standing walls 71a and 72a are lower than the contact surfaces so as to define a space which receives a holding member 52 holding the pin contacts when the open surfaces are matched together. The insulation housings 71 and 72 are provided at their exterior surfaces with a plurality of through holes, namely, positioning holes 71b each having a diameter greater than that of each of the pin contacts 10 accommodated therein. Only several ones of the positioning holes 71b are shown in the figures for the purpose of simplification of the drawing while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. The holding member 52 has an elongated plate shape and is provided with a plurality of circular holes 52a spaced from one another in correspondence to the pin contacts 10 for rotatably supporting the bridge member 21 of each of the pin contact units. The upper insulation housing 71 is provided at the center of the upper surface with a positioning pin 73a having a stepped portion 73b and projecting from the upper insulation housing 71 in the first direction Y. At one side of the space inside the housing member 70, an offset spring 70a having opposite ends rounded in the same direction is inserted with the rounded opposite ends kept in contact with one internal walls of the insulation housings 71 and 72. The offset spring 70a urges one end of the holding member 52 towards the other internal wall of the housing member 70 so that the pin contacts 10 are brought to the one sides of the through holes 71b and 72b with top ends thereof aligned. The insulation socket 101 has a receiving hole 101a opened upwards to receive the housing member 70. The receiving hole 101a has one side wall provided with a circular hole 101b. A drive cam 38 has a cut-off part corresponding to an arc slightly smaller than a semi circle and is rotatably mounted within the hole 101b. The receiving hole 101a has the other side wall, opposite to the one side wall, provided with a recess 101e outwardly depressed deeper than the width of the insulation housings 71 and 72 and with a return spring receiving hole 101f outwardly depressed in the socket 101 far deeper than the recess 101e. As will later be described, the spring receiving hole 101f accommodates a coil spring, namely, a return spring 4 which urges one insulation housing 71 of the housing member 70 towards the other end (rightwards in the figure) of the receiving hole 101a of the housing. The socket contacts 2 have openings 2a aligned at a bottom 101g of the receiving hole 101a while one ends 2b thereof project through the bottom wall outwardly of the external wall surface. The housing member 70 is received in the receiving hole 101a of the insulation socket 101. At this time, the lower ends of the pin contacts 10 are inserted into the socket contacts 2 held by the insulation socket 101. The coil spring 4 is accommodated in the spring receiving hole 101f. The coil spring 4 serves to urge the upper insulation housing 71 rightwardly along the surface of the drawing sheet and to return the insulation housing 71 to the initial position after the socket 2 is released. In the insulation plug 102, the socket contacts 2 are arranged with their openings 2a aligned at the facing surface faced to the pin contacts 10 and the other ends 2b projected from the other surface opposite to the facing surface. The insulation plug 102 is provided with a guide hole 102a for receiving the positioning pin 71c. The guide hole 102a is provided with a stepped portion 102b to be engaged with the stepped portion 71d of the positioning pin 71c. The insulation plug 102 is also received in the receiving hole 101a of the insulation socket 101. At this time, the positioning pin 71c is inserted into the guide hole 102b. At the initial stage of insertion, the pin contacts 10 are biased to one sides of the through holes 71b and have center lines coincident with those of the socket contacts 2. Accordingly, the pin contacts 10 are smoothly inserted into the socket portions 2a of the socket contacts 2. After completion of insertion, the insulation housing 71 and the insulation plug 102 are moved leftwardly of the surface of the drawing sheet. By operation of the positioning pin 71c and the stepped portions 71d and 102b in the guide hole 102a, the insulation housing 71 is moved by a distance slightly shorter than that of the insulation plug 102. Consequently, the pins 10 which have been biased to the one sides of the through holes 71b are located at substantial centers of the through holes 71b. Next, as illustrated in Fig. 18, the drive cam 38 is rotated to move the insulation housing 71 and the insulation plug 102 leftwardly along the surface of the drawing sheet. As a result, the contact force is obtained between the pin contacts 10 and the socket contacts 2 with deformation of the pin contacts 10 as illustrated in the figure. Seventh Embodiment Figs. 19 and 20 show a main portion of a connector according to a seventh embodiment of this invention. Similar parts are designated by like reference numerals. Although not shown in the figure for brevity of description, the connector comprises a housing member, a return spring, and a drive cam, like the connector that is illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18. As illustrated in Fig. 19, the insulation housings 71 and 72 are provided with the positioning holes 71b and 72b inclined in a single direction, for example, to the left in the figure at the same angle with respect to the first direction Y. Each of the positioning holes 71b and 72b has a diameter