Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

[Problem] To enable two connectors to be smoothly separated. [Solution] In a connector (10) and a connector assembly (100), an elastic lock portion (21) has: a rear connection portion (21a) connected to a base body (26); a front connection part (21b) connected to the base body (26); and a beam section (21c) that connects the rear connection section (21a) and the front connection section (21b). The beam section (21c) has: a front elastic section (23) on which a joining section (23a) is formed; and a rear elastic part (4). The rear elastic section (24) has a first extension section (24a), a first bent section (24b), and a second extension section (24c). A first extending portion (24a) extends from a front portion of the first curved portion (24b) in a direction away from the base body (26), and a second extending portion (24c) extends from a rear portion of the first curved portion (24b) in a direction away from the base body (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a connector having an elastically deformable locking arm connected to the upper surface of a base body. The locking arm is formed with a locking protrusion and a lock release portion. The locking protrusion is hooked onto a locking portion formed on a mating connector to restrict the separation of the two connectors. An operator can press the lock release portion to release the engagement between the locking protrusion and the mating connector, thereby separating the two connectors.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JPH7-220807 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0007] With the structure of Patent Document 1, the force required for elastic deformation of the lock arm (ie, the force required to separate the two connectors) is large, which affects the workability of the work of separating the two connectors.

[0008] Means of solving the problem

[0009] (1) The connector proposed in the present disclosure is a connector having a base and capable of engaging a mating connector from the front side. The base has: a base body that accommodates a terminal; and an elastic locking portion that is connected to the base body and is used to engage with the mating connector. The elastic locking portion has: a rear connecting portion that is connected to the base body; a front connecting portion that is connected to the base body; and a beam portion that connects the rear connecting portion and the front connecting portion. The beam portion has: a front elastic portion that has an engaging portion formed thereon for engaging with the mating connector; and a rear elastic portion that is formed behind the front elastic portion; wherein the front elastic portion and the rear elastic portion are elastically deformable so that the engaging portion moves toward the base body. The rear elastic portion has a first extending portion, a first bent portion, and a second extending portion. The first extending portion extends from the front portion of the first bent portion in a direction away from the base body; and the second extending portion extends from the rear portion of the first bent portion in a direction away from the base body.

[0010] With this connector, the force required to deform the beam portion can be reduced, and the two connectors can be separated more smoothly.

[0011] (2) In the connector described in (1), the rear connecting portion extends from the first end portion of the rear connecting portion connected to the base body in a direction away from the base body; and the rear elastic portion has a second bent portion, which connects the second end portion of the rear connecting portion and the second end portion of the second extension portion.

[0012] (3) In the connector according to (1) or (2), the rear connecting portion is located behind the first extending portion, the first bent portion, and the second extending portion.

[0013] (4) In the connector according to any one of (1) to (3), the beam portion has an operating portion between the front elastic portion and the rear elastic portion.

[0014] (5) In the connector according to any one of (1) to (4), the elastic locking portion has a contact portion that contacts the outer surface of the base body when the engaging portion moves toward the base body; and the distance between the contact portion and the outer surface of the base body may be smaller than the distance between the first bent portion and the outer surface of the base body.

[0015] (6) In the connector according to (5), the outer surface of the base body has a first portion facing the contact portion and a second portion facing the first bent portion, and the first portion can bulge toward the contact portion relative to the second portion.

[0016] (7) In the connector according to (5) or (6), the contact portion may protrude from the operating portion toward an outer surface of the base body.

[0017] (8) In the connector according to any one of (1) to (7), the beam portion may be located outside in the left-right direction relative to the side surface of the base body.

[0018] (9) In the connector according to any one of (5) to (7), the beam portion may be located on the outside in the left-right direction relative to the side of the base body; and when the engaging portion moves toward the base body, the contact portion of the elastic locking portion may contact the side of the base body.

[0019] (10) The connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure includes the connector according to any one of (1) to (9) and a mating connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 2 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly proposed by the present disclosure. In this figure, the connector and the mating connector are assembled together.

[0021] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector proposed by the present disclosure shown from the upper side of the mating connector.

[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a connector proposed by the present disclosure, shown from the lower side of a mating connector.

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a connector proposed by the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5A is a plan view of the right portion of the base of the connector proposed in the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5B is shown with Figure 5A A plan view of the same part. In this figure, the elastic locking portion is shown after elastic deformation.

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the mating connector.

[0027] Figure 7 is a front view of the connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 8A is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view obtained along line VIII-VIII.

[0029] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A Enlarged view of the right part.

