Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly includes a first connector mountable on a circuit board and a second connector mateable with the first connector in a vertical direction and holding a terminal provided at an end of a cable connectable to the second connector and extending rearward. The first connector has a first rear engaging portion exposed toward a rear of the first connector and a first front engaging portion exposed toward a front of the first connector. The second connector has a second rear engaging portion and a second front engaging portion. In a state where the first connector is mated with the second connector, the second rear engaging portion is disposed at a rear side of the first rear engaging portion to engage with the first rear engaging portion, and the second front engaging portion is disposed at a front side of the first front engaging portion to engage with the first front engaging portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 201911132642.6 and with filing date November 19, 2019. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a connector assembly. BACKGROUND

[0003] Patent Document 1 (JP4115983B) discloses a connector assembly for electrically connecting a circuit board and a cable. In Patent Document 1, a connector (referred to as "board connector") mounted on a circuit board is capable of being mated with a connector (referred to as "cable connector") for holding a terminal of a cable in the up-down direction. The cable connector is disposed on the upper side of the board connector and is embedded in the inner side of the side walls on the left and right of the board connector. A recess is formed in the inner surface of the side walls of the board connector, and a protrusion that engages with the recess of the board connector is formed on the side surfaces on the left and right of the cable connector. Such a recess and a protrusion can restrict the separation of the two connectors.

[0004] When a cable connector is mated with a board connector, a force that pulls the cable backward and obliquely can be generated. In order to prevent this force from separating the two connectors, it is effective to increase the engagement force (degree of engagement of the recess and the protrusion) of the two connectors. However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, when the degree of engagement between the recess and the protrusion is increased, the force required for the worker to mate and separate the two connectors is too large, which deteriorates the workability. That is, in the conventional structure, it is difficult to improve the resistance to the force that pulls the cable backward and obliquely while maintaining the workability of the mating and separation work of the two connectors. SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide a connector assembly that can effectively prevent the separation of a first connector and a second connector.

[0006] A connector assembly according to the present application includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector being mountable on a circuit board, the second connector being capable of being mated with the first connector in the up-down direction and holding a terminal provided at an end portion of a cable, wherein the cable is connectable to the second connector and extends backward. The first connector has a first rear engagement portion exposed toward the rear of the first connector and a first front engagement portion exposed toward the front of the first connector. The second connector has a second rear engagement portion and a second front engagement portion. In a state in which the first connector is mated with the second connector, the second rear engagement portion is disposed on the rear side of the first rear engagement portion so as to engage with the first rear engagement portion, and the second front engagement portion is disposed on the front side of the first front engagement portion so as to engage with the first front engagement portion.

[0007] For example, if the cable is pulled backward, the connector assembly effectively prevents the first and second connectors from separating. Furthermore, the connector assembly facilitates the engagement of the second rear connector with the first rear connector.

[0008] Note that in the connector assembly, the cable and cable terminals are not elements of the second connector. When using the second connector, the cable terminals can be held by the second connector. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of an example of a connector assembly proposed in this invention.

[0010] Figure 2A This is a 3D view of the connector assembly.

[0011] Figure 2B This is another perspective view of the connector assembly.

[0012] Figure 3A This is a diagram illustrating the mating process of the two connectors that make up the connector assembly.

[0013] Figure 3B This is a diagram illustrating the mating process of the two connectors that make up the connector assembly.

[0014] Figure 3C This is a diagram illustrating the mating process of the two connectors that make up the connector assembly.

[0015] Figure 4A This is a side view showing the rear of the connector assembly.

[0016] Figure 4B This is a side view showing the front of the connector assembly.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a front view of the connector assembly.

[0018] Figure 6A This is an exploded perspective view of a first connector.

[0019] Figure 6B This is a perspective view showing the front side of the first connector.

[0020] Figure 6C This is a front view of the first connector.

[0021] Figure 6D This is a side view of the front of the first connector.

[0022] Figure 7A This is an exploded perspective view of a second connector.

[0023] Figure 7B It is a perspective view showing the front side of the second connector.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a top view showing the state where the first rear engaging portion of the first connector is engaged with the second rear engaging portion of the second connector.

[0025] Figure 9A It is a perspective view of a cable terminal.

[0026] Figure 9B It is a front view showing the state where the cable terminal is connected to a terminal of the first connector.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0028] 1 Connector assembly

