Connector Assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly having a fitting key and subjected to EMI countermeasures.SOLUTION: A connector assembly 10 includes a first connector 20 and a second connector 50 that can be fitted to each other. The first connector 20 includes a first shell 30 having a first fitting portion 32 and a first key 42. The first key 42 is positioned outside the first fitting portion 32. The second connector 50 includes a second shell 60 having a second fitting portion 62, and a housing 70 having a protruding end 742 and a second key 744. The protruding end 742 faces the first connector 20 when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state where they are away from each other. The second key 744 is a groove extending from the protruding end 742. When first connector 20 and second connector 50 are fitted to each other, the second fitting portion 62 is received in first fitting portion 32, and first key 42 is received in second key 744.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly comprising two matable connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] A connector assembly of this type is disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,399,323.

[0003] Referring to FIG. 41, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector assembly 90 including a receptacle (first connector) 92 and a plug (second connector) 96 that can be fitted to each other. The first connector 92 has a metal shield (first shell) 93. The first shell 93 has a slit 94 formed therein. The first shell 93 also has an identification protrusion 95. The identification protrusion 95 is connected to the inner edge of the slit 94 and is bent so as to be located inside the first shell 93. The second connector 96 has a shell (second shell) 97. The second shell 97 has a slit 98 formed therein. When the second connector 96 is fitted to the first connector 92, the second shell 97 is received in the first shell 93, and the identification protrusion 95 is received in the slit 98. As can be understood from this structure, by providing the identification protrusion 95 and the slit 98 at positions corresponding to each other, an appropriate second connector 96 can be fitted to the first connector 92. In other words, the connector assembly 90 has a mating key that allows only the appropriate second connector 96 to mate with the first connector 92 . [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 9,490,579 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To provide a mating key as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to form slits in each of the first connector and the second connector. These slits are not preferable from the viewpoint of EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) countermeasures. The mating key in Patent Document 1 is not particularly suitable for a connector assembly that transmits high-speed signals.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly which is equipped with a mating key and which has EMI countermeasures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a first connector assembly, A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector are matable with each other along a mating direction, the first connector includes a first holding member, a plurality of first terminals, and a first shell; the first terminal is held by the first holding member, Each of the first terminals has a first contact portion, The first shell has a first fitting portion and a first key, the first fitting portion at least partially surrounds the first contact portion in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction; the first key is a protrusion provided on the first fitting portion and is located outside the first fitting portion in the orthogonal plane; the second connector includes a second holding member, a plurality of second terminals, a second shell, and a housing; the second terminal is held by the second holding member, Each of the second terminals has a second contact portion; The second shell has a second fitting portion, the second fitting portion surrounds the second contact portion over an entire periphery in the orthogonal plane, The housing has a protrusion, a protruding end, and a second key, The protruding portion is spaced from the second fitting portion in the orthogonal plane and at least partially surrounds the second fitting portion in the orthogonal plane; the protruding end faces the first connector in the mating direction when the first connector and the second connector are in a separated state in the mating direction, the second key is a groove formed in the housing and extends from the protruding end along the fitting direction; When the first connector and the second connector are in a mated state, the first contact portions contact the second contact portions, respectively; In the fitted state, the second fitting portion is received in the first fitting portion, and the first key is received in the second key. A connector assembly is provided.

[0008] The present invention provides a second connector assembly comprising a first connector assembly, The housing has a rear end, the rear end faces the first connector in the mating direction when the first connector and the second connector are in the separated state, The protruding end is located between the first connector and the rear end in the fitting direction when the first connector and the second connector are in the separated state. A connector assembly is provided.

[0009] The present invention provides a third connector assembly, which is a second connector assembly, The first connector has a receiving portion, the receiving portion is located outside the first fitting portion in the orthogonal plane, When the first shell is viewed along the fitting direction, the receiving portion and the first key are spaced apart from each other, The rear end of the second connector in the mated state is in contact with or faces the receiving portion in the mating direction. A connector assembly is provided.

[0010] The present invention provides a fourth connector assembly, which is the third connector assembly, When the first shell is viewed along the fitting direction, the receiving portion and the first key are located on both sides of the first fitting portion. A connector assembly is provided.

[0011] The present invention provides a fifth connector assembly, which is the third or fourth connector assembly, a width of the first key when the first shell is viewed along the fitting direction is smaller than a width of the second key when the second shell is viewed along the fitting direction; A width of the second key when the second shell is viewed in the fitting direction is smaller than a width of the receiving portion when the first shell is viewed in the fitting direction. A connector assembly is provided.

[0012] The present invention provides a sixth connector assembly, which is a second connector assembly, the first connector is mounted to a substrate that, in use, extends parallel to the mating direction and has an edge in the mating direction; when the first connector is mounted to the board, the first key is spaced from the board in the orthogonal plane; The rear end of the second connector in the mated state is in contact with or faces the edge of the board in the mating direction. A connector assembly is provided.

[0013] The present invention provides a seventh connector assembly, which is any one of the first to sixth connector assemblies, The second fitting portion extends beyond the protruding end of the housing in the fitting direction. A connector assembly is provided.

[0014] The present invention provides an eighth connector assembly, which is any one of the first to seventh connector assemblies, The second fitting portion has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees on the orthogonal plane. A connector assembly is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the first key of the first connector is received by the second key of the second connector in a mated state. As can be understood from this structure, by providing the first key and the second key at positions corresponding to each other in an orthogonal plane, it is possible to mate an appropriate second connector with the first connector. In other words, the connector assembly of the present invention has a mating key that allows only an appropriate second connector to be mated with the first connector. The mating key of the present invention includes the first key of the first connector and the second key of the second connector.

