Electrical connector pair

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector pair. The electrical connector pair (1) includes: a plurality of socket connectors (4) mounted on a mounting surface (6a) of a substrate (6) and arranged in a Y-axis direction along the mounting surface (6a); and a plurality of plug connectors (5) which can be fitted to the receptacle connectors (4) in a one-to-one manner. The plug connector (5) is provided with a protruding section (24b) that protrudes in the Y-axis direction so as to partially overlap with an adjacent plug connector (5) when viewed from the Z-axis direction in which the receptacle connector (4) and the plug connector (5) are fitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric connector pair. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a socket connector that connects a plurality of socket-side connectors using a socket-side connecting member and a plug connector that connects a plurality of plug-side connectors using a plug-side connecting member. After the socket connector and the plug connector are mated, the mating of the two connectors is maintained by a retaining force generated between the contacts of the socket-side connector and the contacts of the plug-side connector.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-115487 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the connector device composed of the receptacle connector and the plug connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an external impact or an unexpected load is applied, there is a possibility that the receptacle connector and the plug connector may be released from fitting.

[0008] The present invention was completed under the above-mentioned actual circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector pair that can prevent the receptacle connector and the plug connector from being easily disengaged even when an impact or load is applied.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the electrical connector pair of the present invention includes: a plurality of first connectors, which are mounted on the mounting surface of the substrate and arranged in a first direction along the mounting surface; and a plurality of second connectors, which can be mated one-to-one with the first connectors, and the second connectors have an extending portion, which extends in the first direction in a manner that partially overlaps with the adjacent second connector when viewed from the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, even if an impact or a load is applied, the fitting between the receptacle connector and the plug connector can be prevented from being easily released. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the electric connector pair according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a pin pattern (circuit) formed on the mounting surface of a substrate.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing an end portion of a coaxial cable.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the receptacle connector.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the socket connector is shown.

[0018] Fig. 6A This is a perspective view of a connector assembly.

[0019] Figure 6B It is a perspective view showing a partial structure of a connector coupling body.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the plug connector.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a plug housing constituting the plug connector.

[0022] Fig. 9A This is a perspective view of a plug terminal constituting the plug connector. Fig. 9B It is a perspective view of a part of the plug housing to which the plug terminal is mounted.

[0023] Fig.10 It is a perspective view showing a state where a cable is connected to the plug housing and the plug terminal.

[0024] Fig.11 This is a perspective view showing a state where the first housing is attached to the structure of the plug housing, the plug terminal, and the cable.

[0025] Fig. 12A It is a perspective view of the second housing. Fig. 12B This is a perspective view showing a state where the second housing is attached to the structure of the plug housing, the plug terminal, the cable, and the first housing.

[0026] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing the pair of electrical connectors of the cable in an omitted manner.

[0027] Fig.14 is a side view of an electrical connector pair.

[0028] Fig.15A It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the transmission path of a signal.

[0029] Fig. 15BThis is a diagram showing a receptacle connector and a plug connector, and is a perspective view showing a first housing and a plug housing with parts omitted.

[0030] Fig.16 It is a side view of an electric connector pair according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.17 It is a perspective view of an electric connector pair according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Description of Reference Numerals

[0033] 1. Electrical connector pair; 2. Connector connection body; 3. Connector array body; 4. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D. Socket connector (first connector); 5. Plug connector (second connector); 6. Substrate; 6a. Mounting surface; 6b. Signal electrode pattern; 6c. Ground electrode pattern; 7. Cable (cable); 7a. Internal conductor; 7b. Insulator; 7c. External conductor; 7d. Protective coating; 10. Socket housing; 10a. Recess; 10 b, contact pressing part; 10c, shielding plate pressing part; 10d, grounding plate pressing part; 10e, fitting recess; 10f, protruding part; 10g, receiving part; 11, socket terminal (first contact); 11a, fixing part; 11b, socket contact part; 11c, substrate connecting part; 12, shielding plate; 12a, main body; 12b, substrate connecting part; 12c, shielding plate pressing part; 13, grounding plate; 13a, main body; 13b, substrate connecting part ; 13c, ground plate press-fitting portion; 20, plug housing (housing); 20a, cover connecting portion; 20b, plug arrangement portion; 20c, fitting protrusion; 21, plug terminal (second contact); 21a, fixing portion; 21b, plug contact portion; 21c, cable connecting portion; 22, first housing; 22a, opposite wall portion; 22b, side wall portion; 23, second housing; 23a, extension portion; 24, third housing (housing); 24a, main body; 24 b, protruding portion; 24c, step portion; 30, connecting portion; 30a, main body; 30b, extension portion; 30c, shaft supporting portion; 31, first locking portion; 31a, main body; 31b, rotating shaft portion; 32, second locking portion; 33, bolt; 34b, protruding portion; 34c, step portion; 200, plug mounting portion; 201, terminal fixing portion; 202, fitting portion; 203, supporting portion; P1, first plug surface; P2, second plug surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent parts. In the present embodiment, the description is appropriately made in accordance with the three-axis rectangular coordinate system of XYZ shown in the drawings.

