Connector components

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly, which includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first shell provided with a stopper. The second connector includes a second shell, a mating detection member and a shifting mechanism. The second shell can be mated with the first shell along the front-to-back direction. The mating detection member has an abutment portion. Through the operation of the shifting mechanism, the abutment portion can move in a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction. When the second shell is mated with the first shell in a state where the mating detection member is located in an adjustment position, the abutment portion abuts the stopper, and the mating detection member moves from the adjustment position to the allowed position. When the mating of the second shell with the first shell is completed, the mating detection member is located in the allowed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, which comprises a first connector and a second connector having a mating detection member. Background Art

[0002] Referring to Figures 60 to 63, JPB3060296 (Patent Document 1) discloses this type of connector assembly 900. The connector assembly 900 includes a first connector 910 and a second connector 920. The first connector 910 includes a first housing 912. The first housing 912 is provided with a first locking portion 913. The second connector 920 includes a second housing 922 and a positioning assurance device 926, or a matching detection member 926. The second housing 922 can be matched with the first housing 912 along the X direction. The second housing 922 is provided with a second locking portion 923 and a cross member 924. The second locking portion 923 can be located in any one of the locking position shown in Figure 63 and the release position shown in Figure 61. The second locking portion 923 has a stop wing 9232. When the second locking portion 923 is located in the locking position, the first locking portion 913 and the second locking portion 923 lock the matching state of the second housing 922 and the first housing 912. The engagement detection member 926 is movable in the X direction relative to the second housing 922 between a allowing position shown in FIG60 and an adjustment position shown in FIG63. The engagement detection member 926 has a stopper arm 9262 and a blocking tongue piece 9264.

[0003] 61, when the mating detection member 926 is located in the allowed position, the second locking portion 923 is allowed to move from the locked position to the released position. When the mating detection member 926 is located in the allowed position during the mating process between the second housing 922 and the first housing 912, the stop arm 9262 of the mating detection member 926 is located in a position exceeding the stop wing 9232 of the second locking portion 923 in the negative X direction, so that the mating detection member 926 cannot be moved to the adjustment position. Referring to FIG. 62, when the mating detection member 926 is located in the allowed position in a state where the mating of the second housing 922 and the first housing 912 is completed, the stop arm 9262 of the mating detection member 926 is located in a position exceeding the stop wing 9232 of the second locking portion 923 in the positive Z direction, so that the mating detection member 926 can be moved to the adjustment position. 63 , when the mating detection member 926 is in the adjustment position, the blocking tongue 9264 of the mating detection member 926 is located beyond the transverse member 924 of the second shell 922 in the negative Z direction, so that the movement of the second locking portion 923 from the locking position to the release position is adjusted.

[0004] The connector assembly 900 of patent document 1 is constructed so that the operator can continuously perform the operation of mating the first connector 910 with the second connector 920 and the operation of moving the mating detection member 926 by applying force to the mating detection member 926 when the first connector 910 and the second connector 920 are mated with each other. When the operator continuously performs the mating operation and the moving operation, the operator perceives two clicking sensations almost simultaneously: the clicking sensation generated by the completion of the mating of the first connector 910 with the second connector 920; and the clicking sensation generated by the movement of the mating detection member 926 from the allowed position to the adjusted position. Therefore, if a malfunction occurs in which the mating detection member 926 erroneously moves from the allowed position to the adjusted position in a state in which the mating of the second connector 920 with the first connector 910 is not completed, the operator cannot recognize that the mating of the second connector 920 with the first connector 910 is not completed. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly, which is configured so that the operation of mating the second connector with the first connector and the operation of moving the mating detection member are performed independently, so that once the mating is not completed for some reason, the operator can reliably identify that the mating of the second connector with the first connector is not completed.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first housing. The first housing is provided with a first locking portion and a stopper. The second connector includes a second housing, a mating detection member and a shift mechanism. The second housing can be mated with the first housing along the front-to-back direction. The first housing is located in front of the second housing in the front-to-back direction. The second housing is provided with a second locking portion. The second locking portion can be located at any one of a locking position and a release position. When the second locking portion is located at the locking position, the first locking portion and the second locking portion lock the mating state of the second housing and the first housing. The mating detection member can move relative to the second housing in the front-to-back direction between an adjustment position and a permitted position. The permitted position is located behind the adjustment position in the front-to-back direction. When the mating detection member is located at the adjustment position, the movement of the second locking portion from the locking position to the release position is adjusted. When the mating detection member is located at the permitted position, the second locking portion is allowed to move from the locking position to the release position. The mating detection member has an abutment portion. Through the operation of the shift mechanism, the abutment portion can move in a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction. When the second shell begins to cooperate with the first shell, the abutment portion is located on an imaginary line extending in the front-to-back direction and passing through the stopper. When the second shell cooperates with the first shell in a state where the cooperation detection member is located in the adjustment position, the abutment portion abuts the stopper, and the cooperation detection member moves from the adjustment position to the allowed position. When the cooperation of the second shell with the first shell is completed, the cooperation detection member is located in the allowed position. When the shifting mechanism is operated in a state where the cooperation detection member is located in the allowed position, the abutment portion moves to a position deviating from the imaginary line. When the cooperation detection member is pushed forward in the front-to-back direction in a state where the abutment portion deviates from the imaginary line, the cooperation detection member moves from the allowed position to the adjustment position.

[0007] The connector assembly of the present invention is constructed as follows: when the second housing is mated with the first housing in a state where the mating detection member is located at the adjustment position, the abutment portion abuts against the stopper, and the mating detection member moves from the adjustment position to the permitted position; and when the mating of the second housing with the first housing is completed, the mating detection member is located at the permitted position. Therefore, the connector assembly of the present invention is constructed so that the mating detection member always moves from the permitted position to the adjustment position after the mating of the second housing with the first housing is completed. Specifically, in the connector assembly of the present invention, the operation of mating the second connector with the first connector and the operation of moving the mating detection member from the permitted position to the adjustment position are performed independently. Therefore, the connector assembly of the present invention enables the operator to reliably identify that the mating of the second connector with the first connector is not completed once the configuration is not completed for some reason.

[0008] An appreciation of the objectives of the present invention and a more complete understanding of its structure may be had by studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and by referring to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 2 is a side view showing a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are not mated with each other, and the mating detection member of the second connector is located at the adjustment position.

[0010] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a section taken along line AA Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the connector assembly.

[0012] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a section taken along line BB Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0013] Figure 5 It shows the interception along line CC Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0014] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a section taken along line DD Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0015] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 Another side view of the connector assembly. In the figure, the second connector is in the mating process with the first connector and the mating detection member is in the adjustment position.

[0016] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a section taken along line EE Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 7 A top view of the connector assembly.

[0018] Fig.10 is a diagram showing a section taken along line FF Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0019] Fig.11 is a graph taken along line GG Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0020] Fig.12 is a diagram showing a section taken along line HH Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG.

[0021] Fig.13It shows the intersection along line II Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0022] Fig.14 It is shown Figure 1 Another side view of the connector assembly of FIG. In the figure, the first locking portion of the first connector and the second locking portion of the second connector lock the mating state of the second housing and the first housing, and the mating detection member is located in the allowing position.

[0023] Fig.15 It shows the interception along line JJ Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0024] Fig.16 It is shown Fig.14 A top view of the connector assembly.

[0025] Fig.17 is a diagram showing a section taken along line KK Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0026] Fig.18 is a diagram showing a section taken along line LL Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0027] Fig.19 It shows the interception along line MM Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0028] Fig. 20 is a graph showing a section taken along line NN Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0029] Fig.21 It is shown Figure 1 Another side view of the connector assembly of FIG. In the figure, the first locking portion of the first connector and the second locking portion of the second connector lock the mating state of the second housing and the first housing, and the displacement operating portion of the mating detection member is pushed downward.