[0016] The second key of the present invention is formed not in the second mating portion of the second shell but in the housing away from the second mating portion. Therefore, the second mating portion can be formed in a shape without a gap, and thereby the second contact portion can be surrounded over the entire circumference. In addition, the first key is located outside the first mating portion of the first shell in the orthogonal plane. Therefore, in the mated state, the second mating portion can be received inside the first mating portion. The second mating portion thus received can surround the first contact portion as well as the second contact portion over the entire circumference in the orthogonal plane. In other words, in the mated state, the second mating portion can electromagnetically shield the first contact portion and the second contact portion over the entire circumference in the orthogonal plane. That is, according to the present invention, a connector assembly having a mating key and having EMI countermeasures can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a first connector and a second connector of the connector assembly are in a separated state apart from each other, the first connector is mounted on a substrate, and the second connector is connected to a cable. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 1, in which the first connector and the second connector are in a mated state. [Diagram 3] Fig. 2 is a top view showing the connector assembly of Fig. 1. The second connector is partially drawn. The position of a hidden receiving portion of the first connector and the position of a hidden rear end of the second connector are drawn by dashed lines. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the connector assembly of FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a perspective view showing a second connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing the second connector of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 8 is another perspective view showing the first connector of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is yet another perspective view showing the first connector of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 8 is a side view showing the first connector of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] Fig. 8 is a front view showing the first connector of Fig. 7. The contours of the second fitting portion and the second terminal of the second connector in the fitted state are drawn by dashed lines. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 1. The second connector is disposed upside down relative to the second connector of FIG. 1. The tip of the second mating portion of the second connector is received in the first mating portion of the first connector. [Figure 13] 13 is a side view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 12. The protruding end of the second connector abuts against the receiving portion of the first connector. The positions of the tips of the first contact portions of the first connector, the positions of the tips of the second shell of the second connector, and the positions of the tips of the second contact portions are drawn with dashed lines. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the connector assembly of FIG 1. The first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mated state in which they are mated with each other. [Figure 15] 15 is a perspective view showing a second connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 14. [Figure 17] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG 1 and a second connector of the connector assembly of FIG 14. A tip of the second mating portion of the second connector is received in the first mating portion of the first connector. [Figure 18] 18 is a side view showing the first connector and the second connector of FIG. 17. The protruding end of the second connector abuts against the first key of the first connector. The positions of the tips of the first contact portions of the first connector, the positions of the tips of the second shell of the second connector, and the positions of the tips of the second contact portions are drawn with dashed lines. [Figure 19] 13 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the connector assembly of FIG 1. The first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mated state in which they are mated with each other. [Figure 20] 20 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 21 is a front view showing the first connector of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a side view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 19. The second connector is disposed upside down relative to the second connector of FIG. 19. The protruding end of the second connector abuts against the edge of the board on which the first connector is mounted. The positions of the tips of the first contact portions of the first connector, the positions of the tips of the second shell of the second connector, and the positions of the tips of the second contact portions are drawn with dashed lines. [Diagram 23] 13 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the connector assembly of FIG 1. The first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mated state in which they are mated with each other. [Figure 24] 24 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 19 and a second connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 23. A tip of the second mating portion of the second connector is received in the first mating portion of the first connector. [Figure 26]13 is a perspective view showing a fourth modified example of the connector assembly of FIG 1. The first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mated state. [Figure 27] 27 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] 28 is a front view showing the first connector of FIG. 27. FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 27 is a side view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 26. The second connector is disposed upside down relative to the second connector of FIG. 26. The protruding end of the second connector abuts against the edge of the board on which the first connector is mounted. The positions of the tips of the first contact portions of the first connector, the positions of the tips of the second shell of the second connector, and the positions of the tips of the second contact portions are drawn with dashed lines. [Diagram 30] 13 is a perspective view showing a fifth modified example of the connector assembly of FIG 1. The first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mated state. [Diagram 31] 31 is a perspective view showing a second connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 30. [Diagram 32] 31 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 30. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a front view showing the first connector of FIG. 32. [Diagram 34] FIG. 31 is a side view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 30. The second connector is disposed upside down relative to the second connector of FIG. 30. The protruding end of the second connector abuts against the receiving portion of the first connector. The positions of the tips of the first contact portions of the first connector, the positions of the tips of the second shell of the second connector, and the positions of the tips of the second contact portions are drawn with dashed lines. [Diagram 35] 13 is a perspective view showing a sixth modified example of the connector assembly of FIG 1. The first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mated state in which they are mated with each other. [Diagram 36] 36 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 35. FIG. [Figure 37]35. A perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of Fig. 26 and a second connector of the connector assembly of Fig. 35. A tip of the second mating portion of the second connector is received in the first mating portion of the first connector. [Figure 38] 13 is a perspective view showing a seventh modified example of the connector assembly of FIG 1. The first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mated state in which they are mated with each other. [Figure 39] 39 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of FIG. 38. FIG. [Diagram 40] FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly of Figure 30 and a second connector of the connector assembly of Figure 38. A tip of the second mating portion of the second connector is received in the first mating portion of the first connector. [Diagram 41] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly of Patent Document 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a connector assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first connector 20 and a second connector 50. The first connector 20 is a receptacle, and is mounted on a circuit board (substrate) 82 when in use. The second connector 50 is a plug, and is connected to a cable 86 when in use. That is, the first connector 20 of this embodiment is a receptacle-type on-board connector. The second connector 50 of this embodiment is a plug-type cable connector. In particular, the first connector 20 is a so-called straight-type receptacle. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various connector assemblies. For example, the first connector 20 may be a cable connector. The second connector 50 may be an on-board connector.

[0019] The first connector 20 and the second connector 50 can be fitted together along a fitting direction. In this embodiment, the fitting direction is the front-rear direction, which is the X direction. The front is the +X direction, and the rear is the -X direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fitting direction may be the up-down direction.

[0020] The first connector 20 and the second connector 50 shown in FIG. 1 are in a separated state separated from each other in the X direction. The second connector 50 in the separated state faces the first connector 20 in the X direction. In the separated state, the second connector 50 of the present embodiment is located in front of the first connector 20. When the second connector 50 in the separated state is moved along the X direction toward the first connector 20, the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 enter a mated state (the state of FIG. 2) in which they are mated with each other. In the mated state, the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are electrically connected to each other, and thus an electronic device (not shown) including the board 82 and another electronic device (not shown) connected to the cable 86 are electrically connected to each other.

[0021] The second connector 50 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0022] Referring to Figure 6 together with Figure 5, the second connector 50 of the present embodiment includes a second retaining member 52 made of an insulator, a plurality of second terminals 56 made of a conductor, a second shell 60 made of a conductor, a housing 70 made of an insulator, and a protective member 76 made of an insulator.

[0023] 5, the protective member 76 is molded to protect the cable 86. The housing 70 is joined to the protective member 76 when the protective member 76 is molded, and the second connector 50 is thereby attached to the cable 86. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protective member 76 may be provided as necessary. That is, referring to FIG. 6 together with FIG. 5, the second connector 50 may include only the second holding member 52, the second terminal 56, the second shell 60, and the housing 70. On the other hand, the second connector 50 may include other members in addition to the above-mentioned members.

[0024] 6 together with FIG. 2, each of the second terminals 56 of the present embodiment has a second contact portion 562 and a second fixed portion (not shown). The second contact portion 562 is electrically connected to the first connector 20 in a mated state. When the second connector 50 is attached to the cable 86, each of the second fixed portions of the present embodiment is connected and fixed to a conductive wire (not shown) of the cable 86 by soldering or the like. Each of the second terminals 56 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. However, as long as each of the second terminals 56 has the second contact portion 562, the structure of each of the second terminals 56 is not particularly limited.

[0025] The second terminal 56 is held by the second holding member 52. The second contact portions 562 in this embodiment are divided into two rows in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the fitting direction (X direction). The second contact portions 562 in each row are held by the second holding member 52 and are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the orthogonal direction. The orthogonal direction in this embodiment is the up-down direction, which is the Z direction. The upside is the +Z direction, and the downside is the -Z direction. The horizontal direction in this embodiment is the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the orthogonal direction may be the front-rear direction. All the second contact portions 562 may be arranged in a row in the Y direction.

[0026] 5, the second shell 60 of the present embodiment is made of metal. More specifically, the second shell 60 is a single metal plate having a bend. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second shell 60 may be formed by joining a plurality of members.

[0027] The second shell 60 is fixed to the housing 70. The second shell 60 has a second fitting portion 62. The second fitting portion 62 extends away from a portion of the second shell 60 that is fixed to the housing 70 (fixed portion) along the X direction, and has a tip 628 in the X direction. Compared to other portions of the second fitting portion 62, the tip 628 is the furthest from the fixed portion of the second shell 60 in the X direction.

[0028] 6, the second fitting portion 62 surrounds the second holding member 52 in an orthogonal plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction. The second fitting portion 62 in this embodiment is formed by bending and crimping a single metal piece without a hole around an axis parallel to the X direction. The metal plates forming the second fitting portion 62 are joined at a seam 622.

[0029] The second fitting portion 62 formed as described above surrounds the second holding member 52 substantially without any gaps in the YZ plane. That is, the second fitting portion 62 surrounds the second contact portion 562 arranged on the second holding member 52 over the entire circumference in the YZ plane. The second fitting portion 62 of this embodiment completely covers the second contact portion 562 in the YZ plane and electromagnetically shields it. The second fitting portion 62 of this embodiment does not have any holes or slits. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, referring to FIG. 5, a hole or slit that does not interfere with EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) countermeasures may be formed near the tip 628 of the second fitting portion 62.

[0030] 1 together with FIG. 5, the housing 70 of the present embodiment has a base 72 and a protruding portion 74. The base 72 completely surrounds the second shell 60 in the YZ plane except for the second mating portion 62. The protruding portion 74 and the second mating portion 62 each extend from the base 72 toward the first connector 20 along the X direction when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, the protrusion 74 of this embodiment has a main portion 746 and two side portions 748. The main portion 746 extends along a horizontal plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the Z direction. The two side portions 748 are connected to both sides of the main portion 746 in the Y direction. The two side portions 748 extend parallel to each other from the main portion 746 toward the second fitting portion 62 along the Z direction. The protrusion 74 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. According to this structure, the protrusion 74 is unlikely to bend even when subjected to a force. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protrusion 74 may have only the main portion 746.

