Abstract:
A connector which is to be mounted on a substrate includes a housing member having an opening portion in which an electrical device is to be inserted, and a contact member provided in the housing member to electrically connect the electrical device with the substrate. The contact member includes a first portion, a second portion facing the first portion with a gap and supported elastically with respect to the first portion, and a third portion supported by the second portion. The third portion comes into contact with a terminal of the electrical device electrically when the second portion is pushed by a pushing member which is to be inserted into the gap between the first portion and the second portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-284378, filed on Dec. 15, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD 
       [0002]    The embodiments discussed herein are related to a connector for connection of, for example, a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC). 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Currently available connectors for connection of, for example, flexible flat cables (FFCs) and flexible printed circuits (FPCs) include several types such as zero insertion force (ZIF), NON-ZIF, straight, right angle, top contact, and bottom contact. A suitable connector is selected from these connectors with regard to the structure of a product, workability, etc. 
         [0004]    Demand on reduction in thickness of a product rapidly increases for a notebook computer (personal computer) or a small device such as a cellular phone. The demand on reduction in thickness is also desired for a connector. In particular, a connector of right angle type is becoming popular because such a connector is advantageous to the reduction in thickness.  FIGS. 1A to 1C  and  2  are cross-sectional views illustrating conventional connectors of right angle type. Representative examples for the conventional connectors of right angle type will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1C  and  2 . 
         [0005]      FIG. 1A  briefly illustrates a connector  103  of NON-ZIF, top contact, right angle type. The connector  103  includes a contact  104  and a housing  105 , and is fixed to a substrate  100  with a solder  102 . The contact  104  is an integrally formed thin metal plate. The housing  105  is molded with insulative resin, and has a FPC insertion hole  105   x . The contact  104  is press-fitted into the housing  105  and hence fixed. 
         [0006]    The contact  104  mainly includes a contact portion  104   a , a soldered portion  104   b , a press-fit portion  104   c , and a support and press-fit portion  104   d  (the portion which serves as a support portion and a press-fit portion). The contact portion  104   a  becomes electrically continuous to a FPC  101 . The soldered portion  104   b  causes the contact  104  to be fixed to the substrate  100  with the solder  102  and to be electrically connected with the substrate  100 . The FPC  101  is electrically connected with the substrate  100  through the contact portion  104   a  and the soldered portion  104   b . The press-fit portion  104   c  and the support and press-fit portion  104   d  fix the contact  104  and the housing  105  together. 
         [0007]    The support and press-fit portion  104   d  also receives a reactive force that is generated when the contact portion  104   a  is displaced and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  104 . More specifically, when the FPC  101  is inserted into the FPC insertion hole  105   x  in a direction indicated by arrow A, the contact portion  104   a  is displaced upward and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  104 . A reactive force is generated when the contact portion  104   a  is displaced and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  104 . Thus, a portion that receives the generated reactive force is required. If the portion that receives the generated reactive force is not provided, the reactive force may be exerted on the soldered portion  104   b , and the solder  102  may be separated from the substrate  100 . To avoid this, the support and press-fit portion  104   d  is provided to receive the reactive force, which is generated when the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  104 , by the support and press-fit portion  104   d  and to prevent the reactive force from being exerted on the soldered portion  104   b.    
         [0008]      FIG. 1B  briefly illustrates a connector  203  of ZIF, top contact, right angle type. The connector  203  includes a contact  204 , a housing  205 , and an actuator  206 , and is fixed to a substrate  100  with a solder  102 . The contact  204  is an integrally formed thin metal plate. The housing  205  is molded with insulative resin, and has a FPC insertion hole  205   x . The contact  204  is press-fitted into the housing  205  and hence fixed. The actuator  206  is fixed to the housing  205  movably in a direction indicated by arrow B. When the actuator  206  is operated (moved) in the direction indicated by arrow B, the actuator  206  causes a FPC  101  to be fitted to the contact  204 . The connector  203  is of front flip type in which the actuator  206  is provided at a position near to the FPC insertion hole  205   x.    
         [0009]    The contact  204  mainly includes a contact portion  204   a , a soldered portion  204   b , a press-fit portion  204   c , and a support and press-fit portion  204   d  (the portion which serves as a support portion and a press-fit portion). The contact portion  204   a  becomes electrically continuous to the FPC  101 . The soldered portion  204   b  causes the contact  204  to be fixed to the substrate  100  with the solder  102  and to be electrically connected with the substrate  100 . The FPC  101  is electrically connected with the substrate  100  through the contact portion  204   a  and the soldered portion  204   b . The press-fit portion  204   c  and the support and press-fit portion  204   d  fix the contact  204  and the housing  205  together. 
