Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly capable of suppressing deformation and breakage of connectors that can occur due to displacement of one of the connectors in a state where the connectors are fitted together. The connector assembly of the present invention is configured by fitting together a first connector and a second connector by one of the first connector and the second connector entering inside the other. The first connector has a protruding portion protruding toward a side where the second connector is disposed in a fitting direction of the first connector and the second connector, and the second connector has a restriction portion that restricts displacement of the second connector in a cross direction that intersects the fitting direction. In a state where the first connector and the second connector are fitted together, the restriction portion restricts displacement of the second connector by contacting the protruding portion in the cross direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly formed by fitting a first connector and a second connector together. Background Technology

[0002] The connector assembly is a connector assembly formed by two connectors fitting together, as described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as connector assembly 1).

[0003] like Figure 25 As shown, the connector assembly 1 consists of a socket connector 2 and a plug connector 3. The plug connector 3 engages with the socket connector 2 by entering the space inside the first housing 4 of the socket connector 2, thus forming the connector assembly 1.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-192656

[0007] In the connector assembly 1 described above, after the connectors are mated together, there may be a situation where the plug connector 3 is displaced relative to the socket connector 2 in a direction intersecting the mating direction of the connectors. In this case, the second housing 5 of the plug connector 3 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the first housing 4, and an external force acts on the second housing 5 from the first housing 4. Due to this external force, the second housing 5 deforms by displacing inward.

[0008] On the other hand, the second outer shell 5 is installed on the housing 7 in a manner that surrounds the housing 7 holding the contact 6. When the second outer shell 5 is deformed by an external force, it contacts the side wall of the housing 7 and presses the side wall, and the side wall of the housing 7 may be deformed or damaged due to the pressing force from the second outer shell 5. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its objective is to solve the following problems. The objective of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above and to provide a connector assembly capable of suppressing connector deformation and breakage that may occur due to displacement of one connector in the connector mating state.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the connector assembly of the present invention is constructed by inserting one of the first connector and the second connector into the inside of the other, thereby engaging the first connector and the second connector. The connector assembly is characterized in that the first connector has a protrusion that protrudes toward the side where the second connector is disposed in the engagement direction of the first connector and the second connector, and the second connector has a limiting portion that limits the displacement of the second connector in a cross direction that intersects the engagement direction. In the state where the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the limiting portion limits the displacement of the second connector by contacting the protrusion in the cross direction.

[0011] In the connector assembly of the present invention, when the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the limiting portion restricts the displacement of the second connector by contacting the protrusion in an intersecting direction that intersects the engagement direction. This suppresses external forces arising from the displacement of the second connector, thereby effectively suppressing deformation and damage to the second connector that may occur due to such external forces.

[0012] Furthermore, the first connector may have: a first contact; a first housing holding the first contact; and a first outer shell surrounding the first housing. The second connector may have: a second contact connected to the first contact; a second housing holding the second contact; and a second outer shell surrounding the second housing. Furthermore, the first outer shell may have an opening at one end in the mating direction, and a bottom wall at the end opposite the opening in the mating direction. In this case, it is preferable that the protrusion protrudes from the bottom wall toward the side where the opening is located.

[0013] According to the above structure, since the protrusion protrudes from the bottom wall of the first housing, the protrusion can be easily provided inside the first connector.

[0014] Furthermore, more preferably, when the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the limiting portion is located further outward than the protrusion in the intersecting direction.

[0015] According to the above structure, since the limiting part is located further outward than the protrusion in the intersecting direction, when the second connector is displaced in the intersecting direction, the limiting part is present in the direction of displacement when viewed from the protrusion. Therefore, the displacement of the second connector can be effectively limited.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above structure, the intersecting directions may include a first intersecting direction and a second intersecting direction that are orthogonal to each other. Additionally, the first connector and the second connector may each extend longer in the second intersecting direction than in the first intersecting direction. In this case, more preferably, when the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the limiting portion is located further outward in the first intersecting direction than the protrusion.

[0017] Based on the above structure, the displacement of the second connector in the first intersecting direction can be effectively limited.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above structure, with the first connector and the second connector engaged, a blocking shield may be provided inside the connector assembly along the first intersecting direction. In this case, it is more preferable that the protrusion is positioned in the second intersecting direction closer to the corner of the first connector than the blocking shield.

[0019] According to the above structure, the displacement of the second connector in the first intersecting direction (more specifically, the displacement in the direction of rotation about the axis along the mating direction) can be more effectively restricted.

[0020] Furthermore, the protrusion may have two protrusions positioned separately from each other in the first intersecting direction. Preferably, the limiting portion has two limiting portions positioned corresponding to the two protrusions respectively in the first intersecting direction.

[0021] According to the above structure, since two protrusions and two limiting parts are provided, the displacement of the second connector in the first intersecting direction can be more effectively limited.

[0022] Alternatively, the first housing may be mounted to the first outer casing by being sandwiched between two protrusions.

[0023] According to the above structure, the first housing is mounted to the first outer shell by pressing the first housing between the two protrusions. That is, in addition to limiting the displacement of the second connector together with the limiting part, the protrusions also serve to mount the first housing to the first outer shell. As a result, compared with the case where the components (parts) are arranged separately according to their uses, the number of constituent parts of the connector assembly can be reduced.

[0024] Furthermore, the protrusion can be made of the same material as the bottom wall and be integral with the bottom wall. That is, the protrusion and the bottom wall can be integrally formed. As a result, compared with the case where the protrusion and the bottom wall are different parts, the number of components of the first connector can be reduced.

[0025] Furthermore, in the above structure, the protrusion and the bottom wall may be made of the same metal plate.

[0026] Furthermore, the second housing may have: a protruding wall extending in the mating direction; and a curved wall bending inward from the end of the protruding wall in the mating direction toward the inside in the intersecting direction. In this case, it is more preferable that a limiting portion is provided at the end of the curved wall on the inside side in the intersecting direction.