[0029] 10 First connector

[0030] 11 Terminal

[0031] 11b Upper end

[0032] 20 Base

[0033] 21R, 21L Side walls

[0034] 21a Hole

[0035] 22 Front wall

[0036] 22a Hole

[0037] 22b Edge

[0038] 22c Upper end

[0039] 23A, 23B First front engaging portion

[0040] 23a Contact surface

[0041] 23b Guide surface

[0042] [[ID=�1]]23c Upper end

[0043] 23d Protrusion

[0044] 24A, 24B First rear engaging portion

[0045] 24a Upper part

[0046] 24b Vertical surface

[0047] 24c Inclined surface

[0048] 25 Reinforcing portion

[0049] 25a Inclined surface

[0050] 29 Bottom

[0051] 31 Reinforced Metal Fittings

[0052] 31a lower edge

[0053] 31b upper part

[0054] 61 Terminal holding section

[0055] 61a retaining hole

[0056] 61b side view

[0057] 62 front extension

[0058] 62e Connector

[0059] 63a contact surface

[0060] 63c, 63d

[0061] 64a contact surface

[0062] 64b rear

[0063] 64c end face

[0064] 66 sidewalls

[0065] 90 cable

[0066] 91 cable terminal

[0067] 91a core wire connector

[0068] 91b terminal connection part

[0069] 91c and 91d contact parts

[0070] 101 Circuit Board Detailed Implementation

[0071] The connector assembly proposed in this invention is described below. This specification describes as follows: Figure 1 Connector assembly 1 is shown as an example of a connector assembly. In the following description, Figure 1 The directions indicated by X1 and X2 are called right and left, respectively. Figure 1 The directions indicated by Y1 and Y2 are referred to as front and rear, respectively. Furthermore, the directions indicated by Z1 and Z2 are referred to as up and down, respectively. Although these directions are used to describe the relative positional relationships of the components, parts, and portions constituting the connector assembly, these descriptions of directions do not restrict the orientation of the connector assembly 1 during use.

[0072] like Figure 1As shown, connector assembly 1 has a first connector 10 and a second connector 60. The two connectors 10 and 60 can mate with each other in the vertical direction. Connector assembly 1 is used to connect circuit board 101 (see reference 1) Figure 2A A connector assembly that is electrically connected to multiple cables 90. The first connector 1 is a connector mounted on the circuit board 101, and the second connector 60 is a connector connected to the cables 90.

[0073] Description of the first connector

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the first connector 10 may include a base 20 and terminals 11 mounted on the base 20. For example, the base 20 is integrally molded from resin. The terminals 11 are formed of a conductive material (e.g., copper) and are connected to a conductive pad formed on a circuit board 101. For example, the terminals 11 are soldered to the conductive pad. The first connector 10 may have a plurality of terminals 11 arranged in a left-right direction. Although Figure 1 The number of terminals 11 shown is two, but the number of terminals 11 may also be one or three, for example. The base 20 may have left and right sidewalls 21R, 21L formed in the front-rear direction, and a front wall 22 formed between the foremost portions of the left and right sidewalls 21R, 21L. Terminals 11 are fixed to the front wall 22. Furthermore, the base 20 may have a bottom 29 formed between the lower edges of the left and right sidewalls 21R, 21L. The base 20 opens upwards and backwards.

[0075] A hole 22a is formed on the front wall 22, which extends through the front wall 22 in the front-rear direction (see reference). Figure 6A Terminal 11 is fixed within hole 22a. The front and rear portions of terminal 11 protrude forward and backward from front wall 22, respectively. For example, terminal 11 is pressed into and fixed within hole 22a. In contrast, terminal 11 can be insert-formed into first base 20. That is, during the molding of first base 20 from molten resin, terminal 11 can bond with cured resin.

[0076] Description of the second connector

[0077] like Figure 1 and Figure 7A As shown, the second connector 60 can hold a cable terminal 91 mounted at the end of each cable 90. The cables 90 are connected to the second connector 60 to extend rearward from the second connector 60. Multiple cables 90 arranged in a left-right direction can be connected to the second connector 60. Although the number of cables 90 connected to the second connector 60 is two, the number of cables 90 connected to the second connector 60 can also be, for example, one or three. In the mated state between the two connectors 10, 60, the multiple cable terminals 91 are respectively connected to multiple terminals 11 provided on the first connector 10.

[0078] like Figure 7A As shown, for example, the second connector 60 is integrally molded from resin. The second connector 60 may have a terminal holding portion 61f for holding a plurality of cable terminals 91. A holding hole 61a is formed on the terminal holding portion 61, extending from its rear end toward the front. The cable terminals 91 are inserted into and secured within the holding hole 61a. The holding hole 61a opens downward at the foremost part of the terminal holding portion 61 (see reference). Figure 7B ).

[0079] In the mating state between the first connector 10 and the second connector 60, the terminal retaining portion 61 of the second connector 60 is positioned between the left and right sidewalls 21R and 21L of the first connector 10. Furthermore, the terminal 11 is embedded in the retaining hole 61a to contact the foremost part of the cable terminal 91. The shape of the cable terminal 91 will be described later.

[0080] Explanation of the engagement structure and function of the two connectors

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown, the first connector 10 (specifically, the base 20) may have first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B. The first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B are formed on the left and right sidewalls 21R and 21L. Specifically, the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B are formed at the rear ends of the left and right sidewalls 21R and 21L. Furthermore, the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B are exposed towards the rear of the first connector 10. That is, from the rear view of the first connector 10, no part of the first connector 10 overlaps with the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B. Furthermore, as... Figure 2B and Figure 6B As shown, the first connector 10 (specifically, the base 20) may have first front engagement portions 23A and 23B. For example, the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B are formed on the front surface of the front wall 22 and protrude towards the front of the first connector 10. The two first front engagement portions 23A and 23B may be formed separately on the front wall 22 in the left-right direction. The number of first front engagement portions 23A and 23B is not limited to two; for example, the number of first front engagement portions 23A and 23B may be one, three, or more.