         [0010]    The support and press-fit portion  204   d  also receives a reactive force that is generated when the contact portion  204   a  is displaced and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  204 . More specifically, when the FPC  101  is inserted into the FPC insertion hole  205   x  in a direction indicated by arrow A and then the actuator  206  is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow B around a support point C, the contact portion  204   a  is displaced upward and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  204 . A reactive force is generated when the contact portion  204   a  is displaced and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  204 . Thus, a portion that receives the generated reactive force is required. If the portion that receives the generated reactive force is not provided, the reactive force may be exerted on the soldered portion  204   b , and the solder  102  may be separated from the substrate  100 . To avoid this, the support and press-fit portion  204   d  is provided to receive the reactive force, which is generated when the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  204 , by the support and press-fit portion  204   d  and to prevent the reactive force from being exerted on the soldered portion  204   b.    
         [0011]      FIG. 1C  briefly illustrates a connector  303  of ZIF, top contact, right angle type. The connector  303  includes a contact  304 , a housing  305 , and an actuator  306 , and is fixed to a substrate  100  with a solder  102 . The contact  304  is an integrally formed thin metal plate. The housing  305  is molded with insulative resin, and has a FPC insertion hole  305   x . The contact  304  is press-fitted into the housing  305  and hence fixed. The actuator  306  is fixed to the housing  305  rotatably in a direction indicated by arrow C. When the actuator  306  is operated (rotated) in the direction indicated by arrow C, the actuator  306  causes a FPC  101  to be fitted to the contact  304 . The connector  303  is of back flip type in which the actuator  306  is provided at a position far from the FPC insertion hole  305   x.    
         [0012]    The contact  304  mainly includes a contact portion  304   a , a soldered portion  304   b , a press-fit portion  304   c , and a support and press-fit portion  304   d  (the portion which serves as a support portion and a press-fit portion). The contact portion  304   a  becomes electrically continuous to the FPC  101 . The soldered portion  304   b  causes the contact  304  to be fixed to the substrate  100  with the solder  102  and to be electrically connected with the substrate  100 . The FPC  101  is electrically connected with the substrate  100  through the contact portion  304   a  and the soldered portion  304   b . The press-fit portion  304   c  and the support and press-fit portion  304   d  fix the contact  304  and the housing  305  together. 
         [0013]    The support and press-fit portion  304   d  also receives a reactive force that is generated when the contact portion  304   a  is displaced and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  304 . More specifically, when the FPC  101  is inserted into the FPC insertion hole  305   x  in a direction indicated by arrow A and then the actuator  306  is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow C, the contact portion  304   a  is displaced downward and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  304 . A reactive force is generated when the contact portion  304   a  is displaced and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  304 . Thus, a portion that receives the generated reactive force is required. If the portion that receives the generated reactive force is not provided, the reactive force may be exerted on the soldered portion  304   b , and the solder  102  may be separated from the substrate  100 . To avoid this, the support and press-fit portion  304   d  is provided to receive the reactive force, which is generated when the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  304 , by the support and press-fit portion  304   d  and to prevent the reactive force from being exerted on the soldered portion  304   b.    
         [0014]      FIG. 2  briefly illustrates a connector  403  of ZIF, bottom contact, right angle type. The connector  403  includes a contact  404 , a housing  405 , and an actuator  406 , and is fixed to a substrate  100  with a solder  102 . The contact  404  is an integrally formed thin metal plate. The housing  405  is molded with insulative resin, and has a FPC insertion hole  405   x . The contact  404  is press-fitted into the housing  405  and hence fixed. The actuator  406  is movable in a direction indicated by arrow D. When the actuator  406  is operated (moved) in the direction indicated by arrow D, the actuator  406  causes a FPC  101  to be fitted to the contact  404 . 
         [0015]    The contact  404  mainly includes a contact portion  404   a , a soldered portion  404   b , a press-fit portion  404   c , a support portion  404   d , and a pressure portion  404   e . The contact portion  404   a  becomes electrically continuous to the FPC  101 . The soldered portion  404   b  causes the contact  404  to be fixed to the substrate  100  with the solder  102  and to be electrically connected with the substrate  100 . The FPC  101  is electrically connected with the substrate  100  through the contact portion  404   a  and the soldered portion  404   b . The press-fit portion  404   c  fixes the contact  404  and the housing  405  together. When the actuator  406  is inserted into an area between the pressure portion  404   e  and the housing  405 , the actuator  406  presses the pressure portion  404   e . As the result, the pressure portion  404   e  is displaced in a direction indicated by arrow E. 