[0035] Implementation Method 1

[0036] First, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0037] [Electrical connector pair]

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrical connector pair 1 of this embodiment includes a connector coupling body 2 and a connector array body 3. The connector coupling body 2 includes a plurality of socket connectors 4 arranged in a connected state along a mounting surface 6a of a substrate 6. The connector array body 3 includes a plurality of plug connectors 5 arranged in one direction. The socket connectors 4 are mounted on the substrate 6, and the plug connectors 5 are connected to a plurality of cables 7.

[0039] In this embodiment, a description is given of a case where the mounting surface 6a of the substrate 6 is parallel to the XY plane. In addition, the Y-axis direction is referred to as the first direction, and the X-axis direction is referred to as the second direction.

[0040] The socket connector 4 and the plug connector 5 are mated one to one. Thus, the electrical connector pair 1 connects the substrate 6 and the plurality of cables 7. When the socket connector 4 and the plug connector 5 are mated, the substrate 6 and the cables 7 are electrically connected, so that signals can be transmitted between the circuits and electronic components on the substrate 6 and the cables 7. The electrical connector pair 1 is a connector pair of a multi-row connection structure in which the connector coupling body 2 and the connector array body 3 are mated with each other.

[0041] [Substrate]

[0042] The substrate 6 is, for example, a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board on which electronic circuits or electronic components are mounted, and is housed in, for example, an electronic device (not shown). The socket connector 4 constituting the connector assembly 2 is connected to a mounting surface 6a formed on the substrate 6 by soldering or the like. Figure 2 The signal electrode pattern 6b and the ground electrode pattern 6c are shown.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the signal electrode patterns 6 b formed on the mounting surface 6 a of the substrate 6 are arranged in the X-axis direction. In addition, the signal electrode patterns 6 b are arranged in four rows in the Y-axis direction.

[0044] There are two types of patterns in the ground electrode pattern 6c. One pattern has a portion sandwiching a pair of signal electrode patterns 6b in the X-axis direction and a portion connecting the sandwiched portions in the X-axis direction. The other pattern is composed of a plurality of patterns arranged in the Y-axis direction in a region further outward than both ends of the arrangement of the signal electrode patterns 6b in the X-axis direction.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the mounting surface 6a of the substrate 6 is parallel to the XY plane. Therefore, the normal direction of the mounting surface 6a is the Z-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the surface parallel to the XY plane is appropriately set as a "horizontal plane", the +Z direction is set as the "upward" direction, and the -Z direction is set as the "downward" direction.

[0046] [cable]

[0047] The cable 7 is used, for example, to transmit electrical signals between the substrate 6 housed in the electronic device and other substrates. In the present embodiment, the cable 7 is a two-core flat coaxial cable. Figure 3 As shown, the cable 7 includes a pair of inner conductors 7a, an insulator 7b, an outer conductor 7c and a protective coating 7d. The pair of inner conductors 7a are composed of metal wires (e.g., copper wires) extending in a linear shape. The insulator 7b covers the circumference of each inner conductor 7a in an insulating state. The outer conductor 7c is formed by a metal braided wire and covers the circumference of each inner conductor 7a via the insulator 7b. The protective coating 7d covers the circumference of the outer conductor 7c. With the aid of the cable 7, signal transmission can be performed using the potential difference between the two inner conductors 7a and the outer conductor 7c. The cable 7 is connected to the plug connector 5 in a state arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0048] The cable 7 is merely an example. For example, the inner conductor 7a may be a twisted wire formed of a plurality of metal wires or a single metal wire. Furthermore, the outer conductor 7c may be formed by winding a copper plate instead of a metal braided wire.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the receptacle connector 4 constituting the connector coupling body 2 and the plug connector 5 constituting the connector array body 3 are configured to be able to be fitted with and removed from each other along the normal direction (Z-axis direction) of the mounting surface 6 a of the substrate 6 .

[0050] [Connector assembly]

[0051] The structure of the connector assembly 2 will be described. First, the detailed structure of each receptacle connector 4 constituting the connector assembly 2 will be described.