[0032] The protrusion 74 is separated from the second fitting portion 62 in the YZ plane and at least partially surrounds the second fitting portion 62 in the YZ plane. Specifically, the main portion 746 is separated from the second fitting portion 62 in the Z direction. Each of the side portions 748 is separated from the second fitting portion 62 in the Y direction. The protrusion 74 partially surrounds one of both sides of the second fitting portion 62 in the Z direction in the YZ plane. However, a portion near the tip 628 of the second fitting portion 62 is exposed from the protrusion 74. In addition, the protrusion 74 does not surround the other of both sides of the second fitting portion 62 in the Z direction. More specifically, the protrusion 74 of this embodiment partially surrounds the upper side of the second fitting portion 62 in the YZ plane and does not surround the lower side of the second fitting portion 62.

[0033] As described above, the housing 70 of the present embodiment is separated from the second fitting portion 62 in the YZ plane and partially surrounds the second fitting portion 62 in the YZ plane. In the housing 70 arranged in this manner, a space (receiving portion 58) is formed on the opposite side of the protruding portion 74 in the Z direction. The second fitting portion 62 is partially located inside the receiving portion 58. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protruding portion 74 may surround the entire upper side of the second fitting portion 62 including the tip 628 in the YZ plane. In other words, the entire second fitting portion 62 may be located inside the receiving portion 58. That is, it is sufficient that the housing 70 is separated from the second fitting portion 62 in the YZ plane and at least partially surrounds the second fitting portion 62 in the YZ plane.

[0034] 1, 3 and 5, the housing 70 of the present embodiment has a rear end 722, a protruding end 742, and a second key 744.

[0035] 3 and 4, the rear end 722 faces the first connector 20 in the X direction when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state. The rear end 722 in this embodiment is a part of the end face of the base 72, and is a plane parallel to the YZ plane. The rear end 722 is located inside the receiving portion 58. The rear end 722 and the protruding portion 74 sandwich the second fitting portion 62 therebetween in the Z direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure and arrangement of the rear end 722 can be modified as necessary.

[0036] When the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state, the protruding end 742 faces the first connector 20 in the X direction. The protruding end 742 in this embodiment is a part of the end face of the protruding portion 74, and is a plane parallel to the YZ plane. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure and arrangement of the protruding end 742 can be modified as necessary.

[0037] 1 and 3, the second key 744 is a groove formed in the housing 70 and extends from the protruding end 742 along the X direction. The second key 744 opens toward the first connector 20 when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state. The second key 744 in this embodiment is a groove formed in the protruding portion 74. The second key 744 penetrates the protruding portion 74 in the Z direction. The second key 744 extends straight along the X direction from the protruding end 742 to the boundary between the base 72 and the protruding portion 74. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structure and arrangement of the second key 744 can be modified as necessary.

[0038] The first connector 20 of this embodiment will now be described.

[0039] 7 to 9, the first connector 20 of the present embodiment includes a first holding member 22 made of an insulator, a plurality of first terminals 26 made of a conductor, and a first shell 30 made of a conductor. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first connector 20 may include other members in addition to the above-mentioned members.

[0040] Each of the first terminals 26 of the present embodiment has a first contact portion 262 and a first fixed portion 268. The first contact portion 262 is electrically connected to the second connector 50 (see FIG. 2) in a mated state. Referring to FIG. 7, each of the first fixed portions 268 of the present embodiment is connected and fixed to a conductive pad 822 of the substrate 82 by soldering or the like when the first connector 20 is mounted on the substrate 82. Each of the first terminals 26 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. However, as long as each of the first terminals 26 has the first contact portion 262, the structure of each of the first terminals 26 is not particularly limited.

[0041] 7 to 9, the first terminal 26 is held by the first holding member 22. The first contact portions 262 of the present embodiment are divided into two rows in the Z direction. The two rows of the first contact portions 262 are respectively arranged on both sides in the Z direction of the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22. More specifically, the two rows of the first contact portions 262 of the present embodiment are respectively arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22. The first contact portions 262 of each row are aligned in the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all the first contact portions 262 may be aligned in a row in the Y direction.

[0042] 11 together with FIG. 6, the first terminals 26 are provided corresponding to the second terminals 56 of the second connector 50, respectively. In the mated state, the first contact portions 262 come into contact with the second contact portions 562, respectively, thereby electrically connecting the first connector 20 to the second connector 50. As long as the first contact portions 262 are arranged so as to come into contact with the second contact portions 562, respectively, in the mated state, the number and arrangement of the first terminals 26 are not particularly limited.

[0043] 7 to 9, the first shell 30 of the present embodiment is made of metal. More specifically, the first shell 30 is a single metal plate having a bend. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first shell 30 may be formed by joining a plurality of members.

[0044] The first shell 30 is attached to the first holding member 22. The first shell 30 of this embodiment has a first fitting portion 32 and a plurality of fixed portions 38. When the first connector 20 is mounted on the board 82, each of the fixed portions 38 is inserted into a through hole of the board 82 and connected to a ground pattern (not shown). The first fitting portion 32 extends away from the fixed portion 38 in the X direction and has a tip 328 in the X direction. The tip 328 is farthest from the fixed portion 38 in the X direction compared to other parts of the first shell 30. The first shell 30 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement of the fixed portions 38 can be variously modified as necessary.

[0045] The first fitting portion 32 of the present embodiment has a main plate 322, two side plates 324, and an opposite plate 326. The main plate 322 and the opposite plate 326 are located on both sides of the first fitting portion 32 in the Z direction. More specifically, the main plate 322 of the present embodiment is located on the upper side of the first fitting portion 32, and the opposite plate 326 of the present embodiment is located on the lower side of the first fitting portion 32. The main plate 322 and the opposite plate 326 each extend along the XY plane. The side plates 324 are located on both sides of the first fitting portion 32 in the Y direction. Each of the side plates 324 connects the main plate 322 and the opposite plate 326 to each other in the Z direction. The first fitting portion 32 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the first fitting portion 32 can be variously modified as necessary.

[0046] The first fitting portion 32 of this embodiment partially surrounds the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22 in the YZ plane. That is, the first fitting portion 32 partially surrounds the first contact portion 262 arranged in the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22 in the YZ plane, and electromagnetically shields it. Meanwhile, the main plate 322 of this embodiment has the first hole 44 and various hole portions 323 formed therein. Each of the first hole 44 and the hole portion 323 penetrates the main plate 322 in the Z direction. In addition, the counter plate 326 of this embodiment also has various hole portions 323 formed therein. Each of the hole portions 323 penetrates the counter plate 326 in the Z direction.

[0047] As described above, the first fitting portion 32 in this embodiment does not completely surround the first contact portion 262 in the YZ plane. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first hole 44 and the hole portion 323 may be formed in a position that does not substantially impede EMI countermeasures. In other words, it is sufficient that the first fitting portion 32 at least partially surrounds the first contact portion 262 in the YZ plane.

[0048] 7, 8 and 10, the first shell 30 has a first key 42 in addition to the above-mentioned parts. The first key 42 is a protrusion provided on the first fitting portion 32, and is located outside the first fitting portion 32 in the YZ plane. The first key 42 is away from the tip 328 of the first fitting portion 32 in the X direction. The first key 42 of this embodiment is a part of the first shell 30. More specifically, the first key 42 of this embodiment is formed by bending a part of the main plate 322. Therefore, the plate thickness of the first key 42 is the same as the plate thickness of the first shell 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first key 42 may be formed separately from the first shell 30, or may be joined to the first shell 30.