         [0016]    The support portion  404   d  receives a reactive force that is generated when the contact portion  404   a  is displaced and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  404 . More specifically, when the FPC  101  is inserted into the FPC insertion hole  405   x  in a direction indicated by arrow A and then the actuator  406  is moved in the direction indicated by arrow D, the pressure portion  404   e  is displaced in the direction indicated by arrow E, the contact portion  404   a  is displaced upward, and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  404 . A reactive force is generated when the contact portion  404   a  is displaced and the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  404 . Thus, a portion that receives the generated reactive force is required. If the portion that receives the generated reactive force is not provided, the reactive force may be exerted on the soldered portion  404   b , and the solder  102  may be separated from the substrate  100 . To avoid this, the support portion  404   d  is provided to receive the reactive force, which is generated when the FPC  101  is fitted to the contact  404 , by the support portion  404   d  and to prevent the reactive force from being exerted on the soldered portion  404   b.    
         [0017]    It is to be noted that the connector  403  illustrated in  FIG. 2  has a special structure. The support point of an actuator typically works on a contact. 
         [0018]    The above-described techniques of related art are disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Utility Model Registration Publication No. 7-18386. 
         [0019]    The right angle connectors of NON-ZIF ( FIG. 1A ), ZIF ( FIGS. 1B ,  1 C,  2 ) have been described above with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1C  and  2 . The connector of NON-ZIF type is advantageous to the reduction in thickness because the connector does not include an actuator. However, since a pressure is applied to the FPC from ends of the contact when the FPC is inserted, it is difficult to insert the FPC (workability is degraded). In contrast, the connector of ZIF type has no difficulty in the insertion of the FPC (no degradation in workability). Thus, the demand on the reduction in thickness is being increased for the connector of ZIF type. 
         [0020]    Also, as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 1C  and  2 , the conventional right angle connector has the structure that obtains a contact pressure between the FPC and the contact as a result of that the support portion receives the reactive force generated when the FPC is fitted to the contact. 
         [0021]    Regarding the conventional right angle connector illustrated in  FIGS. 1A to 1C  and  2 , the longitudinal direction of the support portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the FPC inserted into the FPC insertion hole, and part of the support portion overlaps part of the FPC inserted into the FPC insertion hole in plan view. Therefore, the thickness of the connector is increased by the thickness of the support portion. That is, the structure of the support portion disturbs the reduction in thickness of the connector. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0022]    According to an aspect of an embodiment, a connector which is to be mounted on a substrate includes a housing member having an opening portion in which an electrical device is to be inserted, and a contact member provided in the housing member to electrically connect the electrical device with the substrate. The contact member includes a first portion, a second portion facing the first portion with a gap and supported elastically with respect to the first portion, and a third portion supported by the second portion. The third portion comes into contact with a terminal of the electrical device electrically when the second portion is pushed by a pushing member which is to be inserted into the gap between the first portion and the second portion. 
         [0023]    The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
         [0024]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIGS. 1A to 1C  are cross-sectional views illustrating conventional connectors of right angle type. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional connector of right angle type. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to a first embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a front view illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a plan view illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a right side view illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a rear view illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in  FIG. 4  illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a contact according to the first embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a right side view illustrating the contact according to the first embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating an actuator according to the first embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a right side view illustrating the actuator according to the first embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a view for explaining an operation of the actuator according to the first embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating an actuator according to a first modification of the first embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a right side view illustrating the actuator according to the first modification of the first embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a view for explaining an operation of the actuator according to the first modification of the first embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating an actuator according to a second modification of the first embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 18  is a right side view illustrating the actuator according to the second modification of the first embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 19  is a view for explaining an operation of the actuator according to the second modification of the first embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 20  is a view for explaining an operation of the actuator according to the second modification of the first embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIGS. 21A to 21C  are views for explaining an operation of the actuator according to a third modification of the first embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    Embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference signs are occasionally used for the same components and description for such components is omitted if the components have been described. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0047]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to a first embodiment.  FIG. 4  is a front view illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 5  is a plan view illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 6  is a right side view illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 7  is a rear view illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in  FIG. 4  illustrating the connector according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a contact according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 10  is a right side view illustrating the contact according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating an actuator according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 12  is a right side view illustrating the actuator according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 13  is a view for explaining an operation of the actuator according to the first embodiment. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 to 8 , a connector  10  is a ZIF, top contact, right angle connector including a housing  11 , contacts  12 , and an actuator  13 . The connector  10  is a nine-pin connector having nine contacts  12  for example. However, the number of contacts  12  is not limited to nine, and may be desirably determined. 