[0052] [Socket connector]

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the receptacle connector 4 is a flat-plate-shaped connector that is long in the X-axis direction as a whole.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the socket connector 4 is configured to include a socket housing 10 facing the mounting surface 6a of the substrate 6, a plurality of socket terminals 11 for signal transmission, a shield plate 12 functioning as an electromagnetic wave shield, and a ground plate 13 also functioning as an electromagnetic wave shield.

[0055] [Socket housing]

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the socket housing 10 forms a main body of the socket connector 4. The socket housing 10 has a rectangular outer shape, and the X-axis direction is the longitudinal direction. The socket housing 10 is a member formed of an insulating material including resin.

[0057] A recess 10a is provided on the upper surface of the socket housing 10 facing the +Z direction. The opening of the recess 10a extends along the X-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the socket housing 10. Fitting recesses 10e are provided at both ends of the recess 10a in the X-axis direction. The fitting recess 10e fits with a fitting protrusion 20c of the plug housing 20 described later.

[0058] In addition, the recessed portion 10a is provided with a plurality of contact press-in portions 10b, a plurality of shield plate press-in portions 10c, and a ground plate press-in portion 10d. The contact press-in portions 10b are grooves arranged at regular intervals in the X-axis direction. A pair of socket terminals 11 are pressed into each contact press-in portion 10b from below. The shield plate press-in portion 10c is a groove provided on both sides of each contact press-in portion 10b in the X-axis direction. The shield plate 12 is pressed into the shield plate press-in portion 10c from above. The ground plate press-in portion 10d is a groove formed in a manner extending in the X-axis direction at a position that is in the -Y direction when viewed from the contact press-in portion 10b and the shield plate press-in portion 10c. The ground plate 13 is pressed into the ground plate press-in portion 10d from above.

[0059] The socket housing 10 holds a plurality of socket terminals 11, a plurality of shield plates 12, and a ground plate 13 arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction. The socket housing 10 is sandwiched between the socket terminals 11, the shield plates 12, and the ground plate 13 to insulate the socket terminals 11, the shield plates 12, and the ground plate 13 from each other.

[0060] [Socket terminal]

[0061] The plurality of socket terminals 11 are, for example, members having elasticity and conductivity formed by punching a metal plate-like member. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the socket terminal 11 is provided with a fixing portion 11a, a socket contact portion 11b, and a substrate connection portion 11c. The socket terminals 11 are arranged in the same direction with the plate thickness direction being the X-axis direction, and each fixing portion 11a is inserted from the bottom to the top relative to the contact press-fit portion 10b. Thus, the socket terminal 11 is fixedly held in the socket housing 10.

[0062] When the socket terminal 11 is fixed to the socket housing 10, the socket contact portion 11b is in a state of protruding into the recess 10a of the socket housing 10. In addition, when the socket terminal 11 is fixed to the socket housing 10, the substrate connection portion 11c is in a state of being arranged in the X-axis direction along the mounting surface 6a of the substrate 6. The substrate connection portion 11c is located at the signal electrode pattern 6b (see Figure 2 ) and connected to the signal electrode pattern 6b. The socket terminal 11 is connected to the signal electrode pattern 6b formed on the mounting surface 6a (see Figure 2 ), and contact the plug terminals 21 of the plug connector 5, which are arranged in a row in the same direction along the mounting surface 6a, and an adjacent pair of socket terminals 11 transmit differential signals as a group.

[0063] [Shielding plate]

[0064] The plurality of shielding plates 12 are conductive members formed by, for example, punching a metal plate-shaped member. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the shielding plate 12 is provided with a main body portion 12a and a substrate connecting portion 12b. Figure 5 As shown, the shielding plates 12 are arranged in the same direction with the plate thickness direction being the X-axis direction, and the substrate connection portion 12b is pressed downward from the top to the bottom into the shielding plate pressing portion 10c. The substrate connection portion 12b is located at the ground electrode pattern 6c (see Figure 2 ) and connected to the ground electrode pattern 6c by soldering. In addition, in the shielding plate 12, protruding shielding plate press-fitting portions 12c are provided at both ends of the substrate connecting portion 12b in the Y-axis direction.

[0065] [Ground plate]

[0066] The ground plate 13 is a conductive member formed by punching a metal plate-like member, for example. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the ground plate 13 is provided with a main body 13a and a substrate connection portion 13b. The substrate connection portion 13b is pressed downward from the top to the ground plate press-fit portion 10d in a state where the thickness direction of the ground plate 13 is in the Y-axis direction and the ground plate 13 extends in the X-axis direction. The substrate connection portion 13b is located at the ground electrode pattern 6c (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ) On the ground plate 13. In addition, in the ground plate 13, a protruding ground plate press-fitting portion 13c is provided between the substrate connecting portions 13b arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0067] The four receptacle connectors 4 having the above-described structure are mounted on the mounting surface 6 a of the substrate 6 , and are arranged in the Y-axis direction (first direction) along the mounting surface 6 a .