[0030] Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a modified example of the connector proposed by the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.10 is a plan view showing another modified example of the connector proposed by the present disclosure.

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 10 Connectors

[0034] 11 terminals

[0035] 11a Contact part

[0036] 11b crimping part

[0037] 11c Cable holding part

[0038] 11d Retained portion

[0039] 12 Cables

[0040] 20 base

[0041] 21 elastic locking part

[0042] 21a Rear connection

[0043] 21b front connection

[0044] 21c beam

[0045] 22 Operation Department

[0046] 22c contact part

[0047] 22e end

[0048] 22f bevel

[0049] 22g concave part

[0050] 22h contact department

[0051] 23 front elastic part

[0052] 23a Joint

[0053] 23b side

[0054] 23c inner surface

[0055] 23d Gap

[0056] 24 / 24A rear elastic part

[0057] 24a first extension

[0058] 24b first curved portion

[0059] 24c Second extension

[0060] 24d Second bending portion

[0061] 24e end

[0062] 24f end

[0063] 24g Third extension

[0064] 24h Third Bend

[0065] 26 rear elastic part

[0066] 26 base body

[0067] 26a Holding hole

[0068] 26b side

[0069] 26e Part 1

[0070] 26fPart 2

[0071] 26g holding part

[0072] 26h upper surface

[0073] 26k end

[0074] 26m slot

[0075] 26n guide protrusion

[0076] 90 Mating Connector

[0077] 91 terminal

[0078] 91aConnection

[0079] 91b contact part

[0080] 93 base

[0081] 93a Holding hole

[0082] 93b holding hole

[0083] 93c side wall

[0084] 93d protrusion

[0085] 93e Upper Wall

[0086] 93f lower wall

[0087] 93g front wall

[0088] 93h boot slot

[0089] 93i recess

[0090] 93j hole

[0091] 94 Strengthen metal fittings

[0092] 94a Installation

[0093] 94b: joined portion

[0094] 94e wall

[0095] 94f upper plate part

[0096] 100 Connector Assemblies

[0097] C1 Center DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] The connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure is described below. Figure 1 The directions denoted by DU and DD in the graph are called up and down, respectively. Figure 1 The directions denoted by DF and DB in are called forward and backward, respectively, and Figure 1The directions DR and DL in the figure are called right and left, respectively. These directions are used to describe the relative positions of the elements (components, components, parts) of the connector and the connector assembly. These directions do not define the posture of the connector or the connector assembly.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the connector assembly 100 includes a mating connector 90 and a connector 10 that can be mated with the mating connector 90. The mating connector 90 is located in front of the connector 10 and can be mated with the connector 10 from the front side of the connector 10. For example, the mating connector 90 can be a connector mounted on a circuit substrate B, as shown in the figure. For example, the connector 10 can be a connector provided at the end of a plurality of cables 12. That is, for example, the connector assembly 100 can be a connector assembly that electrically connects a plurality of cables 12 and the circuit substrate B.

[0100] and Figure 1 The example shown is different in that the mating connector 90 can be provided at the end of a plurality of cables, and the connector 10 can be a connector for mounting on a circuit substrate B. As another example, for example, the mating connector 90 can be a connector provided at the end of a plurality of mating cables. That is, the connector 10 and the mating connector 90 can be provided at the end of a plurality of cables 12 and at the end of a plurality of mating cables, respectively. Further, the connector assembly 100 can be a connector assembly that electrically connects a plurality of cables 12 to a plurality of mating cables.

[0101] Mating connector

[0102] like Figure 2 As shown, the mating connector 90 has a plurality of terminals 91 arranged in the left-right direction and a base 93 holding the plurality of terminals 91. In addition, the mating connector 90 may have two reinforcing metal fittings 94 provided on the outer sides of the plurality of terminals 91 in the left-right direction.

[0103] The terminal 91 may be in the form of a plate. Figure 2 As shown, the terminal 91 may have a connection portion 91a at its rearmost lower end for connecting to the circuit substrate B. For example, the connection portion 91a may be attached to the conductor pad on the circuit substrate B by welding. The terminal 91 may have a contact portion 91b at the front for contacting the terminal 11 of the connector 10. The terminal 91 may be formed by stamping a metal plate.

[0104] The plurality of terminals 91 may be held by a base 93. Figure 2 As shown, the base 93 is formed with a plurality of holding holes 93a extending in the front-rear direction. The base 93 has a front wall 93g (see Figure 6 ). For example, a holding hole 93a may be formed in the front wall 93g. The plurality of terminals 91 are inserted and held in the respective holding holes 93a. The base 93 is made of resin.

