Connector set and connector assembly

Abstract

[Task] To provide a connector group and a connector assembly capable of preventing incorrect mating between edges of a circuit board and a card edge connector that do not correspond to each other. [Solution] In a connector group 9, 83 comprising a first card edge connector 7A and a second card edge connector 7B, each of the first card edge connector and the second card edge connector comprises a plurality of walls 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41 defining insertion holes 11 for receiving corresponding ends of a circuit board, and at least one of the plurality of walls of the first card edge connector is constituted by an incorrect insertion prevention wall 37A, 35B, 91A, the incorrect insertion prevention wall having a rear end with respect to the insertion direction of the circuit board, which is different from a corresponding rear end of the second card edge connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector set including a pair of card edge connectors, and a connector assembly including the connector set and a pair of cards configured to be connected to the card edge connectors of the connector set, wherein the connector set and the connector assembly are configured to prevent incorrect mating. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a connector assembly configured to prevent incorrect connection between connectors other than a correct connector is known (e.g., Patent Document 1). The connector assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector has a first surface from which a circuit board extends perpendicularly to the first surface. The second connector has a second surface formed with an insertion opening into which the circuit board of the first connector is to be inserted.

[0003] A plurality of first holes are formed on a first surface of the first connector, and a plurality of second holes are formed on a second surface of the second connector at positions corresponding to the plurality of first holes. Improper insertion prevention pins are fitted into some of the plurality of first holes provided on the first surface so as to be closed. Large head pins are fitted into some of the plurality of second holes to protrude from the second surface.

[0004] When the circuit board of the first connector is pushed into the insertion opening of the correct second connector, the large pins fit into the corresponding second holes provided on the second surface, and the first connector can be correctly connected to the second connector. On the other hand, when an attempt is made to push the circuit board of the first connector into the insertion slot of the incorrect second connector, the large pins abut against the incorrect insertion prevention pins, so that the first connector is prevented from being connected to the incorrect second connector. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP2012-209102A Summary of the invention The task to be accomplished by the present invention

[0006] In the connector assembly disclosed in patent document 1, a first connector is arranged on a circuit board and an incorrect insertion prevention pin is fitted into a first surface of the first connector, while a second surface of a second connector into which the circuit board of the first connector is to be inserted is fitted with an incorrect insertion prevention pin protruding from the second surface, so that incorrect fitting of the two connectors can be prevented.

[0007] However, there may be a case where the first surface cannot be provided on the first connector. In this case, the first hole cannot be provided in the first connector, so that the connector assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot be formed.

[0008] In view of the above background, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a connector set and a connector assembly that can prevent incorrect mating between an edge of a circuit board and a card edge connector that do not correspond to each other. How to complete the task

[0009] In order to accomplish this task, one aspect of the present invention provides a connector group (9, 83), which includes a first card edge connector (7A) and a second card edge connector (7B), wherein the first card edge connector and the second card edge connector each include a plurality of walls (31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41), the plurality of walls defining an insertion hole (11) for accommodating a corresponding end of a circuit board, and at least one of the plurality of walls of the first card edge connector is composed of an incorrect insertion prevention wall (37A, 35B, 91A), the incorrect insertion prevention wall having a rear end with respect to the insertion direction of the circuit board, the rear end of which is different from the corresponding rear end of the second card edge connector.

[0010] According to this aspect, by providing a notch in the edge portion of the circuit board configured to be inserted into the second edge connector in such a manner that the incorrect insertion prevention wall cannot fit into the notch and the wall of the second edge connector corresponding to the incorrect insertion prevention wall can fit into the notch, the edge portion of the circuit board configured to be inserted into the second edge connector is prevented from being inserted into the first edge connector. