Connector assembly

Abstract

(Problem) A connector assembly comprising a plug connector with plug terminals arranged in a zigzag pattern and a receptacle connector with receptacle terminals arranged in a zigzag pattern, wherein when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are mated, the user can obtain a click sensation and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. (Solution) A connector assembly comprises a plug connector (100) and a receptacle connector that are mating with each other. The plug connector (100) comprises a plug insulator (200) and a row of plug terminals (400) held in the plug insulator (200). Each of the plug terminals (400) comprises a main contact portion (422), a support contact portion (442), an insertion end portion (410), a contact step (444), and an additional contact step (424). Each main contact portion (422) of the plug terminal (400) is on the same plane as the support contact portion (442) of the plug terminal (400) adjacent thereto.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector that can be fitted together. Background Technology

[0002] Referring to FIG. 20, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector (connector assembly) (900) having a head (plug connector) (910) and a socket (receptacle connector) (920) that are mating with each other. The receptacle connector (920) has a socket housing (receptacle insulator) (922) and a row of socket-side terminals (receptacle terminals) (924) held in the receptacle insulator (922). The receptacle terminals (924) are arranged in a zigzag pattern. Each of the receptacle terminals (924) is provided with a socket-side main contact portion (main contact) (9242), a side wall portion (support contact) (9244), an elastic portion (9246) connecting the main contact (9242) and the support contact (9244), and a socket-side lock portion (9248). As shown in FIG. 21, the plug connector (910) is provided with a head housing (plug insulator) (912) and a row of head-side terminals (plug terminals) (914) held in the plug insulator (912). The plug terminals (914) are arranged in a zigzag pattern. Each of the plug terminals (914) is provided with a head-side main contact portion (main contact portion) (9142), a head-side contact portion (support contact portion) (9144), a connecting portion (insertion end portion) (9146), a head-side lock portion (contact step) (9147), and a coupling recess (9148). Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the receptacle terminals (924) correspond to the plug terminals (914). When the plug connector (910) is fitted to the receptacle connector (920), each insertion end portion (9146) of the plug terminal (914) is inserted between the main contact (9242) and the support contact (9244) of the corresponding receptacle terminal (924). In a coupled state where the plug connector (910) and the receptacle connector (920) are fitted together, the main contact (9242) is in contact with the main contact portion (9142), while the support contact (9244) is in contact with the support contact portion (9144).

[0003] Referring to FIG. 20, when the plug connector (910) is fitted into the receptacle connector (920), the main contact (9242) of the receptacle terminal (924) snaps in into the concave portion (9148) of the plug terminal (914), and the socket-side lock portion (9248) of the receptacle terminal (924) snaps into contact step (9147) of the plug terminal (914). Accordingly, the plug connector (910) and the receptacle connector (920) are fitted together by snap. That is, when the plug connector (910) and the receptacle connector (920) are fitted together, the user can obtain a click sensation, and the fitting of the plug connector (910) and the receptacle connector (920) is locked. Prior art literature

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-8055 The problem to be solved

[0005] In a connector assembly such as the connector assembly (900) of Patent Document 1, a reduction in manufacturing costs is required.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a connector assembly comprising a plug connector having plug terminals arranged in a zigzag pattern and a receptacle connector having receptacle terminals arranged in a zigzag pattern, wherein the user can obtain a click sensation when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are mated, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. means of solving the problem

[0007] The present invention, as a first connector assembly,

[0008] A connector assembly having a plug connector and a receptacle connector that can be mated with each other,

[0009] The above-described receptacle connector comprises a receptacle insulator and a row of receptacle terminals held in the receptacle insulator, and

[0010] The above receptacle terminals are arranged in a zigzag pattern, and

[0011] Each of the above receptacle terminals has a main contact, a support contact, and an elastic part connecting the main contact and the support contact.

[0012] For each of the above receptacle terminals, the main contact and the support contact are separated from each other in the width direction, and

[0013] The above plug connector comprises a plug insulator, and By insert molding It is equipped with a row of plug terminals held in the above-mentioned plug insulator, and

[0014] The above plug terminals are arranged in a zigzag pattern, and

[0015] Each of the above plug terminals is provided with a main contact portion, a support contact portion, an insertion end portion, a contact step, and an additional contact step. - No concave portion is formed in each of the above main contact portion and the above support contact portion. ,

[0016] For each of the above plug terminals, the main contact portion and the support contact portion are separated from each other in the width direction, and

[0017] For each of the above plug terminals, a portion of the insertion end is larger than the minimum distance between the main contact portion and the support contact portion in the width direction, and

[0018] The above contact step is located at the boundary between the insertion end and the support contact part, and

[0019] The above additional contact step is located at the boundary between the insertion end and the main contact part, and

[0020] The above receptacle terminals correspond to the above plug terminals, respectively, and

[0021] When the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector, each of the insertion ends of the plug terminals is inserted between the main contact and the support contact of the corresponding receptacle terminal, and

[0022] In a coupled state where the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted together, the main contact is in contact with the main contact portion, while the support contact is in contact with the support contact portion.

[0023] Each of the main contact portions of the plug terminals provides a connector assembly that is flush with the support contact portion of the plug terminal adjacent thereto.