[0049] The first key 42 of the present embodiment is connected to the edge of the first hole 44 in the Y direction, and protrudes outward in the Z direction from the main plate 322. The first key 42 has a flat plate shape parallel to a predetermined plane (XZ plane). The first key 42 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. However, And thisThe invention is not limited to this, and the structure of the first key 42 can be modified in various ways as necessary. For example, the first key 42 may be oblique to the XZ plane.

[0050] 7 to 10, the first connector 20 of this embodiment has a receiving portion 46 in addition to the portions already described. The receiving portion 46 of this embodiment is provided in the first fitting portion 32, and is located outside the first fitting portion 32 in the YZ plane. The receiving portion 46 of this embodiment is a part of the first shell 30. Receptacle 46 is formed by bending a part of the counter plate 326. Therefore, the plate thickness of the receiving portion 46 is the same as the plate thickness of the first shell 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the receiving portion 46 may be formed separately from the first shell 30, or may be joined to the first shell 30.

[0051] The receiving portion 46 in this embodiment is connected to the tip 328 of the opposite plate 326 and protrudes outward in the Z direction from the opposite plate 326. The receiving portion 46 has a flat plate shape parallel to the YZ plane. The receiving portion 46 in this embodiment has the above-mentioned structure. However, And this The invention is not limited thereto, and the structure of the receiving portion 46 can be modified in various ways as necessary. For example, the receiving portion 46 may be obliquely intersecting the YZ plane.

[0052] The fitting operation for fitting the second connector 50 to the first connector 20 will now be described.

[0053] 1, when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state, the first fitting portion 32 of the first connector 20 faces straight toward the second fitting portion 62 of the second connector 50 along the X direction. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state, the first key 42 of the first connector 20 faces straight toward the second key 744 of the second connector 50 along the X direction. That is, the first key 42 is located at a position corresponding to the second key 744 in the YZ plane. Also, when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state, the protruding end 742 of the second connector 50 is located between the first connector 20 and the rear end 722 in the X direction.

[0054] 1 together with FIG. 2, when the second connector 50 in the separated state (see FIG. 1) is moved toward the first connector 20 along the X direction, the tip 628 of the second mating portion 62 is inserted into the first mating portion 32, and the second mating portion 62 is thereby positioned relative to the first mating portion 32. When the second connector 50 continues to be moved, the first key 42 of the first connector 20 is received by the second key 744 of the second connector 50. When the second connector 50 continues to be moved further, the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 reach a mated state (see FIG. 2) in which they are electrically connected to each other. In the mated state, the second mating portion 62 is received by the first mating portion 32, and the first key 42 is received by the second key 744.

[0055] As can be understood from the above description, according to this embodiment, by providing the first key 42 and the second key 744 corresponding to each other at positions corresponding to each other in the YZ plane, it is possible to mate an appropriate second connector 50 with the first connector 20. In other words, the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment has a mating key that allows only an appropriate second connector 50 to be mated with the first connector 20. The mating key of this embodiment includes the first key 42 of the first connector 20 and the second key 744 of the second connector 50. In other words, by simply providing the first key 42 and the second key 744 in the connector assembly 10, it is possible to prevent improper mating without changing the structure of the second shell 60 or the like.

[0056] 6, the second key 744 of the present embodiment is not formed in the second fitting portion 62 of the second shell 60, but in the housing 70 separated from the second fitting portion 62. Therefore, the second fitting portion 62 can be formed without any gaps, and this allows the second contact portion 562 of the second terminal 56 to be electromagnetically shielded by being entirely surrounded therearound.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 11, the first key 42 of the present embodiment is located outside the first fitting portion 32 of the first shell 30 in the YZ plane. Therefore, in the mated state, the second fitting portion 62 can be received inside the first fitting portion 32. The second fitting portion 62 thus received forms the fitting portion 16 together with the first fitting portion 32, and surrounds the first contact portion 262 in addition to the second contact portion 562 over the entire circumference in the YZ plane. In other words, in the mated state, the second fitting portion 62 covers the contact area 12 between the first contact portion 262 and the second contact portion 562 over the entire circumference in the YZ plane to electromagnetically shield it. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a connector assembly 10 that is provided with a mating key and has EMI countermeasures.

[0058] 3 and 4, according to this embodiment, when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state, the distance DS in the X direction between the tip 328 of the first shell 30 and the tip 628 of the second shell 60 is shorter than the distance DK in the X direction between the first key 42 of the first connector 20 and the second key 744 of the second connector 50. Therefore, before the first key 42 is received in the second key 744 in the fitting operation, the tip 628 of the second fitting portion 62 is inserted into the inside of the first fitting portion 32, thereby positioning the first key 42 with respect to the second key 744. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the distance DS may be longer than the distance DK. More specifically, the tip 628 may be located between the protruding end 742 and the rear end 722 in the X direction.

[0059] When the above-mentioned feature is explained from another viewpoint, the second fitting portion 62 of the present embodiment extends beyond the protruding end 742 of the housing 70 in the X direction. When the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in a separated state, the tip 628 of the second fitting portion 62 is located closest to the first connector 20 in the X direction compared to other parts of the second connector 50. According to this structure, when the tip 628 is received in the first fitting portion 32 in the fitting operation, it is possible to visually confirm whether the first key 42 can be inserted into the second key 744 or not. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is easy to determine whether the second connector 50 can be fitted to the first connector 20 or not. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protruding portion 74 of the housing 70 may extend beyond the tip 628 of the second fitting portion 62 in the X direction.

[0060] 3 together with FIGS. 6 and 11, the width WF (plate thickness) of the first key 42 when the first shell 30 is viewed along the X direction is smaller than the width WS of the second key 744 when the second shell 60 is viewed along the X direction. Therefore, the first key 42 is smoothly received by the second key 744 during the fitting operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the width WF of the first key 42 may be the same as the width WS of the second key 744.

[0061] 3 and 4 together with Fig. 2, the rear end 722 of the second connector 50 in the mated state is in contact with or faces the receiving portion 46 of the first connector 20 in the X direction. Moreover, the receiving portion 46 of the first connector 20 in the mated state is located between the protruding end 742 and the rear end 722 of the second connector 50 in the X direction. With reference to Figs. 12 and 13, the protruding end 742 and the receiving portion 46 thus provided prevent reverse mating of the second mating portion 62 into the first mating portion 32.

[0062] In detail, when the second connector 50 is attempted to be fitted to the first connector 20 in a state in which it is inverted in the Z direction (i.e., upside down in this embodiment), after the tip 628 of the second fitting portion 62 is received inside the first fitting portion 32, the protruding end 742 abuts against and is received by the receiving portion 46. At this time, the second contact portion 562 is not in contact with the first contact portion 262. That is, the protruding end 742 and the receiving portion 46 in this embodiment function as a reverse fitting prevention mechanism that prevents reverse fitting of the first connector 20 and the second connector 50.

[0063] The receiving portion 46 in this embodiment is located at the same position as the tip 328 of the first shell 30 in the X direction. According to this arrangement, the tip 628 of the second fitting portion 62 is received inside the first fitting portion 32 before the protruding end 742 abuts against the receiving portion 46. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the protruding end 742 abuts against the receiving portion 46, the tip 628 of the second fitting portion 62 does not have to be received inside the first fitting portion 32. More specifically, the receiving portion 46 may protrude from the tip 328 toward the second connector 50 in the X direction.

[0064] 6, the second fitting portion 62 has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees in the YZ plane. In addition, the structures such as the second holding member 52 located inside the second fitting portion 62 have a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees in the YZ plane. That is, the second fitting portion 62 of this embodiment has a shape that can be inserted into the first fitting portion 32 even if it is upside down. On the other hand, the pin assignment of the two rows of second contact portions 562 is not rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees in the YZ plane. With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, if the second connector 50 could be fitted upside down to the first connector 20, the connector assembly 10 would not function as designed. According to this embodiment, a reverse fitting prevention mechanism including the protruding end 742 and the receiving portion 46 is provided, so that reverse fitting between the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 can be reliably prevented.