such that upper and lower acute edges thereof are brought into contact with the pin contact 10. The lower mating connector 60a has a structure similar to that of the upper mating connector 60b. The lower insulation housing 72 has a positioning pin 73a inserted into the guide hole 102a of the insulation socket 101. The stepped portion 73b and the stepped portion 102b are engaged in the first direction Y. The pin contacts 10 are positioned at the center portions of the socket contacts 2. Thus, an integral assembly is obtained which comprises the insulation socket 101 and the housing member 70. Generally, the integral assembly is dealt with as one unit component while the upper socket 102 is dealt with as another unit component. The integral assembly of the housing member 70 and the insulation socket 101 is fitted to the upper socket. As illustrated in Fig. 20, the drive cam is driven to provide relative movement in the second direction X so that a contact force is produced between the pin contacts 10 and the socket contacts 2. Eighth Embodiment Figs. 21 and 22 show a main portion of a connector according to an eighth embodiment of this invention. The connector comprises similar parts designated by like reference numerals. Although not shown in the figure for brevity of description, the connector comprises a housing member, a return spring, and a drive cam, like the connector that is illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18. In the connector, each of the insulation housings 71 and 72 comprises two parallel insulation films 75a and resin molds 75c filled and solidified between the insulation films 75a at both ends thereof. The insulation films 75a of each of the insulation housings 71 and 72 are provided with alignment holes 75b offset from each other so that one end of one alignment hole is overlapped with the other end of the corresponding alignment hole. Only several ones of the alignment holes 75b are shown in the figures for the purpose of simplification of the drawing while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. Each of the pin contacts 10 is adjacent to one end of the alignment hole 75b of the inner insulation film 75a and the other end of the alignment hole 75b of the outer insulation film 75a. A combination of the corresponding alignment holes will be referred to as the positioning hole that is inclined in the manner similar to the connector illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20. In the connector, the guide pin 75d is inserted into the guide hole 102a of the insulation socket 101 as illustrated in Fig. 22 in the manner similar to the connector illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20. The stepped portions 75e and 102b are engaged with each other in the first direction Y. Each of the pin contacts 10 is positioned at the center of each positioning hole 75b of the insulation housing 75. Generally, the integral assembly of the insulation socket 101 and the housing member 70 is dealt with separately from the insulation plug 102. For obtaining the predetermined connection, the insulation plug 101 is inserted into the integral assembly. Then, the drive cam is driven to cause relative movement of the upper and the lower insulation housings 71 and 72 in the second direction X. Thus, the contact force is produced between the pin contacts 10 and the socket contacts 2. Ninth Embodiment Figs. 23 and 24 shows a connector according to a ninth embodiment of this invention. The connector comprises similar parts designated by like reference numerals. Although not shown in the figure for brevity of description, the connector comprises a housing member, a return spring, and a drive cam, like the connector that is illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18. Each of the insulation housings 71 and 72 includes a pin holding member 81 and a pin alignment member 82. Each pin holding member 81 holds the pin contacts 10. Each pin alignment member 82 is provided at its upper surface with a recessed portion 82a in which a plurality of cross-shaped alignment holes 82b are formed as the positioning holes. Each alignment hole 82b corresponds to each positioning hole 71b illustrated in Figs. 17 through 20. Only several ones of the alignment holes 82b are shown in the figures for the purpose of simplification of the drawing while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. The alignment holes 82b have upper portions outwardly enlarged. Each of the pin contacts 10 has a flange 13a in correspondence to the alignment hole 82b. When the pin alignment member 82 is located at an uppermost or a lowermost position, the flange 13a is located within the alignment hole 82b. Each pin alignment member 82 is provided with projecting pieces 82c formed at both sides thereof. The positioning pin 73a is integrally fixed to the pin holding member 81. Each pin holding member 81 is provided with spring insertion holes 81a. In the insertion holes 81a, springs 5 are inserted to urge the internal surface of the pin alignment member 82 in an outward direction. The pin holding members 81 are provided with projecting pieces 81b formed at the interior of the upper and the lower ends thereof. The projecting pieces 81b of the pin holding members 81 engage the projecting pieces 82c of the pin alignment members 82 so as to inhibit release of the pin alignment members 82. Before connection with the mating connector 60b is obtained, the flanges 13a are located within the alignment holes 82b as illustrated in Fig. 25. In this event, no swinging is