[0027] According to the above structure, a limiting part can be provided using a portion of the curved wall of the second housing (more specifically, the inner end in the cross direction).

[0028] Furthermore, in the above structure, it is more preferable that a cut is formed at the inner end of the curved wall in the intersecting direction, and the portion of the curved wall with the cut forms a limiting part.

[0029] According to the above structure, a limiting part can be provided using the portion with a cut in the curved wall. Furthermore, according to the above structure, interference between the protrusion and the curved wall is easily avoided when the connectors are mated, allowing the connectors to fit together smoothly.

[0030] Furthermore, the second connector may be inserted inside the first connector, with the first connector engaging with the second connector. The second housing has a sidewall at its end in the intersecting direction, and the second connector also has a reinforcing member with higher rigidity than the second housing. More preferably, a portion of the reinforcing member is installed on the sidewall, positioned between an outer wall surface on the side opposite to the second housing and an inner wall surface on the side opposite to the outer wall surface.

[0031] According to the above structure, a portion of the reinforcing member is installed on the sidewall between the outer and inner wall surfaces of the second housing. With this structure, when an external force acts on the sidewall of the housing from the second housing, the portion of the reinforcing member installed on the sidewall resists the external force, thus suppressing deformation and damage to the sidewall.

[0032] The effects of the invention:

[0033] According to the present invention, a connector assembly is realized that can suppress deformation and damage of the second connector that may occur when the second connector is in the connector mating state due to displacement of the second connector in the cross direction that intersects the mating direction. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a top view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5This is a side view of a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 The diagram of section II.

[0040] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the JJ.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a top view of the first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a side view of the first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a front view of the first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a view of the first connector viewed from below.

[0046] Figure 13 This is an exploded device diagram of the first connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing the first housing being pressed between the two protrusions.

[0048] Figure 15 This is a top view of the second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 16 This is a bottom view of the second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 17 This is a side view of the second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 18 This is a front view of the second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 19 This is an exploded device diagram of the second connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the shielding component.

[0054] Figure 21This is a perspective view showing each of the first and second connectors in a connector mating state, with the housing and contacts removed.

[0055] Figure 22 This is a top view showing each of the first and second connectors in a connector mating state, excluding the housing and contacts.

[0056] Figure 23 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of the area near the protruding end.

[0057] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the protruding end.

[0058] Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing a conventional connector assembly.

[0059] Figure Labels

[0060] 1 Connector assembly 2 Socket connector 3 Plug connector 4 First housing

[0061] 5 Second housing 6 Contact 7 Housing 10 First connector 12, 14 First contact

[0062] 20 First shell 21 Central part of shell 22 End of shell 23 Central protrusion 24 Lateral protrusion

[0063] 25 Embedding groove 26 Embedding recess 27 Engaging recess 30 First outer shell 31 Bottom wall

[0064] 32 Side wall 33 Long side portion 34 Short side portion 35 Flange portion 36 Raised portion

[0065] 37 Edge portion 38 Corner portion 39 Connecting portion 40 Shielding plate 42 Protrusion portion

[0066] 50 Second connector; 52, 54 Second contact; 60 Second housing; 61 Central part of housing.

[0067] 62 Housing end; 63, 64 Contact holding portion; 65, 66 Side wall; 67 Side wall recess.

[0068] 68 Engaging recess; 70 Second outer shell; 71 First wall portion; 72 Second wall portion; 73, 75 Protruding wall

[0069] 75A Protruding wall end 74, 76 Bending wall 77 Engaging plate portion 78 Restricting portion 79 Protrusion portion

[0070] 80 Breaking plate 81 protruding part 82 first blocking part 83 second blocking part 84 protruding end

[0071] 100 Connector Assembly M Opening S1 Outer Wall S2 Inner Wall Detailed Implementation

[0072] Hereinafter, with reference to the configuration example shown in the accompanying drawings, one embodiment of the connector assembly of the present invention will be described.

[0073] Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely examples for ease of understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. That is, the present invention can be modified or improved from the following embodiments without departing from its spirit.

[0074] Furthermore, the materials, shapes, and dimensions of the components constituting the connector assembly of the present invention can be set according to the intended use of the invention and the level of technology at the time of implementation. Furthermore, the present invention includes its equivalents.

[0075] Furthermore, the three mutually orthogonal directions are denoted as X, Y, and Z directions. The X direction is the horizontal width direction of the connector assembly, the Y direction is the front-to-back direction of the connector assembly, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the connector assembly. Here, the Z direction corresponds to the mating direction of the first and second connectors, and the X and Y directions correspond to the intersecting directions that intersect the mating direction. Additionally, the intersecting directions include a first intersecting direction and a second intersecting direction that are mutually orthogonal; the X direction corresponds to the first intersecting direction, and the Y direction corresponds to the second intersecting direction.

[0076] Furthermore, the +Z side will be described below as the upper side of the connector assembly, and the -Z side as the lower side of the connector assembly. Here, the +Z side is the side where the second connector is located when viewed from the first connector in the Z direction.

[0077] Furthermore, in this specification, "orthogonal" and "parallel" include the range of errors generally permissible in the technical field of this invention, and also include states that deviate from strict orthogonality and parallelism by less than a few degrees (e.g., 2 to 3 degrees).

[0078] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the engagement of the first connector and the second connector will be referred to as "connector engagement" and the state of engagement of the first connector and the second connector will be referred to as "connector engagement state".

[0079] Example of connector assembly composition

[0080] Reference Figures 1 to 7 This section describes the outline of the structure of a connector assembly (hereinafter referred to as connector assembly 100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Section II, which is the XZ plane of the blocking plate 80 described later. Figure 7 Show Figure 5 The JJ section is the XY plane through the protrusion 42, which will be described later.