[0068] [Connection]

[0069] like Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown in the figure, the multiple socket connectors 4 are connected at both ends of the X-axis direction thereof by a connecting portion 30. The connecting portion 30 is a conductive member formed by punching a metal plate-shaped member. The connecting portion 30 includes a main body portion 30a extending along the Y-axis direction (first direction), a plurality of extension portions 30b extending downward from the main body portion 30a, and a shaft support portion 30c supporting a rotation axis of a first locking portion 31 described later.

[0070] like Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , the length of the main body 30a in the Y-axis direction (first direction) is the same as the length of the arrangement of the four receptacle connectors 4. Figure 5 As shown, protrusions 10f protruding outward along the X-axis direction are provided at the lower portions of both ends in the X-axis direction of the socket housing 10. The upper surfaces of the protrusions 10f are horizontal, and the main body 30a is mounted on the upper surfaces.

[0071] like Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , an extension portion 30b extending downward is formed at the lower side of the main body portion 30a. The extension portions 30b are formed at regular intervals along the Y-axis direction. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the socket housing 10 is provided with a receiving portion 10g for receiving the extension portion 30b. When the extension portion 30b is inserted and pressed into the receiving portion 10g, the main body 30a is placed on the upper surface of the protruding portion 10f. Thus, the connecting portion 30 connects the plurality of socket connectors 4 to each other. The lower end of the extension portion 30b is connected to the ground electrode pattern 6c (see FIG. 1 ) formed on the mounting surface 6a of the substrate 6. Figure 2 )connect.

[0072] [Shaft support]

[0073] like Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , the main body 30a is provided with a shaft support portion 30c. The shaft support portion 30c is a notch formed on the lower side of the main body 30a.

[0074] [First locking part]

[0075] like Fig. 6AAs shown, the connector coupling body 2 has a first locking portion 31. The first locking portion 31 is formed, for example, by bending a slender cylindrical member. The first locking portion 31 includes a main body portion 31a and a rotation shaft portion 31b. The main body portion 31a extends in the X-axis direction and has a length that exceeds the length of the socket connector 4 in the X-axis direction. The rotation shaft portion 31b is formed at both ends of the main body portion 31a. The rotation shaft portion 31b is bent and bent again relative to the main body portion 31a, and is inserted between the shaft support portion 30c and the protrusion 10f of the socket housing 10, and is in a state of being supported by these shaft support portions 30c and the protrusion 10f. By rotating the rotation shaft portion 31b, the first locking portion 31 can be rotated around an axis parallel to the X-axis.

[0076] In the present embodiment, four receptacle connectors 4 are arranged in the Y-axis direction and connected to each other by the connecting portion 30 to form the connector connection body 2 .

[0077] [Plug connector]

[0078] Next, the plug connector 5 that is mated with the receptacle connector 4 in a one-to-one manner will be described. Figure 7 to Figure 12B As shown, the plug connector 5 includes a plug housing 20 (see Figure 8 ), a plurality of plug terminals 21 ( Fig. 9A ), a plurality of first housings 22 functioning as electromagnetic shielding members between the plug terminals 21 and the outside (see Fig.11 ), the second housing 23 also functions as an electromagnetic shielding member (see Fig. 12A ), and a third housing 24 (see Figure 7 ).in addition, Figure 7 to Figure 12B The XYZ coordinate system in φ represents the state when the plug connector 5 and the receptacle connector 4 are mated.

[0079] [Plug housing and plug terminal]

[0080] The plug housing 20 is an insulating member made of resin, for example. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the plug housing 20 is a member whose entire length is in the X-axis direction. Cover connection portions 20a connected to the third housing 24 described later are provided at both ends of the plug housing 20 in the X-axis direction. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plug arrangement portion 20b in which a plurality of plug terminals 21 are arranged is provided between the two cover connection portions 20a. Fig.10 As shown, the plug arrangement portion 20b has a plurality of plug terminals 21 (see Fig. 9A ) are kept in a state of being arranged in one direction with the same orientation. Fig. 9BAs shown in FIG. 2 , a plurality of plug mounting portions 200 for arranging a pair of plug terminals 21 are connected in the X-axis direction to form a plug arrangement portion 20b. Figure 8 As shown, convex fitting protrusions 20c extending in the -Z direction are provided at both ends of the plug housing 20 in the X-axis direction. The fitting protrusions 20c fit into the fitting recesses 10e of the socket housing 10.

