Connector assembly

Abstract

Provided is a connector assembly capable of easily bringing a first connector and a second connector into a fitting state and improving the reliability of electrical connection. When the second connector (21) relatively moves to a predetermined fitting start position in the fitting direction with respect to the first connector (11), the second holding member (27) is attracted by the first holding member in the fitting direction by a magnetic force, and the second contact (23) and the first contact (12) are electrically connected by the second contact portion (23C) being in contact with the first contact portion (12B), and the second contact portion (23C) being in contact with the first contact portion (12B). When the second connector (21) slides relative to the first connector (11) from a fitting start position to a predetermined fitting completion position (P2) in a predetermined direction orthogonal to the fitting direction, the second contact portion (23C) slides relative to the first contact portion (12B) in the predetermined direction while keeping in contact with the first contact portion (12B). The second connector (21) is fitted to the first connector (11) by fitting the lock portion into the lock receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and in particular to a connector assembly which utilizes magnetic force to engage a first connector with a second connector. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector assembly that utilizes magnetic force to maintain a mating state. Fig.35 As shown, the connector assembly includes a first connector 1 that is sewn and fixed to clothing or the like, and a second connector 2 that fits with the first connector 1 .

[0003] The second connector 2 has: a plurality of second contacts 3, which are arranged on a surface opposite to the first connector 1 and are composed of so-called spring pins; and two plate-shaped yokes 4, which are mounted on a magnet built into the second connector 2 and partially exposed on a surface opposite to the first connector 1.

[0004] On the other hand, the first connector 1 has a plate-like housing 5, and a surface of the housing 5 opposite to the second connector 2 is provided with a Fig.36 The configuration shown has a plurality of first contacts 6 and a plurality of retaining members 7 made of magnetic metal or magnets.

[0005] If the second connector 2 is engaged with the first connector 1, the multiple retaining parts 7 of the first connector 1 are attracted by the two magnetic yokes 4 of the second connector 2 through magnetic force, and the multiple second contacts 3 of the second connector 2 are elastically contacted with the multiple first contacts 6 of the first connector 1, thereby the multiple first contacts 6 and the multiple second contacts 3 are electrically connected to each other.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-30906

[0009] In the connector assembly of Patent Document 1, the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 can be easily brought into a mating state by utilizing magnetic force, but the elastic force acting from the plurality of second contacts 3 to the plurality of first contacts 6 is directed in a direction to separate the second connector 2 from the first connector 1. Therefore, if an external force such as an impact is applied and a gap is formed between the retaining member 7 and the yoke 4, the contact between the first contact 6 and the second contact 3 becomes unstable, the reliability of the electrical connection is reduced, or the mating state of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 may be released.

[0010] In addition, when dirt or foreign matter is attached to the surface of at least one of the first contact 6 and the second contact 3, the second contact 3 elastically contacts the first contact 6 when engaged, thereby pressing the dirt or foreign matter between the first contact 6 and the second contact 3, which may cause poor contact and reduce the reliability of the electrical connection. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that can easily bring a first connector and a second connector into a mating state and improve the reliability of electrical connection.

[0012] The connector assembly of the present invention is a connector assembly in which a first connector and a second connector are fitted together along a fitting direction.

[0013] The first connector has:

[0014] a conductive first contact having a first contact portion; and

[0015] a first holding member coupled to the first contact,

[0016] The second connector has:

[0017] a second insulator;

[0018] a conductive second contact held by the second insulator and having a second contact portion opposed to the first contact portion of the first contact along the mating direction; and

[0019] The second holding member is held by the second insulator and is attracted to the first holding member by magnetic force.

[0020] One of the first contact portion and the second contact portion has a planar shape extending in a predetermined direction orthogonal to the mating direction.

[0021] One of the first holding member and the second holding member has a locking portion, and the other has a lock receiving portion into which the locking portion is inserted from a predetermined direction.

[0022] When the second connector moves relative to the first connector to a predetermined mating start position along the mating direction, the second holding member is attracted by the first holding member along the mating direction, and the second contact portion contacts the first contact portion, so that the second contact is electrically connected to the first contact.

[0023] When the second connector slides relative to the first connector from the mating start position along a specified direction to a specified mating completion position, the second contact portion slides relative to the first contact portion in the specified direction while maintaining contact with the first contact portion, and the locking portion is embedded in the locking receiving portion, so that the second connector is mated with the first connector.

[0024] Preferably, the first connector includes a first insulator having a protrusion protruding in the mating direction,

[0025] The first contact has a cylindrical shape extending in the mating direction and having a recess formed inside, and a first contact portion having a planar shape is arranged at one end of the first contact on the second contact side along the mating direction.

[0026] The first holding member is arranged on the other end side of the first contact along the mating direction and has a through hole penetrating the first holding member in the mating direction.

[0027] The protrusion of the first insulator is inserted into the through hole of the first holding member and the recess of the first contact in sequence while pushing the sheet-like connection object with the flexible conductor exposed at least on the surface, so that the first contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor and the first holding member is connected to the first contact.

[0028] Preferably, the first holding member is formed of a magnetic body, and has a cylindrical portion extending in the mating direction and having a through hole, and a flange extending in a predetermined direction from an end of the cylindrical portion on the opposite side to the first contact.

[0029] When the second connector is located at the mating start position, the second holding member is attracted by the flange of the first holding member in the mating direction.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferable that when the second connector slides relative to the first connector from the mating start position to the mating completion position in a predetermined direction, the second holding member is attracted in the predetermined direction by the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the first holding member.

[0031] The first holding member may include an annular groove formed along the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion, and the lock receiving portion may be formed by the annular groove.

[0032] Preferably, the second holding member includes a magnet and a holding plate formed of a magnetic body and attracted to the magnet by magnetic force.

[0033] In this case, the magnet may have a shape of a curved plate that is curved along the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion of the first holding member and extends in the fitting direction.

[0034] The holding plate comprises: a curved portion curved along the outer periphery of the magnet; a pair of planar portions extending in the mating direction at both ends of the curved shape of the curved portion; and a pair of protruding portions protruding in a predetermined direction from the ends of the pair of planar portions on the first connector side along the mating direction.

[0035] The locking portion is formed by a pair of protruding portions.

[0036] Alternatively, the magnet may have a cylindrical shape extending in the fitting direction and into which the cylindrical portion of the first holding member is inserted.