[0105] Two reinforcing metal fittings 94 may be respectively disposed on the right and left sides of the plurality of terminals 91. Figure 2 As shown, the base 93 is formed with a holding hole 93b. Two reinforcing metal fittings 94 are inserted into the respective holding holes 93b and held in the holding holes 93b. The reinforcing metal fitting 94 has a mounting portion 94a at the lower edge that is attached to the circuit substrate B by welding. The mounting portion 94a can be bent to the outside in the left-right direction.

[0106] like Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of protrusions 93d extending in the front-to-back direction may be formed on the inner surface of the base 93 (the surface facing the outer surface of the connector 10 accommodated in the base 93). For example, the protrusion 93d may be formed on the inner surface (upper surface) of the upper wall 93e, the lower wall 93f, or the lower wall 93f of the left and right side walls 93c of the base 93. The protrusion 93d may extend from the front wall 93g of the base 93 to near the center of the space in the base 93 where the connector 10 is accommodated. The plurality of protrusions 93d may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The terminal 91 held in the base 93 may be above the protrusion 93d.

[0107] In addition, the groove 26m extending in the front-rear direction (see Figure 3 ) may be formed on the lower surface of the base body 26 of the connector 10. During the insertion of the connector 10 into the mating connector 90, the groove 26m of the connector 10 may be moved along the protrusion 93d (refer to Figure 6 ) is moved forward. Thus, the connector 10 is guided to the correct position relative to the mating connector 90, while not tilting during insertion. Thus, the connector 10 and the mating connector 90 can be prevented from accidentally colliding with each other.

[0108] like Figure 2 As shown, the reinforcing metal fitting 94 may have an engaged portion 94b. For example, the engaged portion 94b may be a hole that penetrates the plate-shaped reinforcing metal fitting 94 in the left-right direction. Figure 8B ) engages with the engaged portion 94b, thereby restricting the connector 10 and the mating connector 90 from being separated. The engaged portion 94b does not necessarily have to be a hole as long as the engaged portion 94b has a configuration that allows the engaging portion 23a to engage.

[0109] like Figure 2As shown, the engaged portion 94b is spaced above the mounting portion 94a, and the reinforcing metal fitting 94 may have a wall portion 94e between the mounting portion 94a and the lower edge of the engaged portion 94b. As described above, the reinforcing metal fitting 94 has a mounting portion 94a on the lower edge that is attached to the circuit substrate B by welding. The wall portion 94e can increase the area of ​​the welded portion, and thus can improve the attachment strength to the circuit substrate B. That is, the engaged portion 94b does not extend to the mounting portion 94a, thereby suppressing the reduction in attachment strength caused by the formation of the engaged portion 94b. The engaged portion 94b may be formed by a component different from the reinforcing metal fitting 94. For example, the engaged portion 94b may be formed on the base 93.

[0110] like Figure 4 As shown, the connector 10 is formed with an elastic locking portion 21 which will be described in detail later. The engaging portion 23a is formed on the elastic locking portion 21. In order to avoid interference with the wall portion 94e of the reinforcing metal fitting 94, a notch 23d (see Figure 3 ) is formed on the elastic locking portion 21. Thus, the height of the connector assembly 100 can be reduced while maintaining the locking force between the engaging portion 23a and the engaged portion 94b.

[0111] like Figure 2 As shown, the reinforcing metal fitting 94 may have an upper plate portion 94f extending on the upper edge toward the left-right center of the mating connector 90. The upper plate portion 94f can increase the strength of the reinforcing metal fitting 94 (particularly the strength of the portion around the engaged portion 94b).

[0112] Connectors

[0113] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector 10 has a base 20. The base 20 has a base body 26 that receives a plurality of terminals 11 arranged in the left-right direction. For example, the base body 26 may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape. For example, the terminal 11 may be a terminal attached to the end of the cable 12. A retaining hole 26a (see FIG. 2 ) extending in the front-rear direction is formed. Figure 3 ) may be formed on the base body 26. The terminal 11 may be inserted into and held in the holding hole 26a.

[0114] The terminal 11 may have two contact portions 11a facing each other in the left-right direction at the front. The contact portion 91b of the terminal 91 of the mating connector 90 is inserted between the two contact portions 11a. Both contact portions 11a are leaf spring-shaped and are electrically connected by being pressed against both side surfaces of the contact portion 91b using elastic force.