[0065] 2, the receiving portion 58 of the second connector 50 of this embodiment partially receives the first connector 20 in a mated state. Since the receiving portion 58 is provided, even if the protruding portion 74 protrudes toward the first connector 20, , No. The second connector 50 can be mated to the first connector 20.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 11, when the first shell 30 is viewed in the X direction, the receiving portion 46 and the first key 42 are separated from each other. In other words, when the first shell 30 is viewed in the X direction, the receiving portion 46 does not overlap with the first key 42. With this arrangement, the first connector 20 can be provided with two parts, the receiving portion 46 functioning as a reverse mating prevention mechanism and the first key 42 functioning as a mating key. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first connector 20 may have only the first key 42.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 11, the size of the first fitting portion 32 in the Y direction is larger than its size in the Z direction. When the first shell 30 is viewed along the X direction, the receiving portion 46 and the first key 42 of this embodiment are located on both sides of the first fitting portion 32. More specifically, the receiving portion 46 of this embodiment protrudes downward from the lower surface (opposite plate 326) of the first fitting portion 32, and the first key 42 of this embodiment protrudes upward from the upper surface (main plate 322) of the first fitting portion 32. With this arrangement, even if the size of the first fitting portion 32 in the Y direction is small, it is easy to provide two parts, the receiving portion 46 and the first key 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first key 42 may protrude outward in the Y direction from a side surface (side plate 324) of the first fitting portion 32 in the Y direction. The receiving portion 46 and the first key 42 may be aligned in the Y direction.

[0068] 3 together with FIGS. 6 and 11, the width WS of the second key 744 when the second shell 60 is viewed along the X direction is smaller than the width WC of the receiving portion 46 when the first shell 30 is viewed along the X direction. Therefore, when attempting to fit the second connector 50 upside down into the first connector 20, even if the receiving portion 46 is in a position corresponding to the second key 744 in the YZ plane, the receiving portion 46 will not be received by the second key 744. That is, according to this embodiment, reverse fitting can be more reliably prevented.

[0069] The width WC of the receiving portion 46 in this embodiment is wide, being about half the size of the opposite plate 326 in the Y direction. The wide receiving portion 46 is less likely to be damaged when receiving the protruding end 742. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of receiving portions 46 may be provided on the first shell 30. In this case, each of the receiving portions 46 may have a flat plate shape parallel to the XZ plane, similar to the first key 42. The plurality of receiving portions 46 may be arranged in the Y direction such that the distance between the receiving portions 46 at both ends in the Y direction is greater than the width WS of the second key 744. In this case, the width WC of each of the receiving portions 46 may be smaller than the width WS of the second key 744.

[0070] 6 and 11, the width WF of the first key 42, the width WS of the second key 744, and the width WC of the receiving portion 46 in this embodiment are all dimensions in the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the first key 42 protrudes outward in the Y direction from a side surface (side plate 324) of the first fitting portion 32 in the Y direction, the width WF of the first key 42 is a dimension in the Z direction.

[0071] In addition to the various modifications already described, this embodiment can be modified in various ways. A first modification of this embodiment will be described below. The first modification can be modified in the same way as this embodiment.

[0072] Comparing Fig. 14 with Fig. 2, the connector assembly 10A according to the first modification includes a first connector 20A different from the first connector 20, and a second connector 50A different from the second connector 50. The first connector 20A is a receptacle-type on-board connector similar to the first connector 20. The second connector 50A is a plug-type cable connector similar to the second connector 50. The first connector 20A and the second connector 50A are capable of mating with each other along the mating direction (X direction).

[0073] Comparing FIG. 15 with FIG. 1, the second connector 50A includes a housing 70A different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70A includes a protruding portion 74A different from the protruding portion 74 of the housing 70. A second key 744A is formed in the protruding portion 74A. The second key 744A is a groove similar to the second key 744, and extends from the protruding end 742 along the X direction. However, the position of the second key 744A in the Y direction is different from the position of the second key 744 in the Y direction. In detail, the second key 744 is located on one side (-Y side) of the protruding portion 74 in the Y direction, and the second key 744A is located on the other side (+Y side) of the protruding portion 74A in the Y direction. The second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50, except for the difference in the position of the second key 744A described above.

[0074] 16 with FIG. 8, the first connector 20A has a first shell 30A that is different from the first shell 30 of the first connector 20. The first shell 30A has a first fitting portion 32A that is different from the first fitting portion 32 of the first shell 30, and a first key 42A that is different from the first key 42 of the first shell 30.

[0075] The first fitting portion 32A has a main plate 322A different from the main plate 322 of the first fitting portion 32. The first key 42A is provided on the main plate 322A. The first key 42A is a protrusion provided on the first fitting portion 32A and is located outside the first fitting portion 32A in the YZ plane. The first key 42A has a structure similar to that of the first key 42. However, the position of the first key 42A in the Y direction is different from the position of the first key 42 in the Y direction. In detail, the first key 42 is located on one side (-Y side) of the main plate 322 in the Y direction, and the first key 42A is located on the other side (+Y side) of the main plate 322A in the Y direction. Except for the difference in the position of the first key 42A described above, the first connector 20A has a structure similar to that of the first connector 20.

[0076] 14, when the second connector 50A in the separated state is moved in the X direction toward the first connector 20A, the second connector 50A mates with the first connector 20A. In the mated state, the second mating portion 62 (see FIG. 15) is received in the first mating portion 32A, and the first key 42A is received in the second key 744A.

[0077] 17 and 18 together with Fig. 1, when the second connector 50A in the separated state of the connector assembly 10A is moved toward the first connector 20 of the connector assembly 10, after the tip 628 of the second shell 60 is received in the first fitting portion 32, the protruding end 742 abuts against the first key 42 before the first contact portion 262 contacts the second contact portion 562. That is, when the pin assignment of the second contact portion 562 of the second connector 50A does not correspond to the pin assignment of the first contact portion 262 of the first connector 20, by providing the second connector 50A with a second key 744A that does not correspond to the first key 42, it is possible to prevent the second connector 50A from mating with the first connector 20.

[0078] 14, as described above, the connector assembly 10A of this modified example has a mating key that allows only an appropriate second connector 50A to be mated with the first connector 20A. The mating key of this modified example includes a first key 42A of the first connector 20A and a second key 744A of the second connector 50A. According to this modified example, it is possible to provide a connector assembly 10A that is equipped with a mating key and has EMI countermeasures.

[0079] 15 and 16 in conjunction with FIG. 13, the protruding end 742 of the second connector 50A and the receiving portion 46 of the first connector 20A are similar to the protruding end 742 of the second connector 50 and the receiving portion 46 of the first connector 20, and are connected to the first fitting portion 32A. 62 That is, the protruding end 742 and the receiving portion 46 of this modified example function as a reverse-fitting prevention mechanism that prevents reverse fitting between the first connector 20A and the second connector 50A.

[0080] 8 and 16, the first connectors 20 and 20A each have two types of first keys 42 and 42A that are located at different positions in the Y direction. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 15, the second connectors 50 and 50A each have two types of second keys 744 and 744A that can receive the first keys 42 and 42A, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more types of first keys and three or more types of second keys can be formed as necessary. For example, a different type of first key may be located in the middle of the first fitting part in the Y direction, and a different type of second key may be located in the middle of the second fitting part in the Y direction.

[0081] 16, as long as the receiving portion 46 and the first key 42A are separated from each other when the first shell 30A is viewed along the X direction, the receiving portion 46 and the first key 42A may be located on the same surface of the first fitting portion 32A. For example, the receiving portion 46 and the first key 42A may protrude upward from the upper surface (main plate 322A) of the first fitting portion 32A. However, from the viewpoint of easily providing a plurality of types of first keys, it is preferable that the receiving portion 46 and the first key 42A are located on different surfaces of the first fitting portion 32A, and it is more preferable that the receiving portion 46 and the first key 42A are located on opposite surfaces of the first fitting portion 32A.