[0081] Connector assembly 100 has Figure 1 The first connector 10 shown and Figure 2 The second connector 50 shown is a constituent element. In the connector assembly 100, the first connector 10 is a socket connector, and the second connector 50 is a plug connector. Furthermore, the second connector 50 enters the inside of the first connector 10, and the connectors fit together to form the connector assembly 100.

[0082] The -Z side end of the first connector 10 is fixed to the surface of a substrate (not shown) by solder and mounted on the substrate. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the first connector 10 has a roughly rectangular appearance when viewed from above, and extends longer in the Y direction than in the X direction. The first connector 10 has a symmetrical structure with the central positions in the X and Y directions as boundaries.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, the first connector 10 has: first contacts 12, 14; a first housing 20 for holding the first contacts 12, 14; a first outer shell 30 surrounding the first housing 20; and a blocking shield 40 constituting the blocking shield 120.

[0084] The first contact 12, located at the central portion (central portion 21 of the housing) in the Y direction of the first housing 20, is a contact for low-frequency signal transmission or power supply. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the structure shown, multiple ( Figure 1 The first contact 12 (one of six) is held in the central part 21 of the housing. The first contact 14 held at both ends (housing ends 22) in the Y direction of the first housing 20 are contacts for high-frequency signal transmission, i.e., RF (Radio Frequency) terminals. High frequency, for example, corresponds to a frequency band of 6 GHz or higher, including the 28 GHz bandwidth used for 5G (5th Generation). Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the structure shown, a first contact 14 is maintained at each of the housing ends 22 on the +Y side and the -Y side.

[0085] The first housing 20 is a molded product made of insulating resin material, assembled onto the first outer shell 30 in a state of being disposed inside the first outer shell 30. The first outer shell 30 is a rectangular metal frame when viewed from above, with an open end on the +Z side. That is, as... Figure 1 As shown, the first housing 30 has an opening M at one end in the connector mating direction. When the connectors are mated, the second connector 50 enters the inside of the first connector 10 through the opening M. Furthermore, in the mated state, as... Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the second connector 50 is housed entirely within the inner space of the first housing 30.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, two shielding plates 40 are installed on each of the housing ends 22 on the +Y and -Y sides, respectively. The two shielding plates 40 installed on each housing end 22 are paired, located at the same position in the Y direction, and separated from each other in the X direction.

[0087] The +Z side end of the second connector 50 is fixed to the surface of a substrate (not shown) by solder and mounted on the substrate. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the second connector 50 has a roughly rectangular appearance when viewed from above, and extends longer in the Y direction than in the X direction. The second connector 50 has a symmetrical structure with the central positions in both the X and Y directions as boundaries.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, the second connector 50 has: second contacts 52, 54; a second housing 60 for holding the second contacts 52, 54; a second outer shell 70 surrounding the second housing 60; and a shielding plate 80 constituting the shielding member 120.

[0089] The central portion (central portion 61 of the housing) in the Y direction of the second housing 60 retains the same number of contacts as the first contacts 12. Figure 2 There are six second contacts 52. Each second contact 52 is positioned corresponding to a first contact 12 and is electrically connected to the corresponding first contact 12 when the connector is engaged. This enables the transmission of low-frequency signals between the connectors. At the +Y and -Y sides (house end 62) of the second housing 60, there is a second contact 54 for high-frequency signal transmission. Each second contact 54 is positioned corresponding to a first contact 14 and is electrically connected to the corresponding first contact 14 when the connector is engaged. This enables the transmission of high-frequency signals between the connectors.

[0090] The second housing 60 is a molded product made of insulating resin material, assembled to the second housing 70 in a state of being disposed inside the second housing 70. The second housing 70 is a rectangular metal frame when viewed from above, and in the connector mating state, as... Figure 4 As shown, the outer wall surface of the second outer shell 70 is adjacent to the inner wall surface of the first outer shell 30.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, the blocking plate 80 is a metal plate extending in the X direction, for example, mounted to the second housing 60 by insert molding. The blocking plate 80 has a plurality of ( ) in the Y direction between the second contacts 54 held on the +Y and -Y sides of the housing end 22. Figure 2 (There are two in the middle). Each shielding plate 80, together with the shielding shield 40 in the connector mating state, constitutes the shielding shield 120 (refer to...). Figures 20-22 ).

[0092] The blocking shield 120 is disposed inside the connector assembly 100 in the connector mating state, and multiple shields (specifically two shields) are arranged between the high-frequency signal contacts, one each on the +Y and -Y sides. Each blocking shield 120 extends along the X direction to suppress signal crosstalk between the high-frequency signal contacts (see reference). Figure 21 and Figure 22 ).

[0093] Detailed Structure of the First Connector

[0094] Reference Figures 8 to 14 The detailed structure of the first connector 10 will be described below. Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing the first housing 20 being pressed between the two protrusions 42, the cross-section being through the XZ plane of the protrusions 42.

[0095] The first housing 20 has multiple portions arranged in the Y direction: specifically, the central portion 21 of the housing, and the housing ends 22 on the +Y and -Y sides. Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, the central portion 21 of the housing has a central protrusion 23 located in the X direction and two side protrusions 24 located on both sides of the central protrusion 23 in the X direction. The central protrusion 23 and the two side protrusions 24 extend in the Y direction, and an insertion groove 25 is provided between the central protrusion 23 and the side protrusions 24. Multiple ( ) are inserted into each insertion groove 25 at intervals in the Y direction. Figure 1 (There are three in the middle) First contact 12.