[0115] like Figure 2As shown, the terminal 11 may have a barrel portion at the rear. That is, the terminal 11 may have a cable holding portion 11c as a barrel portion to hold the outer sheath of the cable 12 and a crimping portion 11b to hold and electrically connect the electric wire (core wire) of the cable 12.

[0116] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the terminal 11 may have a held portion 11d. For example, the held portion 11d is formed on the upper surface of the terminal 11. The holding hole 26a may be formed with a holding portion 26g (refer to FIG. 2 ) that hooks onto the held portion 11d and prevents the terminal 11 from being disengaged (moving backward of the terminal 11). Figure 4 ).like Figure 4 As shown, the holding portion 26g may be in the shape of a leaf spring exposed on the upper surface 26h of the base body 26. Figure 4 ) can be hooked onto the retained portion 11d.

[0117] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, a guide protrusion 26n extending in the front-to-back direction may be formed on the upper surface of the base body 26. On the other hand, a guide groove 93h extending in the front-to-back direction may be formed on the upper wall 93e of the base 93 of the mating connector 90. In the example shown in the figure, two guide protrusions 26n and two guide grooves 93h are formed and spaced apart in the left-right direction. During the insertion of the connector 10 into the mating connector 90, the guide protrusion 26n is embedded in the guide groove 93h and moves forward along the guide groove 93h. This can prevent the connector 10 and the mating connector 90 from abutting against each other at an unintentional portion.

[0118] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the recess 93i may be formed on one edge of the upper wall 93e of the base 93. The recess 93i is formed between the left and right guide grooves 93h. During the insertion of the connector 10 into the mating connector 90, the two guide protrusions 26n spaced apart in the left-right direction are first placed in the recess 93i and then inserted into the two guide grooves 93h.

[0119] Note that, unlike the example shown in the drawings, the guide protrusion may be formed on the inner surface of the base 93 , and the guide groove may be formed on the upper surface of the base body 26 .

[0120] like Figure 2 As shown, the hole 93j may be formed in the upper wall 93e of the base 93 and penetrate the upper wall 93e in the up-down direction. When the operator inserts the connector 10 into the mating connector 90, the operator can visually confirm the passage of the front edge of the base body 26 through the hole 93j. That is, the hole 93j can be used as a joint detection window.

[0121] Elastic locking part

[0122] like Figure 4 As shown, the base 20 has an elastic locking portion 21 for engaging with the mating connector 90. The two elastic locking portions 21 are connected to the right and left portions of the base body 26, respectively.

[0123] The elastic locking portion 21 may be a portion integrally formed of resin together with the base body 26. That is, heated and molten resin may be supplied to a mold corresponding to the shape of the base 20 including the elastic locking portion 21 and the base body 26, and the resin may be cooled and solidified to form the base 20. In the connector proposed in the present disclosure, the elastic locking portion 21 and the base body 26 are not components that are attached together after being separately formed.

[0124] like Figure 4 As shown, the elastic locking portion 21 may have a rear connecting portion 21a connected to the base body 26 at the rear end. In addition, the elastic locking portion 21 may have a front connecting portion 21b connected to the base body 26 at the front end. The rear connecting portion 21a and the front connecting portion 21b may be connected to the side 26b of the base body 26.

[0125] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the elastic locking part 21 has a beam part 21c connecting the rear connecting part 21a and the front connecting part 21b. The beam part 21c can be located outside the side 26b of the base body 26 in the left-right direction. That is, the beam part 21c of the elastic locking part 21 on the right side can be located to the right of the side 26b on the right side, and the beam part 21c on the left side can be located to the left of the side 26b on the left side.

[0126] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the beam portion 21c has a front elastic portion 23 formed at the front thereof and a rear elastic portion 24 formed at the rear of the front elastic portion 23. The aforementioned engaging portion 23a is formed on the front elastic portion 23 for engaging with the mating connector 90. The two elastic portions 23 and 24 are elastically deformable so that the engaging portion 23a moves relative to the base body 26, that is, so that the engaging portion 23a moves in the left-right direction toward the center C1 of the base 20 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 5A and Figure 5B ).

[0127] The beam portion 21c may include an operation portion 22 in the middle portion of the beam portion 21c, which is pressed by the operator in the left-right direction toward the center C1 of the base 20. The front elastic portion 23 extends from the operation portion 22 toward the front connecting portion 21b. The rear elastic portion 24 extends from the operation portion 22 toward the rear connecting portion 21a. Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the front elastic part 23 and the rear elastic part 24 are elastically deformable so that the operating part 22 and the engaging part 23a move in the left-right direction. That is, the front elastic part 23 and the rear elastic part 24 are elastically deformable so that the operating part 22 and the engaging part 23a approach the side (outer surface) 26b of the base body 26.