[0081] The plug terminal 21 is formed by punching a conductive plate-like member such as a metal. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown, the plug terminal 21 includes a fixing portion 21a fixed to the plug housing 20, a plug contact portion 21b that contacts the conductive socket terminal 11 of the socket connector 4 one-to-one, and a cable connection portion 21c connected to the internal conductor 7a of the cable 7. The fixing portion 21a is provided at the center of the plug terminal 21. The plug contact portion 21b extends from the fixing portion 21a in the downward direction (-Z direction), and the cable connection portion 21c extends in a direction along the YZ plane and inclined 60° to the Y direction relative to the upward direction (+Z direction). In the state of being mated with the socket connector 4, the plug contact portion 21b contacts the socket terminal 11 in a portion along the mating direction (Z-axis direction). The cable connection portion 21c is connected to the internal conductor 7a of the cable 7 extending in the inclined direction at the inclined portion.

[0082] like Fig. 9B As shown, the fixing portion 21a is embedded in the plug mounting portion 200. The plug contact portion 21b extends in the Z-axis direction and is connected to the socket contact portion 11b (see FIG. 1 ) of the socket terminal 11 as described later. Figure 5 The cable connection portion 21c extends in an inclined direction along the YZ plane and inclined from the +Z direction toward the +Y direction, and is connected to the internal conductor 7a of the cable 7 by soldering.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, the plug mounting portion 200 constituting the plug housing 20 includes a terminal fixing portion 201, a fitting portion 202 and a support portion 203. At least a portion of the fixing portion 21a between the plug contact portion 21b and the cable connecting portion 21c of the plug terminal 21 is fixed to the terminal fixing portion 201 of the plug housing 20.

[0084] like Fig. 9B As shown, the fitting portion 202 and the recess 10a of the socket connector 4 (see Figure 4) are engaged in the up-down direction, and have a first plug face P1 extending along the engaging direction (Z-axis direction) and the arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the plug terminals 21. The plug contact portion 21b is exposed on the first plug face P1. The support portion 203 is connected to the engaging portion 202, and has a second plug face P2, and the second plug face P2 extends along the above-mentioned inclined direction in which the cable connecting portion 21c of the plug terminal 21 extends and the arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the plug terminals 21. The cable connecting portion 21c is exposed on the second plug face P2. Fig.10 As shown, a plurality of cables 7 are connected to the plug connector 5 , and a pair of adjacent plug terminals 21 form a set to transmit differential signals.

[0085] [First housing]

[0086] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first housing 22 is a conductive member formed by punching and bending a metal plate-shaped member. Fig.10 and Fig.11 By comparison, the first housing 22 is provided for each pair of plug terminals 21 in a state of being insulated from the plug terminals 21 by the extension of the terminal fixing portion 201. The first housing 22 covers the portion of the plug terminals 21 except the plug contact portion 21b and the cable connection portion 21c.

[0087] [Second housing]

[0088] like Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As shown, the second housing 23 is a conductive member formed by punching and bending a metal plate-like member. The second housing 23 extends along the inclined direction in which the cable connection portion 21c extends and the arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the plug terminals 21, and covers the plurality of plug terminals 21 from the opposite side of the first housing 22 based on the cable connection portion 21c.

[0089] [3rd housing]

[0090] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third housing 24 is a conductive member formed by punching and bending a metal plate-shaped member. The third housing 24 is a cover member having a main body 24a that covers the plurality of plug terminals 21 from above the first housing 22. The third housing 24 is fixed to the cover connection portions 20a provided at both ends of the plug housing 20 in the X-axis direction as described above.

[0091] In the plug connector 5, the first shell 22, the second shell 23, and the third shell 24 are in contact with each other and grounded, thereby realizing an electromagnetic shielding member that covers at least part of the outer periphery of the plug housing 20 in a state of insulation relative to the pair of plug terminals 21. Specifically, Fig. 12AAs shown, the extension portions 23 a formed at both ends of the second housing 23 in the X-axis direction are in contact with the third housing 24 .

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, an extension portion 24b and a step portion 24c are provided at both ends of the third housing 24 in the X-axis direction. The extension portion 24b is provided at both ends of the X-axis direction at the portion close to +Y and extends in the +Y direction. The step portion 24c is a recessed portion provided in a pair with the extension portion 24b, and its size is such as to accommodate the extension portion 24b.

