Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector which are mateable with each other. The first connector includes a first housing having a first mating portion and a first key. The first key is located outside the first mating portion. The second connector includes a second housing having a second mating portion and includes a shell having a protruding end and a second key. The protruding end faces the first connector when the first connector and the second connector are in a separated state in which they are separated from each other. The second key is a groove extending from the protruding end. When the first connector and the second connector are mated with each other, the second mating portion is received in the first mating portion, and the first key is received in the second key. The connector assembly of the present invention includes mating keys and is configured to prevent EMI.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a connector assembly including two connectors which are mateable with each other. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, a connector assembly of this type is disclosed in US 9490579 B (Patent Document 1), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Referring to FIG. 41 Patent Document 1 discloses a connector assembly 90 including a receptacle (first connector) 92 and a plug (second connector) 96 which are mateable with each other. The first connector 92 has a metal shield (first housing) 93. The first housing 93 is formed with a slit 94. Further, the first housing 93 has a protruding identifier 95. The protruding identifier 95 is connected to an inner edge of the slit 94 and is bent to be located within the first housing 93. The second connector 96 has a housing (second housing) 97. The second housing 97 is formed with a slot 98. When the second connector 96 is mated with the first connector 92, the second housing 97 is received in the first housing 93 and the protruding identifier 95 is received in the slot 98. As can be seen from the above-described structure, by providing the protruding identifier 95 and the slot 98 at positions corresponding to each other, a proper second connector 96 can be mated with the first connector 92. In other words, the connector assembly 90 has a mating key which allows only a proper second connector 96 to be mated with the first connector 92.

[0004] Each of the first and second connectors needs to be formed with a slit in order to be provided with a mating key as in Patent Document 1. From the viewpoint of preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI), these slits are undesirable. The mating key of Patent Document 1 is particularly unsuitable for a connector assembly which transmits high-speed signals. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present application to provide a connector assembly which includes a mating key and is configured to prevent EMI.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present application employs the following technical solutions:

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are mated with each other in a mating direction. The first connector includes a first holding member, two or more first terminals, and a first housing. The first terminals are held by the first holding member. Each of the first terminals has a first contact portion. The first housing has a first matable portion and a first key. The first matable portion at least partially surrounds the first contact portion in a perpendicular plane perpendicular to the mating direction. The first key is a protrusion provided on the first matable portion and located outside the first matable portion in the perpendicular plane. The second connector includes a second holding member, two or more second terminals, a second housing, and a shell. The second terminals are held by the second holding member. Each of the second terminals has a second contact portion. The second housing has a second matable portion. The second matable portion surrounds the second contact portion in the perpendicular plane. The shell has a protruding portion, a protruding end, and a second key. The protruding portion is located away from the second matable portion in the perpendicular plane and at least partially surrounds the second matable portion in the perpendicular plane. The protruding end faces the first connector in the mating direction when the first connector and the second connector are in a separated state in which the first connector and the second connector are separated from each other in the mating direction. The second key is a groove formed in the shell and extends from the protruding end in the mating direction. In a mating state in which the first connector and the second connector are mated with each other, the first contact portions are in contact with the second contact portions, respectively. In the mating state, the second matable portion is received in the first matable portion and the first key is received in the second key.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, in the mating state, the first key of the first connector is received in the second key of the second connector. From this mechanism, it can be seen that the first connector can be mated with the appropriate second connector by providing the first key and the second key in positions corresponding to each other in the perpendicular plane. In other words, the connector assembly of one aspect of the present invention has a mating key that allows only the appropriate second connector to be mated with the first connector. The mating key of one aspect of the present invention includes the first key of the first connector and the second key of the second connector.

[0009] The second key of the aspect of the present application is not formed in the second mating portion of the second housing, but is formed in the housing away from the second mating portion. Therefore, the second mating portion can be formed in a shape without a slit, so that the second contact portion can be completely surrounded. In addition, the first key is located outside the first mating portion of the first housing in the vertical plane. Therefore, the second mating portion can be received in the first mating portion in the mating state. The second mating portion thus received can surround the first contact portion in addition to the second contact portion in the vertical plane. In other words, in the mating state, the second mating portion can electromagnetically shield the entire first contact portion and the second contact portion in the vertical plane. Therefore, the aspect of the present application provides a connector assembly including mating keys and configured to prevent EMI. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly of an embodiment of the present application, in which a first connector and a second connector of the connector assembly are in a separated state in which they are separated from each other, the first connector is mounted on a board, and the second connector is connected to a cable.

[0011] FIG. 2 is FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly, in which the first connector and the second connector are in a mating state in which they are mated to each other.

[0012] FIG. 3 is FIG. 1 is a top view of the connector assembly, in which the second connector is partially shown, and the position of a stopper of the first connector and the position of a hidden distal end of the second connector are shown with dotted lines.

[0013] FIG. 4 is FIG. 1 is a side view of the connector assembly.

[0014] FIG. 5 is FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly.

[0015] FIG. 6 is FIG. 5 is a front view of the second connector.

[0016] FIG. 7 is FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly.

[0017] FIG. 8 is FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the first connector.

[0018] FIG. 9 is FIG. 7Another perspective view of the first connector is shown.

[0019] FIG. 10 is FIG. 7 A side view of the first connector is shown.

[0020] FIG. 11 is FIG. 7 A front view of the first connector is shown, in which the profile of the second mateable portion of the second connector and the second terminal in the mating state is shown in dotted lines.

[0021] FIG. 12 is FIG. 1 A perspective view of the connector assembly is shown, in which the second connector is arranged with respect to FIG. 1 The second connector is shown arranged upside down, and the end of the second mateable portion of the second connector is received in the first mateable portion of the first connector.

[0022] FIG. 13 is FIG. 12 A side view of the connector assembly is shown, in which the protruding end of the second connector abuts the stop of the first connector, and the position of the end of the first contact portion of the first connector, the position of the end of the second housing of the second connector, and the position of the end of the second contact portion of the second connector are shown in dotted lines.

[0023] FIG. 14 is FIG. 1 A perspective view of a first variant of the connector assembly is shown, in which the first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mating state in which they mate with each other.

[0024] FIG. 15 is FIG. 14 A perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly is shown.

[0025] FIG. 16 is FIG. 14 A perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly is shown.

[0026] FIG. 17 is FIG. 1 A perspective view of the first connector and FIG. 14 A perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly is shown, in which the end of the second mateable portion of the second connector is received in the first mateable portion of the first connector.

[0027] FIG. 18 is FIG. 17A side view of the first connector and the second connector shown, wherein the protruding end of the second connector is adjacent to the first key of the first connector, and the position of the end of the first contact portion of the first connector, the position of the end of the second housing of the second connector, and the position of the end of the second contact portion of the second connector are shown with dashed lines.

[0028] FIG. 19 is FIG. 1 A perspective view of a second variant of the connector assembly shown, wherein the first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mating state in which they mate with each other.

[0029] FIG. 20 is FIG. 19 A perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly shown.

[0030] FIG. 21 is FIG. 20 A front view of the first connector shown.

[0031] FIG. 22 is FIG. 19 A side view of the connector assembly shown, wherein the second connector is relative to FIG. 19 A perspective view of the second connector shown upside down, wherein the protruding end of the second connector is adjacent to an edge of a board on which the first connector is mounted, and the position of the end of the first contact portion of the first connector, the position of the end of the second housing of the second connector, and the position of the end of the second contact portion of the second connector are shown with dashed lines.

[0032] FIG. 23 is FIG. 1 A perspective view of a third variant of the connector assembly shown, wherein the first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mating state in which they mate with each other.

[0033] FIG. 24 is FIG. 23 A perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly shown.

[0034] FIG. 25 is FIG. 19 A perspective view of the first connector and the FIG. 23 A perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly shown, wherein the end of the second mateable portion of the second connector is received in the first mateable portion of the first connector.

[0035] FIG. 26 is FIG. 1 A perspective view of a fourth variant of the connector assembly shown, wherein the first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly are in a mating state in which they mate with each other.

[0036] FIG. 27 isFIG. 26 Perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly shown.

[0037] FIG. 28 is FIG. 27 Front view of the first connector shown.

