Connectors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector. The connector (1) includes a housing (10) and terminals (13, 14), wherein the terminals (13, 14) have mounting portions (132, 142) that can be mounted on a connected member (1A) and are retained in the housing (10). In addition, a recess (112e) and a protrusion (112d) are formed in the housing (10), wherein the recess (112e) accommodates and retains the connected portion (10A) of the connected member (1A), and the protrusion (112d) protrudes relative to the thickness of the connected portion (10A) to define the recess (112e). Furthermore, the protrusion (112d) is formed only on the peripheral portion of the housing (10).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector, there is known a connector including a housing and a terminal as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-152273 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1), wherein the terminal is held in the housing and attached to a connected member such as a cable.

[0003] In the patent document 1, a concave portion for accommodating a connection area (connected portion) of a connected member is formed on one side of the housing, and the concave portion is defined by a protrusion formed by protruding one side of the housing downward. In addition, in the patent document 1, the protrusion is formed to be roughly T-shaped in a plan view, and the protrusion is set to be thicker than the thickness of the connected portion of the connected member. Summary of the invention

[0004] In such a connector, the degree of freedom of connection of the connected member to the housing, such as the degree of freedom of the shape of the connected portion and the degree of freedom of the connection position of the connected portion to the housing, can be improved, but it is preferable to further improve the degree of freedom of connection of the connected member to the housing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a connector capable of further improving the degree of freedom of connection of a connected member to a housing.

[0006] The connector disclosed in the present invention includes a housing and a terminal, wherein the terminal has a mounting portion that can be mounted on a connected member and is held in the housing. In addition, a recess and a protrusion are formed in the housing, wherein the recess accommodates and holds the connected portion of the connected member, and the protrusion protrudes relative to the thickness of the connected portion to define the recess. Furthermore, the protrusion is formed only on the peripheral edge of the housing.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain a connector capable of further improving the degree of freedom in connecting a connected member to a housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a connector set, and is a perspective view showing the connector set decomposed into a plug connector and a socket connector, wherein the plug connector is mounted on a cable and temporarily holds a sliding member, and the socket connector is mounted on a circuit board.

[0009] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of a connector set, and is a perspective view showing a state in which a plug connector mounted on a cable and a receptacle connector mounted on a circuit board are fitted together and locked by a sliding member.

[0010] Figure 3 1 and 2 are views showing plug terminals and socket terminals of an exemplary connector group, wherein (a) is a perspective view showing a state before a lower plug terminal contacts a lower socket terminal, and (b) is a plan view showing a state when a lower plug terminal contacts a lower socket terminal.

[0011] Figure 4 1 and 2 are diagrams showing plug terminals and socket terminals of an exemplary connector group, wherein (a) is a perspective view showing a state before an upper plug terminal contacts an upper socket terminal, and (b) is a top view showing a state of contact between an upper plug terminal and an upper socket terminal.

[0012] Figure 5 The figure is a diagram for explaining how the illustrated plug connector and the socket connector are locked by the sliding member, and is a perspective view showing a state before the plug connector and the socket connector are fitted with each other with the sliding member temporarily held.

[0013] Figure 6 The figure is a diagram for explaining how the illustrated plug connector and the socket connector are locked by the sliding member, and is a perspective view showing a state where the plug connector and the socket connector are fitted together while the sliding member is temporarily held.

[0014] Figure 7 The figure is a diagram for explaining how the plug connector and the socket connector shown as an example are locked by a sliding member, and is a perspective view showing a state where the plug connector and the socket connector are fitted together and locked by the sliding member.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a state before a plug connector having a sliding member temporarily held therein, which is included in the illustrated connector set, is attached to a cable.

[0016] Fig. 9 The figures illustrate how a plug connector of the illustrated connector set is installed on a cable, (a) is a stereoscopic view showing the state before installation from the rear side, and (b) is a stereoscopic view showing the state after installation from the rear side.

[0017] Fig.10 It is a plan view showing a state where a plug connector included in the illustrated connector set is attached to a cable.

[0018] Fig.11 It is a bottom view showing a state where a plug connector included in the illustrated connector set is attached to a cable.

[0019] Fig.12 This is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a plug connector and a sliding member included in the connector set shown as an example.

[0020] Fig.13 The figures show a plug housing of the plug connector, (a) is a top view, and (b) is a bottom view.

[0021] Fig.14 The figures show a plug housing of the plug connector, (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side sectional view.

[0022] Fig.15 The figures show the lower plug terminal of the plug connector, (a) is a stereoscopic view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0023] Fig.16 The figures show an upper plug terminal of a plug type connector, (a) is a stereoscopic view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0024] Fig.17 This is a perspective view showing a state before a receptacle connector included in the illustrated connector set is mounted on a circuit board.

[0025] Fig.18 This is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a receptacle connector included in the connector set shown as an example.

[0026] Fig.19 The figures show a socket housing of the socket type connector, (a) is a top view, and (b) is a bottom view.

[0027] Fig. 20 The figures show a socket housing of the socket type connector, (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side sectional view.

[0028] Fig.21 The figures show the lower socket terminal of the socket type connector, (a) is a stereoscopic view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0029] Fig. 22 The figures show an upper socket terminal of a socket type connector, (a) is a stereoscopic view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0030] Fig.23The figures show the sliding member included in the connector set shown as an example, (a) is a perspective view seen from one side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the other side.

[0031] Fig.24 The figures show the sliding member of the illustrated connector set, (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) is a front view, and (e) is a rear view.

[0032] Fig.25 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a state where the sliding member is temporarily held on the plug connector shown as an example.

[0033] Fig.26 The figure is a diagram for explaining how the illustrated plug connector and the socket connector are locked by the sliding member, and is a side sectional view showing a state before the plug connector and the socket connector are fitted with each other while the sliding member is temporarily held.

[0034] Fig. 27 The figure is a diagram for explaining how the illustrated plug connector and the socket connector are locked by the sliding member, and is a side sectional view showing a state where the plug connector and the socket connector, which are temporarily held by the sliding member, are fitted together.

[0035] Fig.28 1 is a diagram for explaining how the plug connector and the receptacle connector are locked by a sliding member, and is a side sectional view showing a state where the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted and locked by the sliding member.

[0036] Fig.29 The figures illustrate a plug connector shown as a modified example, (a) is a front view of the plug connector shown as a modified example, and (b) is a figure illustrating a method for confirming the protrusion amount of the mounting portion of the plug connector shown as a modified example.

[0037] Fig.30 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining an example plug connector, wherein (a) is a front view of the example plug connector, and (b) is a diagram for explaining a method for confirming a protruding amount of a mounting portion of the example plug connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, below, a plug connector 1 mounted on a cable (mounted component) 1A is exemplified as a connector, and a socket connector 2 mounted on a circuit board (mounted component on the object side) 2A is exemplified as a connector on the object side to which the plug connector 1 is fitted.

[0039] In addition, in the following description, the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the mounted component (the normal direction of the mounting surface) when the connector is mounted on the mounted component is described as the vertical direction (Z direction) of the connector. In addition, the direction in which the terminals housed in the housing of each connector are arranged is described as the width direction (Y direction), and the insertion direction of the terminals into the housing of each connector is described as the front-back direction (X direction).

[0040] In addition, the upper side when the connector mounted on the mounted member is located on the upper side of the mounting surface is defined as the upper side in the vertical direction, and the side facing the connector on the counterpart side when the connectors are mated with each other is defined as the front side in the front-rear direction.

[0041] [Configuration example of a connector assembly]

[0042] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The plug connector (connector) 1 of this embodiment is used in the connector set C1 and the like shown.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector set C1 includes the above-mentioned plug connector 1 and a socket connector 2 with which the plug connector 1 is mated.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the plug connector 1 is formed to be mountable on a cable (connected member) 1A such as an FPC or FFC. Specifically, the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A by electrically connecting (mounting) the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 132 and the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 142 of the plug terminals (terminals) 13 and 14 of the plug connector 1 to the conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A.

[0045] On the other hand, the socket connector 2 is formed to be mountable on the circuit substrate (mounted member on the counterpart side) 2A. Specifically, the socket connector 2 is mounted on the circuit substrate 2A by electrically connecting (mounting) the first mounting piece (mounting portion on the counterpart side) 232 and the second mounting piece (mounting portion on the counterpart side) 242 of the socket terminals (terminals on the counterpart side) 23 and 24 of the socket connector 2 to the conductor portion 2bA of the circuit substrate 2A.

[0046] Furthermore, by engaging the plug connector 1 in which the plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 and the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 are mounted on the cable 1A, with the socket connector (connector on the counterpart side) 2, the plug terminals 13 and 14 are electrically connected to the socket terminals (terminals on the counterpart side) 23 and 24 of the socket connector 2.

[0047] In this way, in the connector set C1, the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 are mated together to connect the plug terminals 13 and 14 and the receptacle terminals 23 and 24 to be conductive, thereby electrically connecting the cable 1A and the circuit board 2A (see Figure 2 to Figure 4 ).

[0048] In the present embodiment, the sliding member 3 is held slidably at the plug connector 1 (see Figure 5 to Figure 7 ).

[0049] The slide member 3 is slidably mounted on the plug connector 1 so as to be restricted from sliding from an initial position as a first position to a sliding completion position as a second position when the plug connector 1 is not completely fitted to the receptacle connector 2. The first position and the second position can be appropriately set.

[0050] Furthermore, the slide member 3 is configured to be allowed to slide from the initial position to the slide completion position when the plug connector 1 is completely engaged with the receptacle connector 2. With such a configuration, the completion of the engagement of the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 can be confirmed by the sliding of the slide member 3 from the initial position to the slide completion position.

[0051] As described above, in the present embodiment, the connector assembly C1 has a connector position assurance (CPA) function, and the slide member 3 functions as a CPA member.

[0052] [Configuration example of cable 1A]

[0053] Next, based on Figure 8 to Figure 11 An example of the structure of the cable 1A to be mounted on the plug connector 1 will be described.

[0054] The cable 1A is formed into a sheet (flat plate) having a front surface (front surface: one surface) 1aA and a back surface (rear surface: the other surface) 1bA, and the front surface 1aA is a mounting surface for mounting the plug connector 1. The cable 1A is flexible and can be bent in the cable thickness direction.

[0055] This cable 1A includes a connection region 11A used for connection with the plug connector 1 and an extended region 12A formed by extending the conductor layer 15bA to provide wiring with other circuits.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the cable 1A is formed such that the connection region 11A is located at one end side of the extension region 12A. When the plug connector 1 connected with the connection region 11A is mated with the receptacle connector 2, the extension region 12A is located on the side opposite to the side where the receptacle connector 2 is located.