         [0049]    The housing  11  is molded with insulative resin and has, for example, a flat box-like shape. The housing  11  has a first insertion hole  11   x  and a second insertion hole  11   y . For example, a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC) that serves as a connection subject having a conductive portion is inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x . The actuator  13  is inserted into the second insertion hole  11   y . The housing  11  also has nine third insertion holes  11   z  arranged side by side at a substantially regular pitch (for example, 0.3 mm pitch) in the X direction. The contacts  12  are inserted into the third insertion holes  11   z . When the contacts  12  are inserted into (press-fitted into) the third insertion holes  11   z  from a rear surface side of the housing  11  (i.e., a side opposite to the first insertion hole  11   x ), the contacts  12  can be fixed to the housing  11 . In the following description, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) is used for example; however, the description may be similar to that even if a flexible flat cable (FFC) or the like is used. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 to 10 , the contacts  12  are conductive terminals that become electrically continuous to the FPC when the FPC is inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x . Each contact  12  is, for example, a metal plate having a width of about 0.2 mm. For example, the contact  12  may be formed by punching a thin metal plate containing phosphor bronze. The contact  12  mainly includes a contact portion  12   a , a soldered portion  12   b , a first press-fit portion  12   c , a second press-fit portion  12   d , a support portion  12   e , and a pressure portion  12   f . The contact  12  also has a protruding portion  12   g  so as to face the pressure portion  12   f.    
         [0051]    The contact portion  12   a  and the second press-fit portion  12   d  of the contact  12  are coupled to each other in a bending manner, or particularly in a substantially S-like form. Hence, the contact  12  has an easily bending form having a function of a spring. If the first press-fit portion  12   c  and the second press-fit portion  12   d  are fixed, the pressure portion  12   f  can be elastically displaced by a small operating force in a direction indicated by arrow E. When the pressure portion  12   f  is elastically displaced in the direction indicated by arrow E, the contact portion  12   a  is elastically displaced in a direction indicated by arrow F accordingly. The elastic displacement represents that the pressure portion  12   f  or the like is displaced only when an external force is applied to the pressure portion  12   f , and the pressure portion  12   f  is restored to the original position when the external force is removed. 
         [0052]    The contact portion  12   a  becomes electrically continuous to the FPC inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x . The soldered portion  12   b  causes the contact  12  to be fixed to a substrate or the like with a solder and to be electrically connected with the substrate or the like. The FPC inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  is electrically connected with the substrate or the like through the contact portion  12   a  and the soldered portion  12   b . The first press-fit portion  12   c  and the second press-fit portion  12   d  fix the contact  12  to the housing  11 . The support portion  12   e  receives a reactive force that is generated when the contact portion  12   a  is elastically displaced and the FPC inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  is fitted to the contact  12 . This will be described in detail below. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 to 12 , the actuator  13  includes a plate-like stopper portion  13   b  and a wedge-shaped insertion portion  13   a  protruding from one surface of the stopper portion  13   b . The front surface of the insertion portion  13   a  (or a surface that contacts the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 ) has a second recess  13   d . Also, the rear surface of the insertion portion  13   a  (or a surface that contacts the protruding portion  12   g  of the contact  12 ) has a first recess  13   c . The insertion portion  13   a  is inserted into a gap between the support portion  12   e  and the pressure portion  12   f . When the actuator  13  is locked, the pressure portion  12   f  is elastically displaced relative to the support portion  12   e . The material of the actuator  13  may be, for example, insulative resin. In the specification, the “wedge-shaped insertion portion” represents an insertion portion having a shape in which at least part of the width is gradually decreased from a position near to the stopper portion toward a position far from the stopper portion. Since the actuator  13  including the wedge-shaped portion is provided in the connector  10 , the footprint of the connector  10  can be smaller than a case in which an actuator having a flip structure is provided. 
         [0054]    The actuator  13  is movable in the Z direction in a state in which the insertion portion  13   a  is inserted into the second insertion hole  11   y . When the actuator  13  is operated (moved) in a direction indicated by arrow D until the stopper portion  13   b  contacts the housing  11 , the first recess  13   c  and the second recess  13   d  engage with and are fitted to the protruding portion  12   g  and the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12  due to the elasticity. Thus, the actuator  13  is locked. If the actuator  13  is locked in the state in which the FPC is inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x , the FPC (the conductive portion of the connection subject) contacts the contact  12  with a predetermined pressure and the contact state is kept. Hereinafter, the state, in which the FPC contacts the contact  12  with the predetermined pressure and the contact state is kept, may be referred to as pressure contact state. 
         [0055]    Since the lock structure is provided such that the first recess  13   c  and the second recess  13   d  of the actuator  13  are fitted to the protruding portion  12   g  and the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 , the feel of click occurs when the actuator  13  is locked. Accordingly, a fitted state (whether the actuator  13  is locked or not) can be recognized during the work.  FIGS. 3 to 8  illustrate the state in which the actuator  13  is locked. 
