Connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector assembly capable of suppressing an increase in size. A connector assembly (11) according to one aspect of the present invention is provided with a first connector (21) and a second connector (31). The first connector has a first housing (22) and a first terminal (23), and the second connector has a second housing (32) and a second terminal (33). The first housing has a locked portion (26) and an abutted portion (27). The second housing is provided with a locking arm (36) which is locked on the locked part, the locking arm is provided with an abutting part (38), and when the second housing moves relative to the first housing in an inclined state, the abutting part (38) abuts against the abutted part, so that the second housing is prevented from being in contact with the first terminal. The lock arm is provided in the second housing so as to be closer to a first width direction (Y1) in the width direction, and the contact portion protrudes on the lock arm in a second width direction (Y2) which is a direction opposite to the first width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there was a connector assembly that prevents so-called "tightening" as a connector assembly having a first connector and a second connector (for example, refer to patent document 1). The first connector has a first housing and a first terminal held in the first housing, and the second connector has a second housing that can be inserted into the first housing and a second terminal held in the second housing. In addition, a locking arm is provided in the second housing, and the locking arm is locked to the locked portion of the first housing when the second housing is inserted into the first housing. In detail, the locking arm is provided in the center of the width direction in the second housing. The locking arm has a protrusion protruding from the second housing in the height direction, an extension extending from the protrusion in the rear end direction of the second housing, and a locking claw protruding from the extension in the height direction of the second housing. The locking arm can bend the extension. In addition, the locking arm can lock the locking claw to the locked portion. In addition, a pair of guide protrusions are provided in the first housing, and a fitting groove is provided on the outer wall of the second housing and on both sides of the locking arm. The guide protrusion is embedded in the fitting groove. Furthermore, the guide protrusion is provided with a collision protrusion extending outward in the width direction, and the second housing is provided with a sliding engagement groove corresponding to the collision protrusion. Thus, when the second housing moves relatively in an inclined state relative to the first housing, the collision protrusion abuts against the outer wall of the second housing and does not fit into the sliding engagement groove, thereby preventing the second housing from contacting the first terminal. In such a connector assembly, deformation of the first terminal due to contact between the second housing and the first terminal can be suppressed. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-231824 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, in the connector assembly as described above, the locking arm may not be disposed at the center of the second housing in the width direction. In such a case, there is a problem that the connector assembly becomes larger in the width direction due to the sliding engagement grooves or the abutting protrusions corresponding to the sliding engagement grooves disposed on both sides of the locking arm.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that can suppress enlargement. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0006] The connector assembly of the present invention comprises a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector comprises a first housing and a first terminal held in the first housing, and the second connector comprises a second housing and a second terminal, wherein the second housing can be inserted into the first housing, and the second terminal is held in the second housing and can be connected to the first terminal, the first housing comprises a locked portion and an abutted portion, the second housing is provided with a locking arm, the locking arm is locked to the locked portion when the second housing is inserted into the first housing, the locking arm is provided with an abutting portion, when the second housing moves relative to the first housing in an inclined state, the abutting portion abuts against the abutted portion, thereby preventing the second housing from contacting the first terminal, the locking arm is provided in the second housing close to a first width direction which is one direction in the width direction, and the abutting portion protrudes from the locking arm in a second width direction which is the opposite direction to the first width direction. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the connector assembly of the present invention, it is possible to suppress enlargement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly in one embodiment. Figure 2 It is a partially exploded perspective view of a connector assembly in one embodiment. Figure 3 is a front view of a connector assembly in one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a front view of a first connector in one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a second connector in one embodiment. Figure 6 It is a side view of the second connector in one embodiment. Figure 7 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line 7-7. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the connector assembly in one embodiment. Fig. 9 This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the connector assembly in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples. The connector assembly of the present invention, [1] A first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector has a first housing and a first terminal held in the first housing, and the second connector has a second housing and a second terminal, the second housing being insertable in the first housing, the second terminal being held in the second housing and connectable to the first terminal, the first housing having a locked portion and an abutted portion, the second housing being provided with a locking arm, the locking arm being engaged with the locked portion when the second housing is inserted in the first housing, the abutting portion being provided on the locking arm, when the second housing moves relative to the first housing in an inclined state, the abutting portion abuts against the abutted portion, thereby preventing the second housing from contacting the first terminal, the locking arm being provided in the second housing near a first width direction which is one direction in the width direction, and the abutting portion protruding from the locking arm in a second width direction which is the opposite direction to the first width direction.