allowed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. When connection with the mating connector 60b is obtained, the pin alignment member 82 is moved down with energy storage of the spring 5 while the flanges 13a are outwardly exposed from the alignment holes 82b to project into the recessed portion 82a, as illustrated in Fig. 26. In order to take the predetermined connection, the positioning pin 82d is inserted at first into the guide hole 102d. The pin contacts 10 are inserted into the lower socket contacts 2. Furthermore, the upper insulation housing 71 is pushed down while contracting the spring 5 until the stepped portion 73b is engaged with the stepped portion 102b in the first direction Y. Thus, an integral assembly is obtained which comprises the lower mating connector 60a and the housing member 70. Next, to assemble the integral assembly and the upper socket contacts 2, the other ends of the pin contacts 10 are similarly inserted into the upper socket contacts 2. When the pin holding member 81 is slightly relatively moved in the lateral direction together with the pin alignment member 82, the stepped portions 73b and 102b of the positioning pin 73a and the guide hole 102a are engaged with each other to inhibit release of the upper mating connector 60b and the housing member 70. In the above-mentioned state, the pin alignment member 82 is moved in the second direction X. In this event, the state illustrated in Fig. 24 is obtained without releasing the engagement between the stepped portions 73b and 102b. Thus, reliable connection is obtained between the pin contacts 10 and the socket contacts 2. Tenth Embodiment Figs. 27 and 28 show a connector according to a tenth embodiment of this invention. Similar parts are designated by like reference numerals. Although not shown in the figure for brevity of description, the connector comprises a housing member, a return spring, and a drive cam, like the connector that is illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18. Referring to Fig. 27, each of the pin 10 has projecting portions 12a which are formed at positions corresponding to the alignment holes 82b of the pin alignment members 82 and which roundly project in reverse directions to each other. In order to connect with the mating connector 60a, the pin contacts 10 are at first inserted into the socket contacts 2 in the manner similar to the connector illustrated in Figs. 23 and 24. The lower pin alignment member 82 is gradually moved upwards. At this time, the projecting portions 12a of the pin contacts 10 are moved into the recessed portion 82a. Accordingly, each of the pin contacts 10 has an inner part which is nearer to the center of each pin contact than the projecting portions 12a and are located within the alignment holes 82b. As a result, the pin contacts 10 are given a degree of freedom about bending thereof. Thus, an integral assembly of the lower mating connector 60a and the connector illustrated in Figs. 27 and 28 is obtained. The integral assembly, and the upper mating connector 60b are dealt with as separate unit components to each other. To assemble the integral assembly and the upper mating connector 60a, the one end of each of the pin contacts is inserted into each of the socket contacts 2. At this time, the upper pin alignment member 82 is pushed downwards to be moved down. As illustrated in Fig. 28, after a socket housing 103c of the upper mating connector 60b is mounted on the upper surface of the pin alignment member 82, the mating connectors 60a are relatively moved in reverse to each other in the second direction X. As a result, the depth direction (namely, the first direction Y) of the socket contacts 2 and the orientation of the end portions of the pin contacts 10 are inclined with respect to each other to thereby provide connection between the contacts. Eleventh Embodiment Figs. 29 and 30 show a connector according to an eleventh embodiment of this invention. Similar parts are designated by like reference numerals. Referring to Fig. 29, the pin alignment members 82 are provided with spring insertion holes 93a and a large number of pin alignment holes 91b. Only several ones of the pin alignment holes 91b are shown in the figures for the purpose of simplification of the drawing while the remaining ones being indicated by imaginary lines. Each pin alignment hole 91b corresponds to each alignment hole 82b in Figs. 27 and 28 and has a bell shape with one side gradually outwardly widened in the first direction Y. The alignment hole 91b of the upper pin alignment member 82 has an inclined left side in the figure. The alignment hole 91b of the lower pin alignment member 82 has an inclined right side in the figure. A holding portion 58 is interposed between the plate insulators 23. The holding portion 58 has through holes 58a for receiving the bridge members 21. The holding portion 58 extends further outwardly of the ends of the plate insulators 23. Compression springs 6 are placed between the holding portion 58 and the spring insertion holes 93a. In this state, the end portion of each of the pin contacts 10 are not exposed outwardly from the alignment holes 91b. As illustrated in Fig. 30, the connector of Fig. 29 is interposed between the mating connectors 60a and 60b. The upper mating connector 60b is moved in a direction depicted by an arrow 151. As a result, the both top ends of the pin contacts 10 are outwardly projected from, the pin alignment members 82 to be coupled with the socket contacts 2. Twelfth Embodiment Figs. 31(a), (b), and (c) show, together