         [0056]    The operation of the actuator will be described in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 13 . First, the actuator  13  is operated (moved) in a direction indicated by arrow G, so that the actuator  13  is unlocked. Then, a FPC  101  is inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  of the housing  11  in a direction indicated by arrow A. In the state in which the actuator  13  is unlocked, the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12  is located at a position at which the contact portion  12   a  does not contact the FPC  101  inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x . In other words, in the state in which the actuator  13  is unlocked, the FPC  101  can be inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  with zero insertion force. 
         [0057]    Then, the actuator  13  is operated (moved) in the direction indicated by arrow D, the first recess  13   c  and the second recess  13   d  of the actuator  13  are fitted to the protruding portion  12   g  and the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 , and the actuator  13  is locked. At this time, the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12  is elastically displaced in the direction indicated by arrow E, and hence the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12  is elastically displaced in the direction indicated by arrow F accordingly. Also at this time, a rotational force in the direction indicated by arrow F is exerted on the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12 . The contact force between the contact  12  and the FPC  101  is provided, and the FPC  101  and the contact  12  are brought into the pressure contact state. 
         [0058]    A reactive force is generated when the contact portion  12   a  is elastically displaced and the FPC  101  and the contact  12  are brought into the pressure contact state. Thus, a portion that receives the generated reactive force is required. If the portion that receives the generated reactive force is not provided, the reactive force may be exerted on the soldered portion  12   b , and if the soldered portion  12   b  is fixed to the substrate or the like with the solder, the solder may be separated from the substrate or the like. To avoid this, the support portion  12   e  is provided to receive the reactive force, which is generated when the FPC  101  and the contact  12  are brought into the pressure contact state, by the support portion  12   e  and to prevent the reactive force from being exerted on the soldered portion  12   b.    
         [0059]    Regarding the conventional connector illustrated in any of  FIGS. 1A to 1C  and  2 , the longitudinal direction of the support portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the FPC inserted into the FPC insertion hole, and part of the support portion overlaps part of the FPC inserted into the FPC insertion hole in plan view. The structure of the support portion disturbs the reduction in thickness of the connector. 
         [0060]    In contrast, regarding the connector  10 , the support portion  12   e  is fixed to a rear portion of the connector  10  (at a position near to the rear surface of the housing  11 ) so that the longitudinal direction of the support portion  12   e  extends along the thickness direction (the Z direction) of the connector  10 . That is, the support portion  12   e  is fixed at a position at which the support portion  12   e  does not overlap the FPC  101  inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  of the housing  11  in plan view. Since the support portion  12   e  does not overlap the FPC  101  inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  in plan view, the position of the contact portion  12   a  can be lowered with respect to the bottom surface of the housing  11  as compared with the position of the support portion of the conventional connector. Thus, the connector  10  can be reduced in thickness. 
         [0061]    In the first embodiment, the support portion of the connector is arranged in the rear portion of the connector (at the position near to the rear surface of the housing  11 ). Also, the actuator that causes the rotational force to be exerted on the contact portion of the contact by the predetermined operation and provides the contact force between the contact and the FPC or the like is provided in the rear portion of the connector (at the position near to the rear surface of the housing  11 ). As the result, the support portion does not overlap the FPC or the like inserted into the connector in plan view. The position of the contact portion can be lowered with respect to the bottom surface of the housing as compared with the position of the support portion of the conventional connector. Thus, the connector can be reduced in thickness. 
         [0062]    Since the connector according to the first embodiment is ZIF type, the FPC or the like can be inserted into the connector with zero insertion force. Thus, the workability is not degraded when the FPC or the like is inserted into the connector. 
         [0063]    The smallest total thickness of the commercially available connector of ZIF, right angle type is about 0.65 mm. If the structure of the support portion described in the first embodiment is used, the thickness can be reduced by about 0.15 mm, and hence, the total thickness of the connector can be about 0.5 mm. With regard to current situation in which a product with such a connector mounted is progressively reduced in size and thickness, the reduction in total thickness by about 0.15 mm has significant technical meaning. 