[0024] In addition, the present invention relates to a second connector assembly, wherein, in the first connector assembly,

[0025] Each of the above plug terminals provides a connector assembly having a bent portion as a contact step and another bent portion as an additional contact step.

[0026] In addition, the present invention relates to a third connector assembly, wherein, in the first connector assembly,

[0027] Each of the above plug terminals provides a connector assembly having a tenon forming the contact step and another tenon forming the additional contact step.

[0028] In addition, the present invention relates to a fourth connector assembly, wherein, in the first connector assembly,

[0029] In each of the above plug terminals, a connector assembly is provided in which either the main contact portion or the support contact portion is thinner than the insertion end portion.

[0030] In addition, the present invention relates to a fifth connector assembly, wherein, in the first connector assembly,

[0031] In each of the above plug terminals, a concave portion is formed in the main contact portion, while another concave portion is formed in the support contact portion, and

[0032] The above additional contact step is formed at the boundary between the insertion end and the concave portion of the main contact portion, while the contact step is formed at the boundary between the insertion end and the concave portion of the support contact portion, thereby providing a connector assembly. Effects of the invention

[0033] In the connector assembly of the present invention, each main contact portion of a plug terminal is on the same plane as the support contact portion of the adjacent plug terminal. Accordingly, in a mold used when insert molding the plug connector of the connector assembly of the present invention, since it is possible to form the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion and the support contact portion as a simple flat plane, the shape of the mold can be simplified. In other words, in the connector assembly of the present invention, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0034] [Fig. 1] This is a side view showing a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, the plug connector and the receptacle connector are in an uncoupled state. [Fig. 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Fig. 1 along line AA. [Fig. 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Fig. 1 along the BB line. [Fig. 4] This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly of Fig. 1. In the drawing, the plug connector and the receptacle connector are in a connected state. [Fig. 5] This is a side view showing the connector assembly of Fig. 4. [Fig. 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Fig. 5 along the CC line. [Fig. 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Fig. 5 along line DD. [Fig. 8] A perspective view showing a plug connector included in the connector assembly of Fig. 4. [Fig. 9] This is an enlarged perspective view of the part enclosed by the dashed line (E) of the plug connector in Fig. 8. [Fig. 10] A plan view showing the plug connector of Fig. 8. [Fig. 11] This is a side view showing the plug connector of Fig. 8. [Fig. 12] This is a bottom view showing the plug connector of Fig. 8. [Fig. 13] A perspective view showing a receptacle connector included in the connector assembly of Fig. 4. [Fig. 14] A plan view showing the receptacle connector of Fig. 13. [Fig. 15] This is a side view showing the receptacle connector of Fig. 13. [Fig. 16] A bottom view showing the receptacle connector of Fig. 13. [Fig. 17] This is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a plug connector included in the first modified example of the connector assembly of Fig. 4. [Fig. 18] This is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a plug connector included in the second modified example of the connector assembly of Fig. 4. [Fig. 19] An enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a plug connector included in the third modified example of the connector assembly of Fig. 4. [Fig. 20] This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector of Patent Document 1. [Fig. 21] A perspective view showing the head included in the connector of Fig. 20. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a connector assembly (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a plug connector (100) and a receptacle connector (800). As shown in FIG. 4, the plug connector (100) and the receptacle connector (800) are mated with each other.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 15, the receptacle connector (800) of the present embodiment is mounted on a substrate (not shown) having a pad (not shown) on its surface. As shown in FIG. 6, the receptacle connector (800) of the present embodiment can be fitted with a plug connector (100) in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. Here, the upward direction is the +Z direction and the downward direction is the -Z direction.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 13, the receptacle connector (800) of the present embodiment is equipped with a receptacle insulator (810) and a plurality of receptacle terminals (820).