[0057] In addition, the cable 1A is formed into a multilayer structure, including a supporting layer 15aA and a conductor layer 15bA supported by the supporting layer 15aA. The supporting layer 15aA is formed of a plurality of insulating films and covers the conductor layer 15bA. On the other hand, the conductor layer 15bA is a conductor film printed on the insulating film constituting the supporting layer 15aA, and is a plurality of wiring patterns corresponding to a plurality of plug terminals (lower plug terminals 13 and upper plug terminals 14) described later.

[0058] In addition, a plurality of conductor portions 151bA are formed on the upper surface of the connection region 11A, and the plurality of conductor portions 151bA are the conductor layers 15bA exposed from the supporting layer 15aA. The plurality of conductor portions 151bA are formed in two rows along the front-back direction, and the plurality of conductor portions 151bA are formed so that the conductor portions 151bA of each row are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the width direction (Y direction). In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of conductor portions 151bA are formed so as to be staggered when viewed from above (when viewed along the mounting surface 1aA).

[0059] For example, the above-mentioned structure can be formed by printing a plurality of conductor films on the support layer 15aA to form the conductor layer 15bA, and covering the conductor layer 15bA with another support layer 15aA. In this case, if another support layer 15aA is provided so as not to cover the top of the conductive layer 15bA, the cable 1A is formed in which the top of the conductive layer 15bA is exposed to one side (upward in the vertical direction).

[0060] In addition, the method of forming the cable 1A is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and the cable 1A can be formed by various methods.

[0061] In addition, a fixing portion 15cA is formed on the upper surface of the connection area 11A, and the fixing portion 15cA is fixed to the retaining fitting 15 described later of the plug connector 1. In the present embodiment, the cable 1A has a wide portion 16A, which is formed by extending to both sides in the width direction (Y direction) relative to a plurality of conductor layers 15bA arranged in the width direction (Y direction), and a pair of fixing portions 15cA are formed on the top side (front side in the front-rear direction) of each wide portion 16A. For example, the fixing portion 15cA can be formed in the same manner as the conductor layer 15bA is formed in the printing process of the conductor layer 15bA.

[0062] In the present embodiment, a notch 11aA is formed in a step-like manner in the width direction (Y direction) of the connecting region 11A of the cable 1A. In addition, through holes 11bA are formed on both sides of the notch 11aA in the width direction (Y direction) of the connecting region 11A and penetrate in the cable thickness direction (up and down direction; Z direction).

[0063] In the present embodiment, the cable 1A includes a reinforcing plate 14A formed of glass epoxy resin, stainless steel or the like, and the connecting region 11A of the cable 1A is reinforced by sandwiching the reinforcing plate 14A and the plug connector 1 .

[0064] In the present embodiment, the reinforcing plate 14A is formed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the connecting area 11A of the cable 1A. That is, the outline shape of the reinforcing plate 14A when viewed from above (when viewed along the mounting surface 1aA) is formed into a shape that is substantially the same as the outline shape of the connecting area 11A. Therefore, in the reinforcing plate 14A, a notch 14aA opening forward is formed elongated along the width direction (Y direction), and a through hole 14bA penetrating along the cable thickness direction (up and down direction; Z direction) is formed. And, in a state where the notch 11aA is connected to the notch 14aA and the through hole 11bA is connected to the through hole 14bA, the reinforcing plate 14A is attached to the reverse side of the connecting area 11A using an adhesive or the like.

[0065] At this time, it is preferred that the entire conductor portion 151bA overlaps the reinforcing plate 14A when viewed from above (when viewed from the mounting surface 1aA). In this way, the reinforcing plate 14A supports the entire conductor portion 151bA, thereby preventing the conductor portion 151bA from bending in the vertical direction (Z direction) or flexing in the width direction (Y direction).

[0066] [Configuration Example of Plug Connector 1]

[0067] Next, based on Figure 12 to Figure 16 An example of the structure of the plug connector 1 will be described.

[0068] like Fig.12 As shown, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a plug housing (housing) 10 , plug terminals (terminals: lower plug terminals 13 and upper plug terminals 14 ) held in the plug housing 10 , and a holding fitting 15 held in the plug housing 10 .

[0069] The plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A as a mounted member by mounting the plug terminals (the lower plug terminals 13 and the upper plug terminals 14) held in the plug housing 10 on the conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A disposed outside the plug housing 10. The plug terminals (the lower plug terminals 13 and the upper plug terminals 14) are mounted on the conductor portion 151bA by soldering or the like. The retaining fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing portion 15cA of the cable 1A by soldering or the like while the retaining fitting 15 is held in the plug housing 10, thereby fixing the plug housing 10 to the cable 1A.

[0070] The plug housing 10 includes a rigid housing body 11 , and the plug housing 10 can be formed using, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0071] Furthermore, a locking portion 12 for holding the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 of the socket connector 2 in a mated state or releasing the mated state is formed on the housing body 11 .

[0072] As described above, in the present embodiment, the plug housing 10 includes the housing body 11 and the locking portion 12 formed on the housing body 11 .

[0073] The shell body 11 includes a top wall 111, a bottom wall 112, a side wall 113 and a front wall 114. The side walls 113 are a pair and are arranged to make the two ends of the top wall 111 and the bottom wall 112 continuous in the width direction (Y direction), respectively. The front wall 114 is arranged to be continuous with the front ends of the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112 and the side walls 113, 113.

[0074] Furthermore, the housing body 11 includes a partition wall 115 which is provided continuously with the front wall 114 and the pair of side walls 113 and which partitions a space defined by the top wall 111 , the bottom wall 112 , the side walls 113 , 113 and the front wall 114 into upper and lower parts.

[0075] In addition, the housing body 11 includes a plurality of upper partition walls 116 arranged to be continuous with the top wall 111, the partition wall 115, and the front wall 114, and the upper space separated by the partition wall 115 is divided into a plurality of spaces by the upper partition walls 116. In addition, the housing body 11 includes a plurality of lower partition walls 117 arranged to be continuous with the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 115, and the front wall 114, and the lower space separated by the partition wall 115 is divided into a plurality of spaces by the lower partition walls 117.

[0076] Furthermore, a locking portion 12 is formed in the central portion in the width direction of the upper portion of the housing body 11. Specifically, a top wall 111 is formed on both sides of the locking portion 12 in the width direction, and an upper partition wall 116 is provided on the inner side of each top wall 111 in the width direction so as to be continuous with the top wall 111. Thus, in this embodiment, when viewed in the insertion direction (front-rear direction; X direction), the housing body 11 is formed in a shape in which the central portion in the width direction is recessed. Furthermore, a locking portion 12 is formed in a recess 11a formed in the central portion in the width direction of the housing body 11.

[0077] The locking portion 12 has a rod portion 121 which is provided to be continuous with the front end of the partition wall 115 and extends rearward. The rear side of the rod portion 121 can move relative to the partition wall 115 (shell body 11) in the up-down direction. In addition, an operating portion 121a for operating the rod portion 121 is formed at the rear end of the rod portion 121, and a snap-fitting protrusion 121b is formed at the center portion of the rod portion 121 in the front-back direction. The snap-fitting protrusion 121b is used to snap-fit ​​with a snap-fitting recess (snapping portion) 221a formed in the socket connector 2.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the plug housing 10 is mated with the socket housing 20 of the socket connector 2, the engaging protrusion 121b is engaged with the engaging recess 221a, and the housings of the respective connectors can be locked to each other (maintained in a mating state). In addition, by pressing the operating portion 121a of the rod 121 to move the rod 121 downward, the engaging protrusion 121b is also moved downward, and the engagement between the engaging protrusion 121b and the engaging recess 221a is released, so that the mating of the housings of the respective connectors can be released.

[0079] In addition, insertion spaces S6 for inserting the sliding member 3 are formed at the portions of the recessed portion 11a located on both sides in the width direction of the rod portion 121. In addition, a deflection allowance space S7 for allowing the rod portion 121 to bend downward (move relative to the housing body 11) is formed at the portion of the recessed portion 11a located below the rod portion 121 (between the rod portion 121 and the partition wall 115).

[0080] The insertion space S6 is divided into a space for inserting a lower arm portion 32 of the sliding member 3 described later and a space for inserting an upper arm portion 33 by a protruding wall 116a formed to protrude in the width direction at the upper partition wall 116 defining the recessed portion 11a.

[0081] In addition, a step portion 116b is formed at the center portion in the front-rear direction below the protruding wall 116a of the upper partition wall 116 defining the recessed portion 11a, so that the space for inserting the lower arm portion 32 is wider on the front side in a plan view (see FIG. Fig.25). Furthermore, the sliding member 3 is prevented from being detached from the housing body 11 by engaging the locking protrusion 32a formed at the top end (front end) of the lower arm portion 32 so as to protrude outward in the width direction with the step portion 116b.

[0082] A substantially L-shaped limiting projection (slide limiting portion) 111b is formed at the rear of the top wall 111. The limiting projection 111b limits the sliding member 3 from sliding from the initial position to the sliding completion position when the plug housing 10 is not completely fitted into the socket housing 20.

[0083] A through hole 114a is formed at the front wall 114 so as to communicate with a plurality of spaces partitioned by the partition wall 115, the upper partition wall 116, and the lower partition wall 117. In this way, in the present embodiment, a plurality of spaces penetrating in the front-to-back direction are formed in the housing body 11. Furthermore, the plug terminals (the lower plug terminal 13 and the upper plug terminal 14) can be pressed (inserted) into the spaces penetrating in the front-to-back direction, respectively.

[0084] In this embodiment, the plurality of spaces arranged in the width direction (Y direction) are formed in two stages in the vertical direction (Z direction) at the housing body 11. In addition, when the housing body 11 is viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction, the plurality of spaces are formed in a staggered shape. By such an arrangement, the plug connector 1 is miniaturized in the width direction.

[0085] Specifically, a plurality of spaces defined by the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 115, and the lower partition wall 117 are arranged along the width direction (Y direction) on the lower side (mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing body 11. And, the space formed on the lower side (mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing body 11 becomes the first space S1 into which the lower plug terminal 13 is pressed (inserted).

[0086] On the other hand, a plurality of spaces defined by the top wall 111, the partition wall 115, and the upper partition wall 116 are arranged in the width direction (Y direction) on the upper side of the housing body 11 (a position farther from the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1). And the space formed on the upper side of the housing body 11 becomes the second space S2 into which the upper plug terminal 14 is pressed (inserted).

[0087] In this embodiment, 12 spaces (lower spaces S1) are arranged along the width direction on the lower side of the housing body 11. On the other hand, on the upper side of the housing body 11, 4 spaces (upper spaces S2) are arranged on one side of the locking portion 12 in the width direction, and 4 spaces (upper spaces S2) are arranged on the other side of the locking portion 12 in the width direction. That is, on the upper side of the housing body 11, 8 spaces (upper spaces S2) are arranged along the width direction with the locking portion 12 sandwiched therebetween. By such an arrangement, the housing body 11 is miniaturized in the height direction.