[0128] Operation Department

[0129] The operating portion 22 protrudes outward beyond the front elastic portion 23 in the left-right direction. Figure 8B As shown, when the connector 10 is mated with the mating connector 90, the front elastic portion 23 is accommodated in the base 93 of the mating connector 90. On the other hand, the operating portion 22 is not accommodated in the base 93, but is located behind the side wall 93c of the base 93 and protrudes outward beyond the side wall 93c in the left-right direction. The elastic locking portions 21 are respectively provided on the right and left portions of the base 20. Thus, when the connector 10 and the mating connector 90 are mated, the operator can use his fingers to pinch the operating portions 22 of the left and right elastic locking portions 21 to elastically deform the two elastic locking portions 21. Note that Figure 8B Unlike the example shown, the operating portion 22 does not have to protrude outward in the left-right direction beyond the side wall 93c of the mating connector 90. The position of the operating portion 22 is not particularly limited as long as the operating portion 22 and the engaging portion 23a are elastically deformable in a direction approaching the side surface (outer surface) 26b of the base body 26.

[0130] The side surface of the operating portion 22 may be formed with projections and depressions. Figure 4 As shown, the recessed portion 22g may be formed on the side surface of the operating portion 22. Thus, the operator's finger can be caught on the operating portion 22 more easily, and thus the operator can smoothly press down the operating portion 22 to separate the connector 10 from the mating connector 90.

[0131] Front elastic part and joint part

[0132] like Figure 4 As shown, the engaged portion 94b (see Figure 2 and Figure 8B The engaging portion 23a for engaging with the front elastic portion 23 is formed on the front elastic portion 23. The engaging portion 23a is formed on the side surface 23b (the surface facing the outside in the left-right direction) of the front elastic portion 23. The engaging portion 23a may be a convex portion protruding from the side surface 23b to the outside in the left-right direction. As described above, when the connectors 10 and 90 are fitted together, the engaging portion 23a is embedded in the hole formed in the reinforcing metal fitting 94 (refer to Figure 8B ) of the engaged portion 94b, thereby restricting the connector 10 and the mating connector 90 from separating.

[0133] Unlike the example shown in the drawings, in which a convex portion is formed as the engaged portion 94 b in the reinforcing metal fitting 94 , the front elastic portion 23 may have a concave portion as the engaging portion 23 a .

[0134] Rear elastic part

[0135] like Figure 5A As shown, the rear elastic portion 24 may have a first extending portion 24a, a first curved portion 24b, and a second extending portion 24c.

[0136] like Figure 5A As shown, the first extension portion 24a extends from the front of the first curved portion 24b in a direction away from the base body 26 (i.e., toward the outside in the left-right direction). The end of the first extension portion 24a (the end on the outside in the left-right direction) is connected to the operation portion 22. The second extension portion 24c extends from the rear of the first curved portion 24b in a direction away from the base body 26 (i.e., toward the outside in the left-right direction). The end of the second extension portion 24c (the end on the outside in the left-right direction) is connected to the rear connection portion 21a.

[0137] The first extension 24a and the second extension 24c may extend obliquely. That is, the first extension 24a may extend obliquely from the front of the first curved portion 24b toward the outside of the front and left and right directions. The second extension 24c may extend obliquely from the rear of the first curved portion 24b toward the outside of the rear and left and right directions. Different from the example shown in the figure, the direction in which the first extension 24a and the second extension 24c extend may be parallel to the left and right directions. The first extension 24a may extend straight or may be curved.

[0138] The first extension 24a, the first curved portion 24b and the second extension 24c can be connected to each other as described above to form a slightly U-shaped opening to the outside in the left and right directions. The first curved portion 24b corresponds to the curved portion of the U-shaped and is located on the inner side of the first extension 24a and the second extension 24c in the left and right directions. The first curved portion 24b can be curved in an arc shape. In addition, the first curved portion 24b can be bent at the center of the first curved portion 24b. That is, the first extension 24a, the first curved portion 24b and the second extension 24c can be a slightly V-shaped opening to the outside in the left and right directions as a whole. The first curved portion 24b preferably has a smooth curve to allow the first extension 24a, the first curved portion 24b and the second extension 24c to deform flexibly and elastically.