[0030] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a section taken along line OO Fig.21 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0031] Fig.23 It is shown Fig.21 A top view of the connector assembly.

[0032] Fig.24 It shows the interception along line PP Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0033] Fig.25It shows the interception along line QQ Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG.

[0034] Fig.26 is a graph taken along line RR Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG.

[0035] Fig. 27 It is shown Figure 1 Another side view of the connector assembly of FIG. In the figure, the first locking portion of the first connector and the second locking portion of the second connector lock the mating state of the second housing and the first housing, and the mating detection member is located in the adjustment position.

[0036] Fig.28 is a diagram showing a section taken along line SS Fig. 27 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0037] Fig.29 It is shown Fig. 27 A top view of the connector assembly.

[0038] Fig.30 It shows the interception along line TT Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0039] Fig.31 It shows the interception along the UU line Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0040] Fig.32 is a diagram showing a section taken along line VV Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG.

[0041] Fig.33 It is shown Figure 1 In the figure, the first locking portion of the first connector and the second locking portion of the second connector lock the mating state of the second housing and the first housing, and the mating detection member starts to move from the adjustment position to the permission position.

[0042] Fig.34 It shows the interception along the WW line Fig.33 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0043] Fig.35 It is shown Fig.33 A top view of the connector assembly.

[0044] Fig.36 The figure shows a section taken along line AA-AA. Fig.35A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0045] Fig.37 It shows the intersection along the line AB-AB Fig.35 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 1 , in which a portion of the connector assembly is shown enlarged.

[0046] Fig.38 is a diagram showing a section taken along line AC-AC Fig.35 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0047] Fig.39 It is shown Figure 1 In the figure, the mating detection member is located in the allowing position, and the second locking portion is located in the releasing position.

[0048] Fig.40 It shows the intersection along line AD-AD Fig.39 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 1 , in which a portion of the connector assembly is shown enlarged.

[0049] Fig.41 It is shown Figure 1 Another rear view of the connector assembly, wherein: the second locking portion is located between the locking position and the releasing position; the first locking portion and the second locking portion do not lock the mating state of the second shell and the first shell; and the mating detection member is located between the allowing position and the adjusting position.

[0050] Fig.42 is a diagram showing a section taken along line AE-AE Fig.41 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0051] Fig.43 is a diagram showing the AF-AF capture along the line Fig.41 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 1 , in which a portion of the connector assembly is shown enlarged.

[0052] Fig.44 It shows the intersection along the line AG-AG Fig.41 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0053] Fig.45 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a second connector included in a connector assembly of FIG. 1 . In the figure, the mating detection member is located in the allowing position.

[0054] Fig.46 It is shown Fig.45 A side view of the second connector.

[0055] Fig.47 It is shown Fig.45Another stereoscopic view of the second connector of FIG. In the figure, the mating detection member is located in the adjustment position.

[0056] Fig.48 It is shown Fig.47 A side view of the second connector.

[0057] Fig.49 It is shown Fig.45 An exploded perspective view of the second connector.

[0058] Fig.50 It is shown Fig.49 A perspective view of a mating detection member included in a second connector.

[0059] Fig.51 It is shown Fig.50 Front view of the fit detection component.

[0060] Fig.52 It is shown Fig.50 Bottom view of the mating detection component.

[0061] Fig.53 It is shown Fig.50 A side view of a mating detection component.

[0062] Fig.54 It is shown Fig.49 A top view of a shield included in a second connector.

[0063] Fig.55 It is shown Fig.54 Rear perspective view of the shield.

[0064] Fig.56 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a first connector included in a connector assembly.

[0065] Fig.57 It is shown Fig.56 Front view of the first connector.

[0066] Fig.58 It is shown Fig.56 A top view of the first connector.

[0067] Fig.59 It is shown Fig.56 A side view of the first connector.

[0068] FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly of Patent Document 1. FIG.

[0069] Fig. 61 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of Fig. 60. In the figure, the first locking portion and the second locking portion do not lock the mating state of the second housing and the first housing.

[0070] Fig. 62 is another cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of Fig. 60. In the figure, the first locking portion and the second locking portion lock the mating state of the second housing and the first housing, and the mating detection member is located at the allowing position.

[0071] Fig. 63 is another cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of Fig. 60. In the figure, the first locking portion and the second locking portion lock the mating state of the second housing and the first housing, and the mating detection member is located at the adjustment position.

[0072] Although the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and their detailed description are not intended to limit the present invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the purpose is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives within the concept and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first connector 100 and a second connector 200. The first connector 100 and the second connector 200 can be matched with each other along the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the front-to-back direction is the X direction. Specifically, it is assumed that the forward direction is the positive X direction and the backward direction is the negative X direction.

[0074] like Fig.57 As shown, the first connector 100 of the present embodiment includes a first housing 110 and a first terminal 150 .

[0075] Reference Fig.56 The first housing 110 of the present embodiment is made of an insulator and is provided with a socket housing accommodating portion 111 , an upper surface 1112 , two first locking portions 112 and two stoppers 114 .

[0076] like Fig.56 As shown, the socket housing accommodating portion 111 of the present embodiment is a space that is open at its rear end and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0077] like Fig.56 As shown, the upper surface 1112 of this embodiment defines the upper end of the socket housing accommodating portion 111 in the up-down direction. The upper surface 1112 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the up-down direction is the Z direction. Specifically, upward is the positive Z direction, and downward is the negative Z direction.

[0078] like Fig.56As shown, each of the first locking portions 112 of the present embodiment is located around the middle of the first housing 110 in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the left-right direction is the Y direction. Specifically, it is assumed that the right is the positive Y direction and the left is the negative Y direction. Each of the first locking portions 112 is disposed on the upper surface 1112. Each of the first locking portions 112 extends upward from the upper surface 1112 in the up-down direction. Each of the first locking portions 112 extends in the front-back direction.

[0079] like Fig.56 and Fig.58 As shown, each of the first locking portions 112 has a first locking surface 1122 , an upper surface 1124 , and an inclined surface 1126 .

[0080] like Fig.56 As shown, the first locking surface 1122 of the present embodiment defines the front end of the first locking portion 112 in the front-rear direction. The first locking surface 1122 is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0081] like Fig.57 As shown, the upper surface 1124 of this embodiment defines the upper end of the first locking portion 112 in the up-down direction. The upper surface 1124 is a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0082] like Fig.58 As shown, the inclined surface 1126 of this embodiment is located behind the upper surface 1124 in the front-to-back direction. Fig.56 As shown, the inclined surface 1126 is a plane inclined along the front-rear direction. The inclined surface 1126 extends forward and upward.

[0083] like Fig.58 As shown, each of the stoppers 114 of the present embodiment is disposed on the upper surface 1112. The stoppers 114 correspond to the first locking portions 112, respectively, and each of the stoppers 114 is located outside the first locking portion 112 corresponding thereto in the left-right direction. Fig.56 As shown, each of the stoppers 114 extends upward in the up-down direction from the upper surface 1112. Each of the stoppers 114 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0084] Reference Fig.57 , each of the first terminals 150 of the present embodiment is made of metal. Each of the first terminals 150 is a so-called pin contact.

[0085] like Figure 6 As shown, the second connector 200 of the present embodiment includes a second housing 300 , a mating detection member 400 , a displacement mechanism 500 and a second terminal 250 .

[0086] Reference Figure 6 and Fig.32 In this embodiment, the second housing 300 can be matched with the first housing 110 along the front-to-back direction, and the first housing 110 is located in front of the second housing 300 in the front-to-back direction. Fig.49 As shown, the second housing 300 is composed of a shield 302 and a socket housing 304 .

[0087] like Fig.49 , Fig.54 and Fig.55 As shown, the shield 302 of this embodiment has a first housing receiving portion 3022, a top plate 3023, a blocking portion 3024, a guide portion 330, two protrusions 340, two elastic portions 360 and two hole portions 370. In other words, the second housing 300 is provided with the guide portion 330.