[0037] The retaining plate is composed of a ring member arranged at the end of the magnet on the first connector side along the mating direction and having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the magnet, and has an extension portion extending toward the central axis side of the cylindrical magnet in a predetermined direction.

[0038] The locking portion is formed by the protruding portion.

[0039] Preferably, the second insulator has:

[0040] a concave second holding member accommodating portion for accommodating the second holding member; and

[0041] The concave first contact receiving portion receives at least a portion of the first contact.

[0042] The second holding member accommodating portion and the first contact accommodating portion are connected to each other and are open toward the first connector in the mating direction.

[0043] The second contact is held by the second insulator in a manner such that at least a portion of the second contact protrudes toward the first contact accommodation portion.

[0044] Preferably, the second contact includes a push rod disposed so as to be elastically movable forward and backward in the mating direction, and the second contact portion disposed at the front end of the push rod protrudes toward the first contact accommodating portion.

[0045] Furthermore, the first contact accommodating portion may be configured such that the first contact accommodating portion has an oblong shape that is long in a predetermined direction when viewed from the mating direction.

[0046] When the second connector is at the mating start position, the first contact is located at one end of the first contact accommodating portion in a predetermined direction, and when the second connector is at the mating completion position, the first contact is located at the other end of the first contact accommodating portion in the predetermined direction.

[0047] The first connector may include a plurality of first contacts and a plurality of first holding members corresponding to the plurality of first contacts.

[0048] The second connector includes: a plurality of second insulators; a plurality of second contacts, each held in the plurality of second insulators; and a plurality of second holding members, each held in the plurality of second insulators and corresponding to the plurality of second contacts.

[0049] One of the plurality of first holding members and the plurality of second holding members has a plurality of locking portions, and the other has a plurality of lock receiving portions.

[0050] When the second connector is located at the mating completion position and is mated with the first connector, the plurality of second contacts are electrically connected to the plurality of first contacts, respectively, and the plurality of locking portions are respectively embedded in the plurality of lock receiving portions.

[0051] Effects of the present invention:

[0052] According to the present invention, when the second connector moves relative to the first connector in the mating direction to a prescribed mating start position, the second holding component is attracted by the first holding component in the mating direction by a magnetic force, and the second contact portion contacts the first contact portion, so that the second contact is electrically connected to the first contact. When the second connector slides relative to the first connector from the mating start position in the prescribed direction to a prescribed mating completion position, the second contact portion slides relative to the first contact portion in the prescribed direction while maintaining contact with the first contact portion, and the locking portion is embedded in the locking receiving portion, so that the second connector is mated with the first connector. Therefore, the first connector and the second connector can be easily put into a mating state, and the reliability of the electrical connection can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state before the first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment are fitted together.

[0054] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the first connector in the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a first contact used in the first connector in the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a first holding member used in the first connector in the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a first insulator used in the first connector in the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the first connector in the first embodiment.

[0059] Figure 7This is an assembly diagram of the second connector in the first embodiment.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a second contact used in the second connector in the first embodiment.

[0061] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view showing a magnet of a second holding member used in the second connector in the first embodiment.

[0062] Fig.10 This is a perspective view showing a holding plate of a second holding member used in the second connector in the first embodiment.

[0063] Fig.11 This is a perspective view showing a second holding member used in the second connector in the first embodiment.

[0064] Fig.12 This is a perspective view of the second connector in Embodiment 1 as viewed obliquely from below.

[0065] Fig.13 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the second connector in the first embodiment.

[0066] Fig.14 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the first connector and the second connector after the connector assembly according to the first embodiment is aligned.

[0067] Fig.15 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment is located at a mating start position with respect to the first connector.

[0068] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 AA line section view.

[0069] Fig.17 It is along Fig.16 A partial cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0070] Fig.18 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment is located at a mating completion position with respect to the first connector.

[0071] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 CC line section view.

[0072] Fig. 20 It is along Fig.19 A partial cross-sectional view of line DD.

[0073] Fig.21This is a perspective view showing a fitting state of a first connector and a second connector of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 22 This is a bottom view showing the second connector in the middle of manufacturing the connector assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0075] Fig.23 This is a perspective view showing a state before the first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly according to the second embodiment are fitted together.

[0076] Fig.24 This is an assembly diagram of the second connector in the second embodiment.

[0077] Fig.25 This is a perspective view showing a magnet of a second holding member used in a second connector according to the second embodiment.

[0078] Fig.26 This is a perspective view showing a holding plate of a second holding member used in a second connector in the second embodiment.

[0079] Fig. 27 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the second connector in the second embodiment.

[0080] Fig.28 It is a partial bottom view showing the second connector in the second embodiment.

[0081] Fig.29 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the first connector and the second connector after the connector assembly according to the second embodiment is aligned.

[0082] Fig.30 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second connector of the connector assembly according to the second embodiment is located at a mating start position with respect to the first connector.

[0083] Fig.31 yes Fig.30 EE line cross-sectional view.

[0084] Fig.32 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second connector of the connector assembly according to the second embodiment is located at a mating completion position with respect to the first connector.

[0085] Fig.33 yes Fig.32 FF line cross-sectional view.

[0086] Fig.34 This is a bottom view showing the second connector in the middle of manufacturing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment.

[0087] Fig.35This is a perspective view showing a state before a first connector and a second connector in a conventional connector are fitted together.

[0088] Fig.36 This is a perspective view of a first connector among conventional connectors as viewed diagonally from below.

[0089] Reference numerals

[0090] 1 first connector, 2 second connector, 3 second contact, 4 yoke, 5 housing, 6 first contact, 7 holding member, 11 first connector, 12 first contact, 12A recess, 12B first contact portion, 13 reinforcing sheet, 13A, 14B, 15C, 35A, 36A through hole, 14 sheet-shaped conductive member, 14A sheet body, 14C flexible conductor, 15 first holding member, 15A cylindrical portion, 15B flange, 15D groove (lock receiving portion), 16 first insulator, 16A base, 16B protrusion, 16C rib, 21, 31 second connector Device, 22 substrate, 23 second contact, 23A simplified body, 23B push rod, 23C second contact portion, 24, 34 second insulator, 24A, 34A first contact accommodating portion, 24B, 34B second retaining component accommodating portion, 24C, 34C second contact accommodating hole, 25, 35 magnet, 26, 36 retaining plate, 26A bent portion, 26B flat portion, 26C protruding portion (locking portion), 27, 37 second retaining component, 36B edge portion (extending portion, locking portion), P1 mating start position, P2 mating completion position, C connecting component, D1 step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0092] Implementation Method 1

[0093] Figure 1 The connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 is shown. The connector assembly includes a first connector 11 and a second connector 21 to which the first connector 11 is fitted in a fitting direction.