[0088] In addition, in the present embodiment, the upper partition wall 116 and the lower partition wall 117 are formed at positions offset in the width direction. That is, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are formed so as to partially overlap when viewed from above. In other words, when the plug terminals (the lower plug terminals 13 and the upper plug terminals 14) are held in the plug housing 10 and installed in the cable 1A, the first space S1 and the second space S2 overlap when the plug housing 10 is viewed along the normal direction (up and down direction) of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, when the plug housing 10 is viewed in the width direction, the insertion space S6 overlaps with the second space S2. By setting it in this way, the height of the plug housing 10 holding the sliding member 3 can be suppressed to be low.

[0090] Furthermore, the lower plug terminal 13 is pressed (inserted) forward from the opening on the rear end side of the first space S1, and the opening on the rear end side of the first space S1 becomes the insertion port S1a. In addition, the opening on the front end side of the first space S1 is smaller than the insertion port S1a so that the lower plug terminal 13 does not fall off. That is, the front wall 114 restricts the forward movement of the lower plug terminal 13 pressed (inserted) from the insertion port S1a. In addition, the opening on the front end side of the first space S1 becomes the introduction port S1b for introducing the contact portion 230a of the lower socket terminal 23 of the socket connector 2 described later into the first space S1. The peripheral edge of the introduction port S1b is formed in a tapered shape so that the contact portion 230a of the lower socket terminal 23 can be easily introduced.

[0091] Similarly, the upper plug terminal 14 is pressed (inserted) from the opening on the rear end side of the second space S2 toward the front, and the opening on the rear end side of the second space S2 becomes the insertion port S2a. In addition, the opening on the front end side of the second space S2 is smaller than the insertion port S2a so that the upper plug terminal 14 does not fall off. That is, the front wall 114 is used to limit the forward movement of the upper plug terminal 14 pressed (inserted) from the insertion port S2a. In addition, the opening on the front end side of the second space S2 also becomes the introduction port S2b for introducing the contact portion 240a of the upper socket terminal 24 of the socket connector 2 described later into the second space S2. The peripheral edge portion of the introduction port S2b is also formed in a tapered shape to facilitate the introduction of the contact portion 240a of the upper socket terminal 24.

[0092] Furthermore, a groove 111a opened rearward and downward is formed at the lower portion of the top wall 111 so as to communicate with the second space S2. The groove 111a is inserted with the upper end of the side wall 144 of the upper plug terminal 14 described later, thereby guiding the upper plug terminal 14 to be pressed (inserted) into the second space S2.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the grooves 111 a are formed on both sides of the second space S2 in the width direction, and each of the grooves 111 a is formed to extend from the insertion port S2 a to the front wall 114 .

[0094] That is, the length of the groove 111a in the insertion direction (X direction) is formed to be greater than the distance that the upper plug terminal 14 moves from the start of inserting the upper end of the side wall 134 into the groove 111a to the completion of the insertion. Therefore, the portion of the upper end of the side wall 134 that is first inserted into the groove 111a always exists in the groove 111a from the start of inserting into the groove 111a to the completion of the pressing (insertion) of the upper plug terminal 14 into the second space S2.

[0095] Furthermore, the groove portion 111 a is formed so that the groove width (length in the Y direction) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 134 .

[0096] Similarly, a groove 115a opened rearward and downward is formed in the lower portion of the partition wall 115 so as to communicate with the first space S1. The groove 115a is inserted with the upper end of the side wall 134 of the lower plug terminal 13 described later, thereby guiding the lower plug terminal 13 to be pressed (inserted) into the first space S1.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the grooves 115 a are also formed on both sides of the first space S1 in the width direction, and each groove 115 a is formed to extend from the insertion port S1 a to the front wall 114 .

[0098] That is, the length of the groove 115a in the insertion direction (X direction) is formed to be greater than the distance that the lower plug terminal 13 moves from the start of inserting the upper end of the side wall 134 into the groove 115a to the completion of the insertion. Therefore, the portion of the upper end of the side wall 134 that is first inserted into the groove 115a always exists in the groove 115a from the start of inserting into the groove 115a to the completion of the pressing (insertion) of the lower plug terminal 13 into the first space S1.

[0099] Furthermore, the groove portion 115 a is formed so that the groove width (length in the Y direction) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 134 .

[0100] In addition, in the present embodiment, a groove portion 115b is formed at the rear end of the partition wall 115. The groove portion 115b extends in the up-down direction and has both ends open to the first space S1 and the second space S2, respectively. Specifically, the groove portion 115b is formed to communicate with one of the two groove portions 111a ( Fig.14 The groove portion 111a on the right side of (b) is opposite to each other in the up-down direction.

[0101] That is, Fig.14 As shown in (b), when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction, the groove portion 115b and one ( Fig.14 The grooves 111a on the right side of (b) are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction. The upper part of the leg 141 of the upper plug terminal 14 in the state of press-fitting (insertion) is inserted into the grooves 115b.

[0102] In addition, a groove portion 112a extending in the up-down direction and having an upper end open to the first space S1 is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 112. Specifically, when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear in the front-to-back direction, the groove portion 112a, one ( Fig.14 The groove 111a and the groove 115b on the right side of (b) are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction. The groove 112a is for inserting the lower part of the leg 141 of the upper plug terminal 14 in the state of press-fitting (insertion) completion.

[0103] In addition, a groove portion 112b is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 112. The groove portion 112b extends in the up-down direction and has both ends open to the first space S1 and the bottom of the housing 10. Specifically, the groove portion 112b is formed to communicate with one of the two groove portions 115a ( Fig.14 The groove portion 115a on the right side of (b) is opposite to each other in the up-down direction.

[0104] That is, Fig.14As shown in (b), when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction, the groove portion 112b and one ( Fig.14 The grooves 115a on the right side of (b) are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction. The leg 131 of the lower plug terminal 13 in the state of press-fitting (insertion) completion is inserted into the grooves 112b.

[0105] A recess 112c that opens downward and rearward and extends in the front-rear direction is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 112. The recess 112c is used to accommodate the first mounting piece 132 of the lower plug terminal 13 in a state where the insertion is completed.

[0106] The pair of side walls 113 , 113 are respectively formed with extensions 113 a , 113 a extending rearward, and the regions where the extensions 113 a , 113 a face each other serve as recesses 113 b for accommodating the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the plug terminals 13 , 14 .

[0107] Thus, in this embodiment, the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are mounted on the conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A at a position forward of the rear ends of the extension portions 113a and 113a. At this time, the connection region 11A of the cable 1A is clamped by the extension portions 113a and 113a and the reinforcing plate 14A.

[0108] With such a configuration, when the cable 1A is shaken and moves in a direction away from the reinforcing plate 14A, the peeling of the adhesion between the cable 1A and the reinforcing plate 14A can be more reliably suppressed. In addition, since the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are located at the front side of the top ends (rear ends) of the extension portions 113a and 113a, the first leg portions 131 and the second leg portions 141 and the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 can be suppressed from being deformed by the shaking of the cable 1A. That is, the attachment portion between the plug terminals 13 and 14 and the cable 1A can be protected from the shaking of the cable 1A.

[0109] Furthermore, holding metal fitting attachment portions 113 c , 113 c for holding the holding metal fitting 15 are respectively formed at front end portions of the pair of side walls 113 , 113 .

[0110] In this embodiment, the retaining fitting mounting portion 113c includes a recessed portion 113d and grooves 113e, 113e, the recessed portion 113d is open to the outside in the vertical direction and the width direction, and the grooves 113e, 113e are provided to be continuous with the inner side of the recessed portion 113d in the width direction, and the two ends in the front-rear direction of the main body 151 of the retaining fitting 15 are inserted. And, in a state where the retaining fitting 15 is retained in the plug housing 10, the plug housing 10 is fixed to the cable 1A by fixing the fixing piece 152 provided to be continuous with the lower end of the main body 151 to the fixing portion 15cA of the cable 1A.

[0111] Furthermore, a protrusion 112d is formed on the lower side (the back side) of the bottom wall 112 so as to protrude downward. Furthermore, by forming the protrusion 112d as described above on the bottom wall 112, a recess 112e is formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 112. When the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the connection area 11A to which the reinforcing plate 14A is mounted is accommodated in the recess 112e (see Fig. 9 (b)). Thus, in this embodiment, the connection area 11A to which the reinforcing plate 14A is attached becomes the connected portion 10A housed and held in the recess 112e. Furthermore, the protrusion 112d is formed on the bottom wall 112 in such a manner that the protrusion amount becomes greater than the thickness of the connected portion 10A (the sum of the thickness of the cable 1A and the thickness of the reinforcing plate 14A).

[0112] Thus, in the present embodiment, the plug housing 10 includes a pair of wall portions (top wall 111 and bottom wall 112) facing each other in the housing thickness direction (up-down direction: Z direction). In addition, the bottom wall 112, which is one of the pair of wall portions (top wall 111 and bottom wall 112), is formed with a recess 112e for accommodating the connected portion 10A (connection area 11A to which the reinforcing plate 14A is mounted) of the cable 1A. That is, the wall portion (bottom wall 112) on one side of the plug housing 10 in the housing thickness direction (up-down direction) has a receiving portion (recess 112e) for receiving the cable (mounted member) 1A.

[0113] Furthermore, with such a structure, when the plug housing 10 is fitted into the receptacle housing 20, the lower end of the projection 112d slides on the inner surface of the receptacle housing 20. That is, when the plug housing 10 is fitted into the receptacle housing 20, interference between the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A and the receptacle housing 20 can be suppressed.

[0114] Here, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 112 d is formed only on the peripheral edge portion of the bottom wall 112 , and the protrusion 112 d is not formed on the inner side of the bottom wall 112 .

[0115] In this embodiment, the protrusion 112d is formed by only a pair of front protrusions 112f slenderly formed along the width direction at the front ends on both sides of the bottom wall 112 in the width direction and a pair of rear protrusions 112g slenderly formed along the front-to-back direction at the rear ends on both sides of the width direction of the bottom wall 112.

[0116] The front protrusion 112f and the rear protrusion 112g are formed at a portion of the bottom wall 112 where the side wall 113 is continuously provided. Specifically, the front protrusion 112f is formed along the front end edge of the plug housing 10 in front of the retaining fitting mounting portion 113c, and the rear protrusion 112g is formed along the outer end edge of the extending portion 113a in the width direction outside the extending portion 113a. Thus, in this embodiment, the protrusions 112d are formed only at the four corners of the bottom wall 112.