[0082] In contrast, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second connector 60 may have second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B at the rear of the second connector 60. For example, the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B protrude outward from the left and right sides 61b of the terminal holding portion 61 in the left-right direction, respectively. Furthermore, as... Figure 2B and Figure 7BAs shown, the second connector 60 may have second front engagement portions 63A and 63B. The second connector 60 has a front extension 62 extending forward from the terminal holding portion 61. For example, the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B are formed at the leading edge of the front extension 62 to extend downward from the front extension 62.

[0083] like Figure 1 and Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the second rear joints 64A and 64B are respectively positioned behind the first rear joints 24A and 24B to engage with the second rear joints 24A and 24B. Specifically, the front ends of the second rear joints 64A and 64B are positioned on the inclined surface 24c (described later) formed on the first rear joints 24A and 24B. Figure 4A The lower side of ). In addition, such as Figure 2B As shown, with the two connectors 10 and 60 mated together, the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B are positioned in front of the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B, respectively, to engage with them. That is, the lowermost part of the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B is positioned below the contact surface 23a (described later) formed on the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B (see reference). Figure 6B Therefore, when the two connectors 10 and 60 are mated, the first connector 10 is held in the front-to-back direction by the second front engagement portion 63A, 63B and the second rear engagement portion 64A, 64B of the second connector 60.

[0084] The second connector 60 is rotatable relative to the first connector 10 with the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B, which engage with the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B, as its center. Specifically, during the mating process of the connectors 10 and 60, the second connector 60 is first positioned at an angle relative to the first connector 10 so that the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B engage with the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B (see reference). Figure 3A When the front portion of the second connector 60 is lowered with the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B as the center, the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B abut against the front surfaces of the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B (see reference). Figure 3B And it slides downward on the front surface (guide surface 23b described later) of the first front engagement portions 23A, 23B. Further, the lowermost part of the second front engagement portions 63A, 63B reaches the lower side of the lower surface (contact surface 23a) of the first front engagement portions 23A, 23B (see reference). Figure 3C In contrast to the docking process, during the separation of connectors 10 and 60, the front part of the second connector 60 rises with the second rear joints 64A and 64B as the center.

[0085] In this configuration, because the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B are positioned behind the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B respectively to engage with them, the operator can rotate the second connector 60 around the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B. By rotating the second connector 60, the operator can engage and disengage the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B and the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B.

[0086] Because the second front joints 63A and 63B are located in front of the first front joints 23A and 23B, when the second front joints 63A and 63B are disengaged from the first front joints 23A and 23B, the second front joints 63A and 63B move along... Figure 4B The cable 90 moves in the direction indicated by the middle arrow D1 (forward and tilted upward). The force pulling the cable 90 backward and upward acts on the second front joints 63A and 63B and the first front joints 23A and 23B. When the cable 90 is pulled backward and upward, in... Figure 4B The force in the direction shown in D2 (tilted backward and upward) acts on the second front joints 63A and 63B. That is, when the cable 90 is pulled, the force acting in the D2 direction is significantly different from the force acting in the D1 direction that disengages the second front joints 63A and 63B from the first front joints 23A and 23B. Therefore, when the cable 90 is pulled backward and upward at an angle, the separation of the two connectors 10 and 60 can be effectively prevented.

[0087] Furthermore, with connectors 10 and 60 mated, the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B are respectively positioned behind the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B to engage with them. As described later, the upper portion 24a of the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B (refer to...) Figure 4A The first rear joint 24A and 24B are positioned above the second rear joint 64A and 64B. According to this structure, when the cable 90 is forward and tilted upward, the upper part 24a of the first rear joint 24A and 24B can restrict the movement of the second rear joint 64A and 64B, effectively preventing the two connectors 10 and 60 from separating.

[0088] As described above, the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B of the first connector 10 are exposed at the rear of the first connector 10. That is, from the rear view of the first connector 10, no part of the first connector 10 overlaps with the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B. In other words, when viewed from directly behind the first connector 10, the operator can see the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B. Therefore, during the operation of mating the second connector 60 with the first connector 10, the operator can easily abut the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B against the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B, thereby improving workability.

[0089] In the example of the first connector 10, the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B serve as the rear end faces of the left and right sidewalls 21R and 21L. Therefore, when the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B engage with the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B, the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B are exposed laterally, making it easy for operators to identify the position of the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B. Thus, operations that allow the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B to abut against the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B are particularly easy.