[0088] like Fig.49 As shown, the first shell receiving portion 3022 of the present embodiment is a space which is open at its front end and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0089] like Fig.55 As shown, the top plate 3023 of this embodiment defines the upper end of the shield 302. The top plate 3023 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0090] like Fig.49 As shown in FIG. 1 , the blocking portion 3024 of the present embodiment is located above the first housing receiving portion 3022 in the up-down direction. The blocking portion 3024 is a part of the top plate 3023 .

[0091] like Fig.55 As shown, each of the guide portions 330 of the present embodiment is a guide rail extending in the front-rear direction. Each of the guide portions 330 is open at the rear end of the shield 302.

[0092] like Fig.54 As shown, each of the protrusions 340 of the present embodiment protrudes outward in the left-right direction. The protrusions 340 correspond to the elastic parts 360, respectively. Each of the protrusions 340 protrudes outward from the elastic parts 360 corresponding thereto in the left-right direction. Each of the protrusions 340 has a retaining part 350 and an inclined part 355. In other words, the second housing 300 has a retaining part 350.

[0093] like Fig.54 As shown, each of the retaining portions 350 of the present embodiment is located at the rear of the shield 302. The retaining portion 350 defines the front end of the protrusion 340 in the front-rear direction. The retaining portion 350 is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0094] like Fig.54As shown, the inclined portion 355 of this embodiment is located behind the holding portion 350 in the front-to-back direction. The inclined portion 355 faces rearward in the front-to-back direction and faces outward in the left-to-right direction. The inclined portion 355 extends forward in the front-to-back direction and extends outward in the left-to-right direction.

[0095] like Fig.54 As shown, each of the elastic parts 360 of the present embodiment extends forward from the rear end of the shield 302. Each of the elastic parts 360 is elastically deformable. Specifically, each of the elastic parts 360 elastically supports the protrusion 340 corresponding thereto.

[0096] like Fig.54 As shown, each of the hole portions 370 of the present embodiment is an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction. The hole portions 370 correspond to the elastic portions 360, respectively. Each of the hole portions 370 is located on the inner side of the elastic portion 360 corresponding thereto in the left-right direction.

[0097] As described above, the elastic portion 360 is elastically deformable and the hole portion 370 is located on the inner side of the corresponding elastic portion 360 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the elastic portion 360 is elastically deformable inward in the left-right direction, so that the protrusion 340 is movable inward in the left-right direction.

[0098] like Figure 6 As shown, the socket housing 304 of this embodiment is fixed to the shield 302. Fig.49 As shown, the socket housing 304 is provided with a second locking portion 310 . In other words, the second housing 300 is provided with a second locking portion 310 .

[0099] like Fig. 20 and Fig.40 As shown, the second locking portion 310 of the present embodiment can be located at any one of the locking position LP and the release position RP. The second locking portion 310 can move in the up and down directions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The moving direction of the second locking portion 310 can be, for example, the left and right direction. Specifically, the second locking portion 310 should be movable in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front and rear directions. In other words, the moving direction of the second locking portion 310 should be a vertical direction. When in the initial state, the second locking portion 310 is located at the locking position LP. Refer to Fig.15 and Fig. 20 When the second locking portion 310 is located at the locking position LP, the first locking portion 112 and the second locking portion 310 lock the second housing 300 and the first housing 110 in a mating state.

[0100] like Fig.49 As shown, the second locking portion 310 has a locking lug 312 , a release operation portion 314 and an elastic support portion 317 .

[0101] like Fig.49 As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking lug 312 of this embodiment is located at the front end of the second locking portion 310 in the front-to-back direction. Fig. 20 and Fig.40 , the position of the locking lug 312 when the second locking portion 310 is in the locking position LP is located below the position of the locking lug 312 when the second locking portion 310 is in the releasing position RP.

[0102] like Fig.40 As shown, the locking lug 312 has a second locking surface 3122 , a lower surface 3124 , and a front end 3126 .

[0103] like Fig.40 As shown, each of the second locking surfaces 3122 of the present embodiment is a surface facing rearward in the front-rear direction. The second locking surface 3122 defines a rear end of the locking lug 312 in the front-rear direction.

[0104] like Fig.40 As shown, the lower surface 3124 of this embodiment is a surface facing downward in the up-down direction. The lower surface 3124 defines the lower end of the locking lug 312 in the up-down direction.

[0105] like Fig.40 As shown, the front end 3126 of this embodiment is located at the front end of the locking lug 312 in the front-to-back direction. The front end 3126 is also the front end of the second locking portion 310.

[0106] like Fig.49 As shown, the release operation portion 314 of this embodiment defines the rear end of the second locking portion 310. Fig. 20 and Fig.40 When the release operation portion 314 is pushed downward, the locking lug 312 moves upward in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, so that the second locking portion 310 moves to the release position RP. More specifically, when the release operation portion 314 is pushed downward, the locking lug 312 moves upward in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, so that the second locking portion 310 moves from the locking position LP to the release position RP.

[0107] like Fig.49 As shown, the elastic support portion 317 of this embodiment extends in the front-to-back direction. The elastic support portion 317 is located behind the locking lug 312 in the front-to-back direction. The elastic support portion 317 is located in front of the release operation portion 314 in the front-to-back direction. The elastic support portion 317 is elastically deformable.

[0108] like Figure 2 As shown, the second locking portion 310 of this embodiment is provided with two movement adjustment protrusions 316 .

[0109] like Figure 2 As shown, each of the movement adjustment protrusions 316 of this embodiment protrudes outward in the left-right direction. The movement adjustment protrusions 316 are respectively located at opposite ends of the second locking portion 310 in the left-right direction. Each of the movement adjustment protrusions 316 is located around the front end of the second locking portion 310 in the front-to-back direction. The movement adjustment protrusions 316 are located behind the locking lug 312 in the front-to-back direction. Fig.49 As shown, the movement adjustment protrusions 316 protrude outward in the left-right direction from the outer ends of the elastic support parts 317 in the left-right direction, respectively. Each of the movement adjustment protrusions 316 is located in front of the release operation part 314 in the front-to-back direction. When the release operation part 314 is pushed downward, each of the movement adjustment protrusions 316 moves upward in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction.

[0110] like Fig.43 As shown, each of the movable adjustment protrusions 316 has an inclined surface 3162 , an upper surface 3163 and a rear surface 3168 .

[0111] like Fig.43 As shown, the inclined surface 3162 of this embodiment is a plane intersecting the front-rear direction. The inclined surface 3162 extends forward in the front-rear direction and extends downward in the up-down direction. The inclined surface 3162 faces forward and upward.

[0112] like Fig.43 As shown, the upper surface 3163 of this embodiment defines the upper end of the movable regulating protrusion 316 in the up-down direction. The upper surface 3163 is a plane intersecting the up-down direction. The upper surface 3163 faces upward in the up-down direction.

[0113] like Fig.43 As shown, the rear surface 3168 of this embodiment defines the rear end of the movement regulating protrusion 316 in the front-to-back direction. The rear surface 3168 is a plane intersecting the front-to-back direction. The rear surface 3168 faces rearward in the front-to-back direction.

[0114] like Figure 6 As shown, the second locking portion 310 of this embodiment has a fulcrum portion 318 .

[0115] like Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fulcrum portion 318 is located around the middle of the second locking portion 310 in the front-rear direction. Fig.13 and Fig.40 The second locking portion 310 is movable in a seesaw manner with the fulcrum portion 318 as a fulcrum. Fig.49As shown, the locking lug 312 is located in front of the fulcrum portion 318 in the front-to-rear direction. The release operation portion 314 is located behind the fulcrum portion 318 in the front-to-rear direction. Each of the movement adjustment protrusions 316 is located between the fulcrum portion 318 and the locking lug 312. Each of the movement adjustment protrusions 316 is closer to the locking lug 312 than to the fulcrum portion 318.