[0038] Referring to FIG. 13, the receptacle insulator (810) of the present embodiment is made of an insulator. The receptacle insulator (810) holds a receptacle terminal (820). The receptacle insulator (810) is provided with a surrounding portion (811), a wall portion receiving portion (812), and a track portion (814).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 13, the enclosure (811) of the present embodiment has a roughly prismatic shape extending in the vertical direction. The enclosure (811) defines the outer end of the receptacle insulator (810) in the width direction, which is orthogonal to the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the width direction is the X direction. The width direction is also the front-back direction. The front is the +X direction, and the rear is the -X direction. The enclosure (811) defines the outer end of the receptacle insulator (810) in the pitch direction, which is orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the width direction. In the present embodiment, the pitch direction is the Y direction.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 14, the wall receiving portion (812) of the present embodiment is surrounded by a surrounding portion (811) in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The wall receiving portion (812) is a concave portion that is recessed downward in the vertical direction and has a lower surface (8122). The lower surface (8122) defines the lower end of the wall receiving portion (812) in the vertical direction.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 14, the top portion (814) of the present embodiment protrudes upward in the vertical direction from the bottom surface (8122). The top portion (814) is surrounded by the wall receiving portion (812) in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the receptacle terminal (820) of the present embodiment is made of metal. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the receptacle terminal (820) has the same shape. The receptacle terminal (820) is held in the receptacle insulator (810). Specifically, the receptacle terminal (820) is partially inserted into the receptacle insulator (810) and held by insert molding. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this, and the receptacle terminal (820) may be held in the receptacle insulator (810) by a method other than insert molding.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 14, the receptacle terminals (820) are arranged in two rows, a front row and a rear row, in the width direction. Additionally, the receptacle terminals (820) in each row are arranged in the pitch direction. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this, and the receptacle terminals (820) may be arranged in a single row. That is, the receptacle connector (800) may have only one row of receptacle terminals (820). One receptacle terminal (820) in the two rows corresponds to the other receptacle terminal (820) in the two rows. The receptacle terminals (820) are arranged in a zigzag pattern. More specifically, in each row, the receptacle terminals (820) are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the receptacle terminals (820) of the present embodiment is equipped with a main contact (828), a support contact (824), and an elastic part (826).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the main contact (828) of the present embodiment is connected to the elastic part (826). The main contact (828) is supported by the elastic part (826). The main contact (828) of one of the two rows of receptacle terminals (820) and the main contact (828) of the other of the two rows of corresponding receptacle terminals (820) are facing the same direction in the width direction. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in two adjacent receptacle terminals (820) in the pitch direction, the direction facing in the width direction of the main contact (828) of one of the receptacle terminals (820) is opposite to the direction facing in the width direction of the main contact (828) of the other of the receptacle terminals (820).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the support contact (824) of the present embodiment is connected to the elastic part (826). For each of the receptacle terminals (820), the main contact (828) and the support contact (824) are separated from each other in the width direction. For each of the receptacle terminals (820), the main contact (828) and the support contact (824) are opposite each other in the width direction. The support contact (824) of one of the receptacle terminals (820) in the second row and the support contact (824) of the corresponding receptacle terminal (820) in the other of the second row face in the same direction in the width direction. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in two adjacent receptacle terminals (820) in the pitch direction, the orientation facing in the width direction of one support contact (824) of the receptacle terminal (820) is opposite to the orientation facing in the width direction of the other support contact (824) of the receptacle terminal (820).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic member (826) of the present embodiment is elastically deformable at least partially. The elastic member (826) connects the main contact (828) and the support contact (824). The elastic member (826) extends from the main contact (828) to the support contact (824).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the receptacle terminals (820) is equipped with a holding portion (822), a connecting portion (823), a mounting portion (825), a locking portion (827), and an auxiliary locking portion (829).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the holding portion (822) of the present embodiment connects the connecting portion (823) and the mounting portion (825). The holding portion (822) extends downward in the vertical direction from the connecting portion (823). The holding portion (822) extends upward in the vertical direction from the mounting portion (825). The holding portion (822) is held in the receptacle insulator (810). Specifically, the holding portion (822) is inserted into the receptacle insulator (810).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion (823) of the present embodiment connects the holding portion (822) and the support contact (824). The connecting portion (823) extends from the holding portion (822) in a direction approaching the main contact (828) in the width direction, then bends and extends downward in the vertical direction to the support contact (824).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting portion (825) of the present embodiment is bent from the bottom of the holding portion (822) and extends in a direction away from the main contact (828) in the width direction. The mounting portion (825) defines one end in the width direction of the receptacle terminal (820). The mounting portion (825) defines the bottom end in the vertical direction of the receptacle terminal (820). The mounting portion (825) is soldered to a pad of the substrate when the receptacle connector (800) is mounted on the substrate.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the lock portion (827) of the present embodiment intersects obliquely with both the vertical direction and the width direction. The lock portion (827) is located below the support contact (824) in the vertical direction. The lock portion (827) is located at the same position as the main contact (828) in the vertical direction.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary lock portion (829) of the present embodiment intersects obliquely with both the vertical direction and the width direction. The auxiliary lock portion (829) is located below the main contact (828) in the vertical direction. The auxiliary lock portion (829) is located below the support contact (824) in the vertical direction. The auxiliary lock portion (829) is located below the lock portion (827) in the vertical direction.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 11, the plug connector (100) of the present embodiment is mounted on a substrate (not shown) having a pad (not shown) on its surface. As shown in FIG. 6, the plug connector (100) of the present embodiment can be fitted with a receptacle connector (800) in the vertical direction.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 12, the plug connector (100) is equipped with a plug insulator (200) and a plurality of plug terminals (400).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 12, the plug insulator (200) of the present embodiment is made of an insulator. The plug insulator (200) holds a plug terminal (400). The plug insulator (200) is provided with two barrier portions (220), two end wall portions (230), and a guide portion receiving portion (250). Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of barrier portions (220) may be one.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 12, each of the barrier sections (220) of the present embodiment defines an outer end in the width direction of the plug insulator (200). As shown in FIG. 8, each of the barrier sections (220) has a height in the vertical direction and extends in the pitch direction. Each of the barrier sections (220) connects two end wall sections (230) to each other in the pitch direction. The two barrier sections (220) are arranged in the width direction. When the plug connector (100) and the receptacle connector (800) are fitted together, the barrier section (220) is received in the wall section receiving section (812).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 9, the barrier portion (220) is provided with a plurality of intervening portions (222) and a plurality of holes (224).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, the intervening portions (222) of the present embodiment are arranged in the pitch direction. Each of the intervening portions (222) extends in the vertical direction. The intervening portions (222) are located between two adjacent plug terminals (400) in the pitch direction. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, each of the intervening portions (222) has a first surface (2222) and a second surface (2224) in the width direction.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 11, the first surface (2222) of the present embodiment faces outward in the width direction. The first surface (2222) defines the outer end in the width direction of the interposed portion (222). The first surface (2222) intersects the width direction. More specifically, the first surface (2222) is perpendicular to the width direction. The first surface (2222) extends in the vertical direction.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, the second surface (2224) of the present embodiment faces inward in the width direction. The second surface (2224) defines the inner end in the width direction of the interposed portion (222). The second surface (2224) intersects the width direction. More specifically, the second surface (2224) is perpendicular to the width direction. The second surface (2224) extends in the vertical direction.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9, the holes (224) of the present embodiment are arranged in the pitch direction. Each of the holes (224) penetrates the wall portion (220) in the width direction. The holes (224) are located between two adjacent plug terminals (400) in the pitch direction. The holes (224) are located above the intermediary portion (222) in the vertical direction. Each of the holes (224) corresponds to the intermediary portion (222). Each of the holes (224) is located above the corresponding intermediary portion (222) in the vertical direction.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 12, each of the end wall portions (230) of the present embodiment defines an outer end in the pitch direction of the plug insulator (200). As shown in FIG. 8, each of the end wall portions (230) has a height in the vertical direction and is also extended in the width direction. Each of the end wall portions (230) connects two wall portions (220) to each other in the width direction. When the plug connector (100) and the receptacle connector (800) are fitted together, the end wall portion (230) is received in the wall portion receiving portion (812).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 12, the track receiving portion (250) of the present embodiment is a concave portion that is recessed upward in the vertical direction and has an upper surface (252). The upper surface (252) defines the upper end of the track receiving portion (250). When the plug connector (100) and the receptacle connector (800) are fitted together, the track receiving portion (250) receives the track (814).