[0096] like Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, the +Y and -Y side end portions 22 of the first housing 20 each have an inset recess 26 formed by recessing inward in the Y direction at their central portions in the X direction. In the inset recess 26, the outer end in the Y direction is an open end, and the other ends are closed by a wall surface that rises vertically towards the +Z side. Furthermore, from... Figure 12 and Figure 13 It can be seen that the first contact 14 is pressed inward in the Y direction and embedded in the embedding recess 26.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, each housing end 22 has an engagement recess 27 formed by recessing outward in the Y direction at its +X and -X sides. In the engagement recess 27, the end on the inner side in the Y direction is an open end, while the other ends are closed by a wall surface that rises vertically towards the +Z side. Furthermore, the shielding plate 40 enters the engagement recess 27, engaging with the wall surface of the end of the engagement recess 27 located on the outer side in the Y direction.

[0098] The shielding plate 40 is composed of a metal sheet that bends into an approximately S-shape when viewed from the side and protrudes towards the +Z side. For example... Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the shielding plate 40 is positioned in the Y direction at a position further outward than the first contact 12 held in the central part 21 of the housing, and is positioned at approximately the same position as the first contact 14 held in the end 22 of the housing.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shielding plate 40 is integrated with the first housing 30 and is made of the same metal plate as the first housing 30. Specifically, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the shielding sheet 40 is formed by bending a portion of the bottom wall 31 of the first outer shell 30, which is punched into a predetermined shape, into an approximately S-shape that stands upright towards the +Z side.

[0100] The first housing 30 contacts a grounding conductive pattern (not shown) in the substrate on which the first connector 10 is mounted, and is connected to the ground potential. Thus, the first housing 30 performs a shielding function, blocking external influences (electromagnetic interference) on the first contacts 12 and 14.

[0101] like Figures 8 to 14 As shown, the first housing 30 has a bottom wall 31 located at the end on the -Z side (i.e., the end opposite to the opening M), and a side wall 32 extending from the outer edge of the bottom wall 31 toward the +Z side. Figure 8 As shown, the sidewall 32 is rectangular when viewed from above, having a pair of long side portions 33 extending in the Y direction and a pair of short side portions 34 extending in the X direction. Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, a pair of long side portions 33 and a pair of short side portions 34 are connected seamlessly and without gaps. That is, the sidewall 32 is seamlessly continuous throughout the entire circumference of the first outer shell 30.

[0102] In addition, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the +Z side end (upper end) of the sidewall 32 bends outward toward the first housing 30 to form a flange portion 35. The flange portion 35 is provided in the first housing 30 in a manner that surrounds the opening M. Thus, the upper end of the sidewall 32 bends outward toward the first housing 30 to form the flange portion 35, so that when the connector is engaged, the second connector 50 is properly guided to the inside of the first housing 30.

[0103] In addition, such as Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, a raised portion 36 is provided in a portion of the side wall 32, which protrudes toward the inside of the first outer casing 30 by pressing the wall of the side wall 32 inward.

[0104] The bottom wall 31 is composed of a flat plate along the XY plane, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, it extends toward the inside of the first housing 30. The first housing 20 is supported on the upper surface (+Z side surface) of the bottom wall 31, and the lower surface (-Z side surface) of the bottom wall 31 is fixed to the substrate.

[0105] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 31 and the side wall 32 are integrally formed, specifically, they are made of the same metal plate as the side wall 32. That is, Figures 8 to 13 The first outer casing 30 shown is made of a single metal sheet, which can be manufactured by applying a deep drawing process (strictly speaking, a square tube deep drawing) to the metal sheet. The material of the metal sheet is not particularly limited, but for example, copper alloys such as brass and bronze, or stainless steel, can be used. The thickness of the metal sheet is not particularly limited, but for example, it is set to 0.06 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0106] In this embodiment, most of the bottom wall 31 is punched, and the bottom wall 31 is formed by the edge portion 37, the corner portion 38, and the connecting portion 39. For example... Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the edge portion 37 is a narrow section provided along the outer edge of the inner space of the first housing 30. The corner portions 38 exist in the form of generally rectangular fragments at the four corners of the first housing 30.

[0107] The connecting portion 39 extends in a straight line in the X direction and is the portion between the +X side end and the -X side end of the connecting edge portion 37, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, multiple (specifically two) connections are provided at positions that are separated from each other in the Y direction. The connecting portion 39 provided on the +Y side and the -Y side is positioned in the Y direction between the corner portion 38 on the +Y side and the corner portion 38 on the -Y side.

[0108] Furthermore, the aforementioned blocking shield 40 is continuous with the connecting portion 39, and the two blocking shields 40 extend from the connecting portions 39 on the +Y side and -Y side respectively towards the +Z side. That is, the position where the connecting portion 39 is provided in the Y direction corresponds to the position where the blocking shield 120 is provided in the connector mating state.

[0109] like Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, a protrusion 42 is provided on the inner side of the first housing 30. This protrusion 42 protrudes from the bottom wall 31 toward the +Z side, that is, toward the side where the second connector 50 is disposed when viewed from the first connector 10. The protrusion 42 is a columnar convex portion that protrudes from the bottom wall 31 toward the side where the opening M is located, and its protrusion amount (more specifically, the protrusion amount from the upper surface of the bottom wall 31) is approximately 0.1 mm. Two protrusions 42 are arranged at positions that are separated from each other in the X direction, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, one set of each of the two protrusions 42 is provided on the +Y side and the -Y side.

[0110] The two protrusions 42, respectively located on the +Y and -Y sides, are symmetrically arranged with the center of the first connector 10 in the X direction as the boundary. The two protrusions 42 are positioned at the same location in the Y direction. Furthermore, the spacing between the two protrusions 42 in the X direction is approximately the same as the width of the housing end 22 of the first housing 20. Additionally, as... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the inner end face of the protrusion 42 in the X direction (i.e., the end face of the opposite side of the pair of protrusions 42) bulges out in a mountain shape.