[0139] The rear elastic portion 24 has the first bent portion 24b in this manner, so that the rear elastic portion 24 can be lengthened while suppressing an increase in the size of the connector 10. As a result, the operating force F (refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B, the force of pressing the operating portion 22 can be reduced. As a result, the two connectors 10, 90 can be separated smoothly.

[0140] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation portion 22 is located behind the center position Pc1 of the length of the beam portion 21 c in the front-rear direction. Even with this configuration, the rear elastic portion 24 can be easily lengthened by utilizing the first curved portion 24 b.

[0141] like Figure 5A As shown, the rear elastic portion 24 may further include a second curved portion 24d. The second extension portion 24c is connected to the front portion of the second curved portion 24d. The rear connecting portion 21a is connected to the rear portion of the second curved portion 24d. The second curved portion 24d may be curved in an arc shape, or may be curved at the center of the second curved portion 24d. The rear connecting portion 21a extends from the second curved portion 24d in the left-right direction toward the center C1 of the base 20 (toward the side 26b of the base body 26).

[0142] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 2 , the second curved portion 24d and the rear connecting portion 21a are located behind the first curved portion 24b. Thus, in a side view of the base 20 (when viewed in the direction of arrow DL), a portion of the rear elastic portion 24 does not overlap with other portions of the rear elastic portion 24. Figure 5B As shown, when the rear elastic portion 24 is displaced, the plurality of bent portions 24b, 24d and the plurality of extended portions 24a, 24c do not contact each other. As a result, the displacement amount of the elastic locking portion 21 in the left-right direction can be sufficiently ensured.

[0143] In addition, the rear elastic portion 24 has the second curved portion 24d, so that the length of the rear elastic portion 24 can be easily ensured. As a result, the operating force F (see FIG. 24 ) required to displace the operating portion 22 is Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the force of pressing the operating portion 22 can be further reduced.

[0144] Figure 5B The beam portion 21c is shown in a state when the operation portion 22 is pressed. When the operation portion 22 is pressed, the first extension portion 24a is moved in the direction indicated by arrow D1 (see FIG. Figure 5A ) direction, and the positions of the first curved portion 24b and the second extended portion 24c are at the arrow D2 (refer to Figure 5A ) direction. That is, the first extension portion 24a is inclined toward the side surface 26b with the first curved portion 24b as the center. In addition, the positions of the first curved portion 24b and the second extension portion 24c are moved backward with the second curved portion 24d as the center.

[0145] In the initial state (the state in which the beam portion 21c is not elastically deformed), the end portion 24e of the first curved portion 24b (the end portion close to the side surface 26b, see Figure 5A) is located on the inner surface 23c (the surface facing the side surface 26b, see Figure 5A ) is closer to the center C1 in the left-right direction of the base 20. The end 24f of the second curved portion 24d (the end on the opposite side to the side 26b) is located on the outer side in the left-right direction relative to the side 23b (the surface on the opposite side to the side 26b) of the front elastic portion 23. This configuration ensures that the rear elastic portion 24 has a sufficient length.

[0146] The thickness T1 of the first extension portion 24a (see Figure 8B The thickness T1 of the first extension portion 24a may gradually become thinner from the base of the first extension portion 24a close to the operation portion 22 toward the first curved portion 24b. Thus, the rear elastic portion 24 can be more easily elastically deformed.

[0147] like Figure 5A As shown, the operating portion 22 is located behind the center position Pc1 of the beam portion 21c in the front-to-back direction. The center of the operating portion 22 in the front-to-back direction may be located behind the center position Pc1 of the beam portion 21c, or the entire operating portion 22 may be located behind the center position Pc1. Providing the operating portion 22 in this manner makes it easier to ensure the length of the front elastic portion 23 in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the movable range of the engaging portion 23a can be easily ensured.

[0148] The center position Pc2 of the joint portion 23a in the front-rear direction relative to the front elastic portion 23 (see Figure 5A ) is displaced rearward. Thus, the movable range of the engaging portion 23a when the operating portion 22 is pressed can be ensured.

[0149] Preventing the first bent portion from contacting the base body

[0150] like Figure 5B As shown, the beam portion 21 c has a contact portion 22 c. The contact portion 22 c is a portion that contacts the side surface 26 b of the base body 26 when the operation portion 22 moves toward the side surface 26 b.

[0151] like Figure 4 and Figure 5A As shown, the side surface 26b of the base body 26 may have: a first portion 26e, which faces the end 22e of the contact portion 22c in the left-right direction; and a second portion 26f, which faces the first bent portion 24b in the left-right direction. In addition, the first portion 26e may further protrude toward the contact portion 22c (outside in the left-right direction) relative to the second portion 26f. That is, the second portion 26f may be recessed relative to the first portion 26e. With this configuration, when the operating portion 22 is pressed, the first bent portion 24b can be effectively prevented from contacting the side surface 26b.