[0094] The first connector 11 is used as a clothing-side connector for connecting a wearable device, for example, and has six first contacts 12 protruding toward the second connector 21. The six first contacts 12 are arranged in two rows and attached to a sheet-like conductive member 14 via a reinforcing sheet 13.

[0095] Here, for convenience, the direction in which the reinforcing sheet 13 and the sheet-like conductive member 14 extend along the XY plane and the two rows of first contacts 12 are arranged is called the Y direction, and the direction from the first connector 11 toward the second connector 21 is called the +Z direction. The Z direction is the mating direction in which the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are mated with each other.

[0096] Figure 2 1 shows an assembly diagram of the first connector 11. Six first holding members 15 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the six first contacts 12, reinforcing sheets 13 and sheet-like conductive members 14 are arranged in sequence on the -Z direction side of the six first holding members 15, and six first insulators 16 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the sheet-like conductive members 14.

[0097] The sheet-like conductive member 14 includes: an insulating sheet body 14A; six through holes 14B formed in the sheet body 14A and corresponding to the six first contacts 12; and six flexible conductors 14C exposed on the surface of at least the +Z direction side of the sheet body 14A around the corresponding through holes 14B. As the sheet body 14A, for example, cloth or knitted fabric of clothing can be used, and the flexible conductors 14C can be formed by sewing on the sheet body 14A using embroidery thread composed of conductive thread.

[0098] The reinforcing sheet 13 is used to reinforce the sheet body 14A of the sheet-like conductive member 14 to which the first connector 11 is attached, is made of an insulating material, and has six through holes 13A corresponding to the six first contacts 12 .

[0099] In addition, the sheet-like conductive member 14 and the reinforcing sheet 13 have flexibility.

[0100] like Figure 3 As shown, the first contact 12 is formed of a conductive material such as metal, has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction, specifically a cylindrical shape, and has a recess 12A opened in the -Z direction formed inside. A first contact portion 12B is formed on the upper portion of the first contact 12, has a circular planar shape extending in the XY plane and faces the +Z direction.

[0101] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the first holding member 15 is formed of a magnetic body and has a cylindrical portion 15A extending in the Z direction and a flange 15B extending from the -Z direction end of the cylindrical portion 15A to the outside of the cylindrical portion 15A along the XY plane. A through hole 15C is formed in the cylindrical portion 15A to penetrate the first holding member 15 in the Z direction. The through hole 15C has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the recess 12A of the first contact 12.

[0102] Furthermore, an annular groove 15D is formed along the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 15A at the −Z direction end portion of the cylindrical portion 15A in contact with the flange 15B.

[0103] like Figure 5As shown, the first insulator 16 is formed of, for example, an insulating resin, and has a disc-shaped base 16A extending along the XY plane and a protrusion 16B protruding from the center of the base 16A in the +Z direction. The protrusion 16B is formed with a plurality of ribs 16C that protrude radially and extend in the Z direction. The protrusion 16B has a size that can compress the sheet-like conductive member 14 in the thickness direction when the sheet-like conductive member 14 is pushed in and inserted into the through hole 15C of the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15 and the recess 12A of the first contact 12.

[0104] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view corresponding to one first contact 12 of the first connector 11 assembled using the first contact 12 , the first holding member 15 , the reinforcing sheet 13 , the sheet-like conductive member 14 , and the first insulator 16 is shown.

[0105] In a state where the reinforcing sheet 13 is overlapped on the sheet-like conductive member 14 with the positions of the through holes 14B and 13A aligned, and the first holding member 15 and the first contact 12 are coaxially arranged in sequence on the reinforcing sheet 13 with the positions of the through holes 13A aligned, the protrusion 16B of the first insulator 16 is pushed in from the -Z direction side of the sheet-like conductive member 14 through the through hole 14B of the sheet-like conductive member 14 in the +Z direction. The protrusion 16B is inserted into the through hole 15C of the first holding member 15 and the recess 12A of the first contact 12 in sequence while pushing the sheet-like conductive member 14 located around the through hole 14B.

[0106] Thus, the sheet-like conductive member 14 is respectively sandwiched between the rib 16C of the protrusion 16B and the inner surface of the through hole 15C of the first holding member 15 and between the rib 16C of the protrusion 16B and the inner surface of the recess 12A of the first contact 12, and is compressed in the direction along the XY plane. As a result, the flexible conductor 14C exposed on the surface of the sheet-like conductive member 14 contacts the inner surface of the recess 12A at a predetermined contact pressure, and the first contact 12 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor 14C.

[0107] Furthermore, the first holding member 15 and the first contact 12 are connected to each other in the Z direction via the protrusion 16B of the first insulator 16 and the sheet-like conductive member 14 .

[0108] In addition, the base portion 16A of the first insulator 16 is in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member 14 on the −Z direction side.

[0109] The six first contacts 12 of the first connector 11 are all connected via Figure 6 The illustrated connection structure is electrically connected to the corresponding flexible conductor 14C and is coupled to the corresponding first holding member 15 .

[0110] Figure 71 shows an assembly diagram of the second connector 21. Six second contacts 23 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the substrate 22, six second insulators 24 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the six second contacts 23, six magnets 25 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the six second insulators 24, and six retaining plates 26 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the six magnets 25. In addition, the six second contacts 23 are arranged at positions corresponding to the six first contacts 12 of the first connector 11.

[0111] like Figure 8 As shown, the second contact 23 is composed of a so-called spring pin, and has a cylinder 23A extending in the Z direction and a push rod 23B arranged in the cylinder 23A so as to be elastically movable in the Z direction. More specifically, a spring member (not shown) is arranged in the cylinder 23A, and an elastic force in the -Z direction is applied to the push rod 23B by the spring member. A pin-shaped second contact portion 23C facing the -Z direction is formed at the -Z direction end of the push rod 23B.

[0112] like Fig. 9 As shown, the magnet 25 has a shape of a curved plate that is curved in the XY plane and extends in the Z direction, and is magnetized so that the magnetic force lines act mainly in the +Y direction. The curved shape of the magnet 25 in the XY plane has a curvature along the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15 of the first connector 11.