[0010] According to this structure, the locking arm is provided with an abutting portion, and when the second housing moves relative to the first housing in an inclined state, the abutting portion abuts against the abutted portion, thereby preventing the second housing from contacting the first terminal, thereby protecting the first terminal. In addition, the locking arm is provided in the second housing close to the first width direction, which is one direction in the width direction, and the abutting portion protrudes from the locking arm in the second width direction, which is the opposite direction of the first width direction, so that enlargement can be suppressed. That is, when the locking arm is provided in the second housing close to the first width direction, and the abutting portion protrudes from the locking arm in the first width direction, the connector assembly may be enlarged in the first width direction, but its enlargement can be suppressed.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the locking arm may also include: a protrusion, which protrudes from the top end of the first shell in the second shell toward the height direction of the second shell; an extension portion, which extends from the top of the protrusion toward the rear end of the second shell; and a locking claw, which protrudes from the extension portion toward the height direction of the second shell and can be locked to the locked portion, and the abutment portion is provided from the end of the protrusion in the top direction of the second shell.

[0012] According to this structure, the abutment portion is provided at the end of the second housing in the direction of the top end of the protruding portion of the locking arm, so that even if the second housing is inserted in an inclined state relative to the first housing, it abuts against the abutted portion in the initial stage. Therefore, even if the distance from the opening of the first housing to the first terminal is shortened, the second housing can be prevented from contacting the first terminal. Therefore, the size of the connector assembly can be suppressed.

[0013] [3] In the above [2], the contact portion may be provided from an end portion of the protruding portion in the distal direction of the second shell to the extended portion. According to this structure, the contact portion is provided from the end of the second shell of the protruding portion in the tip direction to the extended portion, so that, for example, the strength of the base of the extended portion can be improved. Therefore, for example, damage to the base when the extended portion is bent can be suppressed.

[0014] [4] In the above [2] or [3], the end surface of the second shell of the protrusion in the distal direction and the top surface of the protrusion may be connected by a chamfered portion. According to this configuration, since the end surface of the second housing of the protruding portion in the distal direction and the top surface of the protruding portion are connected by the chamfered portion, the second housing can be smoothly inserted into the first housing.

[0015] [5] In any one of the above [1] to [4], the abutment portion may be set to prevent the second housing from contacting the first terminal even when the lock arm is bent.

[0016] According to this configuration, the contact portion is set to prevent the second housing from contacting the first terminal even when the lock arm is bent. Therefore, for example, even if a force that bends the lock arm is applied, the first terminal can be protected.

[0017] [6] In any one of the above [1] to [5], it may be that the first terminal is provided with two in the width direction of the first shell, the first shell has a separation wall, the separation wall is arranged between the two first terminals provided in the width direction, the second shell has a separation groove, when the second shell is inserted into the first shell, the separation wall is inserted into the separation groove, and the locking arm is provided on the first width direction side than the separation groove.

[0018] According to this structure, the first shell has a separation wall, and the separation wall is arranged between the two first terminals provided in the width direction, so that the insulation between the two first terminals provided in the width direction can be maintained at a high level. In addition, the second shell has a separation groove, and when the second shell is inserted into the first shell, the separation wall is inserted into the separation groove, so that it can be inserted into the first shell avoiding the separation wall. In addition, in such a second shell, due to the separation groove, the locking arm cannot be set in the center of the width direction of the second shell, but by being set on the first width direction side than the separation groove, it can be locked to the locked portion. In such a connector assembly, the abutment portion protrudes in the second width direction of the locking arm, so that enlargement can be suppressed.