[0090] Furthermore, since the first rear joints 24A and 24B serve as the rear end faces of the left and right sidewalls 21R and 21L, when something unwanted by the operator gets caught in the cable 90 and the cable 90 is pulled to the right or left, the distance between the force-bearing portion (a part of the cable 90) and the first rear joints 24A and 24B becomes closer. Therefore, resistance to the torque generated in the connectors 10 and 60 due to such forces can be improved.

[0091] like Figure 3C As shown, in the mating state between the two connectors 10 and 60, the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B (contact surface 23a described later) Figure 4B A gap can be formed between the first rear joints 24A and 24B and the second rear joints 64A and 64B (contact surface 64a described later). According to this structure, in the mating state between the two connectors 10 and 60, and during the process of reaching the mating state, in addition to preventing excessive load from being applied between the first rear joints 24A and 24B and the second rear joints 64A and 64B, excessive load can also be prevented between the first front joints 23A and 23B and the second front joints 63A and 63B.

[0092] The location of the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B is not limited to the example of the first connector 10. For example, the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B may be formed on the inner surfaces of the left and right sidewalls 21R and 21L. For example, steps may be formed on the inner surfaces of the left and right sidewalls 21R and 21L, such that the steps may constitute a rearward exposed surface. Furthermore, the rearward exposed surface may be used as the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B.

[0093] Description of the rear joint

[0094] The rear joints 24A, 24B, 64A, and 64B will be described in detail below. Since the shapes of the two first rear joints 24A and 24B, as well as the shapes of the two second rear joints 64A and 64B, are symmetrical, the following description will primarily focus on the rear joints 24A and 64A formed on the right side. The description of the rear joints 24A and 64A formed on the right side also applies to the rear joints 24B and 64B formed on the left side.

[0095] like Figure 4A As shown, the second rear engagement portion 64A may have a contact surface 64a that abuts against the first rear engagement portion 24A, and when viewed from the side view of the second connector 60, the contact surface 64a is curved. The contact surface 64a is an arc centered on a straight line L3 passing through the second rear engagement portion 64A in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 1 For example, the contact surface 64a forms a semicircle centered on the straight line L3. During the operation of the second connector 60 mating with the first connector 10 and during the operation of the first connector 10 and the second connector 60 separating, this shape of the contact surface 64a allows the second connector 60 to rotate smoothly around the left and right second rear engagement portions 64A, 64B.

[0096] like Figure 4A As shown, the first rear engagement portion 24A may have an upper portion 24a, which is positioned above the contact surface 64a of the second rear engagement portion 64A. The presence of the upper portion 24a prevents the first rear engagement portion 24A from accidentally separating from the second rear engagement portion 64A.

[0097] like Figure 4A As shown, the first rear engagement portion 24A may have a vertical surface 24b and a first inclined surface 24c, the first inclined surface 24c extending rearward and upward at an incline from the vertical surface 24b. The contact surface 64a of the second rear engagement portion 64A faces the lower portion of the vertical surface 24b and the first inclined surface 24c. During the operation of engaging the second rear engagement portion 64A with the first rear engagement portion 24A, when the second rear engagement portion 64A abuts against the upper portion of the first inclined surface 24c of the first rear engagement portion 24A, the second rear engagement portion 64A is guided downward by the first inclined surface 24c. That is, the first inclined surface 24c can be used as a guide surface.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 4AAs shown, the first rear joint 24A may have a second inclined surface 24d, which extends from the upper part of the first inclined surface 24c. The second inclined surface 24d is linearly inclined forward in the vertical direction. That is, the second inclined surface 24d extends forward and upward from the upper part of the first inclined surface 24c. Specifically, the second inclined surface 24d extends forward and upward while being curved into an arc shape. In contrast, the second inclined surface 24d can extend forward and upward in a straight line from the upper part of the first inclined surface 24c.

[0099] During the operation of engaging the second rear joint 64A with the first rear joint 24A, even if the second rear joint 64A approaches the first rear joint 24A from above and abuts against the upper part 24a of the first rear joint 24A, the second rear joint 64A will be guided by the second inclined surface 24d to slide backward and be positioned behind the first rear joint 24A. Therefore, the second inclined surface 24d facilitates the engagement of the second rear joint 64A with the first rear joint 24A.

[0100] The shape of the first rear engagement portion 24A is not limited to the example of the first connector 10. For example, the first rear engagement portion 24A may not have a vertical surface 24b. In this case, the inclined surface 24c may be formed on the entire first rear engagement portion 24A, that is, on the entire rear end face of the right side wall 21R. As yet another example, the first rear engagement portion 24A does not necessarily have to have an inclined surface 24c, as long as the shape of the first rear engagement portion 24A can restrict the upward movement of the second rear engagement portion 64A. As yet another example, the inclined surface 24c extends in a straight line, but the inclined surface 24c may also be curved.

[0101] like Figure 4A As shown, the second rear joint 64A has a rear portion 64b, which is positioned behind the upper portion 24a of the first rear joint 24A. This ensures sufficient width of the second rear joint 64A in the front-rear direction, while also easily ensuring the strength of the force applied to the second rear joint 64A relative to the first rear joint 24A. For example, the width W2 of the rear portion 64b in the front-rear direction is greater than the width W1 of the portion forming the contact surface (curved surface) 64a.