[0152] like Figure 5AAs shown, the first portion 26e (convex portion) extends forward from a position facing the end 22e of the contact portion 22c. The first portion 26e has a portion facing the front elastic portion 23. With this configuration, even if the force pressing on the operating portion 22 is too large and the contact portion 22c contacts the first portion 26e and becomes flat, the first portion 26e contacts the inner surface 23c of the front elastic portion 23, and as a result, the first bent portion 24b is prevented from contacting the second portion 26f.

[0153] like Figure 5A As shown, the contact portion 22c may be a convex portion protruding from the operating portion 22 toward the side 26b of the base body 26. The contact portion 22c further protrudes toward the side 26b relative to the inner surface 23c of the front elastic portion 23. When the operating portion 22 is pressed, the end 22e of the convex portion contacts the side 26b.

[0154] As Figure 4 As shown in the dotted line region R1 in FIG. 1 , the thickness (width in the vertical direction) of the contact portion 22c can be smaller than the thickness (width in the vertical direction) of the operating portion 22. With this configuration, the volume of the operating portion 22 can be suppressed from becoming excessively large, and as a result, the operating portion 22 can be easily molded from resin.

[0155] like Figure 5A As shown, the contact portion 22c has an inclined surface 22f extending obliquely from the distal end 22e toward the first extension portion 24a. This ensures the strength of the contact portion 22c.

[0156] In the example shown in the figure, the first portion 26e and the second portion 26f are formed on the side surface 26b of the base body 26, and the contact portion 22c protrudes from the operating portion 22. As a result, in the initial state (the state in which the beam portion 21c is not elastically deformed), the distance L1 (refer to Figure 8B ) is smaller than the distance L2 between the end 24e of the first curved portion 24b and the side surface 26b (refer to Figure 8B ).

[0157] With this configuration, when the operating portion 22 is pressed, the contact portion 22c contacts the side surface 26b of the base body 26 before the first bent portion 24b. The first bent portion 24b does not contact other parts of the base 20. Thus, even with a large operating force F (see Figure 5A and Figure 5B ) acts on the operating portion 22, and can also prevent the elastic deformation of the rear elastic portion 24 from being unintentionally restricted.

[0158] Note that the configuration for preventing the first bent portion 24b from contacting the side surface 26b of the base body 26 is not limited to the example described above. Fig. 9 As shown, the first portion 26e may not be formed on the side 26b of the base body 26. In addition, Fig. 9 The shown elastic locking portion 21 has a contact portion 22h. The contact portion 22h does not protrude from the operating portion 22. With this configuration, the distance L1 (see Fig. 9 ) between the contact portion 22h and the side surface 26b can be smaller than the distance L2 (see Fig. 9 ) between the end portion 24e of the first bending portion 24b and the side surface 26b. That is, any configuration is acceptable as long as the relationship L1 < L2 is maintained between the distance L1 and the distance L2. In addition, the contact portion 22h can be formed on the inner surface 23c of the front elastic portion 23 instead of on the operating portion 22. Note that in Fig. 9 , the same parts as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0159] Summary

[0160] As described above, the connector 10 has a base 20, and the mating connector 90 can be fitted to the connector 10 from the front side. The base 20 has: a base body 26 that houses a plurality of terminals 11 arranged in the left - right direction; and an elastic locking portion 21 that is connected to the base body 26 and is used for engaging with the mating connector 90. The elastic locking portion 21 has: a rear connecting portion 21a connected to the base body 26; a front connecting portion 21b connected to the base body 26; and a beam portion 21c that connects the rear connecting portion 21a and the front connecting portion 21b. The beam portion 21c has: a front elastic portion 23 on which an engaging portion 23a for engaging with the mating connector 90 is formed; and a rear elastic portion 24 formed behind the front elastic portion 23. The front elastic portion 23 and the rear elastic portion 24 are elastically deformable so that the engaging portion 23a moves toward the base body 26. The rear elastic portion 24 has a first extension portion 24a, a first bending portion 24b, and a second extension portion 24c. The first extension portion 24a extends in a direction away from the base body 26 from the front of the first bending portion 24b, and the second extension portion 24c extends in a direction away from the base body 26 from the rear of the first bending portion 24b.