[0111] In addition, such as Figure 8 and Figure 13 As shown, each protrusion 42 is disposed within the first housing 30 near the four corners of the first housing 30 (in other words, the corners of the first connector 10). Specifically, the two protrusions 42 disposed on the +Y side are positioned closer to the corners of the first connector 10 on the +Y side than the connecting portion 39 on the +Y side, i.e., the blocking shield 120 disposed on the +Y side. Furthermore, the two protrusions 42 disposed on the -Y side are positioned closer to the corners of the first connector 10 on the -Y side than the connecting portion 39 on the -Y side, i.e., the blocking shield 120 disposed on the -Y side.

[0112] In this embodiment, each protrusion 42 is made of the same material as the bottom wall 31 and side wall 32 of the first housing 30, specifically, of the same metal plate as the bottom wall 31 and side wall 32. Specifically, the protrusion 42 is formed by cutting and bending the top (inner end) of each corner portion 38 to make it stand upright towards the +Z side. Thus, the bottom wall 31 and side wall 32 of the first housing 30, as well as the protrusion 42 and the shielding plate 40, are all integrated. As a result, the number of constituent parts of the first connector 10 is less compared to the case where these parts are separate components. However, this is not a limitation; the protrusion 42 may also be made of a different component than the first housing 30.

[0113] The protrusion 42 described above is used to mount the first housing 20 to the first outer casing 30. Specifically, the first housing 20 is inserted into the first outer casing 30 from the opening M side and positioned in a predetermined position. At this time, as... Figure 14 As shown, the housing end 22 is pressed between the two protrusions 42 and is clamped between the protrusions 42. Thus, the first housing 20 is mounted (assembled) on the first outer casing 30.

[0114] Detailed Structure of the Second Connector

[0115] Reference Figures 15-19 The detailed structure of the second connector 50 will be described below.

[0116] The second housing 60 has multiple portions arranged in the Y direction: specifically, the central housing portion 61, and the housing ends 62 on the +Y and -Y sides. Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown, the central portion 61 of the housing has a contact holding portion 63 that rises vertically towards the -Z side and extends in the Y direction. Two contact holding portions 63 are provided at intervals in the X direction. Multiple recesses are formed in each contact holding portion 63 at intervals in the Y direction, and a second contact 52 is pressed into each recess.

[0117] like Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown, the housing end 62 has a contact holding portion 64 and sidewalls 65 and 66 disposed on the outer side of the contact holding portion 64. The contact holding portion 64 has a recess formed on the inner side in the Y direction, in which a second contact 54 is pressed.

[0118] The sidewall 65 is a wall that rises vertically towards the -Z side, and is erected at the edge of each end 62 of the housing. Specifically, as... Figure 19As shown, a sidewall 65 (hereinafter referred to as the X-direction sidewall 65) is erected vertically on the edge portion of the housing end 62 in the X direction. The X-direction sidewall 65 constitutes the end (side end) of the second housing 60 in the X direction. Furthermore, two sidewalls 66 (hereinafter referred to as the Y-direction sidewalls 66) are erected vertically at intervals in the X direction on the outer edge portion of the housing end 62 in the Y direction. Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown, the recessed portion with the second contact 54 pressed in is disposed in the X direction between the sidewalls 66 in the Y direction.

[0119] Each sidewall 65, 66 has a thickness, and has an outer wall surface S1 located on the side opposite to the second outer shell 70 in the thickness direction, and an inner wall surface S2 located on the side opposite to the outer wall surface S1 (see reference). Figure 23 The outer wall surface S1 is a plane parallel to the Z direction and is adjacent to the inner wall surface of the second outer shell 70. In this embodiment, a small gap is provided between the outer wall surface S1 and the inner wall surface of the second outer shell 70 (see reference). Figure 23 Furthermore, it is not limited to this; the gap can be infinitely small, or the outer wall surface S1 can be adjacent to the inner wall surface of the second outer shell 70.

[0120] like Figure 19 As shown, a sidewall recess 67, formed in a trapezoidal shape, is provided on the inner side of the sidewall 65 in the X direction, extending outward in the X direction. When the second housing 60 is installed on the second outer housing 70, as... Figure 15 As shown, the sidewall recess 67 overlaps with the limiting portion 78 of the second housing 70 in the Z direction. More specifically, the sidewall recess 67 and the limiting portion 78 overlap in such a manner that their respective outer edges align with each other.

[0121] like Figure 19 As shown, an engagement recess 68, recessed outward in the Y direction, is provided on the inner side of the sidewall 66 in the Y direction. Figure 15 As shown, the engagement piece 77 of the second housing 70 engages with the engagement recess 68.

[0122] The second housing 70 is made of a metal plate, such as a copper alloy like brass or bronze, or a stainless steel plate. The thickness of the metal plate constituting the second housing 70 is, for example, set to 0.06 mm to 0.15 mm. The +Z side end of the second housing 70 contacts a grounding conductive pattern (not shown) in the substrate on which the second connector 50 is mounted, and is connected to the ground potential. Thus, the second housing 70 performs a shielding function, blocking external influences (electromagnetic interference) on the second contacts 52 and 54. In addition, the second housing 70 and its entire circumference are fixed to the substrate by solder.

[0123] like Figure 15 and Figure 19As shown, the second outer shell 70 of this embodiment is divided into two segments in the Y direction. Specifically, when viewed from above, the two segments, which are approximately C-shaped, are arranged so that their respective edge-side ends (open-side ends) face each other, thereby constituting the second outer shell 70. However, it is not limited to this, and the second outer shell 70 may also be a continuous and indivisible frame.