[0117] In addition, in the present embodiment, the shape of the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A is formed so that a part of its contour line corresponds to the contour line of the inner side of the protrusion 112d. Specifically, with respect to the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A, when it is accommodated in the recess 112e, the front edges on both sides of the width direction where the notches 11aA and 14aA are not formed are formed along the contour line of the inner side (rear side) of the front protrusion 112f, and the rear ends on both sides of the width direction are formed along the contour line of the inner side of the rear protrusion 112g in the width direction. In this way, the front protrusion 112f is used to suppress the displacement of the connected portion 10A in the forward direction, and the rear protrusion 112g is used to suppress the displacement of the connected portion 10A in the width direction. In addition, the connected portion 10A can be formed in various shapes as long as it is a shape accommodated in the recess 112e.

[0118] Furthermore, if the protrusions 112d are formed only at the four corners of the bottom wall 112 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid overlapping of the protrusions 112d with the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 when observing the plug housing 10 in a state where the plug terminals 13 and 14 are arranged in a row in the width direction (Y direction: one direction) in the front-to-back direction (X direction: cross direction).

[0119] In the present embodiment, when the plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 , the tips of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 protrude toward the recess 112 e (below the plug housing 10 ).

[0120] Thus, in the present embodiment, when the plug housing 10 in a state where the plug terminals 13 and 14 are held is observed in the front-rear direction (X direction: cross direction), the top ends of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of each plug terminal can be visually recognized regardless of whether the plug housing 10 is observed from the front side or the rear side. Furthermore, when the plug housing 10 is observed from the front-rear direction, the top ends of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of each plug terminal protrude downwardly from the plug housing 10 in a state where the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 are separated from each other in the width direction.

[0121] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 are formed into a thin plate shape as described later, and the plate thickness direction of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 is substantially consistent with the width direction (Y direction) when the plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10. That is, the plurality of plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 in a manner of being arranged in a row along the plate thickness direction of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142.

[0122] Furthermore, the plug terminals 13 and 14 have main bodies (first main body 130 and second main body 140) inserted and held in the plug housing 10. In the present embodiment, the insertion direction of the main bodies 130 and 140 is substantially consistent with the front-rear direction (X direction). That is, the direction in which the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14, i.e., the intersecting direction, is consistent with the insertion direction of the main bodies 130 and 140 into the plug housing 10.

[0123] Thus, in the present embodiment, when viewed along the insertion direction of the main body portions 130, 140 into the plug housing 10, all the first mounting pieces 132 and second mounting pieces 142 of the plug terminals 13, 14 that protrude downwardly from the plug housing 10 in a state separated from each other in the width direction do not overlap with the protrusion 112d.

[0124] Next, based on Fig.15 and Fig.16 The specific structure of the plug terminal (terminal) is described.

[0125] In this embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) includes a main body, a leg and a mounting portion. The main body is inserted into a space formed in the plug housing 10, and the leg extends from the main body toward the mounting surface 1aA of the cable 1A when the plug terminal is installed on the cable (mounted component) 1A. The mounting portion is provided to be continuous with the leg and can be mounted on the cable 1A.

[0126] Specifically, the plug terminal includes a lower plug terminal 13 that is pressed into (inserted into) a first space S1 formed on the lower side (mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing body 11. In addition, the plug terminal includes an upper plug terminal 14 that is pressed into (inserted into) a second space S2 formed on the upper side of the housing body 11 (a position farther from the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1).

[0127] In this embodiment, the lower plug terminal 13 has conductivity and is arranged in a plurality along the width direction (Y direction) of the plug housing 10. Fig.15 As shown, the lower plug terminal 13 is formed by bending a sheet of metal member in the thickness direction, and is substantially U-shaped when viewed in the insertion direction (front-back direction; X direction) (see FIG. Fig.15 (e), Fig.15 (f)). Such a lower plug terminal 13 can be formed by, for example, bending a strip-shaped metal member punched into a predetermined shape.

[0128] In addition, the lower plug terminal 13 includes a first main body (main body) 130 pressed (inserted) into the first space S1. In addition, the lower plug terminal 13 includes a first leg (leg) 131 and a first mounting piece (mounting portion) 132. The first leg (leg) 131 is extended from the first main body 130 toward the mounting surface 1aA in a state where the lower plug terminal 13 is mounted on the cable (mounted member) 1A, and the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 132 is provided to be continuous with the first leg 131 and can be mounted on the cable 1A.

[0129] The first main body portion 130 includes a bottom wall 133 and side walls 134 provided to be continuous with both ends of the bottom wall 133 in the width direction (Y direction).

[0130] The bottom wall 133 includes a bottom wall body 135 which is continuous with the lower end of the side wall 134 and a contact protection portion 136 which is continuous with the front end of the bottom wall body 135 and protrudes forward. When the first body 130 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1, the contact protection portion 136 prevents the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13 from contacting the housing body 11.

[0131] In addition, limiting pieces 135a and 136a protruding outward from both ends in the width direction (Y direction) are formed on the bottom wall body 135 and the contact protection portion 136. When the first main body 130 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1, the limiting pieces 135a and 136a are used to prevent the first main body 130 from being pressed (inserted) obliquely.

[0132] The side wall 134 includes a side wall body 137 and a contact piece 138. The side wall body 137 is set to be continuous with the bottom wall body 135 at the lower end. The contact piece 138 can be elastically deformed and set to be continuous with the front end of the side wall body 137 and is used to contact the contact part of the socket connector.

[0133] A restriction protrusion 137 a is formed at the upper end of the side wall body 137 , and when the first body portion 130 is pushed (inserted) into the first space S1 , the restriction protrusion 137 a suppresses the first body portion 130 from floating up.

[0134] In addition, the contact piece 138 includes an inner bent piece 138a and an outer bent piece 138b, wherein the inner bent piece 138a is arranged to be continuous with the front end of the side wall body 137 in a manner of bending inwardly in the width direction, and the outer bent piece 138b is arranged to be continuous with the front end of the inner bent piece 138a in a manner of bending inwardly in the width direction.

[0135] In the present embodiment, the contact piece 138 is provided to be continuous with the pair of side wall bodies 137, 137, respectively, and is formed to be substantially line symmetrical in a plan view. That is, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 includes inner curved pieces 138a, 138a that are curved in a direction approaching each other as they go forward, and outer curved pieces 138b, 138b that are curved in a direction separating from each other as they go forward.

[0136] Furthermore, the contact portion 230a of the socket connector 2 is clamped at the portion where the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 are closest to each other (the portion where the inner curved piece 138a and the outer curved piece 138b are provided continuously) (see Figure 3 (b)). Thus, in this embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 functions as the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13. Also, the pair of outer curved pieces 138b functions as a guide portion for more smoothly introducing the contact portion 130a of the socket connector 2.

[0137] In the present embodiment, the rearwardly protruding extension wall 139 is provided continuously to the rear end of one of the pair of side wall bodies 137 , 137 , and the first body portion 130 is formed in a shape protruding rearwardly on one side.

[0138] A press-fitting protrusion 139 a is formed at the upper end of the extending wall 139 , and the first main body portion 130 is pressed into the first space S1 by causing the press-fitting protrusion 139 a to be sunk into the housing body 11 .

[0139] In addition, in the present embodiment, a groove 115a is formed in which the upper end of the side wall 134 of the lower plug terminal 13 is inserted, and the lower plug terminal 13 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1. Therefore, even when the lower plug terminal 13 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1 by pressing the side wall 134 on one side protruding toward the rear of the first body 130, the displacement of the lower plug terminal 13 can be suppressed. As a result, the lower plug terminal 13 can be pressed (inserted) into the first space S1 more smoothly and accurately.

[0140] Furthermore, the first leg portion 131 is extended downward (cable 1A: mounted member) from the rear end of the extended wall 139. Thus, in the present embodiment, the first leg portion 131 is extended along the thickness direction of the housing from the first main body portion 130 which is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1. Furthermore, the first mounting piece 132 is provided to be continuous with the lower end of the first leg portion 131 in a manner protruding forward.

[0141] At this time, the first leg portion 131 and the first mounting piece 132 are formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and are formed so that the plate thickness direction is substantially the same direction as the plate thickness direction of the side wall body 137 .

[0142] Therefore, when the first body 130 is inserted into the first space S1 and the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 132 is mounted on the cable (mounted member) 1A, the plate thickness direction of the first leg 131 becomes the width direction (Y direction). That is, when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the plate thickness direction of the first leg 131 becomes a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the first body 130 into the first space S1 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0143] On the other hand, the upper plug terminals 14 also have conductivity, and a plurality of them are arranged in a row along the width direction (Y direction) of the plug housing 10. Fig.16 As shown, the upper plug terminal 14 is formed by bending a sheet of metal member in the thickness direction, and is substantially U-shaped when viewed in the insertion direction (front-back direction; X direction) (see FIG. Fig.16 (e), Fig.16 (f)). Such an upper plug terminal 14 can also be formed by, for example, bending a strip-shaped metal member punched into a predetermined shape.

[0144] In addition, the upper plug terminal 14 includes a second main body (main body) 140 pressed (inserted) into the second space S2. In addition, the upper plug terminal 14 includes a second leg (leg) 141 and a second mounting piece (mounting portion) 142. The second leg (leg) 141 is extended from the second main body 140 toward the mounting surface 1aA in a state where the upper plug terminal 14 is mounted on the cable (mounted member) 1A, and the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 142 is provided to be continuous with the second leg 141 and can be mounted on the cable 1A.

[0145] The second main body portion 140 includes a bottom wall 143 and side walls 144 provided to be continuous with both ends of the bottom wall 143 in the width direction (Y direction).

[0146] The bottom wall 143 includes a bottom wall body 145 which is continuous with the lower end of the side wall 144 and a contact protection portion 146 which is continuous with the front end of the bottom wall body 145 and protrudes forward. When the second body 140 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2, the contact protection portion 146 prevents the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14 from contacting the housing body 11.

[0147] In addition, limiting pieces 145a and 146a protruding outward from both ends in the width direction (Y direction) are formed on the bottom wall body 145 and the contact protection portion 146. When the second main body 140 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2, the limiting pieces 145a and 146a are used to prevent the second main body 140 from being pressed (inserted) obliquely.

[0148] The side wall 144 includes a side wall body 147 and a contact piece 148. The side wall body 147 is set to be continuous with the bottom wall body 145 at the lower end. The contact piece 148 can be elastically deformed and set to be continuous with the front end of the side wall body 147, and is used to contact the contact part 240a of the socket connector 2.

[0149] A restriction protrusion 147 a is formed at the upper end of the side wall body 147 , and when the second body portion 140 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2 , the restriction protrusion 147 a suppresses the second body portion 140 from floating up.

[0150] In addition, the contact piece 148 includes an inner bent piece 148a and an outer bent piece 148b. The inner bent piece 148a is set to be continuous with the front end of the side wall body 147 in a manner of bending inwardly in the width direction, and the outer bent piece 148b is set to be continuous with the front end of the inner bent piece 148a in a manner of bending inwardly in the width direction.