[0161] With this connector 10, the rear elastic portion 24 has a first bending portion 24b, so that the rear elastic portion 24 can be easily lengthened. As a result, the operating force F (see Figure 5A , the force for pressing the operating portion 22) required to displace the operating portion 22 can be reduced. As a result, the two connectors 10, 90 can be separated smoothly.

[0162] Other examples

[0163] It should be noted that the connector proposed in this disclosure is not limited to the connector 10 described above.

[0164] Fig.10Another modified example of the connector disclosed in the present disclosure is shown. As shown in the figure, the rear elastic portion 24A may have a third extension portion 24g. The third extension portion 24g extends obliquely forward from the end of the first extension portion 24a (the end on the outside in the left-right direction) toward the center C1 in the left-right direction of the base 20 (toward the side 26b of the base body 26). The third bent portion 24h may be formed between the third extension portion 24g and the first extension portion 24a. Note that in Fig.10 In the present invention, the same parts as those described above are represented by the same figure marks.

[0165] In addition, in the connector 10, the connection parts 21a, 21b of the elastic locking part 21 are connected to the side 26b of the base body 26. However, the connection parts 21a, 21b of the elastic locking part 21 may be connected to other parts of the base body 26. For example, the connection parts 21a, 21b of the elastic locking part 21 may be connected to the upper surface of the base body 26 or the lower surface of the base body 26. In this case, the number of the elastic locking part 21 may be one. In addition, the base 20 may have the elastic locking part 21 only on one of the right part or the left part.

[0166] In addition, in the connector 10, the elastic locking portion 21 and the beam portion 21c are located outside the left-right direction of the base body 26, but the positions of the elastic locking portion 21 and the beam portion 21c are not limited to this case. The elastic locking portion 21 and the beam portion 21c may be located above the base body 26. In this case, the first portion 26e and the second portion 26f of the base body 26 may be formed on the upper surface (outer surface) 26h of the base body 26. As another example, the elastic locking portion 21 and the beam portion 21c may be located below the connector body 26. In this case, the first portion 26e and the second portion 26f may be formed on the lower surface (outer surface) of the base body 26. In addition, in this case, the mating connector 90 is not mounted on the circuit substrate B, and the mating connector 90 and the connector 10 may be two connectors that connect two cables to each other.

[0167] Furthermore, the connector 10 has a plurality of terminals 11 arranged in the left-right direction. However, the number of the terminal 11 in the connector 10 may be one.

[0168] Furthermore, the rear elastic portion 24 does not necessarily have to have the second curved portion 24d.

Claims

1. A connector having a base and capable of engaging a mating connector from the front side, The base comprises: A base body that accommodates the terminals; as well as an elastic locking portion connected to the base body and used to engage with the mating connector; The elastic locking portion comprises: A rear connecting portion connected to the base body; A front connecting portion connected to the base body; and a beam portion connecting the rear connecting portion and the front connecting portion; The beam portion comprises: a front elastic portion having an engagement portion formed thereon for engaging with the mating connector; and a rear elastic portion formed behind the front elastic portion; in, The front elastic portion and the rear elastic portion are elastically deformable so as to move the engaging portion toward the base body; The rear elastic portion has a first extension portion, a first curved portion and a second extension portion; The first extension portion extends from a front portion of the first bent portion in a direction away from the base body; and The second extension portion extends from a rear portion of the first bent portion in a direction away from the base body.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The rear connecting portion extends from a first end portion of the rear connecting portion connected to the base body in a direction away from the base body; and The rear elastic portion has a second bent portion connecting a second end portion of the rear connecting portion and a second end portion of the second extending portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The rear connecting portion is located behind the first extending portion, the first bent portion, and the second extending portion.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The beam portion has an operating portion between the front elastic portion and the rear elastic portion.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic locking portion has a contact portion that contacts an outer surface of the base body when the engaging portion moves toward the base body; and A distance between the contact portion and an outer surface of the base body is smaller than a distance between the first bent portion and the outer surface of the base body.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein: The outer surface of the base body has a first portion facing the contact portion and a second portion facing the first bent portion, and the first portion bulges toward the contact portion relative to the second portion.

7. The connector according to claim 5, wherein: The contact portion protrudes from the operating portion toward an outer surface of the base body.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The beam portion is located outside the side surface of the base body in the left-right direction.

9. The connector according to claim 5, wherein: The beam portion is located outside the side surface of the base body in the left-right direction; and When the engaging portion moves toward the base body, the contact portion of the elastic locking portion contacts the side surface of the base body.

10. A connector assembly comprising the connector according to claim 9 and a mating connector.

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