[0019] [7] In the above [6], the first terminal may be provided with two in the height direction of the first shell, the separation wall may have an auxiliary wall, the auxiliary wall may extend in the width direction between the two first terminals provided in the height direction, and the second shell may have an auxiliary groove, and the auxiliary wall may be inserted into the auxiliary groove when the second shell is inserted into the first shell.

[0020] According to this structure, the separation wall has an auxiliary wall, and the auxiliary wall extends in the width direction toward the first terminals provided with two in the height direction, and the second housing has an auxiliary groove, and the auxiliary wall is inserted into the auxiliary groove. Therefore, the second housing can also be prevented from contacting the first terminal by using the auxiliary wall and the auxiliary groove. That is, in a structure in which two first terminals are provided in the height direction of the first housing, the opening of the first housing becomes larger in the height direction. Therefore, in a structure in which the auxiliary wall and the auxiliary groove are not provided, the second housing is easily inserted into the interior in an inclined state relative to the first housing, but this situation can be prevented by using the auxiliary wall and the auxiliary groove. Therefore, even if the distance from the opening of the first housing to the first terminal is shortened, the second housing can be prevented from contacting the first terminal. Therefore, the enlargement of the connector assembly can be suppressed.

[0021] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] The following is a description of specific examples of the connector assembly of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, for the sake of convenience, a portion of the structure is sometimes enlarged or simplified. In addition, the size ratios of the various parts are sometimes different in the various drawings. "Parallel", "orthogonal" or "perfect circle" in this specification includes not only the case of being strictly parallel, orthogonal or a perfect circle, but also the case of being approximately parallel, orthogonal or a perfect circle within the scope of the effect of the present embodiment. In addition, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0022] (Structure of Connector Assembly 11) like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the connector assembly 11 includes a first connector 21 and a second connector 31, and the second connector 31 can be connected with respect to the first connector 21 by relative movement in a first mounting and disassembly direction X1 along the first axis X. The connector assembly 11 is, for example, located in a path for electrically connecting vehicle-mounted devices disposed on a vehicle to each other. In addition, in the figure, a first axis X, a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, and a third axis Z orthogonal to the first axis X and the second axis Y are illustrated. In addition, in the figure, a first mounting and disassembly direction X1 and a second mounting and disassembly direction X2 are illustrated, the first mounting and disassembly direction X1 being one direction along the first axis X, and the second mounting and disassembly direction X2 being another direction along the first axis X, and being the opposite direction of the first mounting and disassembly direction X1. In addition, the figure shows a first width direction Y1 and a second width direction Y2. The first width direction Y1 is one direction in the width direction along the second axis Y, and the second width direction Y2 is another direction in the width direction along the second axis Y, and is the opposite direction of the first width direction Y1.

[0023] (Structure of the first connector 21) like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first connector 21 includes a first housing 22 and first terminals 23 held in the first housing 22 .

[0024] The first case 22 is made of an insulating resin material. like Figure 2 , Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the first housing 22 is formed into a square tube shape and has an opening 22a that opens in the second mounting and disassembly direction X2. In addition, the first housing 22 has a closed portion 22b at the end of the first mounting and disassembly direction X1. The first terminal 23 is held in the closed portion 22b. The first terminal 23 is a slender metal plate and is a male terminal. The first terminal 23 is embedded in the closed portion 22b by insert molding. The first terminal 23 is arranged to extend along the first axis X and penetrate the closed portion 22b.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, two first terminals 23 are provided in the first housing 22 in the height direction along the third axis Z. In addition, two first terminals 23 are provided in the first housing 22 in the width direction along the second axis Y. That is, four first terminals 23 are provided in the first housing 22.