[0113] like Fig.10 As shown in the figure, the holding plate 26 is formed of a magnetic body and has a curved portion 26A that is curved in the XY plane and extends in the Z direction, and a pair of flat portions 26B that extend in the Z direction at both ends of the curved shape of the curved portion 26A. The curved portion 26A is curved along the outer periphery of the magnet 25, and the holding plate 26 has a shape that covers the curved surface of the magnet 25 that faces the -Y direction and the side surfaces in the +X direction and the -X direction.

[0114] like Fig.11 As shown, the magnet 25 is arranged inside the holding plate 26, and the holding plate 26 formed of a magnetic body is attracted to the magnet 25 by magnetic force when the curved surface of the magnet 25 facing the -Y direction and the side surface in the +X direction and the side surface in the -X direction are covered by the holding plate 26. The second holding member 27 is formed by such a magnet 25 and the holding plate 26.

[0115] In addition, the end portion of the magnet 25 in the -Z direction protrudes further in the -Z direction than the end portion of the holding plate 26 in the -Z direction.

[0116] A pair of protrusions 26C are formed at the -Z direction ends of the pair of flat portions 26B of the holding plate 26. The protrusions 26C protrude toward the +Y direction along the surface of the flat portion 26B. Specifically, the pair of protrusions 26C protrude toward the center of the curved shape of the curved portion 26A. Each protrusion 26C has a diameter of Figure 4 The annular groove 15D of the first holding member 15 shown in the figure has a slightly smaller width in the Z direction than the height dimension in the Z direction, so that the member can be fitted into the annular groove 15D of the first holding member 15 .

[0117] Depend on Figure 4 The annular groove 15D of the first holding member 15 shown in the figure forms a lock receiving portion of the first connector 11. Fig.11 The pair of protrusions 26C of the second holding member 27 shown in the figure form a locking portion of the second connector 21. The pair of protrusions 26C of the second holding member 27 are inserted into the annular groove 15D of the first holding member 15 along the Y direction (prescribed direction), thereby locking the fitting of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21.

[0118] Fig.12 and Fig.13 The perspective view and the cross-sectional view corresponding to one second contact 23 of the second connector 21 are shown. A second insulator 24 is arranged on the -Z direction side of the substrate 22. The second insulator 24 has a cylindrical outer shape, and a concave first contact accommodating portion 24A opened toward the -Z direction and a concave second holding member accommodating portion 24B opened toward the -Z direction are formed inside the second insulator 24. The first contact accommodating portion 24A and the second holding member accommodating portion 24B are arranged adjacent to each other inside the second insulator 24 and communicate with each other.

[0119] Specifically, the first contact accommodating portion 24A has an oblong shape that is long in the Y direction (prescribed direction) when viewed from the -Z direction, and the second holding member accommodating portion 24B is arranged adjacent to the -Y direction end of the first contact accommodating portion 24A. The first contact accommodating portion 24A has an oblong shape that is long in the Y direction, so that the second connector 21 can slide in the Y direction (prescribed direction) relative to the first connector 11 in a state where the first contact 12 of the first connector 11 is accommodated in the first contact accommodating portion 24A from the -Z direction.

[0120] Furthermore, a second contact accommodation hole 24C is formed at the bottom of the first contact accommodation portion 24A. The second contact accommodation hole 24C is located on the central axis of the second insulator 24 having a cylindrical outer shape extending in the Z direction and penetrates the second insulator 24 in the Z direction.

[0121] like Fig.12As shown, a wiring portion 22A is formed on the back side of the substrate 22 in the -Z direction, and the second contact 23 is mounted on the substrate 22 in a manner connected to the wiring portion 22A and accommodated in the second contact accommodating hole 24C of the second insulator 24. Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the push rod 23B of the second contact 23 protrudes into the first contact accommodating portion 24A of the second insulator 24 through the second contact accommodating hole 24C, and the second contact portion 23C formed at the -Z direction end of the push rod 23B is exposed in the first contact accommodating portion 24A.

[0122] like Fig.13 As shown, the six second insulators 24 of the second connector 21 are all arranged on the -Z direction side of the substrate 22, and accommodate the second contacts 23 corresponding to the second contact accommodating holes 24C of the second insulators 24, and accommodate the second holding members 27 corresponding to the second holding member accommodating portions 24B of the second insulators 24. In a state where the holding plate 26 is bonded and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the second holding member accommodating portion 24B of the second insulator 24, and the +Z direction end of the magnet 25 is bonded and fixed to the bottom surface of the +Z direction side of the second holding member accommodating portion 24B of the second insulator 24, the holding plate 26 formed of a magnetic body is attracted to the magnet 25 by magnetic force.

[0123] The six second insulators 24 have the same orientation in the XY plane. The first contact accommodating portions 24A all have an oblong shape that is long in the Y direction. The second holding member accommodating portions 24B are arranged adjacent to the −Y direction ends of the first contact accommodating portions 24A.

[0124] When the second connector 21 is mated with the first connector 11, Fig.14 As shown, the second connector 21 is arranged on the +Z direction side relative to the first connector 11, so that the +Y direction end of the oblong first contact accommodating portion 24A of the second insulator 24 that is long in the Y direction is aligned with the +Z direction side of the +Y direction end of the first contact 12, and the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are aligned with each other.

[0125] In this state, by moving the second connector 21 relatively toward the first connector 11 in the -Z direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the first contacts 12 of the first connector 11 are accommodated in the first contact accommodation portions 24A of the second insulator 24 of the second connector 21 .

[0126] If the second connector 21 is relatively moved in the -Z direction until the -Z direction end of the magnet 25 of the second holding member 27 of the second connector 21 abuts against the flange 15B of the first holding member 15 of the first connector 11, the second contact portion 23C of the push rod 23B formed in the second contact 23 of the second connector 21 contacts the planar first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12 of the first connector 11, and a part of the push rod 23B elastically retreats into the cylinder 23A. In this way, the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C contact in the Z direction at a predetermined contact pressure, and the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 are electrically connected to each other.

[0127] Furthermore, the -Z direction end of the magnet 25 of the second holding member 27 abuts against the flange 15B of the first holding member 15 formed of a magnetic body, and the magnet 25 is attracted to the flange 15B by magnetic force, thereby maintaining the contact state of the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C in the Z direction.

[0128] The position of the second connector 21 relative to the first connector 11 at this time is referred to as a fitting start position P1.