[0082] Six modified examples of this embodiment will be described below. The first connector of each modified example has one of the two types of first keys 42, 42A (see Figs. 2 and 14) described above. The second connector of each modified example has one of the two types of second keys 744, 744A (see Figs. 2 and 14) described above. Each modified example can be further modified in the same way as this embodiment and the first modified example.

[0083] Comparing FIG. 19 with FIG. 2, the connector assembly 10B according to the second modification includes a first connector 20B different from the first connector 20 and a second connector 50 the same as the connector assembly 10. The first connector 20B is a receptacle-type on-board connector similar to the first connector 20. However, unlike the first connector 20, the first connector 20B is a so-called right-angle type connector. The first connector 20B is mounted on a circuit board (substrate) 82B extending parallel to the XY plane when in use. The substrate 82B has an edge 84B in the X direction. That is, the first connector 20B is mounted on a substrate 82B extending parallel to the X direction and having an edge 84B in the X direction when in use. The first connector 20B and the second connector 50 can be fitted to each other along the fitting direction (X direction).

[0084] 20 and 21 with Fig. 8, the first connector 20B includes a first holding member 22B made of an insulator, a plurality of first terminals 26B made of a conductor, and a first shell 30B made of a conductor, similar to the first connector 20. However, the first connector 20B does not include the receiving portion 46.

[0085] 20 and 21 together with FIG. 19, the first terminals 26B are held by the first holding member 22B. Each of the first terminals 26B has a first contact portion 262 and a first fixed portion 268B. When the first connector 20B is mounted on the board 82B, each of the first fixed portions 268B is connected and fixed to a conductive pad 822B of the board 82B by soldering or the like. Comparing FIG. 21 with FIG. 11, the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20B are arranged in two rows in a plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22B, similar to the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20. In the mated state, each of the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20B contacts the second contact portion 562 in the contact region 12, similar to the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 20, the first shell 30B has a first fitting portion 32B, a plurality of fixed portions 38B, and a first key 42. The first fitting portion 32B at least partially surrounds the first contact portion 262 in the YZ plane. The first fitting portion 32B has a main plate 322B, two side plates 324B, and an opposite plate 326B. The main plate 322B and the opposite plate 326B are located on both sides of the first fitting portion 32B in the Z direction. The side plates 324B are located on both sides of the first fitting portion 32B in the Y direction. Each of the fixed portions 38B extends outward in the Z direction from the side plates 324B. When the first connector 20B is mounted on the board 82B, each of the fixed portions 38B is inserted into a through hole of the board 82B and connected to a ground pattern (not shown).

[0087] 21 with FIG. 11, the first fitting portion 32B, in the fitted state, forms the fitting portion 16 together with the second fitting portion 62, similar to the first fitting portion 32 of the first connector 20. The fitting portion 16 surrounds and electromagnetically shields the contact area 12 over the entire periphery in the YZ plane.

[0088] Comparing Fig. 20 with Fig. 8, the first key 42 of the first connector 20B is a protrusion provided on the first fitting portion 32B, and is located outside the first fitting portion 32B in the YZ plane. When the first connector 20B is mounted on the board 82B, the first fitting portion 32B is located between the board 82B and the first key 42 in the Z direction. In other words, when the first connector 20B is mounted on the board 82B, the first key 42 of the first connector 20B is separated from the board 82B in the YZ plane.

[0089] Except for the differences described above, the first connector 20B has a similar structure to the first connector 20.

[0090] 19, when the second connector 50 in the separated state is moved toward the first connector 20B along the X direction, the second connector 50 is mated with the first connector 20B. In the mated state, the second mating portion 62 (see FIG. 22) is received in the first mating portion 32B, and the first key 42 is received in the second key 744. The connector assembly 10B of this modification has a mating key that allows only a suitable second connector 50 to be mated with the first connector 20B. The mating key of this modification includes the first key 42 of the first connector 20B and the second key 744 of the second connector 50. According to this modification, it is possible to provide a connector assembly 10B that is provided with a mating key and has EMI countermeasures.

[0091] 19, in the mated state, the rear end 722 of the second connector 50 contacts or faces the edge 84B of the board 82B in the X direction. Also, in the mated state, the edge 84B of the board 82B is located between the protruding end 742 and the rear end 722 of the second connector 50 in the X direction.

[0092] 22 with FIG. 13, the protruding end 742 and edge 84B arranged as described above function as a reverse mating prevention mechanism that prevents reverse mating between the first connector 20B and the second connector 50, similar to the protruding end 742 and the receiving portion 46 of the embodiment described above. More specifically, when an attempt is made to fit the second connector 50 upside down into the first connector 20B, after the tip 628 of the second shell 60 is received in the first mating portion 32B, the protruding end 742 abuts against and is received by the edge 84B before the second contact portion 562 comes into contact with the first contact portion 262.

[0093] Comparing Fig. 23 with Fig. 14 and Fig. 19, the connector assembly 10C according to the third modification includes a first connector 20C different from the first connector 20B, and a second connector 50A the same as the connector assembly 10A. The first connector 20C is a right-angle type on-board connector similar to the first connector 20B. The first connector 20C and the second connector 50A can be mated with each other along the mating direction (X direction).

[0094] Comparing FIG. 24 with FIG. 20, the first connector 20C includes a first shell 30C that is different from the first shell 30B of the first connector 20B. The first shell 30C includes a first fitting portion 32C that is different from the first fitting portion 32B of the first shell 30B, and a first key 42A. The first fitting portion 32C includes a main plate 322C that is different from the main plate 322B of the first fitting portion 32B. The first key 42A is provided on the main plate 322C. The first key 42A of the first connector 20C is a protrusion provided on the first fitting portion 32C, and is located outside the first fitting portion 32C in the YZ plane. The first connector 20C has a structure similar to that of the first connector 20B, except that the first connector 20C includes the first key 42A instead of the first key 42.

[0095] 23, when the second connector 50A in the separated state is moved toward the first connector 20C along the X direction, the first key 42A is received by the second key 744A, and the second connector 50A is mated with the first connector 20C. On the other hand, when referring to Fig. 25, when the second connector 50A in the separated state of the connector assembly 10C is moved toward the first connector 20B of the connector assembly 10B, after the tip 628 (see Fig. 18) of the second shell 60 is received by the first mating portion 32B, the protruding end 742 abuts against the first key 42 before the first contact portion 262 (see Fig. 20) comes into contact with the second contact portion 562 (see Fig. 18), thereby preventing the first connector 20B from mating with the second connector 50A.

[0096] 23, as described above, the connector assembly 10C of this modified example has a mating key that allows only an appropriate second connector 50A to be mated with the first connector 20C. The mating key of this modified example includes a first key 42A of the first connector 20C and a second key 744A of the second connector 50A. According to this modified example, it is possible to provide a connector assembly 10C that is equipped with a mating key and has EMI countermeasures.

[0097] Comparing Fig. 26 with Fig. 19, the connector assembly 10D according to the fourth modification includes a first connector 20D different from the first connector 20B, and a second connector 50 the same as the connector assembly 10B. The first connector 20D is a receptacle similar to the first connector 20B. However, unlike the first connector 20B, the first connector 20D is a so-called drop-in type connector. The first connector 20D and the second connector 50 can be fitted to each other along the fitting direction (X direction).

[0098] 27 and 28, the first connector 20D is mounted on a circuit board (board) 82D extending parallel to the XY plane when in use. The board 82D has an edge 84D in the X direction. That is, the first connector 20D is mounted on the board 82D extending parallel to the X direction and having an edge 84D in the X direction when in use. A notch 83D is formed in the board 82D. When the first connector 20D is mounted on the board 82D, it is partially received in the notch 83D.

[0099] Comparing Figures 27 and 28 with Figures 20 and 21, the first connector 20D, like the first connector 20B, has a first retaining member 22D made of an insulator, a plurality of first terminals 26D made of a conductor, and a first shell 30D made of a conductor.