[0116] Reference Fig.49 , the matching detection member 400 of this embodiment is made of resin. Figure 2 , the mating detection member 400 is attached to the shield 302. Figure 1 and Fig.14 The fitting detection member 400 of the present embodiment is movable relative to the second housing 300 in the front-rear direction between the adjustment position RGP and the allowance position ALP. The allowance position ALP is located behind the adjustment position RGP in the front-rear direction.

[0117] like Fig.50 As shown, the mating detection member 400 has two arm portions 405 and two protrusions 410 .

[0118] like Fig.49 As shown, each of the arm portions 405 of the present embodiment extends forward in the front-rear direction. Each of the arm portions 405 has an upper surface 406. The upper surface 406 faces upward in the up-down direction.

[0119] like Fig.50 As shown, the protrusions 410 of this embodiment respectively correspond to the arm portions 405. Each of the protrusions 410 is located at the front end of the corresponding arm portion 405. Each of the protrusions 410 protrudes downward from the front end of the corresponding arm portion 405.

[0120] like Fig.50 and Fig.52 As shown, each of the protrusions 410 has an abutment portion 412 , a first lower surface 413 , a front inclined portion 416 , a rear inclined portion 418 , and a second lower surface 419 . In other words, the mating detection member 400 has the abutment portion 412 .

[0121] like Fig.50 As shown, the abutment portion 412 of this embodiment faces forward in the front-to-back direction. The abutment portion 412 defines the front end of the protrusion 410 in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the abutment portion 412 defines the front end of the mating detection member 400. The abutment portion 412 is a plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction.

[0122] like Fig.50As shown, the first lower surface 413 of this embodiment faces downward in the up-down direction. The first lower surface 413 defines the lower end of the lock protrusion 410 in the up-down direction. The first lower surface 413 is a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0123] like Fig.53 As shown, the front inclined portion 416 of this embodiment is located behind the abutment portion 412 in the front-to-back direction. The front inclined portion 416 is located below the abutment portion 412 in the up-down direction. The front inclined portion 416 is located in front of the first lower surface 413 in the front-to-back direction. The front inclined portion 416 is located above the first lower surface 413 in the up-down direction. The front inclined portion 416 faces forward and downward. The front inclined portion 416 extends forward and upward.

[0124] like Fig.53 As shown, the rear inclined portion 418 of this embodiment is located behind the abutment portion 412 in the front-to-back direction. The rear inclined portion 418 is located below the abutment portion 412 in the up-down direction. The rear inclined portion 418 is located behind the first lower surface 413 in the front-to-back direction. The rear inclined portion 418 is located above the first lower surface 413 in the up-down direction. The rear inclined portion 418 faces rearward and downward. The rear inclined portion 418 extends rearward and upward.

[0125] like Fig.52 As shown, the second lower surface 419 of this embodiment is located at the front end of the matching detection member 400. The second lower surface 419 is located on the inner side of the first lower surface 413 in the left-right direction. Fig.50 As shown, the second lower surface 419 faces downward in the up-down direction. The second lower surface 419 is a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. The second lower surface 419 is located above the first lower surface 413 in the up-down direction.

[0126] like Fig.49 and Fig.52 As shown, the fitting detection member 400 has an adjusting portion 20 , an engaging protrusion 430 and a held portion 460 .

[0127] like Fig.49 As shown, the regulating portion 420 of this embodiment is located around the rear end in the front-rear direction of the fitting detection member 400. The regulating portion 420 is located in the rear of any one of the arm portions 405 in the front-rear direction. The regulating portion 420 has a substantially plate-like shape.

[0128] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the matching detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, the adjustment portion 420 is located below the release operation portion 314 in the up-down direction to adjust the downward push of the release operation portion 314. Specifically, when the matching detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, the second locking portion 310 is adjusted from the locking position LP to the Fig.40Movement of the release position RP is shown.

[0129] like Fig.40 As shown, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, the regulating portion 420 is located behind the release operation portion 314 in the front-rear direction, thereby allowing the release operation portion 314 to be pushed downward. Specifically, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, the second locking portion 310 is allowed to be moved downward. Figure 6 The locking position LP is shown moved to the releasing position RP.

[0130] like Fig.52 As shown in FIG. 1 , the engaging protrusions 430 of the present embodiment are respectively located behind the held portion 460 in the front-rear direction. Each of the engaging protrusions 430 has a front inclined portion 432 and a rear inclined portion 434 .

[0131] like Fig.52 As shown, the front inclined portion 432 of the present embodiment faces forward in the front-to-back direction and faces inward in the left-to-right direction. The front inclined portion 432 extends forward in the front-to-back direction and extends outward in the left-to-right direction. The front inclined portion 432 of each of the engaging protrusions 430 is located behind the corresponding retained portion 460 in the front-to-back direction.

[0132] like Fig.52 As shown, the rear inclined portion 434 of this embodiment faces rearward in the front-to-back direction and faces inward in the left-to-right direction. The rear inclined portion 434 extends rearward in the front-to-back direction and extends outward in the left-to-right direction. The rear inclined portion 434 is located behind the front inclined portion 432 in the front-to-back direction.

[0133] like Fig.52 As shown, each of the held portions 460 of the present embodiment is located around the middle of the mating detection member 400 in the front-rear direction. Fig.50 As shown in FIG. 4 , the held portion 460 is located below the arm portion 405 in the up and down directions. Fig.49 and Fig.50 Each of the held portions 460 is located below the adjusting portion 420 in the up-down direction. Fig.52 As shown, each of the held portions 460 is located in front of the corresponding engaging protrusion 430 in the front-to-back direction. The held portions 460 correspond to the protrusions 410, respectively. Each of the held portions 460 is located inside the first lower surface 413 of the corresponding protrusion 410 in the left-right direction. Each of the held portions 460 faces rearward in the front-to-back direction. Each of the held portions 460 is a plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction.

[0134] like Fig.19As shown, the holding portions 350 correspond to the held portions 460 , respectively, and the holding portions 350 and the held portions 460 corresponding thereto prevent the fitting detection member 400 from moving rearwardly beyond the allowing position ALP in the front-rear direction relative to the second housing 300 .

[0135] like Fig.53 As shown, the fitting detection member 400 is provided with a guided portion 440 and a shift operating portion 450 .

[0136] like Fig.50 As shown, each of the guided portions 440 is an elongated protrusion extending in the front-rear direction. Fig.10 and Fig.17 The guided portions 440 correspond to the guide portions 330, respectively, and the guide portions 330 and the corresponding guided portions 440 guide the matching detection member 400 to move between the adjustment position RGP and the allowable position ALP. The guided portions 440 and the corresponding guide portions 330 have sufficiently large dimensions in the up-down direction so that the guided portions 440 can be smoothly guided by the corresponding guide portions 330.

[0137] Reference Fig.10 When the matching detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, almost the entire guided portion 440 is accommodated in the corresponding guide portion 330. In other words, when the matching detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, the guide portion 330 and the corresponding guided portion 440 have overlapping portions, each of which extends longer in the front-to-back direction. Fig.17 , when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, most of the guided portion 440 is not accommodated in the guide portion 330 corresponding thereto, but is located behind the guide portion 330 corresponding thereto to be exposed to the outside of the second connector 200. In other words, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, the guide portion 330 and the guided portion 440 corresponding thereto have overlapping portions, each of which extends shorter in the front-rear direction.