[0065] As shown in FIG. 10, a hole (240) is formed in the plug insulator (200).

[0066] As shown in FIG. 10, the hole (240) of the present embodiment penetrates the upper surface (252) of the receiving portion (250) in the vertical direction. The hole (240) is located at the upper end of the plug insulator (200) in the vertical direction.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the plug terminals (400) of the present embodiment is made of metal. The plug terminals (400) have the same shape. The plug terminals (400) are held in the plug insulator (200). The plug terminals (400) are held by being partially inserted into the plug insulator (200) by insert molding. The plug terminals (400) are held in the barrier portion (220). The plug terminals (400) are held by being partially inserted into the barrier portion (220). Two rows of plug terminals (400) correspond to two barrier portions (220). The plug terminals (400) of each row are held in the corresponding barrier portion (220). The plug terminals (400) of each row are held by being partially inserted into the corresponding barrier portion (220).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 12, the plug terminals (400) of the present embodiment are arranged in the pitch direction. More specifically, the plug terminals (400) are arranged in two rows, a front row and a rear row, in the width direction. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this, and the plug terminals (400) may be arranged in a single row. That is, the plug connector (100) may have only one row of plug terminals (400). One of the plug terminals (400) in the two rows corresponds to the other plug terminal (400) in the two rows. The plug terminals (400) in each row are arranged in the pitch direction. The plug terminals (400) are arranged in a zigzag pattern. More specifically, in each row, the plug terminals (400) are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the receptacle terminal (820) corresponds to the plug terminal (400) respectively. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in a coupled state where the plug connector (100) is fitted to the receptacle connector (800), the receptacle terminal (820) is in contact with the plug terminal (400) respectively.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plug terminals (400) is provided with a main contact portion (422), a support contact portion (442), an insertion end portion (410), a contact step (444), and an additional contact step (424).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the main contact portion (422) of the present embodiment intersects the width direction. More specifically, the main contact portion (422) is perpendicular to the width direction. The main contact portion (422) of one of the plug terminals (400) in the second row and the main contact portion (422) of the corresponding plug terminal (400) in the second row are facing the same direction in the width direction. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in two plug terminals (400) adjacent in the pitch direction, the direction facing in the width direction of the main contact portion (422) of one of the plug terminals (400) is opposite to the direction facing in the width direction of the main contact portion (422) of the other of the plug terminals (400).

[0072] As shown in FIG. 2, the support contact portion (442) of the present embodiment intersects the width direction. More specifically, the support contact portion (442) is perpendicular to the width direction. For each plug terminal (400), the main contact portion (422) and the support contact portion (442) are separated from each other in the width direction. For each plug terminal (400), a portion of the insertion end portion (410) is larger than the minimum distance (Dm) between the main contact portion (422) and the support contact portion (442) in the width direction. The support contact portion (442) of one of the plug terminals (400) in the second row and the support contact portion (442) of the corresponding plug terminal (400) in the other row are facing the same direction in the width direction. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in two adjacent plug terminals (400) in the pitch direction, the orientation facing in the width direction of one support contact portion (442) of the plug terminal (400) is opposite to the orientation facing in the width direction of the other support contact portion (442) of the plug terminal (400).

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the plug connector (100) is fitted to the receptacle connector (800), each insertion end (410) of the plug terminal (400) is inserted between the main contact (828) and the support contact (824) of the corresponding receptacle terminal (820). In the coupled state where the plug connector (100) and the receptacle connector (800) are fitted to each other, the main contact (828) is in contact with the main contact portion (422), while the support contact (824) is in contact with the support contact portion (442).