with first and second circuit boards B1 and B2 as the connection objects, a connector according to a twelfth embodiment of this invention. In the connector, each of the pin contacts 10 has a lower and an upper end. The lower end of each pin contact 10 is at first inserted into a through hole H on the first circuit board B1, as illustrated in Fig. 31(a). Next, the upper end of each pin contact 10 is inserted into another through hole H on the second circuit board B2. In the manner known in the art, each of the through holes H has an inner surface covered with a conductive layer. The first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2 are relatively moved in parallel and in reverse to each other, as illustrated in Fig. 31(b). In this event, the lower and the upper ends of each pin contact 10 are pressed against both edge areas of internal walls within the through holes H in reverse directions. Bonding forces P and F are caused between each pin contact 10 and the both edge areas of the internal walls of the through holes H on the first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2, respectively. Thus, the both ends of each pin contact 10 are kept in press contact within the through holes H. Subsequently, the first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2 are fastened to each other at predetermined positions by fastening members such as screws 8 and spacers 9, as illustrated in Fig. 31(c). With this structure, the first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2 are inhibited from being restored to initial positions due to elastic restoring force of the pin contacts 10. Thus, it is possible to maintain the connection between the first and the second circuit boards and the pin contacts. In the figure, a reference numeral 1f represents flange portions formed on each of the pin contacts 10 and brought into contact with the opposite surfaces of the first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2. The flange portions 1f serve to determine the distance between the opposite surfaces of the first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2 so as to facilitate the assembling. In addition, the lower end of each of the pin contacts 10 has an outer diameter which is selected to be such a size that allows light press-fit into the through hole H, namely, to be slightly greater than the inner diameter of the through hole H. With this structure, when the lower end of each pin contact 10 is inserted into the through hole H on the first circuit board B1, each pin contact 10 stands perpendicularly to the first circuit board B1 with the upper end in accurate alignment with the through hole H on the second circuit board B2. As a result, assembling is readily made. As illustrated in Fig. 32, the pin contacts 10 may be arranged at a mutual distance equal to that of the through holes formed on the first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2. In this event, they are held together in alignment by first and second insulation films 7. To this end, each of the first and the second insulation films 7 is provided with a plurality of small holes for insertion of the pin contacts 10. With this structure, the pin contacts 10 are held in alignment in correspondence to the mutual distance between the through holes. Thus, it is possible to simultaneously insert the pin contacts 10 into the through holes on the first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2 illustrated in Figs. 31(a), (b), and (c). In addition, the pin contacts 10 are kept in alignment. Accordingly, it is not essential to insert the pin contacts 10 into the through holes in a light press-fit manner. Insertion may be made in a loose-fit manner with a gap left between the pin contact and the through hole. As illustrated in Fig. 33, the pin contacts 10 may be integrally molded so that the upper ends thereof are coupled by a bridge portion 6. After the pin contacts are inserted into the through holes on the first and the second circuit boards from one to another, the first and the second circuit boards are relatively moved in parallel and in reverse to each other in the manner described with reference to Figs. 30(a), (b), and (c). Then, the first and the second circuit boards are fastened to each other at predetermined positions by fastening members. Subsequently, the bridge portion 6 is removed from the pin contacts 10. Removal of the bridge portion 6 may be carried out following insertion of the pin contacts 1 into the both through holes. If a notch is formed between the bridge portion 6 and the pin contacts 10, the bridge portion 6 can be readily snapped off. With this structure, removal of the bridge portion 6 is easily made. It will be assumed that the pin contacts 1 are unstable. In this event, only the first insulation film 7 may be attached to the lower ends of the pin contacts 10 for alignment. Fig. 34 shows, together with the first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2, a connector according to a thirteenth embodiment of this invention. In the connector, each pin contact 10 has a reduced diameter at their parts inserted into the through holes H and adjacent to the edge areas of the through holes H. With this structure, each pin contact 10 has particular portions which are brought into press contact with the internal wall surfaces of the through holes H and are located inside of the edge areas. In this event, (M - (m/M)) has a small value. Thus, it is possible to reduce the operation force W for moving the first and the second circuit boards B1 and B2.