[0151] In this embodiment, the contact piece 148 is provided to be continuous with the pair of side wall bodies 147, 147, respectively, and is formed to be substantially line symmetrical in a plan view. That is, the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 includes inner curved pieces 148a, 148a that are curved in a direction approaching each other as they go forward, and outer curved pieces 148b, 148b that are curved in a direction separating from each other as they go forward.

[0152] Furthermore, the contact portion 240a of the socket connector 2 is clamped at the portion where the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 are closest to each other (the portion where the inner curved piece 148a and the outer curved piece 148b are provided continuously) (see Figure 4 (b)). Thus, in this embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 functions as the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14. Also, the pair of outer bent pieces 148b functions as guides for more smoothly introducing the contact portion 240a of the socket connector 2.

[0153] In the present embodiment, the rearwardly protruding extension wall 149 is provided to be continuous with the rear end of one of the pair of side wall bodies 147 , 147 , and the second body portion 140 is formed in a shape protruding rearwardly on one side.

[0154] A press-fitting protrusion 149 a is formed at the upper end of the extending wall 149 , and the second main body portion 140 is pressed into the second space S2 by causing the press-fitting protrusion 149 a to be sunk into the housing body 11 .

[0155] In addition, in the present embodiment, a groove 111a is formed in which the upper end of the side wall 144 of the upper plug terminal 14 is inserted, and the upper plug terminal 14 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2. Therefore, even when the upper plug terminal 14 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2 by pressing the side wall 144 on one side protruding toward the rear of the second body 140, the displacement of the upper plug terminal 14 can be suppressed. As a result, the upper plug terminal 14 can be pressed (inserted) into the second space S2 more smoothly and more accurately.

[0156] Furthermore, the second leg portion 141 is extended from the rear end portion of the extension wall 149 toward the bottom (cable 1A: mounted member). The length of the second leg portion 141 in the vertical direction is longer than the length of the first leg portion 131 in the vertical direction. Thus, in the present embodiment, the second leg portion 141 is extended from the second main body portion 140 in a state of being pressed (inserted) into the second space S2 along the thickness direction of the housing. In addition, the second mounting piece 142 is provided to be continuous with the lower end of the second leg portion 141 in a manner of protruding toward the rear.

[0157] Thus, in the present embodiment, the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 132 is provided to be continuous with the first leg portion 131 in a manner protruding forward (on one side) in the front-rear direction (X direction: the insertion direction of the main body into the space). In addition, the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 142 is provided to be continuous with the second leg portion 141 in a manner protruding rearward (on the other side) in the front-rear direction (X direction: the insertion direction of the main body into the space).

[0158] In addition, when the first body 130 and the second body 140 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2, the positions of the first leg 131 and the second leg 141 in the front-rear direction are substantially the same (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 to Figure 7 ). Furthermore, when the first body portion 130 and the second body portion 140 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2, the positions of the first leg portion 131 and the second leg portion 141 in the width direction are shifted by approximately half a pitch.

[0159] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in a state where the plurality of plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 , the mounting portions (the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 ) are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0160] Furthermore, when the first main body 130 is inserted into the first space S1, the first mounting piece 132 is accommodated in the recess 112c formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 112. On the other hand, when the second main body 140 is inserted into the second space S2, the second mounting piece 142 is located at a position rearward of the insertion port S2a of the second space S2.

[0161] Therefore, when viewed from above in a state where the plurality of plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 and attached to the cable 1A, the first attachment piece 132 overlaps the plug housing 10. On the other hand, when viewed from above in a state where the plurality of plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 and attached to the cable 1A, the second attachment piece 142 is exposed from the plug housing 10.

[0162] That is, when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, when the plug housing 10 is viewed in the normal direction of the mounting surface 1 aA, either the first mounting piece 132 or the second mounting piece 142 (mounting portion) overlaps the plug housing 10 .

[0163] Thus, in this embodiment, when the plurality of plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 , the mounting portions (the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 ) are arranged in a staggered manner on both sides of the insertion port (rear end edge) separated by a space.

[0164] The second leg portion 141 and the second mounting piece 142 are also formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and are formed so that the plate thickness direction is substantially the same direction as the plate thickness direction of the side wall body 147 .

[0165] Therefore, when the second body 140 is inserted into the second space S2 and the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 142 is mounted on the cable (mounted member) 1A, the plate thickness direction of the second leg 141 becomes the width direction (Y direction). That is, when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the plate thickness direction of the second leg 141 becomes a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the second body 140 into the second space S2 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0166] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the main bodies 130 and 140 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are inserted into the spaces S1 and S2, the insertion port S1a is divided into two regions by the second leg portion 141 when viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction. That is, when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the insertion port S1a of the first space S1 is divided into two regions by the second leg portion 141 when the plug housing is viewed along the insertion direction in which the main bodies 130 and 140 are inserted into the spaces S1 and S2.

[0167] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, at the position where the first main body 130 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1, the first leg 131 is inserted into the groove 112b and is held in a state where movement in the width direction (Y direction; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the groove 112b formed in the bottom wall 112 of the housing body 11 functions as a first leg holding portion for holding the first leg 131. In this way, the plug connector 1 has a first leg holding portion connected to the plug housing 10 and for holding the first leg 131. In the present embodiment, the first leg holding portion is formed integrally with the plug housing 10. Furthermore, the first leg holding portion may be formed by connecting a member independent of the plug housing 10 to the plug housing 10.

[0168] In addition, at the position where the second main body 140 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2, the second leg 141 is inserted into the groove 115b and the groove 112a and is held in a state where movement in the width direction (Y direction; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the groove 115b formed in the partition wall 115 of the housing body 11 and the groove 112a formed in the bottom wall 112 function as a second leg holding portion for holding the second leg 141. In this way, the plug connector 1 has a second leg holding portion connected to the plug housing 10 and for holding the second leg 141. In the present embodiment, the second leg holding portion is also formed integrally with the plug housing 10, but the two may be formed independently of each other.

[0169] By so configuring, deformation of the first leg 131 and the second leg 141 can be suppressed when the main bodies 130 and 140 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are pressed (inserted) into the spaces S1 and S2 or when the plug terminals 13 and 14 pressed (inserted) into the spaces S1 and S2 are attached to the cable 1A.

[0170] [Configuration Example of Receptacle Connector 2]

[0171] Next, based on Figure 17 to Figure 22 An example of the structure of the receptacle connector 2 will be described.

[0172] like Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the socket connector 2 includes a socket housing (housing on the object side) 20 and socket terminals (terminals on the object side: lower socket terminals 23 and upper socket terminals 24) held in the socket housing 20. In addition, the socket connector 2 includes a retaining fitting (retaining fitting on the object side) 25 held in the socket housing 20.

[0173] The socket connector 2 is mounted on the circuit substrate 2A as the target member on the other side by mounting the socket terminals 23 and 24 held in the socket housing 20 on the conductor portion 2bA of the circuit substrate 2A disposed outside the socket housing 20. The socket terminals 23 and 24 are also mounted on the conductor portion 2bA by soldering or the like. The socket housing 20 is fixed to the circuit substrate 2A by soldering or the like while the retaining fitting 25 is held in the socket housing 20.

[0174] In addition, the circuit board 2A is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and includes a substrate body 2aA formed of a rigid and insulating resin material, etc. In addition, a conductor portion 2bA and a fixing portion 2cA are formed in a manner exposed to a front surface 21aA of the substrate body 2aA. Thus, in this embodiment, the front surface 21aA of the substrate body 2aA serves as a mounting surface.

[0175] The socket housing 20 includes a housing body 21 having rigidity, and the socket housing 20 can be formed using, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0176] In addition, a lock portion insertion portion 22 into which a lock portion 12 for holding the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 in a mated state or releasing the mated state is formed at an upper portion of the housing body 21 .

[0177] Thus, in the present embodiment, the socket housing 20 includes the housing body 21 and the locking portion insertion portion 22 formed in the housing body 21 .

[0178] The shell body 21 includes a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212, a side wall 213 and a rear wall 214. The side walls 213 are a pair and are arranged to make the two ends of the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212 continuous in the width direction (Y direction), and the rear wall 214 is arranged to be continuous with the rear ends of the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212 and the side walls 213, 213.

[0179] Furthermore, a locking portion insertion portion 22 is formed in the central portion in the width direction of the top wall 211. Specifically, the locking portion insertion portion 22 is formed on the inner side of the top wall 211 and has a storage portion 221 for storing the rod portion 121. An engaging recess (engaging portion) 221a for engaging with the engaging protrusion 121b of the locking portion 12 is formed in the central portion of the storage portion 221 in the front-back direction.

[0180] In addition, insertion spaces S8 into which the upper arm portion 33 of the sliding member 3 is inserted are formed on both sides in the width direction of the storage portion 221. In addition, a protrusion (engaged portion) 211a protruding downward is formed on the top wall 211 so as to be arranged in the insertion space S8 when viewed in the insertion direction (front-rear direction; X direction). The protrusion 211a is used to bend the upper arm portion 33 downward, or the protrusion 211a is engaged with the engaging protrusion 33b formed at the top end of the upper arm portion 33.

[0181] In addition, a positioning protrusion 212b protruding upward is formed in the center portion in the width direction of the bottom wall 212. The positioning protrusion 212b is formed to correspond to the notch 11aA and the notch 14aA. When the plug housing 10 and the receptacle housing 20 are mated, the positioning protrusion 212b is inserted into the notch 11aA and the notch 14aA, and the cable 1A is positioned in the width direction by the positioning protrusion 212b.

[0182] In addition, a plurality of spaces penetrating in the front-to-back direction are formed in the rear wall 214. In the present embodiment, the plurality of spaces arranged in the width direction (Y direction) are formed in two stages in the up-down direction (Z direction). In addition, when the housing body 21 is viewed from the rear in the front-to-back direction, the plurality of spaces are formed in a staggered shape. By such an arrangement, the receptacle connector 2 is miniaturized in the width direction.

[0183] Then, the lower socket terminals 23 and the upper socket terminals 24 are respectively pressed (inserted) into the spaces penetrating in the front-rear direction.

[0184] Specifically, a space formed on the lower side (mounting surface 21 aA side) of the housing body 21 serves as a first space S3 into which the lower socket terminal 23 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0185] On the other hand, a space formed on the upper side of the housing body 21 (a position farther from the mounting surface 21 aA than the first space S3 ) serves as a second space S4 into which the upper socket terminal 24 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0186] Furthermore, the lower socket terminal 23 is pressed (inserted) forward from the opening on the rear end side of the first space S3, and the opening on the rear end side of the first space S3 becomes the insertion port S3a. Similarly, the upper socket terminal 24 is pressed (inserted) forward from the opening on the rear end side of the second space S4, and the opening on the rear end side of the second space S4 becomes the insertion port S4a.