[0074] Referring to FIG. 9, each main contact portion (422) of a plug terminal (400) is on the same plane as the support contact portion (442) of the plug terminal (400) adjacent thereto. More specifically, in two plug terminals (400) adjacent in the pitch direction, the main contact portion (422) of one plug terminal (400) is on the same plane as the support contact portion (442) of the other plug terminal (400), and the support contact portion (442) of the one plug terminal (400) is on the same plane as the main contact portion (422) of the other plug terminal (400). Accordingly, in the mold used when insert molding the plug connector (100) of the connector assembly (10) of the present embodiment, the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion (422) and the support contact portion (442) can be made a simple flat surface, so the shape of the mold can be simplified. That is, the connector assembly (10) of the present embodiment can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 9, the insertion end (410) of the present embodiment is U-shaped. That is, when the plug terminal (400) is viewed along the pitch direction, the insertion end (410) has a U-shape. The insertion end (410) defines the lower end of the plug terminal (400) in the vertical direction.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 9, the contact step (444) of the present embodiment is formed by bending. That is, each plug terminal (400) has a bent portion (444) as a contact step (444). The contact step (444) is located at the boundary between the insertion end (410) and the support contact portion (442). The contact step (444) is located above the insertion end (410) in the vertical direction. The support contact portion (442) is located above the contact step (444) in the vertical direction. The contact step (444) extends over the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal (400).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, when a user fits the plug connector (100) into the receptacle connector (800), each support contact (824) of the receptacle terminal (820) of the receptacle connector (800) moves upward over the contact step (444) of the corresponding plug terminal (400). Accordingly, the user can obtain a click sensation. That is, in the connector assembly (10) of the present embodiment, when the plug connector (100) and the receptacle connector (800) are fitted together, the user is able to obtain a click sensation.

[0078] In particular, as described above, in the plug terminal (400) of the present embodiment, a contact step (444) formed by bending is formed over the entire pitch direction. Accordingly, in the connector assembly (10) of the present embodiment, when the plug connector (100) equipped with a plug terminal (400) having a small size in the pitch direction is fitted with the receptacle connector (800), even if the plug terminal (400) is misaligned in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminal (820), the support contact (824) of the receptacle terminal (820) can reliably cross over the contact step (444) of the corresponding plug terminal (400), thereby allowing the user to reliably obtain a click sensation.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 2, when the plug connector (100) and the receptacle connector (800) are fitted together, the contact step (444) and the lock portion (827) lock the fitting.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 9, the additional contact step (424) of the present embodiment is formed by bending. That is, each of the plug terminals (400) has a different bent portion (424) as the additional contact step (424). The additional contact step (424) is located at the boundary between the insertion end (410) and the main contact portion (422). The additional contact step (424) is located above the insertion end (410) in the vertical direction. The main contact portion (422) is located above the additional contact step (424) in the vertical direction. The additional contact step (424) extends over the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal (400).

[0081] As described above, a contact step (444) is formed in the plug terminal (400) for the purpose of generating a click sensation and locking the fitting. Additionally, an additional contact step (424) is further formed in the plug terminal (400). Accordingly, in each row of plug terminals (400) arranged in a zigzag pattern, the main contact part (422) located above each additional contact step (424) of the plug terminal (400) is made to be on the same plane as the support contact part (442) located above the contact step (444) of the plug terminal (400) adjacent thereto.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, when a user fits the plug connector (100) into the receptacle connector (800), each main contact (828) of the receptacle terminal (820) of the receptacle connector (800) moves upward over the additional contact step (424).

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, when the plug connector (100) and the receptacle connector (800) are fitted together, the additional contact step (424) and the auxiliary lock portion (829) auxiliaryly lock the fitting.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 2, the plug terminal (400) is equipped with a mounting portion (470).

[0085] As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting portion (470) of the present embodiment extends from the support contact portion (442). Specifically, the mounting portion (470) extends from the support contact portion (442) in a curved direction away from the main contact portion (422) in the width direction. The mounting portion (470) defines one end in the width direction of the plug terminal (400). The mounting portion (470) defines the upper end in the vertical direction of the plug terminal (400). Referring to FIG. 11, the mounting portion (470) is soldered to a pad of the substrate when the plug connector (100) is mounted on the substrate.

[0086] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described up to this point, the present embodiments may be modified as follows.

[0087] (First variant example)