[0093] [Mating of receptacle connector and plug connector]

[0094] like Fig.13 As shown, in the electrical connector pair 1, the connector coupling body 2 is engaged with the connector array body 3. Fig.13 The cable 7 is omitted in the figure. In the connector assembly 2, as shown in FIG. Fig. 6A As shown, four socket connectors 4 are arranged along the Y-axis direction in a state of being connected by a connecting portion 30. In the connector arrangement body 3, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the plug connector 5 closest to +Y in the extending direction of the cable 7 among the four plug connectors 5 is sequentially mated with the receptacle connector 4. Here, the plug connector 5 closest to -Y is referred to as the plug connector 5A, the plug connector 5 adjacent to the plug connector 5A is referred to as the plug connector 5B, the plug connector 5 adjacent to the plug connector 5B is referred to as the plug connector 5C, and the plug connector 5 adjacent to the plug connector 5C is referred to as the plug connector 5D.

[0095] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the extension portion 24b of the plug connector 5 extends in the +Y direction so as to partially overlap with the adjacent plug connector 5 when viewed from the mating direction of the receptacle connector 4 and the plug connector 5. The extension portion 24b is embedded in the step portion 24c of the adjacent plug connector 5. In addition, the plug connector 5A closest to -Y, that is, the plug connector 5A that does not overlap with the extension portion 24b of the adjacent plug connector 5 in the mating direction, is locked with the receptacle connector 4 by the first locking portion 31 to prevent it from coming out. The first locking portion 31 locks the plug connector 5 to the receptacle connector 4 to prevent the receptacle connector 4 and the plug connector 5 from being released from the mating. Furthermore, the plug connectors 5B, 5C, and 5D are prevented from coming out by the extension portions 24b of the adjacent plug connectors 5A, 5B, and 5C close to -Y.

[0096] like Fig.14 As shown, the protruding portion 24b and the step portion 24c have faces facing each other in the mating direction (faces with the mating direction as the normal direction), and the faces are in contact with each other, thereby making it difficult for the plug connector 5 (5A to 5D) to come off in the mating direction.

[0097] In addition, if Fig.10 As shown, in the plug connector 5, the plug terminal 21 is connected to the cable 7. Fig.14 As shown, the extension portion 24b extends in the +Y direction, which is the direction in which the cable 7 extends from the plug terminal 21 in the Y-axis direction. In this way, even if a force is applied to the plug connector 5 to rotate around the X-axis direction due to the weight or tension of the cable 7, the extension portion 24b of the adjacent plug connector 5 will inhibit the plug connector 5 from rotating around the X-axis, thereby preventing the plug connector 5 from coming out of the receptacle connector 4. In addition, if the extension portion 24b is formed to extend in the +Y direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, when the plug connector 5D with the cable 7 located below is first mated with the receptacle connector 4, the protruding portion 24b can be prevented from interfering with the mating of the receptacle connector 4 and the plug connector 5.

[0098] The plug connector 5 has a protruding portion 24b at one end in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and a stepped portion 24c at the other end. In this way, the protruding portion 24b of the plug connector 5 can be accommodated in the stepped portion 24c of the adjacent plug connector 5. Therefore, the plug connector 5 can be prevented from coming out of the receptacle connector 4 without increasing the height of the plug connector 5 from the substrate 6.

[0099] The socket connector 4 and the plug connector 5 are mated together so that the socket terminals 11 and the plug terminals 21 are in one-to-one contact. Fig.15A As shown in FIG. 1 , a signal transmission path is generated by the signal electrode pattern 6 b of the substrate 6, the socket terminal 11, the plug terminal 21, and the internal conductor 7 a of the cable 7. Fig. 15B As shown, the receptacle terminal 11 and the plug terminal 21 are surrounded by the shielding plate 12, the grounding plate 13, the first shell 22, and the second shell 23. Since the shielding plate 12, the grounding plate 13, the first shell 22, and the second shell 23 are connected to each other and further connected to the outer conductor 7c of the cable 7 and the ground electrode pattern 6c, they function as electromagnetic shielding members around the transmission path of the signal.

[0100] Implementation Method 2

[0101] Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

[0102] like Fig.16As shown, in the electrical connector pair 1 of the present embodiment and the electrical connector pair 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, an extension portion 34b and a step portion 34c are provided instead of the extension portion 24b and the step portion 24c. In the present embodiment, the surface where the extension portion 34b and the step portion 34c contact each other is inclined relative to the surface orthogonal to the mating direction. Even so, since the first locking portion 31 or the extension portion 34b of the adjacent plug connector 5 becomes an obstacle when the plug connector 5 is disengaged from the socket connector 4, it is possible to prevent the plug connector 5 from being easily disengaged from the socket connector 4.

[0103] Implementation 3

[0104] Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.