[0038] FIG. 29 is FIG. 26 Side view of the connector assembly shown, with the second connector relative to FIG. 26 The second connector is shown upside down, the protruding end of the second connector abutting the edge of the board on which the first connector is mounted, and the position of the end of the first contact portion of the first connector, the position of the end of the second housing of the second connector, and the position of the end of the second contact portion of the second connector are shown in dotted lines.

[0039] FIG. 30 is FIG. 1 Perspective view of the fifth variant of the connector assembly shown, with the first and second connectors of the connector assembly in their mated state in which they mate with each other.

[0040] FIG. 31 is FIG. 30 Perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly shown.

[0041] FIG. 32 is FIG. 30 Perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly shown.

[0042] FIG. 33 is FIG. 32 Front view of the first connector shown.

[0043] FIG. 34 is FIG. 30 Side view of the connector assembly shown, with the second connector relative to FIG. 30 The second connector is shown upside down, the protruding end of the second connector abutting the stop of the first connector, and the position of the end of the first contact portion of the first connector, the position of the end of the second housing of the second connector, and the position of the end of the second contact portion of the second connector are shown in dotted lines.

[0044] FIG. 35 is FIG. 1 Perspective view of the sixth variant of the connector assembly shown, with the first and second connectors of the connector assembly in their mated state in which they mate with each other.

[0045] FIG. 36 is FIG. 35 Perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly shown.

[0046] FIG. 37 yes FIG. 26 The first connector of the connector assembly shown is... FIG. 35 A perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly is shown, wherein the end of the second mating portion of the second connector is received in the first mating portion of the first connector.

[0047] FIG. 38 yes FIG. 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of a seventh variant of the connector assembly, wherein the first and second connectors of the connector assembly are in a mating state where they are matched with each other.

[0048] FIG. 39 yes FIG. 38 A perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly is shown.

[0049] FIG. 40 yes FIG. 30 The first connector of the connector assembly shown is... FIG. 38 A perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly is shown, wherein the end of the second mating portion of the second connector is received in the first mating portion of the first connector.

[0050] FIG. 41 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of Patent Document 1. Detailed Implementation

[0051] like FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 As shown, the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment includes a first connector 20 and a second connector 50. The first connector 20 is a socket and is mounted on a circuit board (board) 82 during use. The second connector 50 is a plug and is connected to a cable 86 during use. Therefore, the first connector 20 in this embodiment is an on-board socket. The second connector 50 in this embodiment is a cable plug. In particular, the first connector 20 is a so-called straight socket. However, the invention is not limited to this, but can be applied to various connector assemblies. For example, the first connector 20 can be a cable connector. The second connector 50 can be an on-board connector.

[0052] The first connector 20 and the second connector 50 can be mated to each other along a mating direction. In this embodiment, the mating direction is the front-back direction and the X direction. "Front" refers to the positive X direction. "Backward" refers to the negative X direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mating direction can be the up-down direction.

[0053] FIG. 1The illustrated first connector 20 and second connector 50 are in a separated state in which they are separated from each other in the X direction. The second connector 50 is in the separated state in front of the first connector 20 in the X direction. When the second connector 50 moves toward the first connector 20 in the X direction in the separated state, the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 take a matching state in which they match each other as illustrated. In the matching state, the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are electrically connected to each other, so that an electronic device (not shown) including the board 82 and another electronic device (not shown) connected to the cable 86 are electrically connected to each other. FIG. 2 The illustrated first connector 20 and second connector 50 are in a separated state in which they are separated from each other in the X direction. The second connector 50 is in the separated state in front of the first connector 20 in the X direction. When the second connector 50 moves toward the first connector 20 in the X direction in the separated state, the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 take a matching state in which they match each other as illustrated. In the matching state, the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are electrically connected to each other, so that an electronic device (not shown) including the board 82 and another electronic device (not shown) connected to the cable 86 are electrically connected to each other.

[0054] The second connector 50 of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 5 , the second connector 50 of the present embodiment includes a second holding member 52 made of an insulator, two or more second terminals 56 made of a conductor, a second housing 60 made of a conductor, a case 70 made of an insulator, and a protection member 76 made of an insulator.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 5 , the protection member 76 is molded to protect the cable 86. When the protection member 76 is molded, the case 70 is joined to the protection member 76, and the second connector 50 is thereby attached to the cable 86. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the protection member 76 can be provided as needed. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 5 , the second connector 50 can include only the second holding member 52, the second terminals 56, the second housing 60, and the case 70. Alternatively, the second connector 50 can further include another member in addition to the above-described members.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 2 , each second terminal 56 of the present embodiment has a second contact portion 562 and a second fixed portion (not shown). The second contact portion 562 is electrically connected to the first connector 20 in the matching state. Each second fixed portion of the present embodiment is fixed and connected to a wire (not shown) of the cable 86 by soldering or the like when the second connector 50 is attached to the cable 86. Each second terminal 56 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the structure of each second terminal 56 is not particularly limited as long as each second terminal 56 has the second contact portion 562.

[0058] The second terminal 56 is held by the second holding member 52. The second contact portions 562 of the present embodiment are divided into two rows in a vertical direction perpendicular to the mating direction (X direction). The second contact portions 562 of each row are held by the second holding member 52 and are arranged in a lateral direction perpendicular to the X direction and the vertical direction. The vertical direction of the present embodiment is the up-down direction and the Z direction. "Up" means the positive Z direction. "Down" means the negative Z direction. The lateral direction of the present embodiment is the Y direction. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, the vertical direction can be the front-back direction. Furthermore, all the second contact portions 562 can be arranged in a single row in the Y direction.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5 The second housing 60 of the present embodiment is made of metal. In detail, the second housing 60 is a single metal plate that is bent. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, the second housing 60 can be formed of two or more members that are joined to each other.

[0060] The second housing 60 is fixed to the outer case 70. The second housing 60 has the second mateable portion 62. In addition, the second housing 60 has a fixed portion that is fixed to the outer case 70. The second mateable portion 62 extends in the X direction so as to be away from the fixed portion of the second housing 60 and has an end portion 628 in the X direction. The end portion 628 is farthest from the fixed portion of the second housing 60 in the X direction compared to other portions of the second mateable portion 62.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6 The second mateable portion 62 encloses the second holding member 52 in a vertical plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the X direction. The second mateable portion 62 of the present embodiment is formed by bending a single metal piece that has no hole about an axis parallel to the X direction and then joining opposite edges of the metal piece thus bent together. The opposite edges of the metal piece are joined at the joint 622 location.

[0062] The second mateable portion 62 formed as described above encloses the second holding member 52 substantially without a gap in the YZ plane. In the YZ plane, the second mateable portion 62 encloses around the second contact portions 562 arranged on the second holding member 52. The second mateable portion 62 of the present embodiment completely covers and electromagnetically shields the second contact portions 562 in the YZ plane. The second mateable portion 62 of the present embodiment is formed without a hole and without a slit. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, referring to FIG. 5 A hole or a slit can be formed near the end portion 628 of the second mateable portion 62 without degrading the protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5The housing 70 of the present embodiment has a base 72 and a protrusion 74. The base 72 entirely surrounds the second housing 60 in the YZ plane, except for the second matchable portion 62. The protrusion 74 and the second matchable portion 62 extend from the base 72 in the X direction toward the first connector 20 when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in the separated state.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5 The protrusion 74 of the present embodiment has a main portion 746 and two side portions 748. The main portion 746 extends along a horizontal plane (the XY plane) perpendicular to the Z direction. The two side portions 748 are connected to opposite sides of the main portion 746 in the Y direction, respectively. The two side portions 748 extend from the main portion 746 toward the second matchable portion 62 in the Z direction in parallel with each other. The protrusion 74 of the present embodiment has the above structure. According to this structure, the protrusion 74 hardly bends even if subjected to an acting force. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 74 can have only the main portion 746.

[0065] The protrusion 74 is away from the second matchable portion 62 in the YZ plane, and at least partially surrounds the second matchable portion 62 in the YZ plane. In detail, the main portion 746 is separated from the second matchable portion 62 in the Z direction. Each of the side portions 748 is separated from the second matchable portion 62 in the Y direction. In the YZ plane, the protrusion 74 partially surrounds one of the opposite sides of the second matchable portion 62 in the Z direction. The end portion 628 of the second matchable portion 62 is exposed from the protrusion 74. In addition, the protrusion 74 does not surround the remaining one of the opposite sides of the second matchable portion 62 in the Z direction. More specifically, the protrusion 74 of the present embodiment partially surrounds the upper portion of the second matchable portion 62 in the YZ plane, but does not surround the lower portion of the second matchable portion 62.