[0088] Referring to FIG. 17, a connector assembly (not shown) according to the first modified example is equipped with a plug connector (100A) and a receptacle connector (not shown). The receptacle connector of this modified example is the same as the receptacle connector (800) of the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 17, the plug connector (100A) of the present variation is equipped with a plug insulator (200A) and a plug terminal (400A). The plug insulator (200A) of the present variation is the same as the plug insulator (200) of the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 17, each of the plug terminals (400A) of the present modified example is provided with a main contact portion (422), a support contact portion (442), an insertion end portion (410), a contact step (444A), and an additional contact step (424A). The main contact portion (422), the support contact portion (442), and the insertion end portion (410) of the present modified example are the same as the main contact portion (422), the support contact portion (442), and the insertion end portion (410) of the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 17, the contact step (444A) of the present modified example is located at the boundary between the insertion end (410) and the support contact part (442). The contact step (444A) is located above the insertion end (410) in the vertical direction. The support contact part (442) is located above the contact step (444A) in the vertical direction. The contact step (444A) is a dowel (444A) protruding in the width direction. That is, in the plug terminal (400A) of the present modified example, the contact step (444A) is formed by forming a dowel (444A). In other words, each of the plug terminals (400A) is equipped with a dowel (444A) that constitutes the contact step (444A). Accordingly, just like the connector assembly (10) of the above-described embodiment, in the connector assembly of the present modified example, when a plug connector (100A) equipped with a plug terminal (400A) having a small size in the pitch direction is fitted with a receptacle connector, even if the plug terminal (400A) is misaligned in the pitch direction with respect to the corresponding receptacle terminal (not shown), the support contact (not shown) of the receptacle terminal can reliably cross over the contact step (444A) of the corresponding plug terminal (400A), thereby allowing the user to reliably obtain a click sensation. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact step (444A) may be a projection protruding in the width direction.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 17, the additional contact step (424A) of the present modification is located at the boundary between the insertion end (410) and the main contact part (422). The additional contact step (424A) is located above the insertion end (410) in the vertical direction. The main contact part (422) is located above the additional contact step (424A) in the vertical direction. The additional contact step (424A) is a tenon (424A) protruding in the width direction. That is, in the plug terminal (400A) of the present modification, the additional contact step (424A) is formed by forming a tenon (424A). In other words, each of the plug terminals (400A) is provided with another tenon (424A) that constitutes the additional contact step (424A). Additionally, the present invention is not limited to this, and the additional contact step (424A) may be a projection protruding in the width direction.

[0093] (Example of the second variation)

[0094] Referring to FIG. 18, a connector assembly (not shown) according to a second modified example is equipped with a plug connector (100B) and a receptacle connector (not shown). The receptacle connector of this modified example is the same as the receptacle connector (800) of the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 18, the plug connector (100B) of the present variation is equipped with a plug insulator (200B) and a plug terminal (400B). The plug insulator (200B) of the present variation is the same as the plug insulator (200) of the above-described embodiment except that it does not have a hole (224), so a detailed description is omitted.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 18, each of the plug terminals (400B) of the present modified example is provided with a main contact portion (422B), a support contact portion (442B), an insertion end portion (410), a contact step (444B), and an additional contact step (424B). The insertion end portion (410) of the present modified example is the same as the insertion end portion (410) of the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 18, the main contact portion (422B) of the present variation intersects the width direction. More specifically, the main contact portion (422B) is perpendicular to the width direction. The main contact portion (422B) of one of the two rows of plug terminals (400B) and the main contact portion (422B) of the other of the two rows of plug terminals (400B) that correspond to each other are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. For two plug terminals (400B) adjacent in the pitch direction, the orientation of the main contact portion (422B) of one of the plug terminals (400B) in the width direction is opposite to the orientation of the main contact portion (422B) of the other of the plug terminals (400B) in the width direction.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 18, the support contact portion (442B) of the present variation intersects the width direction. More specifically, the support contact portion (442B) is perpendicular to the width direction. For each plug terminal (400B), the main contact portion (422B) and the support contact portion (442B) are separated from each other in the width direction. For each plug terminal (400B), a portion of the insertion end portion (410) is larger than the minimum distance between the main contact portion (422B) and the support contact portion (442B) in the width direction. The support contact portion (442B) of one of the two rows of plug terminals (400B) and the support contact portion (442B) of the corresponding plug terminal (400B) of the other of the two rows face the same direction in the width direction. In two adjacent plug terminals (400B) in the pitch direction, the orientation facing in the width direction of one support contact portion (442B) of the plug terminal (400B) is opposite to the orientation facing in the width direction of the other support contact portion (442B) of the plug terminal (400B).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 18, each main contact portion (422B) of a plug terminal (400B) is on the same plane as the support contact portion (442B) of the plug terminal (400B) adjacent thereto. More specifically, in two plug terminals (400B) adjacent in the pitch direction, the main contact portion (422B) of one plug terminal (400B) is on the same plane as the support contact portion (442B) of the other plug terminal (400B), and the support contact portion (442B) of the one plug terminal (400B) is on the same plane as the main contact portion (422B) of the other plug terminal (400B). Accordingly, just like the connector assembly (10) of the above-described embodiment, in the mold used when insert molding the plug connector (100B) of the connector assembly of the present modified example, the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion (422B) and the support contact portion (442B) can be made a simple flat surface, so the shape of the mold can be simplified. That is, in the connector assembly of the present modified example, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 18, each of the main contact portion (422B) and the support contact portion (442B) of the present variation is formed by coining. That is, in each of the plug terminals (400B), either the main contact portion (422B) or the support contact portion (442B) is made thinner than the insertion end portion (410).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 18, the contact step (444B) of the present variation is formed in conjunction with the formation of the support contact portion (442B) by coining. The contact step (444B) is located at the boundary between the insertion end (410) and the support contact portion (442B). The contact step (444B) is located above the insertion end (410) in the vertical direction. The support contact portion (442B) is located above the contact step (444B) in the vertical direction. The contact step (444B) extends over the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal (400B). Accordingly, just like the connector assembly (10) of the above-described embodiment, in the connector assembly of the present modified example, when a plug connector (100B) equipped with a plug terminal (400B) having a small size in the pitch direction is fitted with a receptacle connector, even if the plug terminal (400B) is misaligned in the pitch direction with respect to the corresponding receptacle terminal (not shown), the support contact (not shown) of the receptacle terminal can reliably cross over the contact step (444B) of the corresponding plug terminal (400B), so that the user can reliably obtain a click sensation.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 18, the additional contact step (424B) of the present variation is formed in conjunction with the formation of the main contact portion (422B) by coining. The additional contact step (424B) is located at the boundary between the insertion end (410) and the main contact portion (422B). The additional contact step (424B) is located above the insertion end (410) in the vertical direction. The main contact portion (422B) is located above the additional contact step (424B) in the vertical direction. The additional contact step (424B) extends over the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal (400B).