[0129] In a state where the +Y direction end of the first contact accommodating portion 24A of the second insulator 24 and the +Y direction end of the first contact 12 are aligned in the Z direction, the second connector 21 moves relatively in the -Z direction, so that Fig.16 As shown, the first contact 12 is accommodated in the first contact accommodation portion 24A having an oblong shape long in the Y direction and biased toward the +Y direction. Therefore, the push rod 23B of the second contact 23 is located at an eccentric position relative to the circular first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12.

[0130] Therefore, a gap is formed between the -Y direction end of the first contact 12 and the second holding member 27. Fig.17 As shown, the protrusion 26C protruding from the -Z direction end of the holding plate 26 of the second holding member 27 toward the +Y direction does not interfere with the first contact 12 and the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15, and the second connector 21 can relatively move in the -Z direction to the mating start position P1.

[0131] like Figure 15 to Figure 17 As shown, when the second connector 21 is located at the mating start position P1, the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C are in contact in the Z direction with a specified contact pressure, whereby the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 are in a state of being electrically connected to each other, but the second connector 21 is located at the mating start position P1 relative to the first connector 11 only by the magnetic force acting between the magnet 25 of the second retaining component 27 and the flange 15B of the first retaining component 15.

[0132] Furthermore, in a state where the push rods 23B of the second contacts 23 are elastically retracted, the first contacts 12 and the second contacts 23 are connected to each other. Therefore, a force in a direction of separating the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 from each other in the Z direction acts from the second contacts 23 .

[0133] Therefore, if an external force such as an impact acts between the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 and the second connector 21 moves in the +Z direction relative to the first connector 11, the contact between the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 becomes unstable, and the reliability of the electrical connection may be reduced.

[0134] Therefore, if Fig.18 As shown, the second connector 21 is slid relative to the first connector 11 in the +Y direction until the second holding member 27 of the second connector 21 contacts or approaches the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15 of the first connector 11. Specifically, the second connector 21 is slid relative to the first connector 11 until the magnet 25 of the second holding member 27 contacts or approaches the -Y direction end of the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15.

[0135] At this time, the first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12 of the first connector 11 has a planar shape extending along the XY plane, so the second contact portion 23C of the second contact 23 slides relative to the first contact portion 12B in the +Y direction while maintaining contact with the first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12. Therefore, the electrical connection between the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 is maintained.

[0136] Furthermore, even if dirt or foreign matter is attached to the surface of at least one of the first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12 and the second contact portion 23C of the second contact 23, the second contact portion 23C slides in the +Y direction relative to the first contact portion 12B to produce a wiping effect, thereby effectively removing the dirt or foreign matter, and improving the contact stability between the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C.

[0137] The second connector 21 slides relative to the first connector 11 in the +Y direction. Fig.19 As shown, the first contact 12 is located on the −Y direction side in the first contact accommodation portion 24A having an oblong shape long in the Y direction, and the push rod 23B of the second contact 23 is located at the center of the circular first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12 .

[0138] In addition, if Fig. 20 As shown, a pair of protrusions 26C protruding toward the +Y direction side from the −Z direction ends of a pair of flat surfaces 26B of the holding plate 26 of the second holding member 27 are fitted into an annular groove 15D formed in the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15 .

[0139] That is, the locking portion formed by a pair of protrusions 26C is embedded in the locking receiving portion formed by the annular groove 15D, thereby preventing the second connector 21 from moving in the +Z direction relative to the first connector 11, and maintaining the electrical connection state of the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 based on the mutual contact between the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C.

[0140] In this way, the second connector 21 is mated with the first connector 11 .

[0141] The position of the second connector 21 relative to the first connector 11 at this time is referred to as a mating completion position P2.

[0142] In addition, by making the magnet 25 of the second retaining component 27 contact or approach the -Y direction end of the cylindrical portion 15A of the first retaining component 15, a magnetic force of mutual attraction in the Y direction acts between the magnet 25 and the cylindrical portion 15A formed by the magnetic body, thereby maintaining the second connector 21 in the mating completion position P2 relative to the first connector 11.

[0143] When the second connector 21 is located at the mating completion position P2 , the second contacts 23 of the second connector 21 are electrically connected to the corresponding flexible conductors 14C of the sheet-like conductive member 14 via the first contacts 12 of the first connector 11 .

[0144] The six second insulators 24 of the second connector 21 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the substrate 22 in a uniform orientation in the XY plane. Therefore, by moving the substrate 22 relative to the first connector 11 in the -Z direction, the second connector 21 can be located at the mating start position P1 relative to the first connector 11 in the six second insulators 24. Furthermore, by sliding the substrate 22 relative to the first connector 11 in the +Y direction, the second connector 21 can be located at the mating completion position P2 relative to the first connector 11 in the six second insulators 24.

[0145] In this way, Fig.21 As shown, the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are in a mutually mating state.

[0146] In addition, since the six second insulators 24 of the second connector 21 need to have the same orientation in the XY plane, for example, Fig. 22 As shown, the six second insulators 24 can be resin-molded in a state where they are connected to each other via the connecting member C. The six second insulators 24 are connected and molded while maintaining the mutual positional relationship when arranged on the substrate 22, and the six second contacts 23 mounted on the substrate 22 are accommodated in the six second insulators 24 while maintaining the mutual connection state, and are arranged on the substrate 22. Furthermore, the corresponding second holding member 27 is accommodated in each second insulator 24.

[0147] Thereafter, by cutting the connection members C from the six second insulators 24 , the second connector 21 in which the second insulators 24 are oriented in a uniform direction can be manufactured.

[0148] Implementation Method 2

[0149] Fig.23 A connector assembly according to Embodiment 2 is shown. The connector assembly is the same as that of Embodiment 1, except that a first connector 11 is fitted to a second connector 31 instead of the second connector 21 . The first connector 11 is the same as that used in Embodiment 1.

[0150] Fig.24 1 shows an assembly diagram of the second connector 31. Six second contacts 23 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the substrate 22, six second insulators 34 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the six second contacts 23, six magnets 35 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the six second insulators 34, and six retaining plates 36 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the six magnets 35.

[0151] The substrate 22 and the six second contacts 23 are the same as those used in the first embodiment.

[0152] like Fig.25 As shown, the magnet 35 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction, and a through hole 35A penetrating the magnet 35 in the Z direction is formed inside the magnet 35. The magnet 35 is magnetized so that magnetic lines of force act mainly in the +Y direction.