[0066] As described above, the housing 70 of the present embodiment is separated from the second matchable portion 62 in the YZ plane, and partially surrounds the second matchable portion 62 in the YZ plane. The housing 70 thus arranged forms the receiving portion 58. The receiving portion 58 is a space located opposite the protrusion 74 in the Z direction. The second matchable portion 62 is partially located in the receiving portion 58. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 74 can surround the entire upper portion of the second matchable portion 62 including the end portion 628 in the YZ plane. In other words, the second matchable portion 62 can be entirely located in the receiving portion 58. Therefore, the housing 70 should be separated from the second matchable portion 62 in the YZ plane, and should at least partially surround the second matchable portion 62 in the YZ plane.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 The housing 70 of the present embodiment has a distal end 722, a protruding end 742, and a second key 744.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 When the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in the separated state, the distal end 722 faces the first connector 20 in the X direction. The distal end 722 of the present embodiment is a part of an end surface of the base 72 and a plane parallel to the YZ plane. The distal end 722 is positioned in the receiving portion 58. The second matchable portion 62 is positioned between the distal end 722 and the protruding portion 74 in the Z direction. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, the structure and arrangement of the distal end 722 can be modified as needed.

[0069] When the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in the separated state, the protruding end 742 faces the first connector 20 in the X direction. The protruding end 742 of the present embodiment is a part of an end surface of the protruding portion 74 and a plane parallel to the YZ plane. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, the structure and arrangement of the protruding end 742 can be modified as needed.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 The second key 744 is a groove formed in the housing 70 and extends from the protruding end 742 in the X direction. When the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in the separated state, the second key 744 opens toward the first connector 20. The second key 744 of the present embodiment is a groove formed in the protruding portion 74. The second key 744 passes through the protruding portion 74 in the Z direction. The second key 744 extends linearly from the protruding end 742 to the boundary between the base 72 and the protruding portion 74 in the X direction. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, the structure and arrangement of the second key 744 can be modified as needed.

[0071] The first connector 20 of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4 The first connector 20 of the present embodiment includes a first holding member 22 made of an insulator, two or more first terminals 26 made of a conductor, and a first housing 30 made of a conductor. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, the first connector 20 can include another member in addition to the above-described members.

[0073] Each first terminal 26 of the present embodiment has a first contact portion 262 and a first fixed portion 268. The first contact portion 262 is electrically connected to the second connector 50 (see FIG. 1 ) in the matched state. Referring to FIG. 2When the first connector 20 is mounted on the board 82, each first fixed portion 268 of the present embodiment is fixed and connected to the conductive land 822 of the board 82 by soldering or the like. Each first terminal 26 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the structure of each first terminal 26 is not particularly limited, as long as each first terminal 26 has the first contact portion 262.

[0074] With reference to FIG. 1 , the first terminal 26 is held by the first holding member 22. The first contact portions 262 of the present embodiment are divided into two rows in the Z direction. The two rows of first contact portions 262 are respectively arranged on the opposite surfaces of the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22 in the Z direction. More specifically, the two rows of first contact portions 262 of the present embodiment are respectively arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22. The first contact portions 262 of each row are arranged in the Y direction. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, all of the first contact portions 262 can be arranged in a single row in the Y direction.

[0075] With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 , the first terminal 26 is provided corresponding to the second terminal 56 of the second connector 50. In the mating state, each first contact portion 262 is in contact with each second contact portion 562, respectively, so that the first connector 20 is electrically connected with the second connector 50. The number and arrangement of the first terminal 26 are not particularly limited, as long as each first contact portion 262 is arranged to be in contact with each second contact portion 562 in the mating state, respectively.

[0076] With reference to FIG. 11 , the first housing 30 of the present embodiment is made of metal. In detail, the first housing 30 is a single metal plate that is bent. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the first housing 30 can be formed of two or more members that are joined to each other.

[0077] The first housing 30 is connected to the first holding member 22. The first housing 30 of the present embodiment has the first mateable portion 32 and two or more fixed portions 38. When the first connector 20 is mounted on the board 82, each fixed portion 38 is inserted into a through-hole of the board 82 and connected to a ground pattern (not shown). The first mateable portion 32 extends in the X direction to be separated from the fixed portions 38 and has an end portion 328 in the X direction. The end portion 328 is farthest from the fixed portions 38 in the X direction compared to other portions of the first housing 30. The first housing 30 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the arrangement of the fixed portions 38 can be variously modified as needed.

[0078] The first matchable portion 32 of the present embodiment has a main plate 322, two side plates 324, and an opposite plate 326. The main plate 322 and the opposite plate 326 are located on opposite sides of the first matchable portion 32 in the Z direction, respectively. More specifically, the main plate 322 of the present embodiment is located on the upper side of the first matchable portion 32. The opposite plate 326 of the present embodiment is located on the lower side of the first matchable portion 32. The main plate 322 and the opposite plate 326 extend along the XY plane. The side plates 324 are located on opposite sides of the first matchable portion 32 in the Y direction, respectively. Each side plate 324 couples the main plate 322 and the opposite plate 326 to each other in the Z direction. The first matchable portion 32 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the first matchable portion 32 can be variously modified as needed.

[0079] The first matchable portion 32 of the present embodiment partially surrounds the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22 in the YZ plane. In the YZ plane, the first matchable portion 32 partially surrounds and electromagnetically shields the first contact portion 262 arranged on the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22. The main plate 322 of the present embodiment is formed with the first hole 44 and various holes 323. The first hole 44 and the various holes 323 pass through the main plate 322 in the Z direction. In addition, the opposite plate 326 of the present embodiment is formed with the various holes 323. Each hole 323 passes through the opposite plate 326 in the Z direction.

[0080] As described above, the first matchable portion 32 of the present embodiment does not completely surround the first contact portion 262 in the YZ plane. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the first hole 44 and the various holes 323 can be formed at positions that do not substantially reduce EMI protection. Therefore, the first matchable portion 32 should at least partially surround the first contact portion 262 in the YZ plane.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 3 , the first housing 30 has the first key 42 in addition to the above-described portions. The first key 42 is a protrusion provided on the first matchable portion 32 and is located outside the first matchable portion 32 in the YZ plane. The first key 42 is separated from the end portion 328 of the first matchable portion 32 in the X direction. The first key 42 of the present embodiment is a part of the first housing 30. In detail, the first key 42 of the present embodiment is formed by bending a portion of the main plate 322. The first key 42 thus formed has the same thickness as the other thickness of the first housing 30. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the first key 42 can be formed independently of the first housing 30, respectively, and can be joined to the first housing 30.

[0082] The first key 42 of the present embodiment is connected to the edge of the first hole 44 in the Y direction and protrudes outward from the main plate 322 in the Z direction. The first key 42 has a flat plate shape parallel to the predetermined plane (XZ plane). The first key 42 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present application is not limited to this, but the structure of the first key 42 can be modified as needed. For example, the first key 42 can be inclined to the XZ plane.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6 In addition to the portions already described, the first connector 20 of the present embodiment has a stopper 46. The stopper 46 of the present embodiment is provided on the first matchable portion 32 and is located outside the first matchable portion 32 in the YZ plane. The stopper 46 of the present embodiment is a part of the first housing 30. In detail, the stopper 46 of the present embodiment is formed by bending a portion of the opposing plate 326. The thickness of the stopper 46 thus formed is the same as the thickness of the first housing 30. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the stopper 46 can be formed separately from the first housing 30 and can be joined to the first housing 30.

[0084] The stopper 46 of the present embodiment is connected to the end portion 328 of the opposing plate 326 and protrudes outward from the opposing plate 326 in the Z direction. The stopper 46 has a flat plate shape parallel to the YZ plane. The stopper 46 of the present embodiment has the above-described basic structure. However, the present application is not limited to this, but the structure of the stopper 46 can be variously modified as needed. For example, the stopper 46 can be inclined with respect to the YZ plane.

[0085] The matching operation of the second connector 50 with the first connector 20 will be described below.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 11 When the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in the separated state, the first matchable portion 32 of the first connector 20 directly faces the second matchable portion 62 of the second connector 50 in the X direction. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 When the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in the separated state, the first key 42 of the first connector 20 faces the second key 744 of the second connector 50 in the X direction. Thus, the first key 42 is located in a position corresponding to the second key 744 in the YZ plane. When the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in the separated state, the protruding end 742 of the second connector 50 is located between the first connector 20 and the distal end 722 in the X direction.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 12 When the second connector 50 is in the FIG. 13When the second connector 50 moves toward the first connector 20 in the X direction in the disassembled state, the end 628 of the second mating part 62 is inserted into the first mating part 32, thereby positioning the second mating part 62 relative to the first mating part 32. While the second connector 50 remains in motion, the first key 42 of the first connector 20 is received in the second key 744 of the second connector 50. When the second connector 50 is further in motion, the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 assume a mated state in which they are electrically connected to each other (see...). FIG. 6 In the matching state, the second matching part 62 is received in the first matching part 32, and the first key 42 is received in the second key 744.

[0088] As can be seen from the above description, according to this embodiment, by providing a first key 42 and a second key 744 that correspond to each other and are located at corresponding positions in the YZ plane, the first connector 20 can be mated with a suitable second connector 50. In other words, the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment has mating keys that only allow the suitable second connector 50 to mate with the first connector 20. The mating keys of this embodiment include the first key 42 of the first connector 20 and the second key 744 of the second connector 50. Incorrect mating can be prevented simply by providing the first key 42 and the second key 744 to the connector assembly 10 without changing the structure of components such as the second housing 60.

[0089] like FIG. 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the second key 744 is not formed in the second mating portion 62 of the second housing 60, but is formed in the outer shell 70, which is separate from the second mating portion 62. Therefore, the second mating portion 62 can be formed in a shape without slits, thereby surrounding and electromagnetically shielding the second contact portion 562 of the second terminal 56.

[0090] like FIG. 13 As shown, in this embodiment, the first key 42 is located outside the first mating portion 32 of the first housing 30 in the YZ plane. Therefore, the second mating portion 62 can be received in the first mating portion 32 in the mating state. The second mating portion 62 thus received forms the mated portion 16 together with the first mating portion 32, and surrounds the periphery of the first contact portion 262 in the YZ plane, except for the second contact portion 562. In other words, in the mating state, the second mating portion 62 covers and electromagnetically shields the entire contact area 12 where the first contact portion 262 and the second contact portion 562 are in contact in the YZ plane. Therefore, this embodiment provides a connector assembly 10 that includes a mating key and is configured to prevent EMI.

[0091] Reference FIG. 2 and FIG. 11According to the present embodiment, when the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in the separated state, the distance DS is smaller than the distance DK, where the distance DS is a distance between the end portion 328 of the first housing 30 and the end portion 628 of the second housing 60 in the X direction in the separated state, and the distance DK is a distance between the first key 42 of the first connector 20 and the second key 744 of the second connector 50 in the X direction in the separated state. In the mating operation, before the first key 42 is received in the second key 744, the end portion 628 of the second mateable portion 62 is inserted in the first mateable portion 32, whereby the first key 42 is positioned with respect to the second key 744. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the distance DS can be longer than the distance DK. More specifically, the end portion 628 can be located between the protruding end 742 and the distal end 722 in the X direction.

[0092] The above-described feature is explained from another perspective. The second mateable portion 62 of the present embodiment extends beyond the protruding end 742 of the outer shell 70 in the X direction. When the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 are in the separated state, the end portion 628 of the second mateable portion 62 is closest to the first connector 20 in the X direction compared to other portions of the second connector 50. According to this arrangement, when the end portion 628 is just received in the first mateable portion 32 in the mating operation, it can be visually recognized whether the first key 42 is insertable into the second key 744. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it can be easily considered whether the second connector 50 is mateable with the first connector 20. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the protruding portion 74 of the outer shell 70 can extend beyond the end portion 628 of the second mateable portion 62 in the X direction.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 the width WF (thickness) of the first key 42 when viewed in the X direction of the first housing 30 is smaller than the width WS of the second key 744 when viewed in the X direction of the second housing 60. The first key 42 thus formed is smoothly received in the second key 744 in the mating operation. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the width WF of the first key 42 can be equal to the width WS of the second key 744.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 6 and FIG. 11 in the mating state, the distal end 722 of the second connector 50 is in contact with or is directed toward the stopper 46 of the first connector 20 in the X direction. The stopper 46 of the first connector 20 is located between the protruding end 742 and the distal end 722 of the second connector 50 in the X direction in the mating state. Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 2The protruding end 742 and the stopper 46 arranged as described above prevent the second mateable portion 62 from being matched to the first mateable portion 32 in an inverted manner.

[0095] In detail, based on the state in which the second connector 50 is tried to be matched to the first connector 20 in the inverted or in the inverted arrangement in the present embodiment, after the end portion 628 of the second mateable portion 62 is received in the first mateable portion 32, the protruding end 742 is adjacent to the stopper 46 to be stopped. At this time, the second contact portion 562 is not in contact with the first contact portion 262. Therefore, the protruding end 742 and the stopper 46 of the present embodiment function as an inverted matching prevention mechanism for preventing the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 from being matched to each other in an inverted manner.

[0096] The stopper 46 of the present embodiment is located at the same position as the end portion 328 of the first housing 30 in the X direction. According to this arrangement, the end portion 628 of the second mateable portion 62 is received in the first mateable portion 32 before the protruding end 742 is adjacent to the stopper 46. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, the end portion 628 of the second mateable portion 62 can not be received in the first mateable portion 32 when the protruding end 742 is adjacent to the stopper 46. More specifically, the stopper 46 can protrude toward the second connector 50 from the end portion 328 in the X direction.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 15 , the second mateable portion 62 has a 180-degree rotational symmetry shape in the YZ plane. In addition, an internal structure such as the second holding member 52 located in the second mateable portion 62 has a 180-degree rotational symmetry shape in the YZ plane. Therefore, the second mateable portion 62 of the present embodiment has a shape that can be inserted into the first mateable portion 32 even when arranged in an inverted manner. However, the pin assignment of the two rows of second contact portions 562 is not 180-degree rotational symmetry in the YZ plane. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 16 , if the second connector 50 can be matched to the first connector 20 in an inverted manner, the connector assembly 10 thus matched cannot work as designed. According to the present embodiment, since the inverted matching prevention mechanism including the protruding end 742 and the stopper 46 is provided, the first connector 20 and the second connector 50 can be reliably prevented from being matched to each other in an inverted manner.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8 , the receiving portion 58 of the second connector 50 of the present embodiment partially receives the first connector 20 in the matched state. Since the receiving portion 58 is provided, the second connector 50 can be matched to the first connector 20 even in the current case in which the protruding portion 74 protrudes toward the first connector 20.

[0099] As FIG. 14As shown, when the first housing 30 is viewed along the X direction, the stop 46 and the first key 42 are separated from each other. In other words, when the first housing 30 is viewed along the X direction, the stop 46 does not overlap with the first key 42. Based on this arrangement, the first connector 20 may have two parts: the stop 46 serving as a reverse mating prevention mechanism and the first key 42 serving as a mating key. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the first connector 20 may only have the first key 42.

[0100] like FIG. 15 As shown, the first mating portion 32 has a larger dimension in the Y direction than in the Z direction. When the first housing 30 is viewed along the X direction, the stop 46 and the first key 42 of this embodiment are located on opposite sides of the first mating portion 32. More specifically, the stop 46 of this embodiment protrudes downward from the lower surface of the first mating portion 32 or the opposite plate 326, and the first key 42 of this embodiment protrudes upward from the upper surface of the first mating portion 32 or the main plate 322. With this arrangement, even if the first mating portion 32 has a small dimension in the Y direction, these two parts, namely the stop 46 and the first key 42, can be easily provided. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the first key 42 may protrude outward in the Y direction from the side surface of the first mating portion 32 or the side plate 324. The stop 46 and the first key 42 may be arranged along the Y direction.

[0101] Reference FIG. 1 and FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 When the second housing 60 is viewed along the X direction, the width WS of the second key 744 is smaller than the width WC of the stop 46 when the first housing 30 is viewed along the X direction. When attempting to reverse-fit the second connector 50 and the first connector 20, even when the stop 46 is located in the YZ plane at the position corresponding to the second key 744, the stop 46 thus formed is not received in the second key 744. Therefore, according to this embodiment, reverse-fit can be prevented more reliably.