[0103] (Third variation example)

[0104] Referring to FIG. 19, a connector assembly (not shown) according to the third variant is equipped with a plug connector (100C) and a receptacle connector (not shown). The receptacle connector of this variant is the same as the receptacle connector (800) of the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 19, the plug connector (100C) of the present variation is equipped with a plug insulator (200C) and a plug terminal (400C). The plug insulator (200C) of the present variation is the same as the plug insulator (200) of the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 19, each of the plug terminals (400C) of the present modified example is provided with a main contact portion (422C), a support contact portion (442C), an insertion end portion (410), a contact step (444C), and an additional contact step (424C). The insertion end portion (410) of the present modified example is the same as the insertion end portion (410) of the above-described embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 19, in each of the plug terminals (400C) of the present modification example, a recess (426) is formed in the main contact portion (422C). That is, the plug terminals (400C) of the present modification example are provided with a partially recessed main contact portion (422C).

[0108] Referring to FIG. 19, the concave portion (426) of the present variation is formed by coining. The concave portion (426) is carved in a direction that is close to the support contact portion (442C) in the width direction. The concave portion (426) of one of the plug terminals (400C) in the second row and the concave portion (426) of the corresponding plug terminal (400C) in the second row are carved in the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals (400C) adjacent in the pitch direction, the orientation in which the concave portion (426) of one of the plug terminals (400C) is carved in the width direction is opposite to the orientation in which the concave portion (426) of the other of the plug terminals (400C) is carved in the width direction.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 19, the main contact portion (422C) has an outer surface portion (427) adjacent to the concave portion (426).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 19, the outer surface (427) of the present modified example surrounds the corresponding concave portion (426). The outer surface (427) intersects the width direction. More specifically, the outer surface (427) is perpendicular to the width direction. The outer surface (427) of one of the plug terminals (400C) in the second row and the outer surface (427) of the plug terminal (400C) corresponding to the other of the second row are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals (400C) adjacent in the pitch direction, the orientation of the outer surface (427) of one of the plug terminals (400C) in the width direction is opposite to the orientation of the outer surface (427) of the other of the plug terminals (400C) in the width direction.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 19, in each of the plug terminals (400C) of the present modification example, a different concave portion (446) is formed in the support contact portion (442C). That is, the plug terminals (400C) of the present modification example are provided with a partially recessed support contact portion (442C).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 19, the concave portion (446) of the present modified example is formed by coining. The concave portion (446) is carved in a direction that is close to the main contact portion (422C) in the width direction. The concave portion (446) of one of the plug terminals (400C) in the second row and the concave portion (446) of the corresponding plug terminal (400C) in the second row are carved in the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals (400C) adjacent in the pitch direction, the direction in which the concave portion (446) of one of the plug terminals (400C) is carved in the width direction is opposite to the direction in which the concave portion (446) of the other of the plug terminals (400C) is carved in the width direction.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 19, the support contact portion (442C) has an external support surface (447) adjacent to the concave portion (446).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 19, the outer support surface (447) of the present modified example surrounds the corresponding concave portion (446). The outer support surface (447) intersects the width direction. More specifically, the outer support surface (447) is perpendicular to the width direction. The outer support surface (447) of one of the plug terminals (400C) in the second row and the outer support surface (447) of the plug terminal (400C) corresponding to the other of the second row face the same direction in the width direction. In the case of two adjacent plug terminals (400C) in the pitch direction, the orientation facing in the width direction of the outer support surface (447) of one plug terminal (400C) is opposite to the orientation facing in the width direction of the outer support surface (447) of the other plug terminal (400C).

[0115] As shown in FIG. 19, each external surface (427) of a plug terminal (400C) is in the same plane as the external support surface (447) of the plug terminal (400C) adjacent thereto. More specifically, in two plug terminals (400C) adjacent in the pitch direction, the external surface (427) of one plug terminal (400C) is in the same plane as the external support surface (447) of the other plug terminal (400C), and the external support surface (447) of the one plug terminal (400C) is in the same plane as the external surface (427) of the other plug terminal (400C). That is, each main contact portion (422C) of the plug terminal (400C) is on the same plane as the support contact portion (442C) of the plug terminal (400C) adjacent thereto. Accordingly, just like the connector assembly (10) of the above-described embodiment, in the mold used when insert molding the plug connector (100C) of the connector assembly of the present modified example, the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion (422C) and the support contact portion (442C) can be made a simple flat surface, so the shape of the mold can be simplified. That is, in the connector assembly of the present modified example, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 19, the contact step (444C) of the present variation is formed in conjunction with the formation of the concave portion (446) by coining. The contact step (444C) is formed at the boundary between the insertion end (410) and the concave portion (446) of the support contact portion (442C).