[0102] The structures of the rear engagement portions 24A and 64A are not limited to the examples shown for connectors 10 and 60. For example, a contact surface (an arc-shaped contact surface) that allows the second connector 60 to rotate smoothly can be formed in the first rear engagement portion 24A. For example, the first rear engagement portion 24A can protrude rearward from the sidewall 21R of the first connector 10. In this case, the rear end face of the first rear engagement portion 24A (the surface abutting against the second rear engagement portion 64A) can be bent into an arc shape. Furthermore, in this case, the second rear engagement portion 64A may not have a bent contact surface. As yet another example, the first rear engagement portion 24A can protrude inward from the inner surface of the sidewall 21R of the first connector 10. In this case, the rear surface of the first rear engagement portion 24A (the surface abutting against the second rear engagement portion 64A) can be bent into an arc shape.

[0103] Enhance the description of metal fittings

[0104] like Figure 1 As shown, the first connector 10 may have a reinforcing metal fitting 31 adjacent to the first rear engagement portions 24A, 24B. The reinforcing metal fitting 31 increases the strength of the first rear engagement portions 24A, 24B, for example, effectively preventing deformation of the first rear engagement portions 24A, 24B due to forces from the second rear engagement portions 64A, 64B. For example, the reinforcing metal fitting 31 is mounted on the rear of each of the left and right sidewalls 21R, 21L. The reinforcing metal fitting 31 is plate-shaped and configured to face the left and right directions.

[0105] like Figure 4A As shown, the lower edge 31a of the reinforcing metal fitting 31 can be positioned below the lower surface of the first connector 10. The lower edge 31a of the reinforcing metal fitting 31 can be mounted in the circuit board 101. For example, the lower edge 31a of the reinforcing metal fitting 31 can be soldered to the circuit board 101. With this structure, the force exerted by the second rear engagement portion 64A on the first rear engagement portion 24A can be prevented from acting on the connection portion between the terminal 11 and the conductive pad of the circuit board 101.

[0106] like Figure 4A As shown, when the two connectors 10 and 60 are mated together, the reinforcing metal fitting 31 is positioned in front of the second rear joints 64A and 64B. The upper part 31b of the reinforcing metal fitting 31 is positioned higher than the second rear joint 64A. Furthermore, the upper part 31b of the reinforcing metal fitting 31 protrudes rearward like the upper part 24a of the first rear joint 24A.

[0107] like Figure 8As shown, in the plan view of connectors 10 and 60, the reinforcing metal fitting 31 is positioned close to the center of the first connector 10 in the left-right direction compared to the end face 64c (outer end in the left-right direction) of the second rear engagement portion 64A. In other words, the straight line L1 passing through the reinforcing metal fitting 31 in the front-back direction also passes through the second rear engagement portion 64A. According to the configuration of the reinforcing metal fitting 31, the reinforcing metal fitting 31 can effectively receive the force exerted by the second rear engagement portion 64A on the first rear engagement portion 24A.

[0108] like Figure 6A As shown, a hole 21a is formed in the sidewall 21R in the vertical direction (see Figure 6), and a reinforcing metal fitting 31 is pressed into the hole 21a and fixed to the sidewall 21R. The reinforcing metal fitting 31 can be inserted together with the base 20 including the sidewall 21R.

[0109] Description of the front joint

[0110] like Figure 2B As shown, the first connector 10 may have a plurality of first front engagement portions 23A, 23B separated in the left-right direction. Similarly, the second connector 60 may have a plurality of second front engagement portions 63A, 63B separated in the left-right direction. For example, the first connector 10 has two first front engagement portions 23A, 23B, while the second connector 60 has two second front engagement portions 63A, 63B. In the first connector 10, a plurality of terminals 11 (specifically, two terminals 11) are disposed between the two first front engagement portions 23A, 23B.

[0111] The number and position of the front engagement portions 23A, 23B, 63A, 63B are not limited to the examples of connectors 10 and 60. For example, in addition to two first front engagement portions 23A, 23B or alternatively two first front engagement portions 23A, 23B, the first connector 10 may also have a first front engagement portion formed between the terminals 11. In this case, the second connector 60 has a second front engagement portion corresponding to the first front engagement portion formed between the terminals 11.

[0112] The width of the second front joint 63B formed on the left side in the left-right direction may be slightly greater than the width of the second front joint 63A formed on the right side (see reference). Figure 5Accordingly, the width of the first front joint 23B formed on the left side in the left-right direction can be slightly greater than the width of the second front joint 23A formed on the right side. Apart from this, the shapes of the two first front joints 23A and 23B, and the shapes of the two second front joints 63A and 63B, are substantially symmetrical from left to right. Therefore, in the following description, the front joints 23A and 63A formed on the right side will be described primarily. The description of the front joints 23A and 63A formed on the right side also applies to the front joints 23B and 63B formed on the left side.