[0100] 27 and 28 together with FIG. 26, the first terminals 26D are held by the first holding member 22D. Each of the first terminals 26D has a first contact portion 262 and a first fixed portion 268D. When the first connector 20D is dropped and mounted on the board 82D, each of the first fixed portions 268D is connected and fixed to a conductive pad 822D of the board 82D by soldering or the like. Comparing FIG. 28 with FIG. 11, the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20D are arranged in two rows in a plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22D, similar to the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20. In the mated state, each of the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20D contacts the second contact portion 562 in the contact region 12, similar to the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20B.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 27, the first shell 30D has a first fitting portion 32D, a plurality of fixed portions 38D, and a first key 42. The first fitting portion 32D at least partially surrounds the first contact portion 262 in the YZ plane. The first fitting portion 32D has a main plate 322D, two side plates 324D, and an opposite plate 326D. The main plate 322D and the opposite plate 326D are located on both sides of the first fitting portion 32D in the Z direction. The side plates 324D are located on both sides of the first fitting portion 32D in the Y direction. Each of the fixed portions 38D extends from the side plate 324D toward the opposite plate 326D as a whole. When the first connector 20D is dropped and mounted on the board 82D, the fixed portions 38D are inserted into through holes in the board 82D and connected to a ground pattern (not shown).

[0102] 28 with FIG. 11, the first fitting portion 32D, in the fitted state, forms the fitting portion 16 together with the second fitting portion 62, similar to the first fitting portion 32 of the first connector 20. The fitting portion 16 surrounds and electromagnetically shields the contact area 12 over the entire periphery in the YZ plane.

[0103] Comparing Fig. 27 with Fig. 20, the first key 42 of the first connector 20D is a protrusion provided on the first fitting portion 32D and is located outside the first fitting portion 32D in the YZ plane. When the first connector 20D is mounted on the board 82D, the first key 42 of the first connector 20D is separated from the board 82D in the YZ plane.

[0104] Except for the differences described above, the first connector 20D has a similar structure to the first connector 20B.

[0105] 26, when the second connector 50 in the separated state is moved toward the first connector 20D along the X direction, the second connector 50 is mated with the first connector 20D. In the mated state, the second mating portion 62 (see FIG. 29) is received in the first mating portion 32D, and the first key 42 is received in the second key 744. The connector assembly 10D of this modification has a mating key that allows only a suitable second connector 50 to be mated with the first connector 20D. The mating key of this modification includes the first key 42 of the first connector 20D and the second key 744 of the second connector 50. According to this modification, it is possible to provide a connector assembly 10D that is provided with a mating key and has EMI countermeasures.

[0106] 26, in the mated state, the rear end 722 of the second connector 50 contacts or faces the edge 84D of the board 82D in the X direction. In addition, in the mated state, the edge 84D of the board 82D is located between the protruding end 742 and the rear end 722 of the second connector 50 in the X direction.

[0107] 29, the protruding end 742 and edge 84D arranged as described above function as a reverse mating prevention mechanism that prevents reverse mating between the first connector 20D and the second connector 50. More specifically, when an attempt is made to mate the second connector 50 upside down into the first connector 20D, after the tip 628 of the second shell 60 is received in the first mating portion 32D, the protruding end 742 abuts against and is received by the edge 84D before the second contact portion 562 contacts the first contact portion 262.

[0108] Comparing Fig. 30 with Fig. 26, the connector assembly 10E according to the fifth modification includes a first connector 20E different from the first connector 20D, and a second connector 50E different from the second connector 50. The first connector 20E is a drop-in type receptacle similar to the first connector 20D. The second connector 50E is a plug-type cable connector similar to the second connector 50. The first connector 20E and the second connector 50E are matable with each other along the mating direction (X direction).

[0109] Comparing FIG. 31 with FIG. 5, the second connector 50E includes a housing 70E different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70E includes a protrusion 74E different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74E includes a main portion 746 that is the same as the protrusion 74, and two side portions 748E that are different from the side portions 748 of the protrusion 74. The main portion 746 of the protrusion 74E includes a second key 744 that is the same as the protrusion 74. On the other hand, the size of each of the side portions 748E in the Z direction is smaller than the size of each of the side portions 748 in the Z direction. The second connector 50A has a structure similar to that of the second connector 50, except that the second connector 50A includes the side portions 748E instead of the side portions 748.

[0110] Comparing Fig. 32 with Fig. 27, first connector 20E includes a first shell 30E that is different from first shell 30D of first connector 20D. First shell 30E includes a first fitting portion 32E that is different from first fitting portion 32D of first shell 30D, a first key 42 that is the same as that of first shell 30D, and a receiving portion 46E that is not provided in first shell 30D.

[0111] The first fitting portion 32E has an opposite plate 326E different from the opposite plate 326D of the first fitting portion 32D. The receiving portion 46E is connected to a portion of the opposite plate 326E near the tip 328, and extends away from the main plate 322D in the Z direction. That is, the receiving portion 46E is provided in the first fitting portion 32E, and is located outside the first fitting portion 32E in the YZ plane. The receiving portion 46E is at the same position as the tip 328 of the first shell 30E in the X direction. The first connector 20E has a similar structure to the first connector 20D, except that the receiving portion 46E is provided.

[0112] 30, when the second connector 50E in the separated state is moved toward the first connector 20E along the X direction, the second connector 50E is mated with the first connector 20E. In the mated state, the second mating portion 62 (see FIG. 31) is received in the first mating portion 32E, and the first key 42 is received in the second key 744. The connector assembly 10E of this modification has a mating key that allows only a suitable second connector 50E to be mated with the first connector 20E. The mating key of this modification includes the first key 42 of the first connector 20E and the second key 744 of the second connector 50E. According to this modification, it is possible to provide a connector assembly 10E that is provided with a mating key and has an EMI countermeasure.

[0113] 30 together with Fig. 32, in the mated state, the rear end 722 of the second connector 50E is in contact with or faces the receiving portion 46E of the first connector 20E in the X direction. Moreover, in the mated state, the receiving portion 46E is located between the protruding end 742 and the rear end 722 of the second connector 50E in the X direction.

[0114] 34, the protruding end 742 and the receiving portion 46E arranged as described above function as a reverse mating prevention mechanism that prevents reverse mating between the first connector 20E and the second connector 50E. More specifically, when an attempt is made to fit the second connector 50E upside down into the first connector 20E, after the tip 628 of the second shell 60 is received in the first mating portion 32E, the protruding end 742 abuts against and is received by the receiving portion 46E before the second contact portion 562 contacts the first contact portion 262.

[0115] 32 and 33, two of the fixed portions 38D of the first connector 20E are first fitting portions. 32E The two fixed portions 38D thus formed support the first fitting portion 32E received in the cutout 83D of the substrate 82D from both sides in the Y direction.

[0116] 27 and 28, the first connector 20D also has two fixed portions 38D formed in a similar manner. Referring to Fig. 26, when the second connector 50 is mated with the first connector 20D, these two fixed portions 38D may abut against the protruding ends 742 of the side portions 748 of the protruding portion 74. In order to prevent such abutment, the side portions 748 depicted in Fig. 26 are formed so as to be slightly smaller in size in the Z direction than the side portions 748 depicted in Fig. 5.

[0117] On the other hand, referring to Fig. 31, the size in the Z direction of side 748E of protrusion 74E is clearly smaller than side 748 depicted in Fig. 5. Comparing Fig. 30 with Fig. 26, second connector 50E can be mated with first connector 20E more smoothly than second connector 50.

[0118] As can be seen from FIGS. 29 and 34, when the size of the side portion 748E in the Z direction is reduced, the edge 84D of the substrate 82D becomes the first fitting portion. 32E Therefore, it is necessary to provide a receiving portion 46E in the first connector 20E. The size of the side portion 748E in the Z direction is not limited to this modification, and may be set appropriately depending on the arrangement of the first connector 20E with respect to the board 82D.