[0124] The structures of the two segments constituting the second outer shell 70 are symmetrical in the Y direction. For example... Figures 15-19 As shown, each fragment has a pair of first wall portions 71 arranged parallel to each other at intervals in the X direction, and a second wall portion 72 located between the pair of first wall portions 71 in the X direction. Figure 17 As shown, the first wall portion 71 has a protruding wall 73 that stands vertically in the Z direction and extends in the Y direction, and a curved wall 74 that bends inward in the X direction from the -Z side end of the protruding wall 73 into an arc shape. Figure 17 As shown, the specified portion of the end of the protruding wall 73 on the +Z side is cut into a roughly rectangular shape. (See figure) Figure 17 As shown, the X-direction end of the blocking plate 80 (more specifically, the end of the protruding portion 81) faces into the cut.

[0125] In addition, such as Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown, in each of the pair of first wall portions 71, a cutout that is trapezoidal in shape when viewed from above is formed at the end of the curved wall 74 that is outer in the Y direction and inner in the X direction. Furthermore, the shape of the cutout is not limited to trapezoidal; for example, it can also be rectangular or semi-circular.

[0126] The aforementioned cuts are provided to prevent interference between the protrusion 42 of the first connector 10 and the curved wall 74 of the second housing 70, or more specifically, the first wall portion 71, when the connectors are engaged. Therefore, the aforementioned cuts are positioned in the X and Y directions corresponding to the protrusion 42.

[0127] Specifically, in the first connector 10, two separate protrusions 42 are provided on the +Y side and -Y side respectively in the X direction. Correspondingly, in the second connector 50, the curved walls 74 of a pair of first wall portions 71 arranged on the +Y side and -Y side respectively in the X direction are formed with the aforementioned cutouts.

[0128] Furthermore, the slit portion in the curved wall 74 is used to limit the displacement (position offset) of the second connector 50 in the X and Y directions when the connector is in the mating state. In other words, the slit portion in the curved wall 74 constitutes a limiting portion 78 that restricts the displacement of the second connector 50. Figure 15 and Figure 19As shown, the limiting portion 78 is provided at the end of the curved wall 74 on the inner side in the X direction. Furthermore, as described above, the limiting portion 78 is positioned in the X direction corresponding to the two mutually separated protrusions 42. That is, two limiting portions 78 spaced apart in the X direction are provided at the ends of the +Y and -Y sides of the second housing 70.

[0129] In addition, such as Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown, the limiting portions 78 are disposed within the second housing 70 near the four corners (in other words, the corners of the second housing 70). Specifically, the two limiting portions 78 disposed on the +Y side are positioned closer to the corners of the second connector 50 on the +Y side than the +Y side blocking plate 80, i.e., the blocking shield 120 disposed on the +Y side. Furthermore, the two limiting portions 78 disposed on the -Y side are positioned closer to the corners of the second connector 50 on the -Y side than the -Y side blocking plate 80, i.e., the blocking shield 120 disposed on the -Y side.

[0130] like Figure 18 As shown, the second wall portion 72 has a protruding wall 75 that stands vertically in the Z direction and extends in the X direction, and a curved wall 76 that bends inward in the Y direction from the -Z side end of the protruding wall 75 into an arc shape. Figure 16 As shown, the two ends of the protruding wall 75 in the X direction are bent at approximately right angles, and have portions extending inward in the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as protruding wall ends 75A). Figure 16 As shown, the protruding wall end 75A is positioned in the X direction parallel to and adjacent to the protruding wall 73 of the first wall portion 71.

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 15 and Figure 19 As shown, a meshing piece 77 is formed in the curved wall 76, which bends into an inverted J shape from the end inside in the Y direction toward the -Z side. Furthermore, as... Figures 17-19 As shown, the first wall portion 71 and the second wall portion 72 are respectively provided with protrusions 79 that rise in a bead-like shape from the outer surface of the protruding walls 73 and 75.

[0132] like Figure 15 As shown, the second housing 70 constructed in the above manner is installed on the -Z side end of the second housing 60 by inserting the engagement piece 77 into the engagement recess 68.

[0133] The blocking plate 80 is composed of a component, specifically a metal component, with higher rigidity than the second housing 60, such as a sheet of copper alloy like brass or bronze. The thickness of the metal sheet constituting the blocking plate 80 is designed, for example, in the range of 0.06 mm to 0.15 mm. In this embodiment, as described above, the blocking plate 80 is installed in the second housing 60 by insert molding. However, it is not limited to this; a recess (not shown) may be provided in the second housing 60, and the blocking plate 80 may be installed in the second housing 60 by pressing it into the recess.

[0134] When the connector is engaged, the shielding plate 80, together with the shielding shield 40, forms the shielding shield 120. In this embodiment, it also functions as a reinforcing member to strengthen the second housing 60. This reinforcing function will be explained later.

[0135] In addition, such as Figure 15 As shown, the +Y side blocking plate 80 is disposed between the plurality of second contacts 52 held in the contact holding portion 63 and the second contacts 54 held in the +Y side contact holding portion 64. The -Y side blocking plate 80 is disposed between the plurality of second contacts 52 held in the contact holding portion 63 and the second contacts 54 held in the -Y side contact holding portion 64. The bottom surface (the surface on the +Z side) of each blocking plate 80 is fixed to the substrate in the X direction by solder. In addition, the blocking plate 80 may be continuously soldered over the entire range from the end on the +X side to the end on the -X side, or it may be intermittently soldered in the X direction.

[0136] The blocking plate 80 has a straight extension 81 along the X direction at its end on the +Z side (see reference). Figure 6 The protruding portion 81 is a prism-shaped portion that is embedded in the bottom of the second housing 60. The +Z side end face of the protruding portion 81 protrudes from the bottom of the second housing 60 and is fixed to the substrate by solder.