[0138] As described above, the second connector 200 of the present embodiment is constructed so that each of the guide portions 330 is a guide rail extending in the front-to-back direction, and each of the guided portions 440 is an elongated protrusion extending in the front-to-back direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the second connector 200 should be configured so that one of the guide portion 330 and the guided portion 440 is an elongated protrusion extending in the front-to-back direction, and the remaining one of the guide portion 330 and the guided portion 440 is a guide rail extending in the front-to-back direction and guiding the elongated protrusion.

[0139] like Fig.53As shown, the shift operating portion 450 is located at the rear end of the mating detection member 400 in the front-to-back direction. When the shift operating portion 450 is operated in the up-down direction, each of the abutting portions 412 moves in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The second connector 200 can be configured so that when the shift operating portion 450 is operated in the vertical direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, the abutting portion 412 moves in a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction.

[0140] As described above, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, the guide portion 330 and the corresponding guided portion 440 have overlapping portions, each of which extends longer in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, the rear end of the guided portion 440 is almost immovable in the up-down direction relative to the corresponding guide portion 330, so that the operation of the shift operating portion 450 in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction is adjusted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the second connector 200 can be configured so that when the mating detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, the operation of the shift operating portion 450 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction is adjusted.

[0141] As described above, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, the guide portion 330 and the guided portion 440 corresponding thereto have overlapping portions, each of which extends shorter in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, the rear end of the guided portion 440 is movable to a large extent in the up-down direction relative to the guide portion 330 corresponding thereto, so that the shift operating portion 450 can be operated in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the second connector 200 can be configured so that when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, the shift operating portion 450 can be operated in the vertical direction. Specifically, assuming that the abutment portion 412 is movable in a direction intersecting the front-to-back direction, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position, the shift operating portion 450 can be operated in the left-right direction, for example.

[0142] As described above, the second connector 200 is configured so that the guided portion 440 and the guide portion 330 corresponding thereto have sufficiently large dimensions in the up-down direction so that the guided portion 440 can be smoothly guided by the guide portion 330 corresponding thereto. With this configuration, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, the downward push of the shift operating portion 450 only slightly vibrates the shift operating portion 450 without almost moving the shift operating portion 450. Moreover, with this configuration, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, the shift operating portion 450 can move a large distance when the shift operating portion 450 is pushed downward.

[0143] Reference Fig.10 , the shift mechanism 500 is composed of the guide portion 330, the guided portion 440 and the shift operation portion 450. In other words, the guide portion 330, the guided portion 440 and the shift operation portion 450 form the shift mechanism 500. Fig.18 , Fig.25 and Fig.26 Each of the abutment portions 412 can be moved in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction by the operation of the shift mechanism 500. More specifically, by pushing the shift operation portion 450 of the shift mechanism 500 downward, each of the abutment portions 412 moves upward.

[0144] like Fig.52 As shown, the mating detection member 400 is formed with an inclined surface 414. The inclined surface 414 corresponds to the protruding portion 410, the guided portion 440 and the engaging protrusion 430 respectively.

[0145] like Fig.52 As shown, each of the inclined surfaces 414 of the present embodiment is located behind the abutment portion 412 of the protrusion 410 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction. Each of the inclined surfaces 414 is located inside the guided portion 440 corresponding thereto in the left-to-right direction. Each of the inclined surfaces 414 is located inside the first lower surface 413 of the protrusion 410 corresponding thereto in the left-to-right direction. Each of the inclined surfaces 414 is located at the same position as the corresponding engaging protrusion 430 in the left-to-right direction. Each of the inclined surfaces 414 is located behind the second lower surface 419 of the protrusion 410 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction. As shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, each of the inclined surfaces 414 faces rearward and downward. Each of the inclined surfaces 414 extends rearward and upward. Each of the inclined surfaces 414 is a plane inclined in the front-rear direction.

[0146] Reference Figure 6 Each of the second terminals 250 of the present embodiment is made of metal and is a so-called socket contact. The second terminals 250 are accommodated by the socket housing 304. Fig. 20 When the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated with each other, the second terminals 250 are connected to the first terminals 150 , respectively.

[0147] [Cooperation operation]

[0148] The following will further describe the normal operation of mating the first connector 100 with the second connector 200 and the behavior of the components of the connector assembly 10 during the normal mating operation.

[0149] First, refer to Figure 2, the second connector 200 with the mating detection member 400 located at the adjustment position RGP is arranged behind the first connector 100 in the front-to-back direction. At the same time, the abutment portions 412 of the second connector 200 are respectively located behind the stoppers 114 of the first connector 100 in the front-to-back direction, and each of the abutment portions 412 faces the stopper 114 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction. In other words, when the second housing 300 begins to mate with the first housing 110, the abutment portions 412 are located on an imaginary line IL extending in the front-to-back direction and passing through the stopper 114 corresponding thereto.

[0150] Next, the second housing 300 moves forward relative to the first housing 110 to approach the first housing 110 in the front-rear direction in this state. Then, the first housing accommodating portion 3022 of the second connector 200 accommodates a portion of the first housing 110 of the first connector 100, and the receptacle housing accommodating portion 111 of the first housing 110 of the first connector 100 accommodates a portion of the receptacle housing 304 of the second connector 200. Specifically, the connector assembly 10 changes its state to Figures 7 to 13 Each of the mates shown in the start state.

[0151] In the mating start state, none of the second terminals 250 of the second connector 200 is connected to the first terminals 150 of the first connector 100. In the mating start state, each of the abutting portions 412 is located behind the stopper 114 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction, and abuts against the stopper 114 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction. In the mating start state, the engaging protrusions 430 of the mating detection member 400 are respectively located in front of the retaining portion 350 of the shield 302 in the front-to-back direction. In the mating start state, the front end 3126 of the locking lug 312 of the second locking portion 310 does not contact any one of the first locking portions 112 in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the front end 3126 of the locking lug 312 of the second locking portion 310 is rearwardly away from any one of the first locking portions 112 in the front-to-back direction in the mating start state. Specifically, when the fitting detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP and the abutment portion 412 abuts against the corresponding stopper 114 , the second locking portion 310 is located away from any one of the first locking portions 112 in the front-rear direction.

[0152] In the mating start state, the second housing 300 moves forward relative to the first housing 110 to further approach the first housing 110. Then, the front end 3126 of the locking lug 312 of the second locking portion 310 of the second connector 200 begins to align with the inclined surface 1126 (see FIG. 112 ) of the first locking portion 112 of the first connector 100 in the front-to-back direction. Fig.56), the matching detection member 400 moves in the front-rear direction toward the rear of the second housing 300. At the same time, the regulating portion 420 of the matching detection member 400 is located below the release operation portion 314 of the second locking portion 310, so that the downward push of the release operation portion 314 is still regulated.

[0153] In this state, the second housing 300 moves forward relative to the first housing 110 to further approach the first housing 110. Then, the matching detection member 400 moves further backward relative to the second housing 300 in the front-to-back direction, and the front end 3126 of the locking lug 312 is lifted upward so that the elastic support portion 317 of the second locking portion 310 is elastically deformable. At the same time, the inclined surfaces 414 of the protrusion 410 of the matching detection member 400 abut against the inclined surfaces 3162 of the movement regulating protrusion 316 of the second locking portion 310 in the front-to-back direction, respectively, so that each of the protrusions 410 is lifted upward.

[0154] In the state where the elastic support portion 317 of the second locking portion 310 is elastically deformable, the second housing 300 moves forward relative to the first housing 110 to further approach the first housing 110. Then, the lower surface 3124 of the locking lug 312 passes over the upper surface 1124 of the first locking portion 112 (see Fig.56 ), and the second lower surface 419 of each of the protrusions 410 of the mating detection member 400 passes over the upper surface 3163 of the movement adjustment protrusion 316 of the second locking portion 310 corresponding thereto. In this state, the second housing 300 moves forward relative to the first housing 110 to further approach the first housing 110. Then, the locking lug 312 passes over the first locking portion 112 to move forward beyond the first locking portion 112, and each of the protrusions 410 of the mating detection member 400 passes over the movement adjustment protrusion 316 of the second locking portion 310 corresponding thereto to move backward beyond the movement adjustment protrusion 316 corresponding thereto. Therefore, the connector assembly 10 changes its state to Figures 14 to 20 , and the mating detection member 400 reaches the allowed position ALP. Specifically, when the mating of the second housing 300 and the first housing 110 is completed, the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowed position ALP. In other words, when the mating of the second connector 200 and the first connector 100 is completed, the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowed position ALP.