[0026] (Detailed Structure of First Shell 22) like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the first housing 22 has a separation wall 24, and the separation wall 24 is arranged between the two first terminals 23 provided in the width direction. The separation wall 24 is provided at the center of the width direction of the first housing 22. The separation wall 24 is provided in the entire height direction of the first housing 22, that is, from the bottom wall 22c to the upper wall 22d of the first housing 22. The separation wall 24 is provided in the entire length direction of the first housing 22, that is, from the opening portion 22a to the closed portion 22b of the first housing 22.

[0027] In addition, the separation wall 24 has an auxiliary wall 25, and the auxiliary wall 25 extends in the width direction toward the first terminals 23 provided with two in the height direction. A pair of auxiliary walls 25 extend from the separation wall 24 in both directions in the width direction. The auxiliary wall 25 is provided to the middle position from the separation wall 24 to the side wall 22e of the first housing 22.

[0028] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the first housing 22 has a locked portion 26. The locked portion 26 is provided on the upper wall 22d of the first housing 22. The locked portion 26 is formed by providing a through hole 22f in the upper wall 22d, and has a surface that can be engaged in the second attachment and detachment direction X2.

[0029] In addition, if Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first housing 22 has a contacted portion 27. The contacted portion 27 is provided on the separation wall 24. The contacted portion 27 is provided between the auxiliary wall 25 and the upper wall 22d to extend from the separation wall 24 to the first width direction Y1, which is one direction in the width direction. The contacted portion 27 extends along the first width direction Y1 with a length smaller than that of the auxiliary wall 25.

[0030] In addition, the first housing 22 has a symmetrical extension portion 28 that is paired with the abutted portion 27. The symmetrical extension portion 28 is formed symmetrically with the abutted portion 27 with the separation wall 24 as the center. That is, the symmetrical extension portion 28 is provided on the separation wall 24. The symmetrical extension portion 28 is provided between the auxiliary wall 25 and the upper wall 22d to extend from the separation wall 24 to the second width direction Y2 that is the opposite direction of the first width direction Y1. The symmetrical extension portion 28 extends along the second width direction Y2 with a length smaller than that of the auxiliary wall 25.

[0031] (Structure of the Second Connector 31) like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second connector 31 has a second shell 32 and a second terminal 33. The second shell 32 can be inserted into the first shell 22 by moving relative to the first shell 22 in the first installation and removal direction X1 along the first axis X. The second terminal 33 is retained in the second shell 32 and can be connected to the first terminal 23.

[0032] The second case 32 is made of an insulating resin material. like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second housing 32 is formed in a quadrangular prism shape that can be inserted into the first housing 22 . In the second housing 32 , the second terminals 33 are held at positions corresponding to the first terminals 23 .

[0033] That is, Figure 5 As shown, two second terminals 33 are provided in the second housing 32 in the height direction along the third axis Z. In addition, two second terminals 33 are provided in the second housing 32 in the width direction along the second axis Y. That is, four second terminals 33 are provided in the second housing 32.

[0034] The second terminal 33 is a female terminal formed by bending a metal plate. Specifically, a receiving hole 32a (see FIG. 2A ) is provided in the second housing 32 at a position corresponding to the first terminal 23. Figure 2 ). In addition, the second terminal 33 is received and held in the receiving hole 32a. When the second housing 32 is inserted into the first housing 22, the second terminal 33 is connected to the first terminal 23 by being engaged with the first terminal 23. In addition, the first terminal 23 and the second terminal 33 are connected to the vehicle-mounted device via a connector, a wire, etc., which are not shown in the figure.