Claims: A connection apparatus comprising a pair of connection objects (60, 60a, 60b) and a connector for connecting said pair of connection objects to each other, said connection objects (60, 60a, 60b) being opposite to each other in a first direction (Y) and having a relative position changeable between a first and a second position in a second direction (X) perpendicular to said first direction, said connection objects (60, 60a, 60b) having inner surfaces which are electroconductive and extend in said first direction to define spaces (61, 2), respectively, wherein said connector comprises a pin contact (10) of an electroconductive elastic material, said pin contact (10) extending substantially in said first direction (Y) and having longitudinal opposite ends adapted to be inserted into said spaces (61, 2), respectively, on connecting said connection objects (60, 60a, 60b) to each other, said opposite ends being loosely fitted in said spaces (2, 63) when said relative position is said first position, each of said opposite ends being brought into press contact with each of said inner surfaces at a plurality of points (F, P) offset in said first and said second directions, said pin contact (10) having a longitudinal intermediate portion which is between said opposite ends and is elastically deformed when said relative position is changed from said first position to said second position, said connection apparatus further comprising a pair of insulation housings (31, 32; 71, 72) opposite to each other in said first direction (Y) and relatively movable in said second direction (X), each of said insulation housings (31, 32; 71, 72) having a positioning hole (31a, 32a, 71b, 72b, 82b, 91b) for receiving said pin contact (10) in proximity of each of said opposite ends of the pin contact (10). The connection apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising an insulation bridge member (21) extending in a third direction (Z) perpendicular to said first and said second directions (Y, X) and holding said longitudinal intermediate portion of the pin contact (10), said bridge member (21, 22) being movably arranged between said insulation housings (31, 32; 71, 72). The connection apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising: an insulation bridge member (21) having an axis extending in a third direction (Z) perpendicular to said first and said second directions (Y, X) and holding said intermediate portion of the pin contact (10); and a holding member (50, 55) held between said insulation housings (31, 32) and movable in said second direction (X), said holding member (50) holding said bridge member (21) so that said bridge member (21) is rotatable around said axis. The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 3, said longitudinal intermediate portion having a longitudinal center portion, wherein said connector further comprises a link mechanism (41, 31d, 32d, 43) coupling said holding member (50) to said insulation housings (31, 32) so that said holding member (50) is substantially kept in a stationary state irrespective of relative movement between said insulation housings (31, 32), said bridge member (21) holding said longitudinal center portion, whereby elastic deformation of said intermediate portion is symmetrical with respect to said center portion. The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a plate insulator (23) receiving said intermediate portion of the pin contact (10) so as to allow inclination of said pin contact (10); and preventing means (10a) for preventing said pin contact (10) from being released from said plate insulator (23), said plate insulator (23) being arranged between said insulation housings; said plate insulator preferably having two insulation plates (23, 23) opposite to each other with a space left therebetween in said first direction, each of said insulation plates (23, 23) having a hole (23a) for receiving said intermediate portion of the pin contact (10); and said preventing means preferably including a flange portion (10a) formed integral with said pin contact (10) and interposed between said insulation plates (23, 23), said flange portion (10a) being engaged with each of said insulation plates (23, 23). The connection apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said pin contact includes two stepped portions (11a) at two parts spaced in a longitudinal direction of said pin contact (10), said stepped portions (11a) projecting in reverse to each other, said plate insulator (23) having two insulation plates (23, 23) opposite to each other in said first direction (Y), each of said two insulation plates (23, 23) being provided with a hole (23a) which has a size that allows passage of said stepped portions (11a), said pin contact (10) having parts which extend between said stepped portions and which are inserted into said holes (23a) in said insulation plates (23, 23), said insulation plates (23, 23) being moved in reverse to each other in said second direction (X) and in reverse to each of said stepped portions (11a) to make said stepped portions (11a) be faced against said insulation plates (23, 23) in said longitudinal direction. The connection apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 or 6, further comprising an insulation bridge member (21) holding said intermediate portion of the pin contact (10), said plate insulator having two insulation plates (23, 23) opposite to each other with a space left therebetween in said first direction (Y), each of said insulation plates (23, 23) being provided with a hole (23) for receiving said intermediate portion, said bridge member (21) being arranged between said insulation plates (23, 23). The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 7, said pin contact (10) having a pin diameter, wherein said positioning hole (71b) has a hole diameter substantially greater than said pin diameter, said connector further comprising an offset spring (70a) for bring said pin contact (10) into press contact with a part of the inner surface of said positioning hole (71b, 72b). The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 8, said pin contact (10) having a pin diameter, wherein said positioning hole (71b, 72b) extends in a fourth direction inclined with respect to said first and said