[0113] like Figure 4B As shown, the first front engagement portion 23A may have a contact surface 23a at its lower portion. The end (lower end) of the second front engagement portion 63A is positioned below and in front of the contact surface 23a so that the contact surface 23a contacts the second front engagement portion 63A. For example, when the cable 90 is pulled and the second connector 60 moves backward, the contact surface 23a contacts the second front engagement portion 63A. Furthermore, when the second connector 60 rotates about the second rear engagement portion 64A, the end (lower end) of the second front engagement portion 63A abuts against the contact surface 23a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second connector 60 from accidentally rotating and separating from the first connector 10. Unlike this example of connectors 10 and 60, the dimensions of connectors 10 and 60 can be designed such that the contact surface 23a continuously contacts the second front engagement portion 63A when the connectors 10 and 60 are mated together.

[0114] like Figure 4B As shown, the contact surface 23a extends forward and upward from the front surface of the front wall 22. Due to this inclination of the first front engagement portion 23A, when a force is applied to pull the cable 90 backward and upward, the direction of the force is approximately perpendicular to the contact surface 23a. Therefore, when the cable 90 is pulled, it is possible to effectively prevent the second connector 60 from separating from the first connector 10.

[0115] like Figure 4B As shown, the second front engagement portion 63A of the second connector 60 may also have a contact surface 63a extending forward and upward at its lower portion. Thus, when a force is applied to pull the cable 90 backward and upward, most of the contact surface 63a of the second front engagement portion 63A abuts against the contact surface 23a of the first front engagement portion 23A. Therefore, excessive stress can be prevented from acting only on a portion of the contact surface 63a.

[0116] In addition, such as Figure 4B As shown, the contact surface 23a is inclined relative to the plane P1, and the plane P1 passes through the rotation center of the second connector 60 (e.g., Figure 1(As shown by the straight line L3) and the contact surface 23a. Specifically, the contact surface 23a is inclined upward relative to the plane P1. For example, compared to the case where the contact surface 23a is parallel to the plane P1, this structure makes it easier to disengage the second front joint 63A and the first front joint 23A.

[0117] The structures of the front engagement portions 23A and 63A are not limited to the examples of connectors 10 and 60. For example, the contact surface 23a of the first front engagement portion 23A may be bent into an arc shape. For example, in another example, the contact surface 23a may be parallel to the plane P1. In this case, the contact surface 63a of the second front engagement portion 63A may extend forward and upward at an angle or be bent into an arc shape.

[0118] like Figure 6D As shown, the first front engagement portion 23A has a guide surface 23b that extends upward and backward from the front end of the contact surface 23a. During the operation of mating the second connector 60 with the first connector 10, the end (lower end) of the second front engagement portion 63A slides on the guide surface 23b toward the contact surface 23a.

[0119] like Figure 6D As shown, the guide surface 23b has a relatively large length W4 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the length W4 of the guide surface 23b can be greater than the length W3 of the contact surface 23a. Furthermore, the length W4 of the guide surface 23b can be greater than half the height h1 of the sidewall 21R of the first connector 10. By increasing the length of the guide surface 23b in this way, the increase in force (friction) acting on the second front engagement portion 63A during the operation of mating the second connector 60 with the first connector 10 is mitigated. In other words, the impact acting on the second front engagement portion 63A can be reduced.

[0120] like Figure 6D As shown, in the second connector 60, the upper end 23c of the guide surface 23b can be positioned higher than the upper end 22c of the front wall 22. This structure prevents the end (lower end) of the second front engagement portion 63A of the second connector 60 from colliding with the upper end 22c of the front wall 22. The upper end 23c of the guide surface 23b can also be positioned higher than the upper end 11b of the terminal 11.

[0121] The guide surface 23b of the second front engagement portion 63A may have a forward-bulging protrusion 23d at its lowest point. That is, the vertical inclination of the guide surface 23b is steeper at the protrusion 23d. According to this structure, during the operation of the second connector 60 mating with the first connector 10, when the lower end of the second front engagement portion 63A reaches the protrusion 23d, the force required to operate (rotate) the second connector 60 increases instantaneously; conversely, when the lower end of the second front engagement portion 63A exceeds the protrusion 23d, the force required to operate (rotate) the second connector 60 decreases sharply. This reduction in force allows the operator to recognize that the second front engagement portion 63A has been correctly engaged with the first front engagement portion 23A without visually observing the position of the end (lower end) of the second front engagement portion 63A.

[0122] As described above, terminal 11 is mounted on the front wall 22 of the first connector 10. Terminal 11 is made of metal and is fixed to the conductive pad of the circuit board 101 when the first connector 10 is used. A first front engagement portion 23A is formed on the front wall 22. With this structure, terminal 11 can increase the strength of the front wall 22. Therefore, when the second front engagement portion 63A pushes the guide surface 23b of the first front engagement portion 23A, deformation of the front wall 22 can be prevented.