[0105] like Fig.17 As shown, the electrical connector pair 1 of this embodiment is different from the electrical connector pair 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment 2 in that the first locking portion 31 is not provided. The electrical connector pair 1 of this embodiment includes a second locking portion 32 and a bolt 33 instead of the first locking portion 31. The second locking portion 32 is an elongated plate-shaped member extending in the X-axis direction. The second locking portion 32 covers the plug connector 5A which does not overlap with the protruding portion 34b of the adjacent plug connector 5 in the mating direction from above at its center, and the two ends of the second locking portion 32 in the X-axis direction are bent and contact the substrate 6. The bolt 33 fastens the two ends of the second locking portion 32 to the substrate 6. As a result, the plug connector 5A is locked to the substrate 6, preventing the socket connector 4 from separating from the plug connector 5A. Furthermore, the plug connectors 5B, 5C, and 5D are prevented from coming out by the protruding portions 24b of the plug connectors 5A, 5B, and 5C adjacent to each other in the -Y direction.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the number of arranged socket connectors 4 is four, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the number of arranged socket connectors 4 may be any number as long as it is two or more.

[0107] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plug connector 5 is fitted in all the socket connectors 4. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is sufficient as long as the plug connector 5 is fitted in at least one socket connector 4. In this case, it is sufficient to fit a dummy connector in the socket connector 4 that is not fitted with the plug connector 5.

[0108] The dummy connector can be used, for example, Fig.13 The connector shown is set to be unconnected with the cable 7. In this case as well, the dummy connector is of the same type as the plug connector, and only needs to have the extension portions 24b, 34b extending in the first direction (+Y direction) so as to overlap with the adjacent plug connector 5 when viewed from the mating direction of the receptacle connector 4 and the plug connector 5.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the extension portions 24b and 34b are formed at both ends of the plug connector 5 in the X-axis direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The extension portions 24b and 34b may be formed at both ends of the plug connector 5 in the X-axis direction, or may be formed on the entire outer edge of the plug connector 5 extending in the +X-axis direction and close to the +Y direction. Furthermore, the extension portions 24b and 34b may extend in the -Y direction.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the extension portions 24 b and 34 b are formed on the third housing 24 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the extension portions 24 b and 34 b may be formed on the plug housing 20 .

[0111] In the above embodiment, the direction in which the socket connector 4 and the plug connector 5 are mated is set to the normal direction of the mounting surface 6a. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The mating direction may be inclined relative to the normal direction of the mounting surface 6a. In any case, the protruding portions 24b and 34b only need to protrude in a manner that overlaps with the adjacent plug connector 5 when viewed from the mating direction in which the socket connector 4 and the plug connector 5 are mated.

[0112] [Summarize]

[0113] (1) The electrical connector pair 1 includes: a plurality of receptacle connectors 4 mounted on the mounting surface 6a of the substrate 6 and arranged in the Y-axis direction along the mounting surface 6a; and a plurality of plug connectors 5 that can be mated with the receptacle connectors 4 one-to-one. The plug connectors 5 include protruding portions 24b and 34b that protrude in the Y-axis direction so as to partially overlap with adjacent plug connectors 5 when viewed from the mating direction of the receptacle connectors 4 and the plug connectors 5. By doing so, it is expected that the mating of the receptacle connectors 4 and the plug connectors 5 is not easily released even if an impact or load is applied.

[0114] (2) In addition, the receptacle connector 4 includes a plurality of conductive receptacle terminals 11 arranged in the X-axis direction in the direction along the mounting surface 6a. The plug connector 5 includes: a plurality of conductive plug terminals 21 that are in contact with the receptacle terminals 11; an insulating plug housing 20 that holds the plug terminals 21; and a conductive third housing 24 that covers at least a portion of the outer periphery of the plug housing 20 in a state of insulation relative to the plug terminals 21. The protruding portions 24b and 34b are formed on the third housing 24. By providing the protruding portions 24b and 34b on the conductive third housing 24 that covers at least a portion of the outer periphery of the plug housing 20, the member at the outermost periphery can be made to protrude directly outward, thereby realizing the protruding portion 24b with a simple structure.

[0115] (3) The extensions 24b and 34b are formed at both ends in the X-axis direction of the plug connector 5. In this way, since the plug connectors 5 adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction can be fitted with each other at both ends in the X-axis direction, it is possible to prevent the plug connector 5 from coming out in the X-axis direction as the arrangement direction of the contacts, that is, the longitudinal direction.

[0116] (4) According to the electric connector pair 1, the plug connector 5 is provided with the stepped portions 24c and 34c into which the extended portions 24b and 34b of the adjacent plug connectors 5 fit. This can reduce the height of the electric connector pair 1.