[0119] Comparing Fig. 35 with Fig. 14 and Fig. 26, the connector assembly 10F according to the sixth modification includes a first connector 20F different from the first connector 20D, and a second connector 50A the same as the connector assembly 10A. The first connector 20F is a drop-in type receptacle similar to the first connector 20D. The first connector 20F and the second connector 50A can be mated with each other along the mating direction (X direction).

[0120] Comparing FIG. 36 with FIG. 27, the first connector 20F includes a first shell 30F different from the first shell 30D of the first connector 20D. The first shell 30F includes a first fitting portion 32F different from the first fitting portion 32D of the first shell 30D, and a first key 42A different from the first key 42 of the first shell 30D. The first fitting portion 32F includes a main plate 322F different from the main plate 322D of the first fitting portion 32D. The first key 42A is provided on the main plate 322F. The first key 42A of the first connector 20F is a protrusion provided on the first fitting portion 32F, and is located outside the first fitting portion 32F in the YZ plane. The first connector 20F has a structure similar to that of the first connector 20D, except that the first connector 20F includes the first key 42A instead of the first key 42.

[0121] 35, when the second connector 50A in the separated state is moved along the X direction toward the first connector 20F, the first key 42A is received by the second key 744A, and the second connector 50A mates with the first connector 20F. On the other hand, when the second connector 50A in the separated state of the connector assembly 10F is moved toward the first connector 20D of the connector assembly 10D, the protruding end 742 abuts against the first key 42, thereby preventing the first connector 20D and the second connector 50A from mating with each other.

[0122] 35, as described above, the connector assembly 10F of this modified example has a mating key that allows only an appropriate second connector 50A to be mated with the first connector 20F. The mating key of this modified example includes the first key 42A of the first connector 20F and the second key 744A of the second connector 50A. According to this modified example, it is possible to provide a connector assembly 10F that is equipped with a mating key and has EMI countermeasures.

[0123] Comparing Fig. 38 with Fig. 30, the connector assembly 10G according to the seventh modification includes a first connector 20G different from the first connector 20E, and a second connector 50G different from the second connector 50E. The first connector 20G is a drop-in type receptacle similar to the first connector 20E. The second connector 50G is a plug-type cable connector similar to the second connector 50E. The first connector 20G and the second connector 50G are matable with each other along the mating direction (X direction).

[0124] The second connector 50G includes a housing 70G that is different from the housing 70E of the second connector 50E. The housing 70G includes a protrusion 74G that is different from the protrusion 74E of the housing 70E. A second key 744A is formed on the protrusion 74G. The second connector 50G has a similar structure to the second connector 50E, except that the second connector 50G includes the second key 744A instead of the second key 744.

[0125] Comparing FIG. 39 with FIG. 32, the first connector 20G includes a first shell 30G that is different from the first shell 30E of the first connector 20E. The first shell 30G includes a first fitting portion 30E of the first shell 30E. 32E The first connector 20G has a first fitting portion 32G different from the first connector 20E and a first key 42A. The first key 42A is a protrusion provided on the first fitting portion 32G and is located outside the first fitting portion 32G in the YZ plane. The first connector 20G has a similar structure to the first connector 20E, except that it has the first key 42A instead of the first key 42.

[0126] 38, when the second connector 50G in the separated state is moved toward the first connector 20G along the X direction, the first key 42A is received by the second key 744A, and the second connector 50G mates with the first connector 20G. On the other hand, when the second connector 50G in the separated state of the connector assembly 10G is moved toward the first connector 20E of the connector assembly 10E, the protruding end 742 abuts against the first key 42, thereby preventing the first connector 20E and the second connector 50G from mating with each other.

[0127] 38, as described above, the connector assembly 10G of this modified example has a mating key that allows only an appropriate second connector 50G to be mated with the first connector 20G. The mating key of this modified example includes a first key 42A of the first connector 20G and a second key 744A of the second connector 50G. According to this modified example, it is possible to provide a connector assembly 10G that is provided with a mating key and has EMI countermeasures.

[0128] The above-described embodiment and modified examples can be further modified in various ways and can be combined in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G Connector assembly 12 Contact area 16 Fitting part 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G First connector 22, 22B, 22D First holding member 26, 26B, 26D 1st terminal 262 1st contact part 268,268B,268D 1st fixed part 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G First shell 32,32A,32B,32C,32D,32E,32F,32G 1st fitting part 322,322A,322B,322C,322D,322F Main plate 323 Hole 324,324B,324D side plate 326, 326B, 326D, 326E Opposite plate 328 Tip 38,38B,38D Fixed part 42,42A 1st key 44 Hole 1 46,46E Receiving part 50,50A,50E,50G 2nd connector 52 Second holding member 56 2nd terminal 562 2nd contact part 58 Receptor 60 2nd Shell 62 Second fitting part 622 Joint 628 Tip 70, 70A, 70E, 70G Housing 72 Base 722 Back end 74,74A,74E,74G Protrusion 742 Projecting end 744,744A Second Key 746 Main 748,748E Side 76 Protective Materials 82, 82B, 82D Circuit board (substrate) 822, 822B, 822D Conductive Pad 83D Cutout 84B, 84D Edge 86 Cable

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector are matable with each other along a mating direction, The first connector includes a first holding member, a plurality of first terminals, and a first shell, the first terminal is held by the first holding member, Each of the first terminals has a first contact portion, The first shell has a first fitting portion and a first key, the first fitting portion at least partially surrounds the first contact portion in a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction, the first key is a protrusion provided on the first fitting portion and is located outside the first fitting portion in the orthogonal plane; the second connector includes a second holding member, a plurality of second terminals, a second shell, and a housing; the second terminal is held by the second holding member, Each of the second terminals has a second contact portion, The second shell has a second fitting portion, the second fitting portion surrounds the second contact portion over an entire periphery in the orthogonal plane, The housing has a protrusion, a protruding end, and a second key, The protruding portion is spaced apart from the second fitting portion in the orthogonal plane and at least partially surrounds the second fitting portion in the orthogonal plane; the protruding end faces the first connector in the mating direction when the first connector and the second connector are in a separated state in the mating direction, The second key is a groove formed in the housing and extends from the protruding end along the fitting direction, When the first connector and the second connector are in a mated state, the first contact portions contact the second contact portions, respectively; In the fitted state, the second fitting portion is received in the first fitting portion, and the first key is received in the second key. Connector assembly.

2. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, The housing has a rear end, the rear end faces the first connector in the mating direction when the first connector and the second connector are in the separated state, The protruding end is located between the first connector and the rear end in the fitting direction when the first connector and the second connector are in the separated state. Connector assembly.

3. 3. The connector assembly of claim 2, The first connector has a receiving portion, the receiving portion is located outside the first fitting portion in the orthogonal plane, When the first shell is viewed in the fitting direction, the receiving portion and the first key are spaced apart from each other, The rear end of the second connector in the mated state is in contact with or faces the receiving portion in the mating direction. Connector assembly.

4. 4. The connector assembly of claim 3, When the first shell is viewed along the fitting direction, the receiving portion and the first key are located on both sides of the first fitting portion. Connector assembly.

5. 5. The connector assembly according to claim 3, a width of the first key when the first shell is viewed along the fitting direction is smaller than a width of the second key when the second shell is viewed along the fitting direction; A width of the second key when the second shell is viewed in the fitting direction is smaller than a width of the receiving portion when the first shell is viewed in the fitting direction. Connector assembly.

6. 3. The connector assembly of claim 2, the first connector is mounted to a substrate that, in use, extends parallel to the mating direction and has an edge in the mating direction; when the first connector is mounted to the board, the first key is spaced from the board in the orthogonal plane; The rear end of the second connector in the mated state is in contact with or faces the edge of the board in the mating direction. Connector assembly.

7. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The second fitting portion extends beyond the protruding end of the housing in the fitting direction. Connector assembly.

8. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The second fitting portion has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical by 180 degrees on the orthogonal plane. Connector assembly.

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