[0123] like Figure 6C As shown, the first front engagement portion 23A can be adjacent to the terminal 11. Specifically, the edge of the first front engagement portion 23A can be adjacent to the hole 22a in which the terminal 11 is embedded. Figure 6A The first front engagement portion 23A, formed on the right side, is further formed on the right side of the right terminal 11, and the left edge of the first front engagement portion 23A may coincide with the edge 22b of the hole 22a. Therefore, because the position of the first front engagement portion 23A is close to the terminal 11 and the terminal 11 is fixed to the circuit board 101, when the second front engagement portion 63A pushes the guide surface 23b of the first front engagement portion 23A, it can effectively prevent the position of the first front engagement portion 23A from being recessed.

[0124] Note that the component reinforcing the front wall 22 may not be the terminal 11. That is, a metal component that is fixed (e.g., soldered) to the circuit board 101, rather than for electrical connection between the circuit board 101 and the cable 90, may be mounted on the front wall 22.

[0125] like Figure 6BAs shown, the front wall 22 may have a reinforcing portion 25, which is positioned between the two first front engagement portions 23A and 23B and bulges forward. For example, the reinforcing portion 25 is formed between the two terminals 11. This structure increases the rigidity of the front wall 22. Therefore, during the operation of the second connector 60 mating with the first connector 10, when the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B push against the guide surfaces 23b of the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B, deformation of the front wall 22 can be prevented.

[0126] The reinforcing portion 25 may have the same shape as the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B. That is, the reinforcing portion 25 may have an inclined surface 25a that extends downward and forward at an angle. For example, the height of the upper end of the inclined surface 25a may be the same as the height of the guide surface 23b of the first front engagement portion 23A (see Figure 6D). The positions of the right and left ends of the reinforcing portion 25 may coincide with the edges of the holes 22a on which two terminals 11 are mounted.

[0127] like Figure 7B As shown, in the second connector 60, a front extension 62 extends forward from a terminal retaining portion 61. In the mating state between the first connector 10 and the second connector 60, the front extension 62 is formed to cover the entire upper side of the front wall 22 of the first connector 10. Figure 7B As shown, second front joints 63A and 63B are formed on the leading edge of the extension 62. The second front joints 23A and 23B extend downward from the leading edge of the front extension 62, and the lower parts of the second front joints 23A and 23B curve downward and backward.

[0128] As described above, during the operation of the second connector 60 mating with the first connector 10, the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B overcome the frictional force between the ends (lower ends) of the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B and the guide surfaces 23b of the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B, and slide on the guide surfaces 23b. Therefore, the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B preferably have high rigidity.

[0129] like Figure 7B As shown, the width W5 of the second front engagement portion 63A in the front-rear direction can be greater than the width W6 of the second front engagement portion 63A in the left-right direction. More specifically, in the base of the second front engagement portion 63A, the width W5 in the front-rear direction can be greater than the width W6 in the left-right direction. This shape can increase the rigidity of the second front engagement portion 63A. Therefore, during the operation of the second connector 60 mating with the first connector 10, deformation of the second front engagement portion 63A due to the force of the first front engagement portion 23A can be prevented. Furthermore, the width W5 of the second front engagement portion 63A in the front-rear direction can be greater than the width W7 of the terminal 11 in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 6CThis shape increases the rigidity of the second front joint 63A.

[0130] The second front engagement portion 63A is positioned in the left-right direction close to the electrical connection point between the two connectors 10 and 60. Specifically, the second front engagement portion 63A is located closer to the center of the second connector 60 in the left-right direction compared to the second rear engagement portion 64A. In other words, the two second front engagement portions 63A and 63B are positioned in the left-right direction between the left and right second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B. Therefore, as... Figure 5 As shown, with the two connectors 10 and 60 mated, the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B are adjacent to the two terminals 11, respectively. Specifically, the right-side second front engagement portion 63A is further positioned to the right of the right terminal 11, while the left-side second front engagement portion 63B is further positioned to the left of the left terminal 11. Because the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B are positioned close to the terminals 11 in this manner, they engage with the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B near the terminals 11 and cable terminals 91, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the terminals 11 and cable terminals 91. Furthermore, during the operation of the second connector 60 mating with the first connector 10, the relative position between the terminals 11 and cable terminals 91 can be suppressed.

[0131] Description of the sidewall of the second connector

[0132] like Figure 2B and Figure 5 As shown, the front extension 62 may have sidewalls 66 that descend from the right and left sides of the front extension 62. In the mating state between the first connector 10 and the second connector 60, the upper part of the front wall 22 of the first connector 10 is positioned between the left and right sidewalls 66. According to this structure, the positions of the first connector 10 and the second connector 60 in the left-right direction can be reduced by the sidewalls 66 and the front wall 22.