[0117] (5) In addition, according to the electrical connector pair 1, the extensions 24b, 34b and the step portions 24c, 34b have faces facing each other in the mating direction, and the faces are in contact with each other. In this way, since the contact area of ​​the adjacent plug connectors 5 in the mating direction can be increased, the engagement force between the adjacent plug connectors 5 can be increased.

[0118] (6) In addition, according to the electrical connector pair 1, the plug terminal 21 is connected to the cable 7, and the extension portions 24b and 34b extend in the direction (+Y direction) in which the cable 7 extends from the plug terminal 21 in the Y-axis direction. In this way, the plug connector 5 can be prevented from coming off due to the weight of the cable 7.

[0119] (7) In addition, according to the electrical connector pair 1, the electrical connector pair 1 includes a dummy connector, which is engaged with the receptacle connector 4 that is not engaged with the adjacent plug connector 5, is of the same type as the plug connector 5, is provided with the extension portion 24b, and is not connected to a cable. In this way, even when the plug connectors 5 are not adjacent, the dummy connector can be inserted to achieve the pressing of the adjacent connectors of the connector array 3.

[0120] (8) In addition, according to the electrical connector pair 1, the electrical connector pair 1 includes the first locking portion 31, which locks the plug connector 5 to the receptacle connector 4 and is attached to the receptacle connector 4 to prevent the receptacle connector 4 from being released from the mating with the plug connector 5. In this way, in addition to the mutual pressing of the connectors of the connector array 3, the receptacle connector 4 and the plug connector 5 can be directly locked, thereby making the mutual mating more reliable.

[0121] (9) In addition, according to the electrical connector pair 1, the electrical connector pair 1 includes the second locking portion 32, which locks the plug connector 5 to the receptacle connector 4 and is fixed to the substrate 6 to prevent the receptacle connector 4 and the plug connector 5 from being released from the mating. In this way, even in the absence of the first locking portion 31, the receptacle connector 4 and the plug connector 5 can be directly locked, thereby making the mating more reliable.

[0122] (10) In addition, according to the electrical connector pair 1, the plug connector 5 includes the extension portion 24b at one end in the Y-axis direction and the step portion 24c at the other end in the Y-axis direction. In this way, the directions of the extension portions 24b, 34b and the step portions 24c, 34c are matched between adjacent plug connectors 5, so that they can be mated with each other.

[0123] The present invention can realize various embodiments and variations without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, rather than to limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is not shown by the embodiments, but by the claims. In addition, various variations implemented within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector pair, wherein: The electrical connector pair comprises: a plurality of first connectors mounted on a mounting surface of the substrate and arranged in a first direction along the mounting surface; and a plurality of second connectors that can be mated with the first connectors one-to-one, The second connector includes a protruding portion that protrudes in the first direction so as to partially overlap with the adjacent second connector when viewed from a mating direction in which the first connector and the second connector are mated.

2. The electrical connector pair according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector includes a plurality of conductive first contacts arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in a direction along the mounting surface. The second connector comprises: A plurality of conductive second contacts in contact with the first contacts; an insulating housing that holds the second contact; and a conductive shell covering at least a portion of the outer periphery of the housing in a state of being insulated from the second contact, The protruding portion is formed on the housing.

3. The electrical connector pair according to claim 2, wherein: The protruding portions are formed at both ends of the second connector in the second direction.

4. The electrical connector pair according to claim 1, wherein: The second connector is provided with a step portion into which the protruding portion of the adjacent second connector is fitted.

5. The electrical connector pair according to claim 4, wherein: The protruding portion and the stepped portion have surfaces facing each other in the fitting direction, and the surfaces are in contact with each other.

6. The electrical connector pair according to claim 2, wherein: The second contact is connected to the cable, The extending portion extends toward a direction in which the cable extends from the second contact in the first direction.

7. The electrical connector pair according to claim 6, wherein: The pair of electrical connectors includes a dummy connector that is mated with the first connector that is not mated with the second connector, is of the same type as the second connector, is provided with the protruding portion, and is not connected to a cable.

8. The electrical connector pair according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical connector pair has a first locking portion, which locks the second connector that does not completely overlap with the protruding portion of the adjacent second connector in the mating direction to the first connector, and the first locking portion is installed on the first connector to prevent the first connector and the second connector from being released from mating.

9. The electrical connector pair according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical connector pair has a second locking portion, which locks the second connector that does not completely overlap with the protruding portion of the adjacent second connector in the mating direction to the first connector, and the second locking portion is fixed to the substrate to prevent the first connector and the second connector from being released from mating.

10. The electrical connector pair according to claim 4, wherein: The second connector includes the protruding portion at one end in the first direction and includes the stepped portion at the other end in the first direction.

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