[0153] like Fig.26 As shown, the holding plate 36 is formed of a magnetic body and is formed of a ring member extending in a planar shape along the XY plane. The holding plate 36 is formed with a through hole 36A that penetrates the holding plate 36 in the Z direction.

[0154] Fig. 27 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to one second contact 23 of the second connector 31. A second insulator 34 is arranged on the -Z direction side of the substrate 22. The second insulator 34 has a cylindrical outer shape, and a concave first contact accommodating portion 34A opened toward the -Z direction and a concave second holding member accommodating portion 34B opened toward the -Z direction are formed inside the second insulator 34. The second holding member accommodating portion 34B is arranged outside the first contact accommodating portion 34A in a manner surrounding the first contact accommodating portion 34A, and communicates with the first contact accommodating portion 34A.

[0155] Furthermore, a second contact accommodation hole 34C is formed at the bottom of the first contact accommodation portion 34A. The second contact accommodation hole 34C is located on the central axis of the second insulator 34 having a cylindrical outer shape extending in the Z direction and penetrates the second insulator 34 in the Z direction.

[0156] The second contact 23 installed on the substrate 22 is accommodated in the second contact accommodating hole 34C of the second insulator 34. The push rod 23B of the second contact 23 protrudes into the first contact accommodating portion 34A of the second insulator 34 through the second contact accommodating hole 34C, and the second contact portion 23C formed at the -Z direction end of the push rod 23B is exposed in the first contact accommodating portion 34A.

[0157] A cylindrical magnet 35 is accommodated in the second holding member accommodating portion 34B of the second insulator 34. In addition, a holding plate 36 composed of a ring member formed of a magnetic body is fixed to the open end of the second holding member accommodating portion 34B of the second insulator 34 in the -Z direction by press-fitting or bonding, and is attracted to the -Z direction end of the magnet 35 by magnetic force. The second holding member 37 is formed by such a magnet 35 and the holding plate 36.

[0158] In addition, the retaining plate 36 formed of a ring member has an outer diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical magnet 35, and the inner diameter of the through hole 36A of the retaining plate 36 is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 35A of the magnet 35, as shown in FIG. Fig. 27 As shown in FIG. 1 , a step D1 is formed between the inner surface of the through hole 36A of the holding plate 36 and the inner surface of the through hole 35A of the magnet 35, and the edge of the through hole 36A of the holding plate 36 extends toward the inner side of the through hole 35A of the magnet 35 (toward the central axis of the magnet 35). The holding plate 36 has a height of about 1.5 mm. Figure 4 The annular groove 15D of the first holding member 15 shown in the figure has a slightly smaller width in the Z direction than its thickness in the Z direction, and the edge of the through hole 36A of the holding plate 36 extending to the inner side of the through hole 35A of the magnet 35 can be embedded in the annular groove 15D of the first holding member 15.

[0159] The through-hole 36A of the holding plate 36 has a size that allows the first contact 12 and the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15 to pass therethrough in the Z direction.

[0160] like Fig.28 As shown, the first contact accommodating portion 34A has an oblong shape that is long in the Y direction (prescribed direction) when viewed from the -Z direction. Therefore, the second connector 31 is configured to be able to slide in the Y direction (prescribed direction) relative to the first connector 11 when the first contact 12 of the first connector 11 is accommodated in the first contact accommodating portion 34A from the -Z direction.

[0161] In addition, the second holding member 37 is disposed at a position eccentric in the +Y direction with respect to the second insulator 34 having a cylindrical outer shape.

[0162] like Fig. 27 As shown, the six second insulators 34 of the second connector 31 are all arranged on the -Z direction side of the substrate 22, and accommodate the second contacts 23 corresponding to the second contact accommodating holes 34C of the second insulators 34, and accommodate the second retaining parts 37 corresponding to the second retaining part accommodating portions 34B of the second insulators 34.

[0163] The six second insulators 34 have the same orientation in the XY plane. Fig.28 As shown, the first contact accommodation portions 34A each have an oblong shape that is long in the Y direction.

[0164] When the second connector 31 is mated with the first connector 11, Fig.29 As shown, the second connector 31 is arranged on the +Z direction side relative to the first connector 11, so that the +Y direction end of the oblong first contact accommodating portion 34A of the second insulator 34 that is long in the Y direction is aligned with the +Z direction side of the +Y direction end of the first contact 12, and the first connector 11 and the second connector 31 are aligned with each other.

[0165] In this state, by moving the second connector 31 relatively toward the first connector 11 in the -Z direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.30 As shown, the first contacts 12 of the first connector 11 are accommodated in the first contact accommodation portions 34A of the second insulator 34 of the second connector 31 .

[0166] If the second connector 31 is relatively moved in the -Z direction until the retaining plate 36 of the second retaining member 37 of the second connector 31 abuts against the flange 15B of the first retaining member 15 of the first connector 11, the second contact portion 23C of the push rod 23B of the second contact 23 formed in the second connector 31 contacts the planar first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12 of the first connector 11, and a part of the push rod 23B elastically retreats into the cylinder 23A. In this way, the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C contact in the Z direction at a predetermined contact pressure, and the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 are electrically connected to each other.

[0167] In addition, by abutting the retaining plate 36 at the -Z direction end of the magnet 35 arranged on the second retaining member 37 against the flange 15B of the first retaining member 15 formed by a magnetic body, the magnet 35 is adsorbed to the flange 15B by magnetic force via the retaining plate 36, thereby maintaining the contact state of the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C in the Z direction.

[0168] The position of the second connector 31 relative to the first connector 11 at this time is referred to as a fitting start position P1.

[0169] In a state where the +Y direction end of the first contact accommodating portion 34A of the second insulator 34 and the +Y direction end of the first contact 12 are aligned in the Z direction, the second connector 31 moves relatively in the -Z direction, so that Fig.31 As shown, the first contact 12 is accommodated in a position biased toward the +Y direction side in the first contact accommodation portion 34A having an oblong shape that is long in the Y direction.

[0170] Therefore, a gap is formed between the -Y direction end of the first contact 12 and the -Y direction end in the first contact accommodation portion 34A. Fig.30 As shown, the edge of the through hole 36A of the holding plate 36 of the second holding member 37 does not interfere with the first contact 12 and the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15, and the second connector 31 can be relatively moved in the -Z direction to the mating start position P1.