[0137] A tongue-shaped first blocking portion 82, which extends vertically toward the -Z side, is provided continuously at the center of the protruding portion 81 in the X direction (see reference). Figure 6 ).like Figure 19 As shown, second blocking portions 83 are provided on both sides of the first blocking portion 82 in the X direction, bending towards the -Z side and standing upright. The second blocking portions 83, respectively arranged on the +X side and the -X side, bend into an S-shape and are elastic when viewed from the side.

[0138] Furthermore, the blocking plate 80, located further outward in the X direction than the second blocking portion 83, has a protruding end 84 (see reference) continuously provided with the protruding portion 81, protruding from the end face of the -Z side of the protruding portion 81. Figure 6 and Figure 23The protruding ends 84 are respectively provided at both ends of the blocking plate 80 in the X direction, and protrude in an inclined direction relative to the protruding part 81.

[0139] Each protruding end 84 is embedded in the X-direction sidewall 65 of the second housing 60 by means of insert molding to install the blocking plate 80 into the second housing 60 (see reference). Figure 6 Specifically, a protruding end 84 on the +X side is embedded in the sidewall 65, and a protruding end 84 on the -X side is embedded in the sidewall 65. In other words, the protruding end 84, as part of the blocking plate 80, is installed in the sidewall 65 in a state where it enters between the outer wall surface S1 and the inner wall surface S2 of the sidewall 65 in the X direction. Furthermore, as described above, the protruding end 84 protrudes in an inclined direction, thus embedding itself in the sidewall 65 in a state where it is not easily detached.

[0140] Regarding the connector mating state

[0141] Reference Figures 20-24 This describes the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 when they are in the connector mating state. Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the shielding member 120, the cross-section of which is the YZ plane through the shielding plate 40 and the shielding plate 80. Figure 21 and Figure 22 The diagram shows each of the first connector 10 and the second connector 50 in a connector mating state, with the housing and contacts removed. Figure 23 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of the area near the protruding end 84. Figure 24 Is with Figure 23 The corresponding figure shows a modified example of the protruding end 84.

[0142] In the connector mating state, the entire second connector 50 is housed inside the first housing 30. Furthermore, in the connector mating state, the second housing 70 contacts the first housing 30 in both the X and Y directions. Specifically, the protrusion 79 provided on the second housing 70 contacts the inner wall surface of the side wall 32 of the first housing 30 (see reference). Figure 6 Furthermore, the raised portion 36 provided on the side wall 32 contacts the outer wall surface of the second housing 70 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0143] Furthermore, in the connector mating state, such as Figures 20-22 As shown, the two second blocking portions 83 of the blocking plate 80 are elastically deformed while abutting against the corresponding blocking shield 40, maintaining contact with the blocking shield 40. Thus, the blocking plate 80 and the blocking shield 40 constitute the blocking shield 120.

[0144] Furthermore, in the connector mating state, such as Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, in the first connector 10, two protrusions 42 respectively disposed on the +Y side and the -Y side are respectively opposite to the limiting portion 78 disposed on the curved wall 74 of the second housing 70. Specifically, in the X direction, the limiting portion 78 is disposed at a position further outward than each protrusion 42, and the edges of the protrusions 42 and the limiting portion 78 are adjacent to each other with a small gap between them (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0145] More specifically, in the connector mating state, such as Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, in the X direction, the protrusion 42 enters the inside of the cutout portion that forms the restrictor 78 in the curved wall 74. Furthermore, in the normal connector engagement state, i.e., when the second connector 50 is positioned correctly within the first housing 30, the protrusion 42 only moves about 0.05 mm away from the edge of the restrictor 78.

[0146] Based on the above structure, in the connector mating state, the limiting part 78 can limit the displacement of the second connector 50 relative to the first connector 10 in the X direction. Specifically, in the connector mating state, for example, sometimes the second connector 50 is twisted relative to the first connector 10 in a direction centered on the Z-axis ( Figure 4 The second connector 50 is displaced in the direction indicated by the thick arrow. At this time, the limiting part 78 (strictly speaking, the limiting part 78 located on the same side as the direction of displacement of the second connector 50 when viewed from the protrusion 42) contacts the protrusion 42 in the X direction. In detail, the portion of the cut edge constituting the limiting part 78 located at the X-direction end locks the protrusion 42. Thus, the displacement of the second connector 50 is limited.

[0147] Furthermore, by limiting the displacement of the second connector 50 by the limiting part 78, deformation and damage to the second connector 50 caused by this displacement can be suppressed. Specifically, in the connector mating state, the outer wall surface of the second housing 70 contacts the inner wall surface of the first housing 30 (see reference). Figure 6 Therefore, if the second connector 50 is displaced in the aforementioned torsional direction, the second housing 70 is pressed inward in the X direction by the first housing 30, and the first wall portion 71 of the second housing 70 is displaced inward in the X direction. Furthermore, the second housing 70 abuts against the X-direction sidewall 65 of the second housing 60, and an external force (hereinafter referred to as the torsional force) acts inward in the X direction from the second housing 70 towards the sidewall 65. Since the sidewall 65 is a resin molded product, it deforms inward in the X direction due to the torsional force. If the deformation is large, there is a possibility of damage or breakage.

[0148] In contrast, in the connector assembly 100 of this embodiment, the protrusion 42 abuts against the limiting portion 78, thereby limiting the displacement of the second housing 70 in the X direction. This suppresses the application of external forces during torsion to the sidewall 65, inhibiting deformation and damage to the sidewall 65. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the protrusion 42 is positioned closer to the corner of the first connector 10 than the shielding member 120, and the limiting part 78 is positioned closer to the corner of the second connector 50 than the shielding member 120. According to this structure, the protrusion 42 and the limiting part 78 can effectively limit the displacement of the second connector 50 in the torsional direction.