second directions (Y, X), said positioning hole (71b, 72b) having a hole diameter enough greater than said pin diameter, said positioning hole (71b, 72b) having an inclination direction extending along said pin contact (10) that is deformed when said relative position is said second position, swinging of said pin contact (10) being inhibited by opposite edges at both ends of said positioning hole (71b, 72b) when said relative position is said first position. The connection apparatus as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of said insulation housings (71, 72) includes two thin films (75a, 75a) opposite to each other with a space left therebetween in said first direction (Y), said films (75a, 75a) being provided at corresponding positions with hole elements (75b), respectively, said hole elements (75b) having equal diameters to each other and forming said positioning hole in combination, said hole elements (75b) being offset from each other in a direction extending along said pin contact (10) that is deformed when said relative position is said second position. The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 10, said positioning hole (82b) having a hole axis, wherein said positioning hole has a plurality of grooves formed in its internal surface and extending in parallel to said hole axis, said pin contact (10) having in proximity of said opposite ends a plurality of flanges (13a) corresponding to said grooves, said insulation housings (71, 72) being movable in said first direction (Y) between a specific position where said flanges (13a) are inserted into said grooves and another position where said insulation housings (71, 72) approach each other nearer than at said specific position, preferably comprising urging means (5) for urging said insulation housings (71, 72) towards said specific position. The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein said pin contact (10) has an expanding portion (12a) at said intermediate portion, said positioning hole (82b) having a size that allows insertion of said expanding portion (12a), said insulation housings (71, 72) being movable in said first direction (Y) between a specific position where said expanding portion (12a) is inserted into said positioning hole (82b) and another position where said insulation housings (71, 72) approach each other nearer than at said specific position, preferably comprising urging means for urging said insulation housings (71, 72) towards said specific position. The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 12, said pin contact (10) having a pin diameter, wherein said positioning hole (91b) formed on one of said insulation housings (71, 72) has a hole diameter which is slightly greater than said pin diameter at a first end facing another of said insulation housings (72, 71) and which is enlarged in said second direction towards a second end opposite to said first end. The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein said insulation housings (71, 72) are arranged between said connection objects (60a, 60b), said connector further comprising a guide hole (102a) and a positioning pin (73a) which are adapted to fit to each other in said first direction (Y) so as to align a selected one of said insulation housings (71, 72) and said connection object (60a, 60b) faced to said selected one of the insulation housings, said guide hole (102a) and said positioning pin (73a) being provided at the intermediate portion in said first direction (Y) with stepped portions (102b, 73b) which allows relative movement of said selected one of the insulation housings (71, 72) and said connection object (60a, 60b) that faces said selected one in said second direction (X). The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 14, comprising a plurality of combinations of said pair of connection objects and said pin contacts. The connection apparatus as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein said connection objects comprise a first and a second circuit board (B1, B2) each having two principal surfaces which are parallel to each other, said first and said second circuit boards (B1, B2) having a first and a second through hole (H, H) as said spaces, respectively, each of said first and said second through holes (H, H) extending between said principal surfaces, said opposite ends of the pin contact (10) being inserted in said first and said second through holes (H, H), respectively, a selected one of said opposite ends of the pin contact (10) preferably being pressedly fitted with relatively small force in said first through hole (H), another one of said opposite ends preferably being loosely fitted in said second through hole (H). The connection apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 wherein said pin contact (10) has a first and a second flange portion (1f) which are between said first and said second circuit boards (B1, B2) to be brought in engagement with said first and said second circuit boards (B1, B2) in said first direction, respectively, said first and said second flange portions (1f) preferably being brought in direct engagement with said first and said second circuit boards (B1, B2), respectively, a first film member preferably being provided between said first flange portion (1f) and said first circuit board (B1); and a second film member preferably being provided between said second flange portion (1f) and said second circuit board (B2), said first and said second film members being engaged with said pin contact (10). The connection apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 or 17, each of said first and said second through holes (H, H) having end portions and an intermediate portion between said end portions, said pin contact (10) having a first radial size at each of positions corresponding to said end portions and a second radial size at a position corresponding to said intermediate portion, wherein said first radial size is smaller than said second radial size.

Inventors: ICHIMURA YOSHIAKI, ICHIMURA, YOSHIAKI, Ichimura, Yoshiaki, c/o Japan Aviation Electronics
Applicants: JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRON, JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED
Application year: 1993
Main classification: H01R23
IPC codes: H01R13, H01R31