[0117] As shown in FIG. 19, the additional contact step (424C) of the present variation is formed in conjunction with the formation of the concave portion (426) by coining. The additional contact step (424C) is formed at the boundary between the insertion end (410) and the concave portion (426) of the main contact portion (422C).

[0118] In the connector assembly of the present modified example, as the size of the plug terminal (400C) in the pitch direction decreases, the size of the concave portion (446) in the pitch direction also decreases, and thus the size of the contact step (444C) in the pitch direction also decreases. Therefore, when fitting the plug connector (100C) of the present modified example with the receptacle connector, if the plug terminal (400C) is misaligned in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminal (not shown), there is a possibility that the support contact (not shown) of the receptacle terminal will not be inserted into the concave portion (446) of the corresponding plug terminal (400C). That is, in this case, there is a concern that the support contact of the receptacle terminal will not slide over the contact step (444C), and thus no click sensation will occur.

[0119] In this regard, in a connector assembly (10) having plug terminals (400, 400A, 400B) having contact steps (444, 444A, 444B) of the above embodiment and the first and second variations, the above concern does not occur. That is, in the connector assembly (10) of the above-described embodiment and the first and second variations, when the plug connector (100, 100A, 100B) equipped with plug terminals (400, 400A, 400B) having a small size in the pitch direction is mated with the receptacle connector (800), even if the plug terminals (400, 400A, 400B) are misaligned in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminal (820), the support contact (824) of the receptacle terminal (820) can reliably cross over the contact step (444, 444A, 444B) of the corresponding plug terminals (400, 400A, 400B), so that the user can reliably obtain a click sensation. Therefore, the connector assembly (10) of the above-described embodiment and the first and second variations is more preferable.

[0120] Although the present invention has been specifically described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications are possible. Explanation of the symbols

[0121] 10 connector assemblies 100 plug connectors 200, 200A, 200B, 200C plug insulators 220 Wall section 222 [Regarding] the Ministry of Finance 2222 Page 1 2224 Page 2 224 holes 230 Single wall section 240 holes 250 Map section receiving section 252 Top surface 400, 400A, 400B, 400C plug terminals 410 Insertion end 422, 422B, 422C main contact parts 424 Additional contact step (bend) 424A Additional contact step (mortise and tenon) 424B, 424C Additional contact step 426 Concave part 427 outer side periphery 442, 442B, 442C support contacts 444 Contact step (bend) 444A Contact step (mortise and tenon) 444B, 444C Contact Step 446 Concave part 447 External support surface 470 Department Head 800 Receptacle Connector 810 Receptacle Insulator 811 Siege Unit 812 Wall-mounted Reception Unit If you do 8122 814 Map section 820 receptacle terminal 822 P-Holding Department 823 Connection section 824 support contact 825 Department Head 826 Elastic part 827 Rockbu 828 main contact 829 Auxiliary Lock Dm minimum distance

Claims

Claim 1 A connector assembly comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector capable of interlocking with each other, wherein the receptacle connector comprises a receptacle insulator and a row of receptacle terminals held in the receptacle insulator, wherein the receptacle terminals are arranged in a zigzag pattern, and each of the receptacle terminals comprises a main contact, a support contact, and an elastic part connecting the main contact and the support contact, wherein for each of the receptacle terminals, the main contact and the support contact are separated from each other in the width direction, and the plug connector comprises a plug insulator and By insert molding The above-mentioned plug insulator is provided with a row of plug terminals held therein, the plug terminals are arranged in a zigzag pattern, and each of the plug terminals is provided with a main contact portion, a support contact portion, an insertion end portion, a contact step, and an additional contact step. - No concave portion is formed in each of the above main contact portion and the above support contact portion. For each of the plug terminals, the main contact portion and the support contact portion are separated from each other in the width direction, and for each of the plug terminals, a portion of the insertion end is greater than the minimum distance between the main contact portion and the support contact portion in the width direction, the contact step is located at the boundary between the insertion end and the support contact portion, and the additional contact step is located at the boundary between the insertion end and the main contact portion, and the receptacle terminal corresponds to each of the plug terminals, and when the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector, each of the insertion end portions of the plug terminal is inserted between the main contact and the support contact of the corresponding receptacle terminal, and in the coupled state where the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted to each other, the main contact is in contact with the main contact portion, while the support contact is in contact with the support contact portion, and each of the main contact portions of the plug terminals is adjacent to the support contact portion of the plug terminal A connector assembly that is on the same plane. Claim 2 A connector assembly having, in paragraph 1, each of the plug terminals has a bent portion as the contact step and another bent portion as the additional contact step. Claim 3 In claim 1, each of the plug terminals comprises a connector assembly having a tenon forming the contact step and another tenon forming the additional contact step. Claim 4 In claim 1, a connector assembly in which, in each of the plug terminals, either the main contact portion or the support contact portion is thinner than the insertion end portion. Claim 5 delete

Images