       First Modification of First Embodiment 
       [0064]    In the first embodiment, the contact  12  includes the protruding portion  12   g  and the pressure portion  12   f , whereas the actuator  13  has the first recess  13   c  and the second recess  13   d . The first recess  13   c  and the second recess  13   d  of the actuator  13  are fitted to the protruding portion  12   g  and the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 . Thus, the actuator  13  is locked. A first modification of the first embodiment uses an actuator  23  having a first inclination  23   c  and a second inclination  23   d , instead of the actuator  13 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustrating the actuator according to the first modification of the first embodiment.  FIG. 15  is a right side view illustrating the actuator according to the first modification of the first embodiment.  FIG. 16  is a view for explaining an operation of the actuator according to the first modification of the first embodiment. Referring to  FIGS. 14 to 16 , a connector  20  according to the first modification of the first embodiment has a similar structure to the connector  10  except that the actuator  23  is provided instead of the actuator  13 . The connector  20 , in particular, portions different from those of the connector  10  will be mainly described below and description for portions equivalent to those of the connector  10  will be omitted. 
         [0066]    The actuator  23  includes a plate-like stopper portion  23   b  and a wedge-shaped insertion portion  23   a  protruding from one surface of the stopper portion  23   b . The front surface of the insertion portion  23   a  (or a surface that contacts the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 ) has the second inclination  23   d . Also, the rear surface of the insertion portion  23   a  (or a surface that contacts the protruding portion  12   g  of the contact  12 ) has the first inclination  23   c . The insertion portion  23   a  is inserted into a gap between the support portion  12   e  and the pressure portion  12   f . When the actuator  23  is locked, the pressure portion  12   f  is elastically displaced relative to the support portion  12   e . The material of the actuator  23  may be, for example, insulative resin. The insertion portion  23   a  has a width that is increased from a position near to the stopper portion  23   b  toward a position far from the stopper portion  23   b  (in the Y direction) and then is gradually decreased further toward the position far from the stopper portion  23   b  (in the Y direction). Thus, the insertion portion  23   a  is the “wedge-shaped insertion portion.” Since the actuator  23  including the wedge-shaped portion is provided in the connector  20 , the footprint of the connector  20  can be smaller than the case in which the actuator having the flip structure is provided. 
         [0067]    The actuator  23  is movable in the Z direction in a state in which the insertion portion  23   a  is inserted into the second insertion hole  11   y . When the actuator  23  is operated (moved) in a direction indicated by arrow D until the stopper portion  23   b  contacts the housing  11 , a recess that is defined by the first inclination  23   c  and the lower surface of the stopper portion  23   b , and a recess that is defined by the second inclination  23   d  and the lower surface of the stopper portion  23   b  engage with and are fitted to the protruding portion  12   g  and the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12  due to the elasticity. Thus, the actuator  23  is locked. If the actuator  23  is locked in the state in which the FPC is inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x , the FPC contacts the contact  12  with a predetermined pressure and the contact state is kept. 
         [0068]    Since the lock structure is provided such that the recesses defined by the lower surface of the stopper portion  23   b , and the first inclination  23   c  and the second inclination  23   d  of the actuator  23  are fitted to the protruding portion  12   g  and the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 , the feel of click occurs when the actuator  23  is locked. Accordingly, a fitted state (whether the actuator  23  is locked or not) can be recognized during the work. 
         [0069]    Next, the operation of the actuator  23  will be described in more detail below. First, the actuator  23  is operated (moved) in a direction indicated by arrow G, so that the actuator  23  is unlocked. Then, a FPC  101  is inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  of the housing  11  in a direction indicated by arrow A. In the state in which the actuator  23  is unlocked, the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12  is located at a position at which the contact portion  12   a  does not contact the FPC  101  inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x . In other words, in the state in which the actuator  23  is unlocked, the FPC  101  can be inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  with zero insertion force. 
         [0070]    Then, the actuator  23  is operated (moved) in the direction indicated by arrow D, the first inclination  23   c  and the second inclination  23   d  of the actuator  23  are fitted to the recesses defined by the lower surface of the stopper portion  23   b , and the protruding portion  12   g  and the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 , and the actuator  23  is locked. At this time, the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12  is elastically displaced in a direction indicated by arrow E, and hence the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12  is elastically displaced in a direction indicated by arrow F accordingly. Also at this time, a rotational force in the direction indicated by arrow F is exerted on the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12 . The contact force between the contact  12  and the FPC  101  is provided, and the FPC  101  and the contact  12  are brought into the pressure contact state. 
         [0071]    As described above, the connector according to the first modification of the first embodiment that uses the actuator having the first and second inclinations can attain an advantage similar to that of the first embodiment. 
       Second Modification of First Embodiment 
       [0072]    A second modification of the first embodiment uses an actuator having a shape that is different from those of the first embodiment and the first modification of the first embodiment. The actuator according to the second modification of the first embodiment includes, in addition to the lock mechanism, an extraction prevention portion that prevents the actuator from being extracted from the housing. 