[0149] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the strength of the second housing 60 relative to external forces is improved by the blocking plate 80, specifically the strength of the sidewall 65 in the X direction. More specifically, as... Figure 23 As shown, the protruding end 84 of the blocking plate 80 enters between the outer wall surface S1 and the inner wall surface S2 of the side wall 65. Therefore, the protruding end 84 can withstand the external force acting on the side wall 65 during torsion. As a result, deformation of the side wall 65 can be limited, thereby suppressing damage and breakage of the side wall 65 and protecting the second connector 50.

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 23 As shown, the protruding end 84 extends outward in the X direction, and its front end face (the end face outward in the X direction) is arranged on the same plane as the outer wall surface S1 of the sidewall 65 in the X direction, and is continuous with the outer wall surface S1. According to the above structure, the effect of the blocking plate 80 in resisting external forces during torsion can be more appropriate.

[0151] Furthermore, the front end face of the protruding end 84 only needs to be on the same plane as the outer wall surface S1 and exposed in a state surrounded by the outer wall surface S1. For example, a gap can also be provided between the front end face of the protruding end 84 and the outer wall surface S1. In addition, such as Figure 24 As shown, the front end face of the protruding end 84 can also protrude further outward than the outer wall surface S1 in the X direction. Furthermore, although not specifically illustrated, the front end face of the protruding end 84 can also be located inward than the outer wall surface S1 in the X direction, and between the outer wall surface S1 and the inner wall surface S2.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the blocking plate 80 is fixed to the substrate along the X direction by solder, and a protruding end 84 is provided at the X-direction end of the blocking plate 80. Since the external force during torsion acts along the X direction, it interacts with the solder-based bonding force with the substrate, thus the blocking plate 80's effect of resisting the external force during torsion is more effectively exerted.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the connector is engaged, the second housing 70 contacts the first housing 30, and the second housing 70 is easily deformed inward in the X direction due to the contact force exerted by the first housing 30. Therefore, in a situation where external forces under torsion are easily applied to the sidewall 65 in the X direction, the effect of the blocking plate 80 in resisting external forces under torsion is more significant.

[0154] Other Implementation Methods

[0155] The connector assembly of the present invention has been illustrated above with specific examples. However, the above embodiments are merely examples for easy understanding of the present invention, and other embodiments may also be considered.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the following structure is described: the first connector with a protrusion is a socket connector, and the second connector with a limiting portion is a plug connector, with the second connector entering the inside of the first connector. However, it is not limited to this, and the following structure is also possible: the first connector with a protrusion is a plug connector, the second connector with a limiting portion is a socket connector, and the first connector enters the inside of the second connector.

[0157] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the displacement of the second connector in the X direction is restricted by the protrusion contacting the edge of the restricting portion in the X direction. However, this is not a limitation; the protrusion and the restricting portion may also be configured such that the displacement of the second connector in the Y direction is restricted by the protrusion contacting the restricting portion in the Y direction.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the connector is in the mating state, the limiting part is positioned further outward than the protrusion in the cross direction (specifically, the X direction), and when the second connector is displaced, the protrusion contacts the limiting part on the outside of the protrusion. However, this is not a limitation; it may also be a structure in which the limiting part is positioned further inward than the protrusion in the cross direction, and the protrusion can contact the limiting part on the inside of the protrusion.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the outer shapes of the first outer shell 30 and the second outer shell 70 are rectangular when viewed from above, but they are not limited to this. They can also be quadrilaterals other than rectangles, such as circles, trapezoids, or rhombuses, or polygons other than quadrilaterals when viewed from above.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, wherein the first connector and the second connector are fitted together by one of a first connector and a second connector entering the inner side of the other, characterized in that... , The first connector has a first contact, a first housing that holds the first contact, a first outer shell that surrounds the first housing, and a protrusion that protrudes toward one side of the second connector in the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector. The second connector has a second contact that connects to the first contact, a second housing that holds the second contact, a second outer shell that surrounds the second housing, and a limiting portion that limits displacement of the second connector in an intersecting direction that intersects the mating direction. The second housing has: a protruding wall extending in the fitting direction; and a curved wall bending inward from an end of the protruding wall in the fitting direction toward the cross direction; A cut is formed at the inner end of the curved wall in the intersecting direction. The portion of the curved wall with the cut constitutes the limiting portion; When the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the limiting portion restricts the displacement of the second connector by contacting the protrusion that enters the cut in the intersecting direction.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that... , The first housing has an opening at one end in the fitting direction, and a bottom wall at the end opposite to the opening in the fitting direction. The protrusion extends from the bottom wall toward the side where the opening is located.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that... , When the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the limiting portion is located further outward than the protrusion in the intersecting direction.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that... , The intersecting directions include a first intersecting direction and a second intersecting direction that are orthogonal to each other. The first connector and the second connector extend longer in the second intersecting direction than in the first intersecting direction. When the first connector and the second connector are engaged, the limiting portion is located further outward than the protrusion in the first intersecting direction.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that... , With the first connector and the second connector engaged, a shielding element is provided inside the connector assembly along the first intersecting direction. The protrusion is positioned in the second intersecting direction closer to the corner of the first connector than the blocking shield.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that... , The protrusion has two protrusions positioned at mutually separated locations in the first intersecting direction. The limiting portion has two limiting portions disposed at positions corresponding to the two protrusions respectively in the first intersecting direction.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that... , The first housing is mounted to the first outer shell by being sandwiched between the two protrusions.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that... , The protrusion is made of the same material as the bottom wall and is integral with the bottom wall.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that... , The protrusion and the bottom wall are made of the same metal plate.

10. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that... , The second connector enters the inside of the first connector, and the first connector and the second connector are engaged. The second housing has sidewalls at its ends in the intersecting direction. The second connector also has a reinforcing member with higher rigidity than the second housing. A portion of the reinforcing member is mounted on the sidewall in a state between an outer wall surface located on the side opposite to the second housing and an inner wall surface located on the side opposite to the outer wall surface.

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