[0187] In addition, a fitting space S5 opened forward (toward the plug connector 1 side) is formed in the housing body 21. The fitting space S5 is a space into which the housing body 11 of the plug housing 10 is inserted and fitted, and is defined by the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212, the rear wall 214, and the pair of side walls 213, 213. Therefore, the first space S3 and the second space S4 are formed to communicate with the fitting space S5, respectively.

[0188] In this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 214a extending in the vertical direction and protruding rearward are arranged in the width direction at the rear end of the rear wall 214. Specifically, the protrusions 214a are formed between the first space S3 and the second space S4 adjacent to each other in the width direction.

[0189] A recess 212a is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 212. The recess 212a is open downward and rearward and extends in the front-rear direction. The recess 212a is used to accommodate the mounting piece (mounting portion on the other side) 242 of the upper socket terminal 24 in the state of being pressed (inserted).

[0190] In addition, holding metal fitting attachment portions 213 a and 213 a for holding the holding metal fitting 25 are respectively formed on the pair of side walls 213 and 213 .

[0191] In this embodiment, the retaining fitting mounting portion 213a includes a recess 213b and cutouts 213c, 213c, wherein the recess 213b is open to the outside in the vertical direction and the width direction, and the cutouts 213c, 213c are provided to be continuous with the inner side in the width direction of the recess 213b, and the two ends in the front-back direction of the main body 251 of the retaining fitting 25 are inserted. In addition, the retaining piece 252 provided to be continuous with the lower end of the main body 251 is fixed to the fixing portion 2cA of the circuit substrate 2A while the retaining fitting 25 is retained in the socket housing 20, thereby fixing the socket housing 20 to the circuit substrate 2A.

[0192] In addition, in the present embodiment, the socket terminal includes a main body, a leg and a mounting portion, the main body is inserted into a space formed in the socket housing 20, the leg is extended from the main body toward the mounting surface 21aA of the circuit substrate 2A when the socket terminal is mounted on the circuit substrate (mounted component) 2A, and the mounting portion is arranged to be continuous with the leg and can be mounted on the circuit substrate 2A.

[0193] Specifically, the socket terminal includes a lower socket terminal 23 pressed into (inserted into) a first space S3 formed at the lower side (mounting surface 21aA side) of the housing body 21. In addition, the socket terminal includes an upper socket terminal 24 pressed into (inserted into) a second space S4 formed at the upper side of the housing body 21 (a position farther from the mounting surface 21aA than the first space S3).

[0194] In this embodiment, the lower socket terminals 23 are conductive and are arranged in a plurality along the width direction (Y direction) of the socket housing 20. Fig.21 As shown, the lower socket terminal 23 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is pressed (inserted) from the rear into the first space S3 formed in the housing body 21 in a state where the plate thickness direction and the width direction (Y direction) are roughly consistent. The first space S3 is formed. Such a lower socket terminal 23 can be formed by, for example, punching a metal thin plate.

[0195] In addition, the lower socket terminal 23 includes a first main body (main body on the object side) 230 pressed (inserted) into the first space S3. In addition, the lower socket terminal 23 includes a first leg (leg on the object side) 231 and a first mounting piece (mounting portion on the object side) 232, wherein the first leg (leg on the object side) 231 is extended from the first main body 230 toward the mounting surface 21aA in a state where the lower socket terminal 23 is mounted on the circuit substrate (mounted member) 2A, and the first mounting piece (mounting portion on the object side) 232 is provided to be continuous with the first leg 231 and can be mounted on the circuit substrate 2A.

[0196] A substantially rod-shaped contact portion (contact portion on the counterpart side) 230a is formed at the front end of the first main body 230 so as to protrude forward. In addition, press-in protrusions 230b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the first main body 230, and the first main body 230 is pressed into the first space S3 by causing the press-in protrusions 230b to sink into the housing body 21. In addition, when the first main body 230 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S3, the contact portion 230a is arranged in the fitting space S5.

[0197] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first leg portion 231 is extended from the rear end portion of the first main body portion 230 toward the bottom (circuit board 2A: mounted member). Specifically, the first leg portion 231 is formed into a shape bent like a crankshaft, and the lower end is located at a position further back than the first main body portion 230. Thus, in the present embodiment, the first leg portion 231 is extended from the first main body portion 230 in a state of being pressed (inserted) into the first space S3 in the thickness direction of the housing (up and down direction). Furthermore, the first mounting piece 232 is provided to be continuous with the lower end of the first leg portion 231 in a manner protruding toward the rear.

[0198] On the other hand, the upper socket terminals 24 also have conductivity, and are arranged in a plurality along the width direction (Y direction) of the socket housing 20. Fig. 22 As shown, the upper socket terminal 24 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is pressed (inserted) from the rear side into the second space S4 formed in the housing body 21 in a state where the plate thickness direction and the width direction (Y direction) are roughly consistent. The second space S4 is formed in the housing body 21. Such an upper socket terminal 24 can also be formed by punching a metal thin plate, for example.

[0199] In addition, the upper socket terminal 24 includes a second main body (main body on the object side) 240 pressed (inserted) into the second space S4. In addition, the upper socket terminal 24 includes a second leg (leg on the object side) 241 and a second mounting piece (mounting portion on the object side) 242, wherein the second leg (leg on the object side) 241 is extended from the second main body 240 toward the mounting surface 21aA in a state where the upper socket terminal 24 is mounted on the circuit substrate (mounted member) 2A, and the second mounting piece (mounting portion on the object side) 242 is provided to be continuous with the second leg 241 and can be mounted on the circuit substrate 2A.

[0200] A substantially rod-shaped contact portion (contact portion on the counterpart side) 240a is formed at the front end of the second main body 240 so as to protrude forward. In addition, press-in protrusions 240b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the second main body 240, and the second main body 240 is pressed into the second space S4 by causing the press-in protrusions 240b to sink into the housing body 21. In addition, when the second main body 240 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S4, the contact portion 240a is arranged in the fitting space S5.

[0201] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second leg portion 241 is extended in a substantially linear manner from the rear end portion of the second main body portion 240 toward the bottom (circuit board 2A: mounted member). Thus, in the present embodiment, the second leg portion 241 is extended in the housing thickness direction (up-down direction) from the second main body portion 240 that is pressed (inserted) into the second space S4. The length of the second leg portion 241 in the up-down direction is longer than the length of the first leg portion 231 in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the first mounting piece 232 is provided to be continuous with the lower end of the second leg portion 241 in a manner that protrudes toward the front.

[0202] Thus, in the present embodiment, the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 242 is provided to be continuous with the second leg portion 241 in a manner protruding forward (on one side) in the front-rear direction (X direction: the insertion direction of the main body into the space). In addition, the first mounting piece 232 is provided to be continuous with the first leg portion 231 in a manner protruding rearward (the other side) in the front-rear direction (X direction: the insertion direction of the main body into the space).

[0203] That is, in a state where the plurality of socket terminals are held in the socket housing 20 , the mounting portions (the first mounting pieces 232 and the second mounting pieces 242 ) are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0204] Furthermore, when the second main body 240 is inserted into the second space S4, the second mounting piece 242 is accommodated in the recess 212a formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 212. On the other hand, when the first main body 230 is inserted into the first space S3, the first mounting piece 232 is located at a position rearward of the insertion port S3a of the first space S3.

[0205] Therefore, when viewed from above in a state where the plurality of socket terminals 23 and 24 are held in the socket housing 20 and mounted on the circuit board 2A, the second mounting piece 242 overlaps the socket housing 20. On the other hand, when viewed from above in a state where the plurality of socket terminals 23 and 24 are held in the socket housing 20 and mounted on the circuit board 2A, the first mounting piece 232 is exposed from the socket housing 20.

[0206] That is, when the socket connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 2A, when the socket housing 20 is viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 21 aA, any one of the first mounting piece 232 and the second mounting piece 242 (mounting portion) overlaps the socket housing 20 .

[0207] Thus, in this embodiment, when the plurality of socket terminals 23 and 24 are held in the socket housing 20, the mounting portions (first mounting pieces 232 and second mounting pieces 242) are arranged in a staggered manner on both sides of the insertion port (rear end edge) separated by a space.

[0208] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, at the position where the first main body 230 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S3, the first leg 231 is held between the protrusions 214a in a state where movement in the width direction (Y direction; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the protrusions 214a formed on the rear wall 214 of the housing body 21 function as the first leg holding portion for holding the first leg 231. In this way, the socket connector 2 includes a first leg holding portion connected to the socket housing 20 and used to hold the first leg 231. In the present embodiment, the first leg holding portion is formed integrally with the socket housing 20. Furthermore, a member independent of the socket housing 20 may be connected to the socket housing 20 to form the first leg holding portion.

[0209] In addition, at the position where the second main body 240 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S4, the second leg 241 is held between the protrusions 214a in a state where movement in the width direction (Y direction; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the protrusions 214a formed on the rear wall 214 of the housing body 21 also function as a second leg holding portion for holding the second leg 241. In this way, the socket connector 2 includes a second leg holding portion connected to the socket housing 20 and for holding the second leg 241. In the present embodiment, the second leg holding portion is also formed integrally with the socket housing 20, but the two may be formed independently of each other.

[0210] By configuring in this manner, it is possible to suppress deformation of the leg portions 231 and 241 when the main bodies 230 and 240 of the socket terminals 23 and 24 are pressed (inserted) into the spaces S3 and S4 .

[0211] When the plug connector 1 is mated with the receptacle connector 2 having the above-described structure, the locking portion 12 of the plug housing 10 is inserted into the locking portion insertion portion 22 of the receptacle housing 20 , and the housing body 11 is inserted into the mating space S5 .

[0212] At this time, the engaging protrusion 121b of the rod 121 is pressed downward by the top wall 211 of the socket housing 20. Thus, when the engaging protrusion 121b is pressed downward by the top wall 211, the rear end portion (operating portion 121a) of the rod 121 is elastically deformed in a downwardly moving manner, so that the engaging protrusion 121b can move to the inner side of the locking portion insertion portion 22.

[0213] When the engaging protrusion 121b is moved to the inner side of the locking portion insertion portion 22, the downward pressure of the engaging protrusion 121b by the top wall 211 is released, and the engaging protrusion 121b moves upward under the elastic restoring force of the rod portion 121. Then, the engaging protrusion 121b moves upward and engages with the engaging recess 221a formed in the socket connector 2, thereby locking the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2 in a mating state.

[0214] In addition, in the middle of fitting the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2, the top end of the contact portion 230a of the lower socket terminal 23 is introduced from the introduction port S1b into the first space S1 formed in the plug housing 10 to make contact with the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13. In addition, in the present embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 230a is inserted between the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 and is clamped by the pair of contact pieces 138, 138, so that the lower plug terminal 13 and the lower socket terminal 23 are connected to be conductive.