[0102] In this embodiment, the width WC of the stop 46 is approximately half the dimension of the opposite plate 326 along the Y direction, and is sufficiently wide. When the protruding end 742 stops, the wide stop 46 is hardly damaged. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first housing 30 may be provided with two or more stops 46. In this case, similar to the first key 42, each stop 46 may have a flat plate shape parallel to the XZ plane. Two or more stops 46 may be arranged in the Y direction such that the distance between stops 46 at opposite ends in the Y direction is greater than the width WS of the second key 744. In this case, the width WC of each stop 46 may be less than the width WS of the second key 744.

[0103] Reference FIG. 14 andFIG. 15 Any one of the width WF of the first key 42, the width WS of the second key 744, and the width WC of the stopper 46 is a dimension in the Y direction. However, the present application is not limited to this. For example, when the first key 42 protrudes outward in the Y direction from the side surface or the side plate 324 of the first mateable portion 32, the width WF of the first key 42 is a dimension in the Z direction.

[0104] In addition to the modifications described above, various modifications can be made to the present embodiment. A first modification of the present embodiment will be described below. The first modification can also be further modified similarly to the present embodiment.

[0105] Comparing FIG. 16 with FIG. 13 , the connector assembly 10A of the first modification includes a first connector 20A different from the first connector 20 and a second connector 50A different from the second connector 50. The first connector 20A is a board mount socket similar to the first connector 20. The second connector 50A is a cable plug similar to the second connector 50. The first connector 20A and the second connector 50A are mateable with each other in the mating direction (X direction).

[0106] Comparing FIG. 8 with FIG. 16 , the second connector 50A includes a housing 70A different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70A has a protrusion 74A different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74A is formed with a second key 744A. The second key 744A is a groove similar to the second key 744 and extends in the X direction from the protruding end 742. However, the position of the second key 744A in the Y direction is different from the position of the second key 744 in the Y direction. In detail, the second key 744 is located on one of the opposite sides of the protrusion 74 or the negative Y side in the Y direction, while the second key 744A is located on the other of the opposite sides of the protrusion 74A or the positive Y side. Except for the different position of the second key 744A described above, the second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50.

[0107] Comparing FIG. 1 with FIG. 15 , the first connector 20A includes a first housing 30A different from the first housing 30 of the first connector 20. The first housing 30A has a first mateable portion 32A different from the first mateable portion 32 of the first housing 30, and has a first key 42A different from the first key 42 of the first housing 30.

[0108] The first mateable portion 32A has a main plate 322A different from the main plate 322 of the first mateable portion 32. The first key 42A is provided on the main plate 322A. The first key 42A is a protrusion provided on the first mateable portion 32A and is located outside the first mateable portion 32A in the YZ plane. The first key 42A has a structure similar to that of the first key 42. However, the position of the first key 42A in the Y direction is different from that of the first key 42 in the Y direction. In detail, the first key 42 is located on one of the opposite sides of the main plate 322 or the negative Y side in the Y direction, while the first key 42A is located on the other of the opposite sides of the main plate 322A or the positive Y side. Except for the different position of the first key 42A described above, the first connector 20A has a structure similar to that of the first connector 20.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 16 When the second connector 50A is moved in the X direction toward the first connector 20A in the separated state, the second connector 50A mates with the first connector 20A. In the mated state, the second mateable portion 62 (see FIG. 2 ) is received in the first mateable portion 32A, and the first key 42A is received in the second key 744A.

[0110] With reference to FIG. 14 FIG. 2 and FIG. 14 When the second connector 50A of the connector assembly 10A is moved in the separated state toward the first connector 20 of the connector assembly 10, the end portion 628 of the second housing 60 is received in the first mateable portion 32. Thereafter, before the first contact portion 262 comes into contact with the second contact portion 562, the protruding end 742 abuts against the first key 42. Thus, in the case where the pin assignment of the second contact portion 562 of the second connector 50A does not correspond to the pin assignment of the first contact portion 262 of the first connector 20, when the second connector 50A is provided with the second key 744A that does not correspond to the first key 42, it is possible to prevent the second connector 50A from mating with the first connector 20.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 19 As described above, the connector assembly 10A of the present variant has a mating key that allows only a proper second connector 50A to mate with the first connector 20A. The mating key of the present variant includes the first key 42A of the first connector 20A and the second key 744A of the second connector 50A. The present embodiment provides a connector assembly 10A that includes the mating key and is configured to prevent EMI.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 ​, like the protruding end 742 of the second connector 50 and the stopper 46 of the first connector 20, the protruding end 742 of the second connector 50A and the stopper 46 of the first connector 20A prevent the second mateable portion 62A from being matched in reverse with the first mateable portion 32A. Thus, the protruding end 742 and the stopper 46 of the present variant function as a reverse matching prevention mechanism that prevents the first connector 20A and the second connector 50A from being matched in reverse with each other.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 20 , the first connectors 20 and 20A respectively include two types of the first keys 42, 42A, which are different from each other in position in the Y direction. The first keys 42 and 42A are respectively located at different positions from each other. Referring to FIG. 21 and FIG. 19 , the second connectors 50 and 50A respectively include two types of the second keys 744, 744A, which respectively receive the first keys 42, 42A. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, three or more types of the first keys can be formed as needed, and three or more types of the second keys can be formed as needed. For example, another type of the first key can be located in the middle of the first mateable portion in the Y direction, and another type of the second key can be located in the middle of the second mateable portion in the Y direction.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 21 , the stopper 46 and the first key 42A can be located on the same surface of the first mateable portion 32A, provided that the stopper 46 and the first key 42A are separated from each other when the first housing 30A is viewed in the X direction. For example, the stopper 46 and the first key 42A can protrude upward from the upper surface or the main board 322A of the first mateable portion 32A. However, from the viewpoint of easily providing two or more types of the first keys, the stopper 46 and the first key 42A are preferably respectively located on different surfaces of the first mateable portion 32A, and further preferably respectively located on opposite surfaces of the first mateable portion 32A.

[0115] Six variants of the present embodiment will be described hereafter. The first connector of each variant has one of the above-described first keys 42 and 42A of two types (see FIG. 11 and FIG. 20 ). The second connector of each variant has one of the above-described second keys 744 and 744A of two types (see FIG. 21 and FIG. 11 ). Further, each variant can also be further modified similarly to the present embodiment and the first variant.

[0116] Comparing FIG. 20 with FIG. 8The connector assembly 10B of the second variant includes a first connector 20B different from the first connector 20 and the same second connector 50 as the connector assembly 10. The first connector 20B is a board mount socket similar to the first connector 20. However, the first connector 20B is a so-called right angle connector different from the first connector 20. When the first connector 20B is used, the first connector 20B is mounted on a circuit board (board) 82B extending in parallel to the XY plane. The board 82B has an edge 84B in the X direction. Therefore, the first connector 20B is configured to be mounted on the board 82B extending in parallel to the X direction and having the edge 84B in the X direction. The first connector 20B and the second connector 50 are mateable with each other in the mating direction (X direction).

[0117] The first connector 20B includes the first holding member 22B made of an insulator similar to the first connector 20, two or more first terminals 26B made of a conductor, and the first housing 30B made of a conductor. However, the first connector 20B does not have the stopper 46. FIG. 19 FIG. 22 The first terminals 26B are held by the first holding member 22B. Each of the first terminals 26B has the first contact portion 262 and a first fixed portion 268B. When the first connector 20B is mounted on the board 82B, each of the first fixed portions 268B is fixed and connected to a conductive land 822B of the board 82B by soldering or the like. FIG. 19 The first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20B are arranged on the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22B so as to form two rows similar to the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20. In the mating state, each of the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20B is in contact with the second contact portion 562 in the contact area 12 similar to the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20.