[0035] (Detailed Structure of Second Shell 32) The second housing 32 has a separation groove 34, and the separation wall 24 is inserted into the separation groove 34 when the second housing 32 is inserted into the first housing 22. The separation groove 34 is provided at the center of the second housing 32 in the width direction. The separation groove 34 is provided in the entire height direction of the second housing 32, that is, from the lower surface 32b to the upper surface 32c of the second housing 32. The separation groove 34 is recessed in the second housing 32 from the end in the first mounting and disassembly direction X1 toward the second mounting and disassembly direction X2. In other words, the separation groove 34 is recessed in the second housing 32 from the top end inserted into the first housing 22 toward the rear end.

[0036] In addition, the second housing 32 has an auxiliary groove 35, and the auxiliary wall 25 is inserted into the auxiliary groove 35 when the second housing 32 is inserted into the first housing 22. A pair of auxiliary grooves 35 are provided in both directions in the width direction from the separation groove 34. The auxiliary groove 35 is recessed in the second housing 32 from the top end inserted into the first housing 22 toward the rear end to the same position as the separation groove 34.

[0037] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the second housing 32 is provided with a lock arm 36 , and the lock arm 36 is locked to the locked portion 26 when the second housing 32 is inserted into the first housing 22 . The lock arm 36 is provided near the first width direction Y1 which is one direction in the width direction in the second housing 32. The lock arm 36 of the present embodiment is provided on the first width direction Y1 side with respect to the separation groove 34.

[0038] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the locking arm 36 has a protrusion 36a, an extension portion 36b, a locking claw 36c and an operating portion 36d. The protrusion 36a protrudes from the top end inserted in the first shell 22 in the second shell 32 in the height direction of the second shell 32. The protrusion 36a protrudes from the upper surface 32c of the second shell 32. The end surface of the protrusion 36a in the top direction of the second shell 32 and the top surface of the protrusion 36a are connected by a chamfered portion 36e. The chamfered portion 36e of the present embodiment is a curved surface. The extension portion 36b extends from the top of the protrusion 36a toward the rear end of the second shell 32, and can be bent in the height direction of the second shell 32. The locking claw 36c protrudes from the middle part of the extension portion 36b in the height direction of the second shell 32 and can be locked to the locked portion 26 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 The operation portion 36d protrudes from both sides of the top end of the extension portion 36b in both directions of the width direction and in the height direction of the second housing 32. In addition, in the second housing 32 of the present embodiment, a pair of protective walls 37 are provided near the operation portion 36d, and the pair of protective walls 37 are used to suppress unintentional pressing of the operation portion 36d by protruding from the upper surface 32c of the second housing 32 in the height direction of the second housing 32.

[0039] And, if Figure 8 As shown, the lock arm 36 is provided with a contact portion 38, and when the second housing 32 moves relative to the first housing 22 in an inclined state, the contact portion 38 contacts the contacted portion 27, thereby preventing the second housing 32 from contacting the first terminal 23. That is, the contact portion 38 is provided so that even if the second housing 32 is inserted in an inclined state relative to the first housing 22, the contact portion 38 contacts the contacted portion 27, thereby preventing the second housing 32 from entering the interior of the first housing 22.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the contact portion 38 protrudes on the lock arm 36 in the second width direction Y2 which is the opposite direction to the first width direction Y1 . like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1 , the contact portion 38 is provided from the end of the protruding portion 36a in the tip direction of the second housing 32, in other words, from the end in the first attachment and detachment direction X1. In addition, the contact portion 38 is provided from the end of the protruding portion 36a in the tip direction of the second housing 32 to the extended portion 36b. That is, the contact portion 38 is provided so as to function also as a reinforcing rib for increasing the strength of the base of the extended portion 36b.

[0041] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown, the contact portion 38 is set so that even when the lock arm 36 is bent, more specifically, when the extension portion 36b is bent, the contact portion 38 abuts against the abutted portion 27, thereby preventing the second housing 32 from contacting the first terminal 23. That is, the contact portion 38 provided on the lock arm 36 is set so that although the lock arm 36 is bent, the second housing 32 may easily enter the interior of the first housing 22, but even in this case, the second housing 32 does not contact the first terminal 23.