         [0073]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating the actuator according to the second modification of the first embodiment.  FIG. 18  is a right side view illustrating the actuator according to the second modification of the first embodiment.  FIGS. 19 and 20  are views for explaining an operation of the actuator according to the second modification of the first embodiment. Referring to  FIGS. 17 to 20 , a connector  30  according to the second modification of the first embodiment has a similar structure to the connector  10  except that an actuator  33  is provided instead of the actuator  13  and a housing  11  has grooves  11   w . The connector  30 , in particular, portions different from those of the connector  10  will be mainly described below and description for portions equivalent to those of the connector  10  will be omitted. 
         [0074]    The actuator  33  includes a plate-like stopper portion  33   b  and a wedge-shaped insertion portion  33   a  protruding from one surface of the stopper portion  33   b . The insertion portion  33   a  is inserted into a gap between the support portion  12   e  and the pressure portion  12   f . When the actuator  33  is locked, the pressure portion  12   f  is elastically displaced relative to the support portion  12   e . The material of the actuator  33  may be, for example, insulative resin. The insertion portion  33   a  has a shape in which part of the width is gradually decreased from a position near to the stopper portion  33   b  toward a position far from the stopper portion  33   b  (in the Y direction). Thus, the insertion portion  33   a  is the “wedge-shaped insertion portion.” Since the actuator  33  including the wedge-shaped portion is provided in the connector  30 , the footprint of the connector  30  can be smaller than the case in which the actuator having the flip structure is provided. 
         [0075]    The front surface of the insertion portion  33   a  (or a surface that contacts the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 ) has a first inclination  33   c  and a second inclination  33   d . The first inclination  33   c  is arranged such that the width of the insertion portion  33   a  is gradually decreased from one end (near to the stopper portion  33   b ) toward the other end (near to the press-fit portion  12   d ). The second inclination  33   d  is arranged such that the width of the insertion portion  33   a  is gradually increased from a portion with the smallest width (in the Y direction) toward the other end (near to the press-fit portion  12   d ). The rear surface of the insertion portion  33   a  (or a surface that contacts the protruding portion  12   g  of the contact  12 ) is a vertical surface extending substantially in the Z direction, and has a recess  33   e.    
         [0076]    Both ends of the stopper portion  33   b  in the longitudinal direction (the X direction) of the actuator  33  protrude in the X direction as compared with the insertion portion  33   a  (hereinafter, the protruding portions are referred to as protruding portions of the stopper portion  33   b ). The protruding portions of the stopper portion  33   b  are fit to the grooves  11   w  of the housing  11  when the actuator  33  is locked. The structure in which the protruding portions of the stopper portion  33   b  are fitted to the grooves  11   w  is provided to prevent the actuator  33  from being excessively deeply inserted into the housing  11  when the actuator  33  is pushed into the housing  11 . Also, by manually holding the protruding portions of the stopper portion  33   b  and lifting up the protruding portions, the actuator  33  can be unlocked. 
         [0077]    The actuator  33  is movable in the Z direction in a state in which the insertion portion  33   a  is inserted into the second insertion hole  11   y . When the actuator  33  is operated (moved) in a direction indicated by arrow D until the protruding portions of the stopper portion  33   b  contact the grooves  11   w  of the housing  11 , the first inclination  33   c  contacts the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 , and causes the pressure portion  12   f  to be elastically displaced in a direction indicated by arrow E. At this time, the recess  33   e  engages with and is fitted to the protruding portion  12   g  of the contact  12  due to the elasticity. Thus, the actuator  33  is locked. If the actuator  33  is locked in the state in which the FPC is inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x , the FPC contacts the contact  12  with a predetermined pressure and the contact state is kept. At this time, the rear surface of the actuator  33  is closely in contact with the support portion  12   e . Hence, the FPC and the contact  12  are stably held with a predetermined contact pressure. 
         [0078]    Since the lock structure is provided such that the recess  33   e  of the actuator  33  is fitted to the protruding portion  12   g  of the contact  12 , the feel of click occurs when the actuator  33  is locked. Accordingly, a fitted state (whether the actuator  33  is locked or not) can be recognized during the work. 
         [0079]    Next, the operation of the actuator  33  will be described in more detail below. First, the actuator  33  is operated (moved) in a direction indicated by arrow G, so that the actuator  33  is unlocked. At this time, a width W 1  at the bottom portion of the actuator  33  is larger than a smallest distance W 2  between the protruding portion  12   g  and the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 , and hence the actuator  33  can be prevented from being extracted from the housing  11 . That is, the bottom portion of the actuator  33  functions as the extraction prevention portion. 
         [0080]    Then, a FPC  101  is inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  of the housing  11  in a direction indicated by arrow A. In the state in which the actuator  33  is unlocked, the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12  is located at a position at which the contact portion  12   a  does not contact the FPC  101  inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x . In other words, in the state in which the actuator  33  is unlocked, the FPC  101  can be inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  with zero insertion force. 