[0118] FIG. 22 The first terminals 26B are held by the first holding member 22B. Each of the first terminals 26B has the first contact portion 262 and a first fixed portion 268B. When the first connector 20B is mounted on the board 82B, each of the first fixed portions 268B is fixed and connected to a conductive land 822B of the board 82B by soldering or the like. FIG. 13 FIG. 23 The first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20B are arranged on the plate-shaped portion of the first holding member 22B so as to form two rows similar to the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20. In the mating state, each of the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20B is in contact with the second contact portion 562 in the contact area 12 similar to the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20. FIG. 14 FIG. 19 The first terminals 26B are held by the first holding member 22B. Each of the first terminals 26B has the first contact portion 262 and a first fixed portion 268B. When the first connector 20B is mounted on the board 82B, each of the first fixed portions 268B is fixed and connected to a conductive land 822B of the board 82B by soldering or the like.

[0119] The first terminals 26B are held by the first holding member 22B. Each of the first terminals 26B has the first contact portion 262 and a first fixed portion 268B. When the first connector 20B is mounted on the board 82B, each of the first fixed portions 268B is fixed and connected to a conductive land 822B of the board 82B by soldering or the like. FIG. 24 ​​​​The first housing 30B has the first mateable portion 32B, the two or more secured portions 38B, and the first key 42. The first mateable portion 32B at least partially surrounds the first contact portion 262 in the YZ plane. The first mateable portion 32B has a main plate 322B, two side plates 324B, and an opposite plate 326B. The main plate 322B and the opposite plate 326B are located on opposite sides of the first mateable portion 32B in the Z direction, respectively. Each side plate 324B is located on an opposite side of the first mateable portion 32B in the Y direction, respectively. Each secured portion 38B extends outward from the side plate 324B in the Z direction. When the first connector 20B is mounted on the board 82B, each secured portion 38B is inserted into a through-hole of the board 82B and connected to a ground pattern (not shown).

[0120] Comparing FIG. 20 with FIG. 23 In the mating state, similar to the first mateable portion 32 of the first connector 20, the first mateable portion 32B forms the mated portion 16 together with the second mateable portion 62. The mated portion 16 surrounds and electromagnetically shields the entire contact area 12 in the YZ plane.

[0121] Comparing FIG. 25 with FIG. 18 In the mating state, similar to the first mateable portion 32 of the first connector 20, the first mateable portion 32B forms the mated portion 16 together with the second mateable portion 62. The mated portion 16 surrounds and electromagnetically shields the entire contact area 12 in the YZ plane.

[0122] Except for the above differences, the first connector 20B has a similar structure to the first connector 20.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 20 When the second connector 50 moves toward the first connector 20B in the X direction in the unmated state, the second connector 50 mates with the first connector 20B. In the mating state, the second mateable portion 62 (see FIG. 18 ) is received in the first mateable portion 32B, and the first key 42 is received in the second key 744. The connector assembly 10B of the present variant has a mating key that allows only a proper second connector 50 to mate with the first connector 20B. The mating key of the present variant includes the first key 42 of the first connector 20B and the second key 744 of the second connector 50. The present variant provides a connector assembly 10B that includes a mating key and is configured to prevent EMI.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 23In the mating state, the distal end 722 of the second connector 50 is in contact with or is directed toward the edge 84B of the board 82B in the X direction. In the mating state, the edge 84B of the board 82B is located between the protruding end 742 and the distal end 722 of the second connector 50 in the X direction.

[0125] In comparison with FIG. 26 and FIG. 19 the protruding end 742 and the stopper 46 of the aforementioned embodiment, the protruding end 742 and the edge 84B arranged as described above function as a reverse-mating prevention mechanism for preventing the first connector 20B and the second connector 50 from being mated in reverse to each other. More specifically, based on an attempt to mate the second connector 50 with the first connector 20B in reverse, the end portion 628 of the second housing 60 is received in the first mateable portion 32B, and then the protruding end 742 abuts against the edge 84B to be stopped before the second contact portion 562 comes into contact with the first contact portion 262.

[0126] In comparison with FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 and FIG. 27 The third variant connector assembly 10C includes a first connector 20C different from the first connector 20B and the second connector 50A identical to the connector assembly 10A. The first connector 20C is a right-angle board-on connector similar to the first connector 20B. The first connector 20C and the second connector 50A are mateable with each other in the mating direction (X direction).

[0127] In comparison with FIG. 28 and FIG. 20 The first connector 20C includes a first housing 30C different from the first housing 30B of the first connector 20B. The first housing 30C has a first key 42A and a first mateable portion 32C different from the first mateable portion 32B of the first housing 30B. The first mateable portion 32C has a main plate 322C different from the main plate 322B of the first mateable portion 32B. The first key 42A is provided on the main plate 322C. The first key 42A of the first connector 20C is a protrusion provided on the first mateable portion 32C and is located outside the first mateable portion 32C in the YZ plane. The first connector 20C has a structure similar to the first connector 20B except for the first key 42A provided instead of the first key 42.

[0128] In comparison with FIG. 21 When the second connector 50A is moved toward the first connector 20C in the X direction in the unmated state, the first key 42A is received in the second key 744A, and the second connector 50A is mated with the first connector 20C. Conversely, in comparison with FIG. 27When the second connector 50A of the connector assembly 10C is moved toward the first connector 20B of the connector assembly 10B in the separated state, the end portion 628 (see FIG. 28 ) of the second housing 60 is received in the first matchable portion 32B, and then the protruding end 742 abuts against the first key 42 before the first contact portion 262 (see FIG. 26 ) contacts the second contact portion 562 (see FIG. 28 ). The above mechanism prevents the first connector 20B and the second connector 50A from being matched with each other.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 11 , as described above, the connector assembly 10C of the present variation has a matching key that allows only a proper second connector 50A to be matched with the first connector 20C. The matching key of the present variation includes the first key 42A of the first connector 20C and the second key 744A of the second connector 50A. The present variation provides the connector assembly 10C that includes the matching key and is configured to prevent EMI.

[0130] Comparing FIG. 27 with FIG. 28 , the connector assembly 10D of the fourth variation includes a first connector 20D different from the first connector 20B and the second connector 50 identical to the connector assembly 10B. The first connector 20D is a socket similar to the first connector 20B. However, the first connector 20D is a so-called plug-in connector different from the first connector 20B. The first connector 20D and the second connector 50 are matchable with each other in the matching direction (X direction).

[0131] Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 27 , when the first connector 20D is used, the first connector 20D is mounted on a circuit board (board) 82D extending in parallel to the XY plane. The board 82D has an edge 84D in the X direction. Therefore, the first connector 20D is configured to be mounted on the board 82D extending in parallel to the X direction and having the edge 84D in the X direction. The board 82D is formed with a cutout 83D. When mounted on the board 82D, the first connector 20D is partially received in the cutout 83D.

[0132] Comparing FIG. 20 and FIG. 26 with FIG. 29 and FIG. 26 , the first connector 20D includes a first holding member 22D made of an insulator similar to the first connector 20B, two or more first terminals 26D made of a conductor, and a first housing 30D made of a conductor.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 and FIG. 26The first terminal 26D is held by the first retaining member 22D. Each first terminal 26D has a first contact portion 262 and a first fixed portion 268D. When the first connector 20D is mounted on the board 82D, with a portion of it falling into the board 82D, each first fixed portion 268D is fixed and connected to the conductive pad 822D of the board 82D. FIG. 31 and FIG. 5 In comparison, similar to the first contact portion 262 of the first connector 20, the first contact portions 262 of the first connector 20D are arranged on the plate-like portion of the first retaining member 22D to form two rows. In the mating state, similar to the first contact portion 262 of the first connector 20B, each first contact portion 262 of the first connector 20D contacts the second contact portion 562 in the contact area 12.

[0134] Reference FIG. 32 The first housing 30D has a first mating portion 32D, two or more fixing portions 38D, and a first key 42. The first mating portion 32D at least partially surrounds the first contact portion 262 in the YZ plane. The first mating portion 32D has a main board 322D, two side plates 324D, and a counter plate 326D. The main board 322D and the counter plate 326D are located on opposite sides of the first mating portion 32D along the Z direction. Each side plate 324D is located on opposite sides of the first mating portion 32D along the Y direction. Each fixing portion 38D extends integrally from the side plate 324D toward the counter plate 326D. When the first connector 20D is mounted on the plate 82D, with a portion of it falling into the plate 82D, each fixing portion 38D inserts into a through hole in the plate 82D and connects to a grounding pattern (not shown).