[0042] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, in the non-inclined state where the second housing 32 is not inclined relative to the first housing 22 , the contact portion 38 is inserted between the contacted portion 27 and the upper wall 22 d , thereby allowing the second housing 32 to be inserted into the first housing 22 .

[0043] Next, the operation of the connector assembly 11 configured as described above will be described. like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, in the connector assembly 11 , for example, in a case where it is difficult to see, when the second housing 32 is inserted into the first housing 22 , the second housing 32 may be inclined relative to the first housing 22 .

[0044] In this case, the contact portion 38 contacts the contacted portion 27, thereby restricting further insertion of the second housing 32 into the first housing 22. This prevents the second housing 32 from contacting the first terminals 23, thereby suppressing deformation of the first terminals 23.

[0045] Next, the effects of the above-described embodiment will be described below. (1) The lock arm 36 is provided with the contact portion 38. When the second housing 32 moves relative to the first housing 22 in an inclined state, the contact portion 38 contacts the contacted portion 27, thereby preventing the second housing 32 from contacting the first terminal 23, thereby protecting the first terminal 23. In addition, the lock arm 36 is provided in the second housing 32 close to the first width direction Y1, which is one direction in the width direction, and the contact portion 38 protrudes from the lock arm 36 in the second width direction Y2, which is the opposite direction of the first width direction Y1, so that the size of the connector assembly 11 can be suppressed. That is, when the lock arm 36 is provided in the second housing 32 close to the first width direction Y1, and the contact portion 38 protrudes from the lock arm 36 further in the first width direction Y1, the connector assembly 11 may be enlarged in the first width direction Y1. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the contact portion 38 protrudes on the lock arm 36 in the second width direction Y2 which is the opposite direction to the first width direction Y1 , it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the connector assembly 11 .

[0046] (2) The contact portion 38 is provided at the end portion of the second housing 32 in the tip direction of the protruding portion 36a of the lock arm 36. Therefore, even if the second housing 32 is inserted in a tilted state relative to the first housing 22, it contacts the contacted portion 27 in the initial stage. Therefore, even if the distance from the opening 22a of the first housing 22 to the first terminal 23 is shortened, the second housing 32 is prevented from contacting the first terminal 23. Therefore, the size of the connector assembly 11 can be suppressed.

[0047] (3) The contact portion 38 is provided from the end of the second housing 32 of the protruding portion 36a to the extended portion 36b, so that, for example, the strength of the base of the extended portion 36b can be increased. Therefore, for example, damage to the base of the extended portion 36b when it is bent can be suppressed.

[0048] (4) Since the end surface of the protruding portion 36 a in the distal direction of the second housing 32 and the top surface of the protruding portion 36 a are connected by the chamfered portion 36 e , the second housing 32 can be smoothly inserted into the first housing 22 .

[0049] (5) The contact portion 38 is set to prevent the second housing 32 from contacting the first terminal 23 even when the lock arm 36 is bent. Therefore, even if a force that bends the lock arm 36 is applied, the first terminal 23 can be protected.

[0050] (6) The first housing 22 has a separation wall 24, and the separation wall 24 is arranged between the two first terminals 23 provided in the width direction, so that the insulation between the two first terminals 23 provided in the width direction can be maintained at a high level. In addition, the second housing 32 has a separation groove 34, and when the second housing 32 is inserted into the first housing 22, the separation wall 24 is inserted into the separation groove 34, so that the second housing 32 can be inserted into the first housing 22 avoiding the separation wall 24. In addition, in such a second housing 32, due to the separation groove 34, the lock arm 36 cannot be set at the center of the width direction of the second housing 32, but by setting it on the first width direction Y1 side relative to the separation groove 34, it can be locked to the locked portion 26. In such a connector assembly 11, the abutment portion 38 protrudes in the second width direction Y2 of the lock arm 36, so that the size can be suppressed.