[0155] The above operations and behaviors are summarized as follows: when the second shell 300 is mated with the first shell 110 in a state where the mating detection member 400 is located in the adjustment position RGP, the abutment portion 412 abuts against the stopper 114, and the mating detection member 400 moves from the adjustment position RGP to the allowing position ALP, and, when the mating detection member 400 moves from the adjustment position RGP to the allowing position ALP, the inclined surface 414 abuts against the moving adjustment protrusion 316, and the abutment portion 412 moves upward in the up and down directions, and then the abutment portion 412 passes over the moving adjustment protrusion 316 to move backward in the front-to-back direction beyond the moving adjustment protrusion 316.

[0156] In the above-mentioned mating completion state, the second locking portion 310 is located at the locking position LP. In the mating completion state, each of the engaging protrusions 430 of the mating detection member 400 is located behind the retaining portion 350 of the shield 302 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction. In the mating completion state, the second locking surfaces 3122 of the locking lugs 312 are respectively located in front of the first locking surfaces 1122 of the first locking portion 112 in the front-to-back direction, and each of the second locking surfaces 3122 faces the first locking surface 1122 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction. In other words, in the mating completion state, the first locking portion 112 and the second locking portion 310 lock the mating state of the second housing 300 mating with the first housing 110.

[0157] In the mating completion state, the abutment portion 412 of each of the protrusions 410 of the mating detection member 400 is located behind the rear surface 3168 of the corresponding moving regulating protrusion 316 in the front-to-back direction and faces the rear surface 3168 of the moving regulating protrusion 316 in the front-to-back direction. In the mating completion state, each of the retaining portions 350 is located behind the corresponding retained portion 460 in the front-to-back direction. In the mating completion state, the second terminals 250 of the second connector 200 are connected to the first terminals 150 of the first connector 100, respectively. As described above, in the mating completion state, the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP. Therefore, in the mating completion state, the regulating portion 420 is located behind the release operation portion 314 in the front-to-back direction, thereby allowing the release operation portion 314 to be pushed downward. In the mating completion state, each of the abutment portions 412 is still located behind the corresponding stopper 114 in the front-to-back direction and still abuts against the corresponding stopper 114 in the front-to-back direction.

[0158] As described above, the connector assembly 10 in the mating completion state is configured as follows: the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP; the second locking portion 310 is located at the locking position LP; and the abutment portion 412 of each of the protrusions 410 of the mating detection member 400 is located behind the rear surface 3168 of the movement regulating protrusion 316 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction and faces the rear surface 3168 of the movement regulating protrusion 316 in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, even if the mating detection member 400 is intended to move forward relative to the second housing 300 in the mating completion state, each of the abutment portions 412 abuts against the rear surface 3168 of the movement regulating protrusion 316 corresponding thereto from behind, thereby preventing the mating detection member 400 from moving forward relative to the second housing 300. In other words, when the mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP and the second locking portion 310 is located at the locking position LP, the movement regulating protrusion 316 is located in front of the abutment portion 412 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction to regulate the mating detection member 400 to move to the regulating position RGP.

[0159] In the first process of the connector assembly 10 changing its state from the mating start state to the mating completion state, the rear inclined portion 434 (see FIG. 1 ) of the engaging protrusion 430 of the mating detection member 400 is inclined. Fig.52 ) and the corresponding retaining portion 350 of the shield 302. When the rear inclined portion 434 contacts the retaining portion 350, the elastic portion 360 (see Fig.54 ) is elastically deformable inwardly in the left-right direction, so that the protrusion 340 moves inwardly in the left-right direction. Therefore, the engaging protrusion 430 can move backward beyond the corresponding retaining portion 350 in the first process.

[0160] When the displacement operation portion 450 of the mating detection member 400 is pushed downward in the above-mentioned mating completion state, the abutment portion 412 moves upward in the up-down direction to be located above the corresponding movement adjustment protrusion 316, so that the connector assembly 10 changes its state to Figures 21 to 26 Specifically, when the shift mechanism 500 is operated in a state where the fitting detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, the abutment portion 412 moves to a position deviated from the imaginary line IL.

[0161] In the adjustment release state, the abutment portion 412 is located above the rear surface 3168 of the corresponding movement adjustment protrusion 316 in the up-down direction and does not face the rear surface 3168 of the movement adjustment protrusion 316 in the front-back direction. Therefore, when the matching detection member 400 moves forward relative to the second housing 300 in the adjustment release state, the abutment portion 412 does not abut the corresponding movement adjustment protrusion 316. In other words, the movement adjustment protrusion 316 does not prevent the matching detection member 400 from moving forward relative to the second housing 300 in the adjustment release state. Specifically, when the abutment portion 412 is moved by the operation of the shift mechanism 500 in a state where the matching of the second housing 300 with the first housing 110 is completed and the second locking portion 310 is located at the locking position LP, the adjustment of the matching detection member 400 by the movement adjustment protrusion 316 is released. Furthermore, in the regulation released state, both the abutment portion 412 and the front inclined portion 416 of each of the protruding portions 410 are brought into contact with the rear inclined portion 1148 of the stopper 114 corresponding thereto in the front-rear direction.

[0162] In the adjustment release state, a forward force is applied to the fitting detection member 400. Then, the second lower surface 419 of the protrusion 410 passes over the upper surface 3163 of the corresponding movement adjustment protrusion 316, and the first lower surface 413 of the protrusion 410 passes over the upper surface 1144 of the corresponding stopper 114.

[0163] When a forward force is further applied to the mating detection member 400 in this state, the inclined surface 414 of the protrusion 410 moves forward beyond the inclined surface 3162 of the movement regulating protrusion 316 corresponding thereto, and at the same time, the protrusion 410 passes over the stopper 114 corresponding thereto to move forward beyond the stopper 114 corresponding thereto. Therefore, the connector assembly 10 changes its state to Figures 27 to 32 In other words, when the fitting detection member 400 is pushed forward in the front-rear direction in a state where the abutment portion 412 deviates from the imaginary line IL, the fitting detection member 400 moves from the allowing position ALP to the regulating position RGP.

[0164] In the mating detection state, each of the engaging protrusions 430 of the mating detection member 400 is located in front of the corresponding holding portion 350 of the shield 302 in the front-to-back direction. In the mating detection state, each of the abutting portions 412 is located in front of the corresponding stopper 114 in the front-to-back direction and does not face the corresponding stopper 114 in the front-to-back direction. In the mating detection state, the regulating portion 420 is located below the release operation portion 314 of the second locking portion 310 to regulate the downward push of the release operation portion 314.

[0165] In the second process of the connector assembly 10 changing its state from the mating completion state to the mating detection state, the front inclined portion 432 (see FIG. 1 ) of the engaging protrusion 430 of the mating detection member 400 is Fig.52 ) and the inclined portion 355 of the shield 302 (see Fig.54 ) to provide a click feeling to the operator of the fitting detection member 400. Therefore, in the second process, the click feeling enables the operator of the fitting detection member 400 to clearly perceive that the fitting detection member 400 is moving from the allowing position ALP to the regulating position RGP. In the second process, when the front inclined portion 432 of the engaging protrusion 430 contacts the inclined portion 355 of the shield 302, the elastic portion 360 (see Fig.54 ) and the protrusion 340 behave similarly to the behaviors of the elastic portion 360 and the protrusion 340 when the rear inclined portion 434 of the engaging protrusion 430 contacts the retaining portion 350 in the first process as described above. Specifically, when the front inclined portion 432 of the engaging protrusion 430 is brought into contact with the inclined portion 355 of the shield 302 in the second process, the elastic portion 360 is elastically deformable inwardly in the left-right direction, so that the protrusion 340 moves inwardly in the left-right direction. Therefore, the engaging protrusion 430 can move forward beyond the retaining portion 350 corresponding thereto in the second process.