[0133] like Figure 5As shown, the bases of the second front joints 63A and 63B can be connected to the sidewall 66. That is, a connecting portion 62e can be formed between the bases of the second front joints 63A and 63B and the sidewall 66. This connecting portion 62e can further increase the rigidity of the second front joints 63A and 63B. In the example of the first connector 10, because the second front joints 63A and 63B are connected to the sidewall 66 via the connecting portion 62e, the lengths of the left and right edges of the second front joints 63A and 63B are different. That is, the connecting portion 62e is further formed on the right side of the second front joint 63A formed on the right side. Therefore, the length of the right edge 63d of the second front joint 63A is shorter than the length of the left edge 63c. In contrast, the connecting portion 62e is further formed on the left side of the second front joint 63B formed on the left side. Therefore, the length of the left edge 63d of the second front joint 63B is shorter than the length of the right edge 63c.

[0134] Instructions for cable terminals

[0135] The cable terminal 91 is embedded in the retaining hole 61a, which is formed in the terminal retaining portion 61 of the second connector 60. For example... Figure 9A As shown, the cable terminal 91 may have a core wire connection portion 91a, which holds the core wire of the cable 90 for connection. Furthermore, the cable terminal 91 may have a terminal connection portion 91b, formed in front of the core wire connection portion 91a, to hold the terminal 11 in the left-right direction. The terminal connection portion 91b may have a first contact portion 91c that contacts one side of the terminal 11 and a second contact portion 91d that contacts the other opposite side of the terminal 11. Figure 9B As shown, the first contact portion 91c can be formed in a generally U-shape to allow for elastic deformation. The first contact portion 91c presses against the side of the terminal 11 using its elastic force. In contrast, the second contact portion 91d can be plate-shaped. Therefore, since only one of the two contacts 91c and 91d can be elastically deformable, the width of the cable terminal 91 can be reduced compared to the case where both contacts 91c and 91d are made elastically deformable. Consequently, the widths of the second connector 60 and the first connector 10 can be reduced.

[0136] Summarize

[0137] As described above, the connector assembly 1 includes: a first connector 10, which can be mounted on a circuit board 101; and a second connector 60, which can mate with the first connector 10 in a vertical direction and hold a terminal 91 disposed at the end of a cable 90, wherein the cable 90 can be connected to the second connector 60 and extends rearward. The first connector 10 has first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B exposed toward the rear of the first connector 10 and first front engagement portions 23A and 23B exposed toward the front of the first connector 10. The second connector 60 has second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B and second front engagement portions 63A and 63B. When the first connector 10 is mated with the second connector 60, the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B are disposed on the rear side of the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B and thus engage with the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B, while the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B are disposed on the front side of the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B and thus engage with the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B.

[0138] Therefore, in connector assembly 1, since the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B are respectively positioned behind the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B to engage with them, the operator can rotate the second connector 60 around the second rear engagement portions 64A and 64B. Furthermore, since the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B are positioned in front of the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B, the force acting in the D2 direction when the cable 90 is pulled is significantly different from the force acting in the D1 direction to disengage the second front engagement portions 63A and 63B from the first front engagement portions 23A and 23B. Therefore, when the cable 90 is pulled, separation of the two connectors 10 and 60 can be effectively prevented. Additionally, the first rear engagement portions 24A and 24B protrude towards the rear of the first connector 10. Therefore, during the operation of the second connector 60 mating with the first connector 10, the operator can easily make the second rear joints 64A and 64B abut against the first rear joints 24A and 24B, thus improving workability.

[0139] Variations

[0140] The connector assembly proposed in this invention is not limited to the example of connector assembly 1 described above.

[0141] For example, one or more of the joints 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B, 63A, 63B, 64A, and 64A may be made of metal components. For example, the metal components may be mounted on the rear ends of the sidewalls 21R and 21L of the first connector 10 and used as the first rear joints 24A and 24B.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: A first connector, which can be mounted on a circuit board; as well as A second connector capable of mating with the first connector in the vertical direction and holding a terminal disposed at the end of the cable, wherein the cable is capable of being connected to the second connector and extending rearward; in: The first connector has a first rear engagement portion, which is disposed at the rear end of the first connector and protrudes towards the rear of the first connector. The second connector has a second rear engagement portion, and With the first connector mated with the second connector, the second rear engagement portion is disposed on the rear side of the first rear engagement portion, thereby engaging with the first rear engagement portion. The first connector includes a sidewall, a first rear engagement portion is formed at the rear end of the sidewall, the sidewall has a through-hole, a reinforcing metal fitting is pressed into the through-hole, the lower edge of the reinforcing metal fitting is positioned below the lower surface of the rear end portion of the first connector and can be soldered to the circuit board, and the upper part of the reinforcing metal fitting protrudes rearward.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rear joint of one of the first rear joint and the second rear joint has a contact surface that abuts against the other rear joint of the first rear joint and the second rear joint, and the contact surface is curved.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The contact surface is an arc centered on a straight line in the left-right direction.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second rear engagement portion has a contact surface that abuts against the first rear engagement portion, and the contact surface is curved. The first rear joint has an inclined surface that extends rearward and upward from the position abutting the contact surface.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforced metal fitting is adjacent to the first rear joint.

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