[0051] (7) The separation wall 24 has an auxiliary wall 25 extending in the width direction toward the space between the two first terminals 23 provided in the height direction, and the second housing 32 has an auxiliary groove 35 into which the auxiliary wall 25 is inserted. Therefore, the auxiliary wall 25 and the auxiliary groove 35 can also prevent the second housing 32 from contacting the first terminal 23. That is, in the structure in which two first terminals 23 are provided in the height direction of the first housing 22, the opening 22a of the first housing 22 becomes larger in the height direction. Therefore, in the structure in which the auxiliary wall 25 and the auxiliary groove 35 are not provided, the second housing 32 is easily inserted into the interior in a tilted state relative to the first housing 22, but this can be prevented by the auxiliary wall 25 and the auxiliary groove 35. Therefore, even if the distance from the opening 22a of the first housing 22 to the first terminal 23 is shortened, the second housing 32 can be prevented from contacting the first terminal 23. Therefore, the size of the connector assembly 11 can be suppressed.

[0052] This embodiment can be implemented as the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction. In the above embodiment, the contact portion 38 is provided from the end of the protrusion 36 a of the lock arm 36 in the distal direction of the second housing 32 , but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be provided slightly further rearward than the end of the distal direction of the second housing 32 .

[0053] In the above embodiment, the contact portion 38 is provided from the end of the protruding portion 36a in the front end direction of the second housing 32 to the extended portion 36b, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the contact portion 38 may be provided only in the protruding portion 36a. That is, the contact portion 38 may be configured not to be provided in the extended portion 36b extending from the top of the protruding portion 36a toward the rear end direction of the second housing 32.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the end surface of the protrusion 36a in the distal direction of the second housing 32 and the top surface of the protrusion 36a are connected by the chamfered portion 36e, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, they may be connected perpendicularly.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the contact portion 38 is set to prevent the second housing 32 from contacting the first terminal 23 even when the lock arm 36 is bent. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be a structure that does not take into account the bent state of the lock arm 36.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the first housing 22 has the separation wall 24, and the separation wall 24 is arranged between the two first terminals 23 provided in the width direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure may be a structure without the separation wall 24. In addition, of course, in the case where the first housing 22 does not have the separation wall 24, the second housing 32 may also be a structure without the separation groove 34. In addition, in the above embodiment, two first terminals 23 are provided in the width direction of the first housing 22, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only one or more first terminals 23 may be provided in the width direction of the first housing 22.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the separation wall 24 has the auxiliary wall 25, and the auxiliary wall 25 extends in the width direction toward the first terminals 23 provided with two in the height direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure may be without the auxiliary wall 25. In addition, of course, in the case where the separation wall 24 does not have the auxiliary wall 25, the second housing 32 may also be a structure without the auxiliary groove 35. In addition, in the above embodiment, two first terminals 23 are provided in the height direction of the first housing 22, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only one or more first terminals 23 may be provided in the height direction of the first housing 22.

[0058] ·like Figure 5 , 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the extension portion 36b may also extend from the top of the protruding portion 36a in the protruding direction along the second attachment and detachment direction X2 (the rear end direction of the second housing 32). Figure 2 , 5 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the contact portion 38 may extend from the end of the protrusion 36a in the first attachment and removal direction X1 (the top end direction of the second housing 32) along the second attachment and removal direction X2 in a manner opposed to the upper surface 32c of the second housing 32 at a predetermined distance. Figure 3 , 5 As shown, the maximum width dimension of the locking arm 36 including the abutment portion 38 in the second axis Y direction may also be smaller than the maximum width dimension of the portion of the second housing 32 located in the first width direction Y1 of the separation groove 34 in the second axis Y direction. Figure 6As shown, the contact portion 38 may be located closer to the first attachment and detachment direction X1 than the locking claw 36 c.