[0166] In the second process, a portion of the upper surface 406 of the arm portion 405 of the fitting detection member 400 abuts against the stopper portion 3024 of the shield 302 from below in the up-down direction. Therefore, the arm portion 405 is prevented from excessively moving upward in the second process.

[0167] The above describes the normal mating operation of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 and the behavior of the components of the connector assembly 10 during the normal mating operation, the second connector 200 is arranged behind the first connector 100 and the mating detection member 400 of the second connector 200 is located at the adjustment position RGP. Alternatively, the connector assembly 10 can be operated in an abnormal manner, in which the second connector 200 begins to mate with the first connector 100 after the second connector 200 is arranged behind the first connector 100, and the mating detection member 400 of the second connector 200 does not return to the adjustment position RGP and is still located at the allowed position ALP. Except that the mating detection member 400 does not move relative to the second housing 300 during the process in which the connector assembly 10 changes its state from the mating start state to the mating completion state, the abnormal mating operation and the behavior of the components of the connector assembly 10 during the abnormal mating operation are similar to the normal mating operation and the behavior of the components of the connector assembly 10 during the normal mating operation. However, in the aforementioned abnormal mating operation of the second connector 200 (whose mating detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP) mating with the first connector 100, the following special situation may occur, that is, in a state before the connector assembly 10 reaches the mating completion state, that is, in the mating incomplete state where the mating of the second housing 300 with the first housing 110 is not completed, the mating detection member 400 erroneously moves from the allowing position ALP to the regulating position RGP relative to the second housing 300. The behavior of the components of the connector assembly 10 in special situations will be further described later.

[0168] In the case where the mating detection member 400 and the second housing 300 located at the adjustment position RGP are intended to be pushed forward into the first housing 110 at the same time in the mating start state, each of the abutment portions 412 of the mating detection member 400 abuts against the stopper 114 of the first housing 110 corresponding thereto from behind, as described above. Therefore, in this case, the mating of the second housing 300 with the first housing 110 is not completed, so that the connector assembly 10 never changes its state to the mating completion state. In other words, when the mating detection member 400 maintains its position at the adjustment position RGP, the connector assembly 10 of the present embodiment is prevented from changing its state to the mating completion state.

[0169] [Behavior of components of connector assemblies in special cases]

[0170] As described above, in a normal mating operation, after the second connector 200 (whose mating detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP) is arranged at the rear of the first connector 100, the second housing 300 begins to mate with the first housing 110. Therefore, in a normal mating operation, in the mating incomplete state where the mating of the second connector 200 with the first connector 100 is not completed, the connector assembly 10 takes the normal state where the mating detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP. Alternatively, an abnormal mating operation different from the normal mating operation can be performed as described above. In this abnormal mating operation (the mating detection member 400 does not return to the adjustment position RGP and is still located at the allowed position ALP) where the second housing 300 begins to mate with the first housing 110 after the second connector 200 is arranged at the rear of the first connector 100, the connector assembly 10 is in an abnormal state in which the mating detection member 400 is still located at the allowed position ALP even in the mating incomplete state where the mating of the second connector 200 with the first connector 100 is not completed. The behaviors of the components of the connector assembly 10 in a special case where the fitting detection member 400 moves from the allowing position ALP to the regulating position RGP in an abnormal state different from the normal state will be further described below.

[0171] First, in the abnormal state, when the shift operation portion 450 is pushed downward, the mating detection member 400 moves forward. Then, the connector assembly 10 changes its state to Figure 41 to Figure 44 In the movement adjustment state, each of the movement adjustment protrusions 316 is located in front of the corresponding abutment portion 412 in the front-to-back direction, and the rear surface 3168 of each of the movement adjustment protrusions 316 is in contact with the corresponding abutment portion 412 in the front-to-back direction. In the movement adjustment state, the matching detection member 400 is still located in the allowing position ALP, and the second locking portion 310 is located in the releasing position RP. Specifically, in the movement adjustment state, the movement of the matching detection member 400 from the allowing position ALP to the adjustment position RGP is adjusted.

[0172] In other words, when the second locking portion 310 is located at the release position RP and the fitting detection member 400 is located at the allowing position ALP, each of the movement regulating protrusions 316 is located in front of its corresponding abutment portion 412 in the front-rear direction to regulate the fitting detection member 400 to move to the regulating position RGP.

[0173] Next, the mating detection member 400 further moves forward in the movement adjustment state. Then, the mating detection member 400 pushes the movement adjustment protrusion 316 forward, so that the second locking portion 310 moves forward together with the mating detection member 400 relative to the first connector 100 .

[0174] After that, the matching detection member 400 moves forward further. Then, the second locking surface 3122 reaches the same position as the first locking surface 1122 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction. At this time, the elastic support portion 317 restores its original shape, so that the locking lug 312 of the second locking portion 310 moves downward. Specifically, at this time, the second locking portion 310 moves to the locking position LP (see Fig. 20 ). Therefore, each of the second locking surfaces 3122 of the locking lugs 312 is located in front of the first locking surface 1122 of the first locking portion 112 corresponding thereto in the front-to-back direction and faces the first locking surface 1122 of the first locking portion 112 in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the second housing 300 is mated with the first housing 110.

[0175] The above operations and behaviors are summarized as follows: when the mating detection member 400 moves forward in the front-to-rear direction in an incomplete state where the mating between the second shell 300 and the first shell 110 is not completed, the mating detection member 400 pushes the moving adjustment protrusion 316 until the mating between the second shell 300 and the first shell 110 is completed.

[0176] After the second housing 300 and the first housing 110 are mated, the connector assembly 10 can change its state to the mating detection state by an operation similar to the normal mating operation described above. Specifically, the operation is as follows: after the second housing 300 and the first housing 110 are mated, when the shift operation part 450 is pushed downward, the mating detection member 400 moves forward. Through the operation, the mating detection member 400 can reach the adjustment position RGP, so that the connector assembly 10 can change its state to the mating detection state.

[0177] Since the connector assembly 10 of the present embodiment is constructed as described above, the connector assembly 10 of the present embodiment has the following advantages: even if the mating detection member 400 erroneously moves from the allowing position ALP to the adjusting position in an incomplete state where the mating of the second shell 300 with the first shell 110 is not completed, the mating of the second shell 300 with the first shell 110 is always completed before the mating detection member 400 reaches the adjusting position RGP.

[0178] [Release operation of the release mate]

[0179] The operation of releasing the mating of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 will be further described below.

[0180] First, a backward force is applied to the mating detection member 400 in the above-mentioned mating detection state. Then, the connector assembly 10 changes its state to Figures 33 to 38In the release start state, the rear inclined portion 418 of the protrusion 410 contacts the front inclined portion 1146 of the stopper 114 corresponding thereto in the front-to-rear direction. In the release start state, the inclined surface 414 of the protrusion 410 is still located in front of the inclined surface 3162 of the movement regulating protrusion 316 corresponding thereto.

[0181] Next, in the release start state, the backward force is further applied to the mating detection member 400. Then, the abutment portion 412 passes over the stopper 114 corresponding thereto to move backward beyond the stopper 114 corresponding thereto, and the abutment portion 412 of the protrusion 410 passes over the top of the movement regulating protrusion 316 corresponding thereto to move backward beyond the movement regulating protrusion 316 corresponding thereto. Therefore, the mating detection member 400 reaches the allowing position ALP. In other words, the connector assembly 10 changes its state to Figures 14 to 20 Each of the mating completion states is shown.