[0215] Similarly, the top end of the contact portion 240a of the upper socket terminal 24 is introduced from the introduction port S2b into the second space S2 formed in the plug housing 10 to contact the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14. In the present embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 240a is inserted between and held by the pair of contact pieces 148, 148, so that the upper plug terminal 14 and the upper socket terminal 24 are connected to be conductive.

[0216] Thus, by fitting the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 together, the plug terminals 13 and the receptacle terminals 23 are connected to each other, and the plug terminals 14 and the receptacle terminals 24 are connected to each other, thereby forming a connector set C1 that electrically connects the cable 1A and the circuit board 2A.

[0217] On the other hand, when removing the plug connector 1 from the socket connector 2, the operating portion 121a of the rod portion 121 is first pressed to move the rod portion 121 downward. By such operation, the engaging protrusion 121b is also moved downward, and the engagement between the engaging protrusion 121b and the engaging recess 221a is released. And, in a state where the engagement between the engaging protrusion 121b and the engaging recess 221a is released, when the plug connector 1 is pulled relative to the socket connector 2 in the withdrawal direction, the plug connector 1 moves relative to the socket connector 2 in the withdrawal direction. In this way, when the plug connector 1 is moved relative to the socket connector 2 in the withdrawal direction, the conductive connection between the terminals is first released, and then the engagement between the housings is released. In this way, the plug connector 1 is removed from the socket connector 2.

[0218] [Configuration Example of Sliding Member 3]

[0219] Next, based on Fig.23 and Fig.24 An example of the structure of the sliding member 3 will be described.

[0220] The sliding member 3 has a substantially rectangular plate-shaped main body 31 , and a handle 31 a is formed on an upper portion of the main body 31 .

[0221] In addition, a pair of lower arm portions 32 are continuously provided on both sides in the width direction of the lower portion of the main body portion 31 so as to extend forward in the front-rear direction. The pair of lower arm portions 32 are provided in a cantilever state to be continuous with the main body portion 31 and are formed to be elastically deformable in the width direction. A locking protrusion 32a is formed at the top end (front end) of the lower arm portion 32 so as to protrude outward in the width direction.

[0222] On the other hand, a pair of upper arm portions 33 are continuously provided on both sides in the width direction of the upper portion of the main body portion 31 so as to extend forward in the front-rear direction. The pair of upper arm portions 33 are provided in a cantilever state to be continuous with the main body portion 31, and are formed to be elastically deformable in the up-down direction (a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal). In the present embodiment, the pair of upper arm portions 33 are formed so that the root side (the side provided to be continuous with the main body portion 31) is wider. In addition, an engaging protrusion (engaging portion) 33b is formed at the top (front end) of the upper arm portion 33 so as to protrude upward.

[0223] In addition, a protrusion 33 a protruding upward is formed at a substantially central portion of the upper arm portion 33 in the front-rear direction.

[0224] Furthermore, a restriction protrusion (restriction portion) 31 b extending forward and upward is formed at the center in the width direction of the lower portion of the main body portion 31 .

[0225] In addition, in the present embodiment, a protrusion 32b protruding upward is formed at the top end (front end) of the lower arm 32, and the thickness of the top end of the lower arm 32 in the vertical direction is greater than the gap between the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 33 (the maximum distance in the vertical direction). That is, for the sliding member 3, the protrusion 32b is formed at the top end of the lower arm 32. And the thickness of the portion of the lower arm 32 where the protrusion 32b is formed is made greater than the gap between the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 33 (the maximum distance in the vertical direction). In addition, a protrusion 33c protruding downward is formed at the top end (front end) of the upper arm 33, and the thickness of the top end of the upper arm 33 in the vertical direction is greater than the gap between the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 33 (the maximum distance in the vertical direction). That is, for the sliding member 3, the protrusion 33c is formed at the top end of the upper arm 33. Furthermore, the thickness of the portion of the upper arm 33 where the protrusion 33c is formed is made larger than the gap (maximum distance in the vertical direction) between the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 33. At this time, the lower arm 32 is formed so that its top end protrudes further forward than the top end of the upper arm 33, and when the upper arm 33 is elastically deformed in the vertical direction, the protrusion 33c and the protrusion 32b do not interfere with each other.

[0226] Furthermore, the width of the front end side of the lower arm portion 32 protruding forward is also larger than the gap between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 (the maximum distance in the up-down direction).

[0227] By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 33 of the sliding member 3 from being inserted into the gap between the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 33 of the other sliding member 3, thereby preventing the arms from becoming entangled with each other. In this way, the sliding member 3 of the present embodiment is configured to prevent the arms from becoming entangled with each other without affecting the elastic deformation of the upper arm 33 in the vertical direction.

[0228] Next, based on Figure 25 to Figure 28 An example of the operation of the sliding member 3 will be described.

[0229] As described above, in this embodiment, the sliding member 3 functions as a CPA member. That is, the sliding member 3 is slidably mounted on the plug housing 10 so as to be restricted from sliding from the initial position (first position) to the sliding completion position (second position) when the plug housing 10 is not completely fitted to the socket housing 20. And, when the plug housing 10 is completely fitted to the socket housing 20, the sliding member 3 is allowed to slide from the initial position to the sliding completion position.

[0230] Specifically, the sliding member 3 is inserted into the insertion space S6 in a state where the tip of the lower arm portion 32 is bent inward in the width direction. At this time, the tip of the upper arm portion 33 is also inserted into the insertion space S6.

[0231] Furthermore, when the sliding member 3 is moved (inserted) forward by a predetermined amount in a state where the top ends of the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 are inserted into the insertion space S6, the top end of the lower arm portion 32 moves to a position forward of the step portion 116b formed in the upper partition wall 116 defining the recessed portion 11a. Thus, when the top end of the lower arm portion 32 moves to a position forward of the step portion 116b, the lower arm portion 32 moves in a direction of opening each other (outward in the width direction) under the action of the elastic restoring force, so that the locking protrusion 32a of the lower arm portion 32 is locked to the step portion 116b. Thus, the sliding member 3 is slidably held (temporarily held) in the plug housing 10 (see FIG. 1 ) while the sliding member 3 is suppressed from being separated from the housing body 11. Fig.25 ).

[0232] In addition, when the locking protrusion 32a of the lower arm portion 32 is locked to the step portion 116b, the upper arm portion 33 is arranged so that the protrusion 33a is opposite to the limiting protrusion (sliding limiting portion) 111b behind the limiting protrusion (sliding limiting portion) 111b (see Fig.26 ).

[0233] Therefore, when the sliding member 3 is temporarily held in the plug housing 10 not engaged with the socket housing 20 and the sliding member 3 is to be slid forward, the protrusion 33a of the upper arm portion 33 abuts against the limiting protrusion 111b, thereby limiting the sliding member 3 from further moving forward.

[0234] In the present embodiment, by forming the above-mentioned structure, the slide member 3 cannot be slid from the initial position to the slide completion position in the state where the plug housing 10 is not completely fitted into the socket housing 20. In addition, in the present embodiment, the position of the slide member 3 in the state where the locking protrusion 32a of the lower arm portion 32 is locked to the step portion 116b is set as the initial position of the slide member 3.

[0235] Furthermore, when the plug housing 10 temporarily holding the sliding member 3 is fitted into the socket housing 20, the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper arm portion 33 abuts against the protrusion 211a of the top wall 211 and is pressed downward during the period from the start of fitting to the completion of fitting. Furthermore, when the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 are fitted, the top end of the engaging protrusion 33b abuts against the lower surface of the protrusion 211a, and the upper arm portion 33 is bent downward. At this time, the protrusion 33a of the upper arm portion 33 also moves downward and is located below the limiting protrusion (slide limiting portion) 111b (see FIG. 1 ). Fig. 27 ).

[0236] Therefore, when the plug housing 10 is fitted into the receptacle housing 20, the restriction of the forward movement of the protrusion 33a by the restriction protrusion 111b is released, so that the slide member 3 can slide forward. In this way, in the present embodiment, the upper arm 33 that can be elastically deformed up and down and the protrusion 33a formed on the upper arm 33 so as to be able to abut against the restriction protrusion 111b function as a slide lock mechanism.

[0237] Then, the slide member 3 is slid forward so that the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper arm portion 33 is engaged with the front end of the protrusion 211a of the top wall 211, thereby also locking the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 in the mating state by the slide member 3 (see Fig.28 In addition, in the present embodiment, the position of the sliding member 3 in a state where the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper arm 33 is engaged with the front end of the protrusion 211a of the top wall 211 is defined as the sliding completion position of the sliding member 3 (completion position: second position).

[0238] By configuring in this manner, the connector set C1 is doubly locked by the lever portion 121 and the slide member 3 .

[0239] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the sliding member 3 is slid to the sliding completion position (completion position), the limiting protrusion (limiting portion) 31b is inserted into the deflection allowable space S7. And, the downward movement of the rod 121 is limited by the limiting protrusion 31b inserted into the deflection allowable space S7. At this time, it is preferred that the upward protrusion amount of the limiting protrusion 31b is set so that the engaging protrusion 121b and the engaging recess 221a are always engaged even when the rod 121 is in contact with the limiting protrusion 31b. When it is set in that way, it can be configured so that the locking achieved by the rod 121 cannot be released unless the locking achieved by the sliding member 3 is released, and the locked state can be maintained more reliably.

[0240] In addition, when releasing the engagement of the connector group C1 doubly locked by the rod 121 and the sliding member 3, the sliding member 3 at the sliding completion position is first slid to the initial position. In the present embodiment, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 33b and the protrusion 211a is released by pulling the sliding member 3 strongly backward (toward the initial position). Therefore, for example, when the operator holds the handle 31a and pulls the sliding member 3 strongly backward, the sliding member 3 slides to the initial position.

[0241] In this way, by sliding the slide member 3 to the initial position, the restriction on the downward movement of the rod portion 121 can be released, and the lock by the rod portion 121 can be released.

[0242] Then, the plug connector 1 is removed from the receptacle connector 2 by performing the above-mentioned operation of removing the plug connector 1 from the receptacle connector 2 .

[0243] [Function and Effect]

[0244] As described above, the plug connector (connector) 1 of the present embodiment has a plug housing (housing) 10 and terminals (lower plug terminals 13 and upper plug terminals 14), and the above-mentioned terminals have a first mounting piece (mounting portion) mounted on the cable (connected component) 1A, a second mounting piece (mounting portion) and are retained in the plug housing 10.

[0245] The plug housing 10 has a recess 112e for accommodating and holding the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A and a projection 112d that projects relative to the thickness of the connected portion 10A and defines the recess 112e. The projection 112d is formed only on the peripheral edge of the plug housing 10.