[0059] ·like Figure 2 , 5 As shown in , 6, when the second shell 32 is not inserted into the first shell 22 and the locking arm 36 of the second shell 32 is in a natural state of elastic deflection, the abutment portion 38 may also be a bent plate including an end in the first mounting and disassembly direction X1 or a lead end in the connector coupling direction (first lead end), an end in the second mounting and disassembly direction X2 or a lead end in the connector coupling direction (second lead end), and an intermediate bending position or intermediate inflection point between the first lead end and the second lead end. Compared with the case where the abutment portion 38 is a flat plate without an intermediate bending position, the abutment portion 38 being a bent plate with an intermediate bending position is advantageous in that: the shortest length of the abutment portion 38 that can protect the first terminal 23 when the second shell 32 and the first shell 22 move relative to each other in an inclined state is shortened. In addition, as Figure 7 As shown, the bending angle and the shortest length of the bent plate as the abutment portion 38 can be determined so as to satisfy the restriction that the abutment portion 38 can be inserted between the abutted portion 27 and the upper wall 22d without interference. Description of Reference Numerals

[0060] 11Connector Assembly 21 No.1 Connector 22 1st shell 22a Opening 22b Closure 22c Bottom wall 22d Upper wall 22e Sidewall 22f Through hole 23 Terminal 1 24 Separation wall 25 Auxiliary wall 26 Locked part 27 Abutment 28 Symmetrical extension 31 2nd connector 32 2nd Shell 32a Storage hole 32b Lower surface 32c Upper surface 33 2nd terminal 34 Separation tank 35 Auxiliary slots 36 Locking arm 36a Protrusion 36b Extension Department 36c Locking claw 36d Operation Department 36e Chamfer 37 Protective wall 38 Butt X1st axis X1 1st installation and removal direction X2 2nd installation and removal direction Y 2nd axis Y1 1st width direction Y2 2nd width direction Z 3rd axis

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector, The first connector includes a first housing and a first terminal held in the first housing. The second connector has a second housing and a second terminal, wherein the second housing can be inserted into the first housing, and the second terminal is held in the second housing and can be connected to the first terminal. The first housing has a locked portion and an abutted portion. The second housing is provided with a locking arm, and when the second housing is inserted into the first housing, the locking arm is locked to the locked portion. The locking arm is provided with an abutment portion, and when the second housing moves relative to the first housing in an inclined state, the abutment portion abuts against the abutted portion, thereby preventing the second housing from contacting the first terminal. The lock arm is provided in the second housing near a first width direction which is one direction in the width direction. The contact portion protrudes on the lock arm in a second width direction which is an opposite direction to the first width direction.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The locking arm comprises: a protrusion, which protrudes from the top end of the first housing inserted in the second housing in the height direction of the second housing; an extension portion, which extends from the top of the protrusion toward the rear end of the second housing; and a locking claw, which protrudes from the extension portion in the height direction of the second housing and can be locked to the locked portion. The contact portion is provided from an end portion of the protruding portion in a distal direction of the second housing.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The contact portion is provided from an end portion of the protruding portion in the distal direction of the second housing to the extended portion.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: An end surface of the protruding portion in the distal direction of the second housing and a top surface of the protruding portion are connected via a chamfered portion.

5. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The contact portion is set to prevent the second housing from contacting the first terminal even in a state where the lock arm is bent.

6. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first terminals are provided with two in the width direction of the first housing. The first housing has a separation wall, and the separation wall is arranged between the two first terminals provided in the width direction. The second housing has a separation groove, and the separation wall is inserted into the separation groove when the second housing is inserted into the first housing. The lock arm is provided on the first width direction side relative to the separation groove.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The first terminals are provided with two in the height direction of the first housing. The separation wall includes an auxiliary wall extending in the width direction toward between the two first terminals provided in the height direction. The second housing has an auxiliary groove, and the auxiliary wall is inserted into the auxiliary groove when the second housing is inserted into the first housing.

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