[0135] Will FIG. 27 and FIG. 30 In comparison, in the mating state, similar to the first mating portion 32 of the first connector 20, the first mating portion 32D together with the second mating portion 62 forms the mated portion 16. The mated portion 16 surrounds and electromagnetically shields the entire contact area 12 in the YZ plane.

[0136] Will FIG. 31 and FIG. 30 In comparison, the first key 42 of the first connector 20D is a protrusion provided on the first mating portion 32D and is located outside the first mating portion 32D in the YZ plane. When the first connector 20D is mounted on the board 82D, the first key 42 of the first connector 20D is separated from the board 82D in the YZ plane.

[0137] Apart from the differences mentioned above, the first connector 20D has a similar structure to the first connector 20B.

[0138] Reference FIG. 32When the second connector 50 is moved in the X direction toward the first connector 20D in the disengaged state, the second connector 50 mates with the first connector 20D. In the mated state, the second mateable portion 62 (see FIG. 34 ) is received in the first mateable portion 32D, and the first key 42 is received in the second key 744. The connector assembly 10D of the present variant has mating keys that allow only a proper second connector 50 to mate with the first connector 20D. The mating keys of the present variant include the first key 42 of the first connector 20D and the second key 744 of the second connector 50. The present variant provides a connector assembly 10D that includes mating keys and is configured to prevent EMI.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 32 , in the mated state, the distal end 722 of the second connector 50 contacts or is directed toward the edge 84D of the board 82D in the X direction. In the mated state, the edge 84D of the board 82D is located between the protruding end 742 and the distal end 722 of the second connector 50 in the X direction.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 33 , the protruding end 742 and the edge 84D arranged as described above act as a reverse-mating prevention mechanism that prevents the first connector 20D and the second connector 50 from being mated with each other in reverse. More specifically, when attempting to mate the second connector 50 and the first connector 20D in reverse, the end portion 628 of the second housing 60 is received in the first mateable portion 32D, and then the protruding end 742 abuts the edge 84D to be stopped before the second contact portion 562 contacts the first contact portion 262.

[0141] Comparing FIG. 27 with FIG. 28 , the connector assembly 10E of the fifth variant includes a first connector 20E that is different from the first connector 20D and a second connector 50E that is different from the second connector 50. The first connector 20E is a plug-in receptacle similar to the first connector 20D. The second connector 50E is a cable plug similar to the second connector 50. The first connector 20E and the second connector 50E are mateable with each other in a mating direction (X direction).

[0142] Comparing FIG. 26 with FIG. 26Comparing with the second connector 50, the second connector 50E includes a housing 70E different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70E has a protrusion 74E different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74E has the same main portion 746 as the protrusion 74 and two side portions 748E different from the side portions 748 of the protrusion 74. The main portion 746 of the protrusion 74E is formed with the same second key 744 as the protrusion 74. Each of the side portions 748E has a dimension in the Z direction smaller than the other dimension in the Z direction of each of the side portions 748. The second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50 except that the side portions 748E are provided instead of the side portions 748.

[0143] Comparing with the second connector 50, the second connector 50E includes a housing 70E different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70E has a protrusion 74E different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74E has the same main portion 746 as the protrusion 74 and two side portions 748E different from the side portions 748 of the protrusion 74. The main portion 746 of the protrusion 74E is formed with the same second key 744 as the protrusion 74. Each of the side portions 748E has a dimension in the Z direction smaller than the other dimension in the Z direction of each of the side portions 748. The second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50 except that the side portions 748E are provided instead of the side portions 748. FIG. 5 Comparing with the second connector 50, the second connector 50E includes a housing 70E different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70E has a protrusion 74E different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74E has the same main portion 746 as the protrusion 74 and two side portions 748E different from the side portions 748 of the protrusion 74. The main portion 746 of the protrusion 74E is formed with the same second key 744 as the protrusion 74. Each of the side portions 748E has a dimension in the Z direction smaller than the other dimension in the Z direction of each of the side portions 748. The second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50 except that the side portions 748E are provided instead of the side portions 748. FIG. 31 Comparing with the second connector 50, the second connector 50E includes a housing 70E different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70E has a protrusion 74E different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74E has the same main portion 746 as the protrusion 74 and two side portions 748E different from the side portions 748 of the protrusion 74. The main portion 746 of the protrusion 74E is formed with the same second key 744 as the protrusion 74. Each of the side portions 748E has a dimension in the Z direction smaller than the other dimension in the Z direction of each of the side portions 748. The second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50 except that the side portions 748E are provided instead of the side portions 748.

[0144] Comparing with the second connector 50, the second connector 50E includes a housing 70E different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70E has a protrusion 74E different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74E has the same main portion 746 as the protrusion 74 and two side portions 748E different from the side portions 748 of the protrusion 74. The main portion 746 of the protrusion 74E is formed with the same second key 744 as the protrusion 74. Each of the side portions 748E has a dimension in the Z direction smaller than the other dimension in the Z direction of each of the side portions 748. The second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50 except that the side portions 748E are provided instead of the side portions 748.

[0145] Comparing with the second connector 50, the second connector 50E includes a housing 70E different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70E has a protrusion 74E different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74E has the same main portion 746 as the protrusion 74 and two side portions 748E different from the side portions 748 of the protrusion 74. The main portion 746 of the protrusion 74E is formed with the same second key 744 as the protrusion 74. Each of the side portions 748E has a dimension in the Z direction smaller than the other dimension in the Z direction of each of the side portions 748. The second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50 except that the side portions 748E are provided instead of the side portions 748. FIG. 5 FIG. 30 Comparing with the second connector 50, the second connector 50E includes a housing 70E different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70E has a protrusion 74E different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74E has the same main portion 746 as the protrusion 74 and two side portions 748E different from the side portions 748 of the protrusion 74. The main portion 746 of the protrusion 74E is formed with the same second key 744 as the protrusion 74. Each of the side portions 748E has a dimension in the Z direction smaller than the other dimension in the Z direction of each of the side portions 748. The second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50 except that the side portions 748E are provided instead of the side portions 748.

[0146] Comparing with the second connector 50, the second connector 50E includes a housing 70E different from the housing 70 of the second connector 50. The housing 70E has a protrusion 74E different from the protrusion 74 of the housing 70. The protrusion 74E has the same main portion 746 as the protrusion 74 and two side portions 748E different from the side portions 748 of the protrusion 74. The main portion 746 of the protrusion 74E is formed with the same second key 744 as the protrusion 74. Each of the side portions 748E has a dimension in the Z direction smaller than the other dimension in the Z direction of each of the side portions 748. The second connector 50A has a similar structure to the second connector 50 except that the side portions 748E are provided instead of the side portions 748. FIG. 26 FIG. 29 ​​In the mating state, the distal end 722 of the second connector 50E contacts or is directed toward the stop 46E of the first connector 20E in the X direction. The stop 46E is located between the protruding end 742 and the distal end 722 of the second connector 50E in the X direction in the mating state.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 34 The protruding end 742 and the stop 46E arranged as above serve as a reverse-mating prevention mechanism for preventing the first connector 20E and the second connector 50E from being reversely mated with each other. More specifically, when an attempt is made to reverse-mate the second connector 50E with the first connector 20E, the end portion 628 of the second housing 60 is received in the first mateable portion 32E, and then the protruding end 742 abuts against the stop 46E to be stopped before the second contact portion 562 comes into contact with the first contact portion 262.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 35 and FIG. 14 The two fixed portions 38D of the first connector 20E extend outwardly from the first mateable portion 32E in the Y direction and are then fixed to the board 82D. The two fixed portions 38D thus formed support opposite sides of the first mateable portion 32E received in the cutout 83D of the board 82D.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 26 and FIG. 36 The first connector 20D includes two fixed portions 38D which are formed similarly to the above. Referring to FIG. 27 When the second connector 50 is mated with the first connector 20D, the two fixed portions 38D can abut against the protruding end 742 of the side portion 748 of the protruding portion 74. To prevent such abutment, FIG. 35 Each side portion 748 shown in Fig. 7 is formed to have a dimension in the Z direction slightly smaller than FIG. 37 Each side portion 748 shown in Fig. 7.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 35 Each side portion 748E of the protruding portion 74E has a dimension in the Z direction significantly smaller than FIG. 38 Each side portion 748 shown in Fig. 7. Comparing FIG. 30 and FIG. 39 The second connector 50E can be more smoothly mated with the first connector 20E than the second connector 50.