[0246] Thus, the projection 112d that defines the shape (outline shape) of the connected portion 10A and its arrangement position in the recess 112e is not present in the central portion of the plug housing 10, thereby further improving the freedom of shape of the connected portion 10A and its arrangement in the recess 112e.

[0247] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the plug connector (connector) 1 which can further improve the degree of freedom in connecting the cable (connected member) 1A to the plug housing (housing) 10 .

[0248] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of terminals (the lower plug terminals 13 and the upper plug terminals 14 ) are held by the plug housing 10 so as to be arranged side by side in the width direction (Y direction: one direction).

[0249] In addition, when the plurality of terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 , the tips of the mounting portions (the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 ) of the plurality of terminals 13 and 14 protrude toward the recess 112 e relative to the plug housing 10 .

[0250] The protrusion 112d is formed so as not to overlap with the plurality of mounting portions 132 and 142 when the plug housing 10 holding the plurality of terminals 13 and 14 is viewed in the front-rear direction (X direction: a direction intersecting the one direction).

[0251] Thus, when the plug housing 10 is observed in the front-to-back direction (X direction: cross direction) with the terminals (the lower plug terminals 13 and the upper plug terminals 14) being held therein, the top ends of the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the respective plug terminals can be visually identified regardless of whether the observation is made from the front side or the rear side.

[0252] In the present embodiment, the mounting portions 132 , 142 are formed in a thin plate shape, and the plurality of terminals 13 , 14 are arranged in a row along the plate thickness direction of the mounting portions 132 , 142 .

[0253] Thus, the mounting parts 132 and 142 can be prevented from deforming in the vertical direction (direction intersecting the plate thickness direction). Therefore, even when the mounting parts 132 and 142 are mounted on the cable 1A in the form of a sheet that can be bent in the vertical direction, the mounting parts 132 and 142 can be prevented from being deformed due to the shaking of the cable 1A in the vertical direction.

[0254] In this embodiment, the terminals 13 and 14 have main bodies (first main body 130 and second main body 140 ) inserted and held in the plug housing 10 . The above-mentioned intersecting direction is made to coincide with the insertion direction of the main bodies 130 and 140 into the plug housing 10 .

[0255] In this way, if the direction in which the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14, i.e., the cross direction, is made to coincide with the insertion direction of the main body 130 and 140 into the plug housing 10, the separation distance in the width direction of the mounting portions 132 and 142 of each terminal 13 and 14 can be maximized when viewed from the cross direction. In other words, the direction in which the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 and the direction in which the top end of each mounting portion can be more clearly visually recognized can be made to coincide with each other.

[0256] In the present embodiment, the sheet-shaped cable 1A is used as a connected member to which the terminals 13 and 14 held by the plug housing 10 are attached.

[0257] In this way, the degree of freedom in connecting the cable 1A to the plug housing (housing) 10 can be further improved.

[0258] In the present embodiment, the cable 1A includes the connection region 11A and the extension region 12A extending from the connection region 11A. The connected portion 10A includes the connection region 11A and a reinforcing plate 14A attached to the connection region 11A to reinforce the connection region 11A.

[0259] In this way, the cable 1A can be more firmly connected to the plug housing (housing) 10 .

[0260] In addition, in the present embodiment, the connector is set as the following plug connector 1, and when the terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 and the mounting portions 132 and 142 are mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, the connector is engaged with the socket connector (connector on the object side) 2, so that the terminals 13 and 14 are electrically connected to the terminals (terminals on the object side: lower socket terminals 23 and upper socket terminals 24) possessed by the socket connector 2.

[0261] In this way, it is possible to obtain the plug connector 1 which can further improve the degree of freedom in connecting the cable (connected member) 1A to the plug housing (housing) 10 .

[0262] However, as in the present embodiment, when the plurality of terminals 13, 14 are held in the plug housing 10, the top ends of the mounting portions 132, 142 protrude toward the recess 112e relative to the plug housing 10. In this case, in order to more reliably mount the mounting portions 132, 142 to the cable 1A, it is necessary to make the protrusion amounts of the mounting portions 132, 142 from the lower end of the plug housing 10 consistent.

[0263] Normally, the mounting portions 132 , 142 of the terminals 13 , 14 held in the plug housing 10 are photographed by the camera 42 while irradiating light from the lamp 41 , thereby confirming the protrusion amount of each mounting portion 132 , 142 from the lower end of the plug housing 10 .

[0264] Here, if Fig.29 As shown, when a protrusion 112d is formed in the front in the front-to-back direction in a manner overlapping with the mounting parts 132, 142 when viewed from the front, the mounting parts 132, 142 are hidden behind the protrusion 112d when viewed from the front side in the front-to-back direction, and therefore, when confirming the protruding amount of each mounting part 132, 142, it is necessary to photograph the mounting parts 132, 142 while irradiating light from the rear side.

[0265] In addition, when the plate thickness direction and the width direction of each mounting portion 132, 142 are made consistent, it is preferred to bend the lower end of each mounting portion 132, 142 so that it is easy to form a solder fillet (Japanese: フィレット) when installing using soldering. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower end of each mounting portion 132, 142 is bent.

[0266] However, when the lower end of each mounting portion 132, 142 is bent, light irradiating the bent portion is diffusely reflected, blurring the lower end. Therefore, when photographing in a state where light is irradiated from the rear side of each mounting portion 132, 142, it is necessary to confirm the position of the edge portion of the upper end of each mounting portion 132, 142, and estimate the protrusion amount of each mounting portion 132, 142 (the position of the lower end of each mounting portion 132, 142) based on the position of the edge and the thickness of each mounting portion 132, 142 in the vertical direction.

[0267] However, as in the present embodiment, when the thickness direction and width direction of each mounting portion 132, 142 are aligned, the dimensional tolerance in the vertical direction generated when forming the terminals 13, 14 is large, and therefore the accurate protrusion amount of each mounting portion 132, 142 cannot be confirmed by the above-mentioned estimation method.

[0268] In this way, when the thickness direction and width direction of each mounting portion 132, 142 are aligned and the lower end of each mounting portion 132, 142 is bent to facilitate the formation of the solder fillet, when photographing the mounting portion 132, 142 with light irradiated from the rear side, the accurate protrusion amount of each mounting portion 132, 142 cannot be confirmed. Fig.29 As shown, when the protrusion 112d is formed in the front in the front-rear direction, when the terminals 13 and 14 shown in this embodiment are used, the accurate protrusion amount of each mounting portion 132 and 142 cannot be confirmed.

[0269] In contrast, as in the present embodiment, when the plug housing 10 holding the plurality of terminals 13 and 14 is viewed in the front-rear direction, if the protrusion 112d does not overlap the plurality of mounting portions 132 and 142, it is possible to shoot the image in a state where light is irradiated from the front side to the mounting portions 132 and 142 (see FIG. Fig.30 Furthermore, if the image is taken in a state where the light is irradiated from the front side to each mounting portion 132, 142, the top end of each mounting portion 132, 142 can be more clearly reflected than in a case where the light is irradiated from the rear side.

[0270] In this way, when observing the plug housing 10 holding the plurality of terminals 13, 14 in the front-to-back direction, if the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the plurality of mounting portions 132, 142, the protrusion amount of each mounting portion 132, 142 from the lower end of the plug housing 10 can be more accurately confirmed even when using the terminals 13, 14 shown in this embodiment.

[0271] In addition, if Fig.29 As shown, even if the protrusion 112d is formed in the front in the front-to-rear direction in a manner overlapping with the mounting portions 132 and 142 when viewed from the front, if the protrusion 112d is formed only on the peripheral portion of the plug housing 10, the shape freedom of the connected portion 10A and the configuration freedom in the recess 112e can be further improved.

[0272] [other]

[0273] As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of this disclosure was described, this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and its modification, and various modifications are possible.

[0274] For example, in the above embodiment, a structure in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in two stages, upper and lower, is exemplified. However, a connector in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in only one stage or a connector in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in three or more stages may also be configured.

[0275] Furthermore, although the connector in which the terminals arranged at the same level have the same shape is exemplified, a connector in which a plurality of types of terminals are arranged at the same level may be configured.

[0276] In the above embodiment, for each terminal, the plate thickness direction of each mounting portion is aligned with the terminal arrangement direction. However, the terminal can also be configured such that the plate thickness direction of each mounting portion is aligned with the vertical direction.

[0277] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a structure is illustrated in which the cross direction is consistent with the front-to-back direction (the insertion direction of the main body of the terminal), but the cross direction can be any direction that allows the mounting parts of the multiple terminals to be visually identified while the mounting parts of the multiple terminals are separated from each other, and it can also be a direction that crosses the front-to-back direction.

[0278] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the following structure is illustrated, in which no protrusion is formed on the entire portion where the terminal is present when viewed in the cross direction, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the following structure may be provided, in which a protrusion is formed in a manner overlapping with the terminal when viewed in the cross direction and a through hole is formed in the protrusion, and the top end of the mounting portion (the portion protruding from the housing) is located in the through hole when viewed in the cross direction.

[0279] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a connector having a sliding member is exemplified, but a connector not having a sliding member may also be configured.

[0280] In addition, the present disclosure may also be applied to connectors (plug connectors, socket connectors) that electrically connect substrates to each other and cables to each other. In addition, the present disclosure may also be applied to connectors (plug connectors, socket connectors) that electrically connect wires to substrates and connectors (plug connectors, socket connectors) that electrically connect wires to cables.

[0281] In addition, the specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) of the housing, terminals, and other detailed parts can be changed appropriately.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: The connector includes: a housing; and A plurality of terminals having mounting portions mounted on the connected member and held in the housing in a manner of being arranged in a row in one direction; The housing includes a recessed portion for accommodating and holding the connected portion of the connected member, and a protrusion that protrudes relative to the thickness of the connected portion to define the recessed portion. When the plurality of terminals are held in the housing, the top ends of the mounting portions of the plurality of terminals protrude toward the recessed portion relative to the housing. The protrusion is formed only on the peripheral portion of the shell, so that when the shell holding the multiple terminals is viewed along an intersecting direction that intersects the one direction and is parallel to the bottom surface of the recess, the protrusion does not overlap with the multiple mounting portions.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting portion is formed in a thin plate shape, The plurality of terminals are arranged in a row along a plate thickness direction of the mounting portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal has a main body portion inserted and held in the housing. The intersecting direction coincides with an insertion direction of the main body into the housing.

4. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connected member is a sheet-shaped cable.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cable comprises a connecting area and an extending area extending from the connecting area, The connected portion includes the connecting region and a reinforcing plate that is mounted on the connecting region and reinforces the connecting region.

6. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connector is fitted to a counterpart connector in a state where the terminal is held in the housing and the mounting portion is mounted on the connected member, thereby electrically connecting the terminal to a counterpart terminal of the counterpart connector.

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