[0182] In the third process in which the connector assembly 10 changes its state from the release start state to the mating completion state, a portion of the upper surface 406 of the arm portion 405 of the mating detection member 400 abuts against the stopper portion 3024 of the hood 302 from below in the up-down direction. Therefore, the arm portion 405 is prevented from excessively moving upward in the third process.

[0183] In the mating completion state, the second connector 200 moves backward relative to the first connector 100, and the second locking portion 310 is moved to the release position RP (see FIG. 1 ) by the downward push of the release operation portion 314 of the second locking portion 310. Fig.40 ). Then, the mating between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 is released.

[0184] Although the present invention has been specifically described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and substitutions may be made.

[0185] The connector assembly 10 of the present embodiment is constructed so that when the mating detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, the movement of the second locking portion 310 from the locking position LP to the release position RP is regulated by the adjustment portion 420 located below the release operating portion 314 in the up-down direction to regulate the downward push of the release operating portion 314. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the connector assembly 10 can be modified so that when the mating detection member 400 is located at the adjustment position RGP, the movement of the second locking portion 310 from the locking position LP to the release position RP is regulated by the adjustment portion 420 located above the locking lug 312 to regulate the upward movement of the locking lug 312.

[0186] The second connector 200 of the present embodiment is constructed so that the position of the locking lug 312 when the second locking portion 310 is in the locking position LP is located below the position of the locking lug 312 when the second locking portion 310 is in the release position RP. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the second connector 200 can be modified so that the position of the locking lug 312 when the second locking portion 310 is in the locking position LP is located above the position of the locking lug 312 when the second locking portion 310 is in the release position RP.

[0187] Although the connector assembly 10 of the present embodiment changes the state of the connector assembly 10 to the adjustment release state by each of the abutting portions 412 moving upward to be located above the corresponding movement adjustment protrusion 316, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, if the adjustment of the movement adjustment protrusion 316 on the mating detection member 400 is released by the movement of the abutting portion 412 in the movement direction intersecting the front-rear direction, the movement direction of the abutting portion 412 is not restricted.

[0188] Although the second connector 200 of the present embodiment is configured so that the engaging protrusion 430 and the held portion 460 are arranged on the mating detection member 400 and the holding portion 350 is arranged on the shield 302, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the opposite configuration is also possible. In other words, the second connector 200 can be modified so that the engaging protrusion 430 and the held portion 460 are arranged on the shield 302, and the holding portion 350 is arranged on the mating detection member 400.

[0189] While there has been described what are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising a first connector and a second connector, wherein: The first connector includes a first housing; The first housing is provided with a first locking portion and a stopper; The second connector includes a second housing, a mating detection member and a shifting mechanism; The second shell is matched with the first shell along the front-to-back direction; The first shell is located in front of the second shell in the front-to-back direction; The second housing is provided with a second locking portion; The second locking portion can be located at any one of a locking position and a releasing position; When the second locking portion is located at the locking position, the first locking portion and the second locking portion lock the second housing and the first housing in a mating state; The engagement detection member moves relative to the second housing in the front-rear direction between a regulating position and a allowing position; The allowing position is located behind the adjusting position in the front-rear direction; When the engagement detection member is located at the adjustment position, the movement of the second locking portion from the locking position to the release position is adjusted; When the engagement detection member is located at the allowing position, allowing the second locking portion to move from the locking position to the releasing position; The matching detection member has an abutment portion; By operation of the displacement mechanism, the abutment portion moves in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction; When the second housing begins to mate with the first housing, the abutment portion is located on an imaginary line extending in the front-rear direction and passing through the stopper; When the second housing is mated with the first housing in a state where the mating detection member is located at the adjustment position, the abutment portion abuts against the stopper, and the mating detection member moves from the adjustment position to the permission position; When the second housing is mated with the first housing, the mating detection member is located at the allowing position; When the displacement mechanism is operated in a state where the engagement detection member is located at the permission position, the abutment portion moves to a position deviated from the imaginary line; When the engagement detecting member is pushed forward in the front-rear direction in a state where the abutment portion deviates from the imaginary line, the engagement detecting member moves from the allowing position to the regulating position, and In a state where the first connector and the second connector are not mated with each other, the mating detection member is located at the adjustment position.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second locking portion has a locking lug and a release operation portion; When the second locking portion is in its initial state, the second locking portion is located at the locking position; When the release operation portion is pushed downward, the locking lug moves upward in the up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, so that the second locking portion moves to the release position; The matching detection member has an adjustment portion; When the matching detection member is located at the adjustment position, the adjustment portion is located below the release operation portion in the up-down direction to adjust the downward push of the release operation portion; and When the engagement detection member is located at the allowing position, the regulating portion is located rearward of the release operating portion in the front-rear direction, thereby allowing the release operating portion to be pushed downward.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second housing is provided with a guide portion; The matching detection member is provided with a guided portion and a shift operation portion; One of the guiding portion and the guided portion is an elongated protrusion extending in the front-rear direction; The remaining one of the guiding portion and the guided portion is a guide rail extending in the front-rear direction and guiding the elongated protrusion; The guiding portion and the guided portion guide the movement of the fitting detection member between the adjustment position and the allowing position; When the matching detection member is located at the adjustment position, the operation of the shift operation portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is adjusted; When the matching detection member is located at the allowing position, the shift operation portion operates in the vertical direction; The guiding part, the guided part and the shifting operation part form the shifting mechanism; and When the shift operation portion is operated in the vertical direction, the abutment portion moves in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction. The connector assembly according to claim 3 , wherein a moving direction of the second locking portion is the vertical direction.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second housing has a retaining portion; The mating detection member has a held portion; and The holding portion and the held portion prevent the fitting detection member from moving rearwardly relative to the second housing in the front-rear direction beyond the allowing position. 6 . The connector assembly according to claim 1 , wherein when the fitting detection member is located at the regulating position while the abutment portion abuts against the stopper, the second locking portion is away from the first locking portion in the front-rear direction.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The second locking portion is provided with a movable adjustment protrusion; When the engagement detection member is located at the allowing position and the second locking portion is located at the locking position, the movement regulating protrusion is located in front of the abutment portion in the front-rear direction to regulate the engagement detection member to move to the regulating position; When the engagement detection member is located at the allowing position and the second locking portion is located at the releasing position, the movement regulating protrusion is located in front of the abutment portion in the front-rear direction to regulate the engagement detection member to move to the regulating position; When the engagement detection member moves forward in the front-rear direction in a state where the engagement of the second housing with the first housing is not completed, the engagement detection member pushes the movement regulating protrusion until the engagement of the second housing with the first housing is completed; as well as When the abutment portion is moved by the operation of the shift mechanism in a state where the engagement of the second housing with the first housing is completed while the second locking portion is located at the locking position, the regulation of the movement regulating projection is released.

8. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein: The matching detection member is formed with an inclined surface; The inclined surface is located behind the abutment portion in the front-rear direction; as well as When the engagement detection member moves from the regulating position to the allowing position, the inclined surface abuts the movement regulating protrusion, and the abutting portion moves upward in the up-down direction, and then the abutting portion passes over the movement regulating protrusion to move backward in the front-rear direction beyond the movement regulating protrusion.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The second locking portion has a fulcrum portion; The second locking portion moves in a seesaw manner with the fulcrum portion as a fulcrum; The locking lug is located in front of the fulcrum portion in the front-rear direction; The release operation portion is located behind the fulcrum portion in the front-rear direction; as well as The movement adjustment protrusion is closer to the locking lug than to the fulcrum portion.

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