[0151] As FIG. 32 and FIG. 38When each side portion 748E is reduced in size in the Z direction, the edge 84D of the board 82D does not prevent the second mateable portion 62 from being matched with the first mateable portion 32E. Therefore, the first connector 20E needs to be provided with the stopper 46E. The size of each side portion 748E in the Z direction is not limited to the size of the present modification, but should be appropriately designed in accordance with the arrangement of the first connector 20E with respect to the board 82D.

[0152] In comparison with FIG. 40 and FIG. 38 and ​ The connector assembly 10F of the sixth modification includes a first connector 20F different from the first connector 20D and a second connector 50A identical to the connector assembly 10A. The first connector 20F is a plug-in socket similar to the first connector 20D. The first connector 20F and the second connector 50A are mateable with each other in the matching direction (X direction).

[0153] In comparison with ​ and ​ The first connector 20F includes a first housing 30F different from the first housing 30D of the first connector 20D. The first housing 30F has a first mateable portion 32F different from the first mateable portion 32D of the first housing 30D, and has a first key 42A different from the first key 42 of the first housing 30D. The first mateable portion 32F has a main plate 322F different from the main plate 322D of the first mateable portion 32D. The first key 42A is provided on the main plate 322F. The first key 42A of the first connector 20F is a protrusion provided on the first mateable portion 32F, and is located outside the first mateable portion 32F in the YZ plane. The first connector 20F has a structure similar to the first connector 20D except that the first key 42A is provided instead of the first key 42.

[0154] In comparison with ​ When the second connector 50A is moved in the X direction toward the first connector 20F in the separated state, the first key 42A is received in the second key 744A, and the second connector 50A is matched with the first connector 20F. In contrast, referring to ​ When the second connector 50A of the connector assembly 10F is moved toward the first connector 20D of the connector assembly 10D in the separated state, the protruding end 742 abuts against the first key 42. The above mechanism prevents the first connector 20D and the second connector 50A from being matched with each other.

[0155] In comparison with ​As described above, the connector assembly 10F of the present variant has a matching key that allows only a proper second connector 50A to be mated with the first connector 20F. The matching key of the present variant includes the first key 42A of the first connector 20F and the second key 744A of the second connector 50A. The present variant provides the connector assembly 10F that includes the matching key and is configured to prevent EMI.

[0156] In comparison ​ With ​ The connector assembly 10G of the seventh variant includes a first connector 20G that is different from the first connector 20E and a second connector 50G that is different from the second connector 50E. The first connector 20G is a plug-in socket similar to the first connector 20E. The second connector 50G is a cable plug similar to the second connector 50E. The first connector 20G and the second connector 50G are mateable with each other in a mating direction (X direction).

[0157] The second connector 50G includes a housing 70G that is different from the housing 70E of the second connector 50E. The housing 70G has a protrusion 74G that is different from the protrusion 74E of the housing 70E. The protrusion 74G is formed with the second key 744A. The second connector 50G has a similar structure to the second connector 50E except that the second key 744A is provided instead of the second key 744.

[0158] In comparison ​ With ​ The first connector 20G includes a first housing 30G that is different from the first housing 30E of the first connector 20E. The first housing 30G has the first key 42A and has a first mateable portion 32G that is different from the first mateable portion 32E of the first housing 30E. The first key 42A is a protrusion provided on the first mateable portion 32G and is located outside the first mateable portion 32G in the YZ plane. The first connector 20G has a similar structure to the first connector 20E except that the first key 42A is provided instead of the first key 42.

[0159] In comparison ​ When the second connector 50G is moved in the X direction toward the first connector 20G in the separated state, the first key 42A is received in the second key 744A, and the second connector 50G is mated with the first connector 20G. In contrast, referring to ​ When the second connector 50G of the connector assembly 10G is moved toward the first connector 20E of the connector assembly 10E in the separated state, the protruding end 742 abuts against the first key 42. The above mechanism prevents the first connector 20E and the second connector 50G from being mated with each other.

[0160] In comparison ​As described above, the connector assembly 10G of the present variant has a mating key that allows only a proper second connector 50G to mate with the first connector 20G. The mating key of the present variant includes the first key 42A of the first connector 20G and the second key 744A of the second connector 50G. The present variant provides a connector assembly 10G that includes a mating key and is configured to prevent EMI.

[0161] The above description is the preferred embodiment of the present application and the technical principles used by the present application. Any equivalent transformation, simple replacement, and other obvious changes based on the technical solutions of the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application are within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising a first connector and a second connector, characterized in that: The first connector and the second connector are mated together along the mating direction; The first connector includes a first retaining member, two or more first terminals, and a first housing; The first terminal is held by the first retaining member; Each of the first terminals has a first contact portion; The first housing has a first mating part and a first key; The first mating portion at least partially surrounds the first contact portion in a vertical plane perpendicular to the mating direction; The first key is a protrusion provided on the first mating portion and is located outside the first mating portion in the vertical plane; The second connector includes a second retaining member, two or more second terminals, a second housing, and a shell; The second terminal is held by the second retaining member; Each of the second terminals has a second contact portion; The second housing has a second mating part; The second mating portion surrounds the second contact portion in the vertical plane; The outer casing has a protrusion, a protruding end, and a second key; The protrusion is located away from the second mating portion in the vertical plane and at least partially surrounds the second mating portion in the vertical plane; When the first connector and the second connector are in a separated state in the mating direction, the protruding end faces the first connector in the mating direction; The second key is a groove formed in the housing and extends from the protruding end along the mating direction; When the first connector and the second connector are in a mating state, each of the first contact portions contacts each of the second contact portions; In the matching state, the second matchable part is received in the first matchable part, and the first key is received in the second key; The outer casing has a distal end; When the first connector and the second connector are in the separated state, the distal end faces the first connector in the mating direction; When the first connector and the second connector are in the separated state, the protruding end is located between the first connector and the distal end along the mating direction; The first connector has a stop; The stop is located outside the first mating part in the vertical plane; When the first housing is viewed along the matching direction, the stop and the first key are separated from each other; as well as In the mating state, the distal end of the second connector contacts or faces the stop in the mating direction.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first housing is viewed along the matching direction, the stop and the first key are located on opposite sides of the first mating portion.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first housing is viewed along the matching direction, the width of the first key is smaller than the width of the second key when the second housing is viewed along the matching direction; as well as When the second housing is viewed along the matching direction, the width of the second key is less than the width of the stop when the first housing is viewed along the matching direction.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second mating portion extends beyond the protruding end of the housing along the mating direction.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second matchable part has a 180-degree rotationally symmetrical shape in the vertical plane.

6. A connector assembly, comprising a first connector and a second connector, characterized in that: The first connector and the second connector are mated together along the mating direction; The first connector includes a first retaining member, two or more first terminals, and a first housing; The first terminal is held by the first retaining member; Each of the first terminals has a first contact portion; The first housing has a first mating part and a first key; The first mating portion at least partially surrounds the first contact portion in a vertical plane perpendicular to the mating direction; The first key is a protrusion provided on the first mating portion and is located outside the first mating portion in the vertical plane; The second connector includes a second retaining member, two or more second terminals, a second housing, and a shell; The second terminal is held by the second retaining member; Each of the second terminals has a second contact portion; The second housing has a second mating part; The second mating portion surrounds the second contact portion in the vertical plane; The outer casing has a protrusion, a protruding end, and a second key; The protrusion is located away from the second mating portion in the vertical plane and at least partially surrounds the second mating portion in the vertical plane; When the first connector and the second connector are in a separated state in the mating direction, the protruding end faces the first connector in the mating direction; The second key is a groove formed in the housing and extends from the protruding end along the mating direction; When the first connector and the second connector are in a mating state, each of the first contact portions contacts each of the second contact portions; In the matching state, the second matchable part is received in the first matchable part, and the first key is received in the second key; The outer casing has a distal end; When the first connector and the second connector are in the separated state, the distal end faces the first connector in the mating direction; When the first connector and the second connector are in the separated state, the protruding end is located between the first connector and the distal end along the mating direction; The first connector is configured to be mounted on a board that extends parallel to the mating direction and has an edge in the mating direction; When the first connector is mounted on the board, the first key is away from the board in the vertical plane; and The distal end of the second connector contacts or faces the edge along the mating direction in the mating state.

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