         [0081]    Then, the actuator  33  is operated (moved) in the direction indicated by arrow D, the recess  33   e  of the actuator  33  is fitted to the protruding portion  12   g  of the contact  12 , and the actuator  33  is locked. At this time, the first inclination  33   c  contacts the pressure portion  12   f  of the contact  12 , and the pressure portion  12   f  is elastically displaced in the direction indicated by arrow E. Hence, the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12  is elastically displaced in a direction indicated by arrow F accordingly. Also at this time, a rotational force in the direction indicated by arrow F is exerted on the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12 . The contact force between the contact  12  and the FPC  101  is provided, and the FPC  101  and the contact  12  are brought into the pressure contact state. 
         [0082]    As described above, the connector according to the second modification of the first embodiment that uses the actuator having the first and second inclinations and the recess can attain an advantage similar to that of the first embodiment. In addition, the following advantage is attained. Since the extraction prevention portion is provided such that the width of the bottom portion of the actuator is larger than the smallest distance between the protruding portion and the pressure portion of the contact, the actuator can be prevented from being extracted from the housing when the actuator is unlocked. 
       Third Modification of First Embodiment 
       [0083]    A third modification of the first embodiment uses an actuator that is made of a flexible material. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 21A to 21C  are views for explaining an operation of the actuator according to the third modification of the first embodiment. Referring to  FIGS. 21A to 21C , a connector  40  according to the third modification of the first embodiment has a similar structure to the connector  10  except that an actuator  43  is provided instead of the actuator  13 . The connector  40 , in particular, portions different from those of the connector  10  will be mainly described below and description for portions equivalent to those of the connector  10  will be omitted. 
         [0085]    In the connector  40 , the structure of the actuator  43  is similar to that of the actuator  13  according to the first embodiment except that the actuator  43  is made of a material with a certain flexibility, and hence is flexible in a direction in which the contacts  12  are arranged side by side. The actuator  43  is put into a reflow furnace, as a component of the connector  40 . Thus, the actuator  43  uses a material with a certain heat resistance that is not deformed at a reflow temperature (for example, 245 degrees centigrade). A reactive force generated at the contact is exerted on the support portion and the actuator  43 . Thus, the actuator  43  uses a material with a certain strength that is not permanently deformed by the reactive force. The material of the actuator  43  may be desirably selected from materials having the certain flexibility, heat resistance, and strength. For example, the material may be nylon. 
         [0086]    Next, the operation of the actuator  43  will be described. First, referring to  FIG. 21A , the actuator  43  is operated (moved) in a direction indicated by arrow G, the actuator  43  is unlocked, and a FPC  101  is inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  of the housing  11  in a direction indicated by arrow A. In the state in which the actuator  43  is unlocked, the contact portion  12   a  of the contact  12  is located at a position at which the contact portion  12   a  does not contact the FPC  101  inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x . In other words, in the state in which the actuator  43  is unlocked, the FPC  101  can be inserted into the first insertion hole  11   x  with zero insertion force. 
         [0087]    Then, referring to  FIG. 21B , one end of the actuator  43  in the longitudinal direction is operated (moved) in a direction indicated by arrow D. Since the actuator  43  is made of the flexible material such as nylon, the actuator  43  is bent like an arc, and only the one end of the actuator  43  in the longitudinal direction is locked. Further, the actuator  43  is gradually operated (moved) in the direction indicated by arrow D from the one end toward the other end of the actuator  43  in the longitudinal direction. As the result, the actuator  43  is gradually locked from the one end toward the other end of the actuator  43  in the longitudinal direction like a zipper being zipped. Finally, the actuator  43  is completely locked as illustrated in  FIG. 21C . 
         [0088]    As described above, the connector according to the third modification of the first embodiment that uses the actuator made of the flexible material can attain an advantage similar to that of the first embodiment. In addition, the following advantage is attained. Since the actuator made of the flexible material is used, the actuator can be gradually locked from an end. Thus, the actuator can be locked by a small operating force, and the workability can be increased. 
         [0089]    Recently, a multi-contact connector with more than 100 contacts is used. The actuator made of the flexible material can be effectively used particularly for the multi-contact connector. If the number of contacts is increased (in the case of the multi-contact connector), the actuator may be divided into a plurality of pieces. 
         [0090]    The preferred embodiment has been described above; however, the embodiment is not limited and may be modified and changed in various forms within the scope described in the claims. 
         [0091]    For example, the actuator  23  or  33  may be made of a flexible material like the material of the actuator  43 . 
         [0092]    All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.