[0171] like Fig.30 As shown, when the second connector 31 is located at the mating start position P1, the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C are in contact in the Z direction with a specified contact pressure, whereby the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 are in a state of being electrically connected to each other, but the second connector 31 is located at the mating start position P1 relative to the first connector 11 only by the magnetic force acting between the magnet 35 of the second retaining component 37 and the flange 15B of the first retaining component 15.

[0172] Furthermore, in a state where the push rods 23B of the second contacts 23 are elastically retracted, the first contacts 12 and the second contacts 23 are connected to each other, so that a force in a direction of separating the first connector 11 and the second connector 31 from each other in the Z direction acts from the second contacts 23 .

[0173] Therefore, if an external force such as an impact acts between the first connector 11 and the second connector 31 and the second connector 31 moves in the +Z direction relative to the first connector 11 , the contact between the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 becomes unstable, and the reliability of the electrical connection may be reduced.

[0174] Therefore, if Fig.32 As shown, the second connector 31 is slid relative to the first connector 11 in the +Y direction until the second holding member 37 of the second connector 31 contacts or approaches the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15 of the first connector 11. Specifically, the second connector 31 is slid relative to the first connector 11 until the inner surface of the magnet 35 of the second holding member 37 contacts or approaches the -Y direction end of the cylindrical portion 15A of the first holding member 15.

[0175] At this time, the first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12 of the first connector 11 has a planar shape extending along the XY plane, so the second contact portion 23C of the second contact 23 slides relative to the first contact portion 12B in the +Y direction while maintaining contact with the first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12. Therefore, the electrical connection between the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 is maintained.

[0176] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the second contact portion 23C also slides in the +Y direction relative to the first contact portion 12B to produce a wiping effect. Therefore, even if dirt or foreign matter is attached to the surface of at least one of the first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12 and the second contact portion 23C of the second contact 23, the dirt or foreign matter is effectively removed, and the contact stability between the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C is improved.

[0177] The second connector 31 slides relative to the first connector 11 in the +Y direction. Fig.33 As shown, the first contact 12 is located on the -Y direction side in the first contact accommodation portion 34A which is an oblong shape that is long in the Y direction. Fig.32 As shown, the edge portion (protruding portion) 36B at the -Y direction end of the through hole 36A of the retaining plate 36 extending to the inner side of the through hole 35A of the magnet 35 of the second retaining member 37 is embedded in the annular groove 15D formed in the cylindrical portion 15A of the first retaining member 15.

[0178] The edge portion (protruding portion) 36B of the -Y direction end of the through hole 36A of the retaining plate 36 forms a locking portion in the second connector 31, and the locking portion is embedded in the locking receiving portion of the first connector 11 formed by the annular groove 15D along the Y direction (prescribed direction), thereby preventing the second connector 31 from moving in the +Z direction relative to the first connector 11, maintaining the electrical connection state of the first contact 12 and the second contact 23 based on the mutual contact between the first contact portion 12B and the second contact portion 23C.

[0179] In this way, the second connector 31 is mated with the first connector 11 .

[0180] The position of the second connector 31 relative to the first connector 11 at this time is referred to as a mating completion position P2.

[0181] In addition, by causing the inner surface of the magnet 35 of the second retaining component 37 to contact or approach the -Y direction end of the cylindrical portion 15A of the first retaining component 15, a magnetic force that attracts each other in the Y direction acts between the magnet 35 and the cylindrical portion 15A formed by the magnetic body, thereby maintaining the second connector 31 in the mating completion position P2 relative to the first connector 11.

[0182] The six second insulators 34 of the second connector 31 are arranged on the -Z direction side of the substrate 22 in a uniform orientation in the XY plane. Therefore, by moving the substrate 22 relative to the first connector 11 in the -Z direction, the second connector 31 can be located at the mating start position P1 relative to the first connector 11 in the six second insulators 34. Furthermore, by sliding the substrate 22 relative to the first connector 11 in the +Y direction, the second connector 31 can be located at the mating completion position P2 relative to the first connector 11 in the six second insulators 34.

[0183] In this way, the first connector 11 and the second connector 31 are in a mutually fitted state.

[0184] In addition, since the six second insulators 34 of the second connector 31 need to have the same orientation in the XY plane, for example, Fig.34 As shown, the six second insulators 34 can be resin-molded in a state where they are connected to each other via the connecting member C. The six second insulators 34 are connected and molded while maintaining the mutual positional relationship when arranged on the substrate 22, and the six second contacts 23 mounted on the substrate 22 are accommodated in the six second insulators 34 while maintaining the mutual connection state, and are thus arranged on the substrate 22. Furthermore, the corresponding second holding member 37 is accommodated in each second insulator 34.

[0185] Thereafter, by cutting the connection members C from the six second insulators 34 , the second connector 31 in which the second insulators 34 are oriented in a uniform manner can be manufactured.

[0186] The first contact 12 of the first connector 11 used in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction, and is connected to the flexible conductor 14C of the sheet-like conductive member 14 in the recess 12A formed inside, and overlaps coaxially in the Z direction with respect to the first holding member 15 having an annular groove 15D serving as a lock receiving portion. Therefore, a lock receiving portion can be formed for each first contact 12, and the first contact 12 can be arranged in a small space in the XY plane.

[0187] Furthermore, instead of maintaining the connection state of the plurality of first contacts 12 and the plurality of second contacts 23 by a set of locking portions and lock receiving portions, the first holding member 15 having a lock receiving portion and the second holding member 27 or the second holding member 37 having a locking portion are provided for each set of first contacts 12 and second contacts 23 connected to each other. Therefore, for example, when a foreign object is caught between some of the plurality of first contacts 12 and the plurality of second contacts 23, the inconvenience of the fitting of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 or the second connector 31 being locked does not occur, and the plurality of first contacts 12 and the plurality of second contacts 23 can be connected with good reliability.

[0188] In addition, the six first contacts 12 of the first connector 11 are attached to the sheet-like conductive member 14 via the reinforcing sheet 13, and the six first insulators 16 corresponding to the six first contacts 12 are separated from each other. Therefore, the first connector 11 has flexibility, and for example, by using cloth or knitted fabric of clothes as the sheet body 14A, the first connector 11 can be attached to clothes without reducing wearing comfort.

[0189] In addition, as the substrate 22 in the second connector 21 or the second connector 31, a circuit substrate having rigidity can be used, but a so-called FPC (flexible printed wiring board) having an insulating film can also be used as the substrate 22. In the second connectors 21 and 31, six second insulators 24 and 34 are arranged on the substrate 22 separately from each other, so by using the FPC as the substrate 22, a second connector 21 and 31 having flexibility is formed. If the second connector 21 and 31 having such flexibility is mated with the first connector 11, a connector assembly that can be bent even after mating can be formed, for example, it is suitable as a connector assembly for connecting a wearable device to a so-called smart clothing, which can obtain the user's biological information such as heart rate and body temperature just by wearing it.

[0190] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12 has a planar shape extending along the XY plane, and the second contact portion 23C of the second contact 23 has a pin shape, but conversely, even if the first contact portion 12B of the first contact 12 has a pin shape and the second contact portion 23C of the second contact 23 has a planar shape extending along the XY plane, the same effect can be obtained.

[0191] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, the first retaining member 15 of the first connector 11 has a locking receiving portion (annular groove 15D), and the second retaining members 27 and 37 of the second connectors 21 and 31 have a locking portion protruding in the Y direction (the protrusion 26C, the edge portion 36B of the through hole 36A of the retaining plate 36), but conversely, even if the first retaining member 15 of the first connector 11 has a locking portion protruding in the Y direction and the second retaining members 27 and 37 of the second connectors 21 and 31 have a locking receiving portion, the same effect can be obtained.

[0192] In the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, the first connector 11 has six first contacts 12, and the second connectors 21 and 31 have six second contacts 23, but the number of the first contacts 12 and the second contacts 23 is not limited to six, as long as at least one first contact 12 and the second contact 23 are respectively arranged on the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 and 31.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, wherein a first connector and a second connector are engaged with each other along an engagement direction, characterized in that: The first connector comprises: a conductive first contact having a first contact portion; and a first holding member connected to the first contact, The second connector comprises: a second insulator; a conductive second contact held by the second insulator and having a second contact portion opposite to the first contact portion of the first contact along the mating direction; as well as a second holding member, held by the second insulator, and mutually attracted to the first holding member by magnetic force; One of the first contact portion and the second contact portion has a planar shape extending in a predetermined direction orthogonal to the mating direction. One of the first holding member and the second holding member has a locking portion, and the other has a lock receiving portion into which the locking portion is inserted from the predetermined direction. When the second connector moves relative to the first connector along the mating direction to a predetermined mating start position, the second holding member is attracted by the first holding member along the mating direction, and the second contact portion contacts the first contact portion, so that the second contact is electrically connected to the first contact. When the second connector slides relative to the first connector from the mating start position along the specified direction to the specified mating completion position, the second contact portion slides relative to the first contact portion in the specified direction while maintaining contact with the first contact portion, and the locking portion is embedded in the locking receiving portion, so that the second connector is mated with the first connector.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector includes a first insulator having a protrusion protruding in the mating direction. The first contact has a cylindrical shape extending in the mating direction and having a recess formed inside, and the first contact portion having the planar shape is arranged at one end of the first contact on the second contact side along the mating direction. The first holding member is arranged on the other end side of the first contact along the mating direction and has a through hole penetrating the first holding member in the mating direction. The protrusion of the first insulator is inserted into the through hole of the first holding member and the recess of the first contact in sequence while pushing a sheet-like connection object with at least the flexible conductor exposed on the surface, so that the first contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor and the first holding member is connected to the first contact.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first holding member is formed of a magnetic body and includes a cylindrical portion extending in the fitting direction and having the through hole formed therein, and a flange extending from an end of the cylindrical portion on the opposite side to the first contact toward the predetermined direction. When the second connector is located at the mating start position, the second holding member is attracted by the flange of the first holding member in the mating direction.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the second connector slides relatively to the first connector from the mating start position in the prescribed direction to the mating completion position, the second holding member is attracted by the outer side surface of the cylindrical portion of the first holding member in the prescribed direction.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first holding member has an annular groove formed along the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion. The lock receiving portion is formed by the annular groove.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second holding member includes a magnet and a holding plate formed of a magnetic body and attracted to the magnet by magnetic force.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The magnet has a shape of a curved plate that is curved so as to follow the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion of the first holding member and extends in the fitting direction. The holding plate comprises: a curved portion curved along the outer periphery of the magnet; a pair of planar portions extending in the mating direction at both ends of the curved shape of the curved portion; and a pair of protruding portions protruding in the prescribed direction from the ends of the pair of planar portions on the first connector side along the mating direction. The locking portion is formed by the pair of protruding portions.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The magnet has a cylindrical shape extending in the fitting direction and into which the cylindrical portion of the first holding member is inserted, The retaining plate is composed of a ring member arranged at the end of the magnet on the first connector side along the mating direction and having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the magnet, and has an extension portion extending toward the central axis side of the cylindrical magnet along the predetermined direction. The locking portion is formed by the protruding portion.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second insulator has: a concave second holding member accommodating portion for accommodating the second holding member; and a concave first contact accommodating portion for accommodating at least a portion of the first contact, The second holding member accommodating portion and the first contact accommodating portion are communicated with each other and are respectively opened toward the first connector in the mating direction. The second contact is held by the second insulator in a manner such that at least a portion of the second contact protrudes toward the first contact accommodation portion.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second contact includes a push rod that is arranged to be elastically movable forward and backward along the mating direction, and the second contact portion that is arranged at the front end of the push rod protrudes toward the first contact accommodating portion.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first contact accommodating portion has an oblong shape that is long in the predetermined direction when viewed from the mating direction. When the second connector is located at the mating start position, the first contact is located at one end of the first contact accommodating portion in the prescribed direction, and when the second connector is located at the mating completion position, the first contact is located at the other end of the first contact accommodating portion in the prescribed direction.

12. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The first connector includes a plurality of the first contacts and a plurality of the first holding members corresponding to the plurality of the first contacts. The second connector comprises: a plurality of the second insulators; a plurality of the second contacts, each held by the plurality of the second insulators; and a plurality of the second holding members, each held by the plurality of the second insulators and corresponding to the plurality of the second contacts. One of the plurality of the first holding members and the plurality of the second holding members has a plurality of the locking portions, and the other has a plurality of the lock receiving portions. When the second connector is located at the mating completion position and is mated with the first connector, the plurality of second contacts are electrically connected to the plurality of first contacts, respectively, and the plurality of locking portions are respectively embedded in the plurality of lock receiving portions.

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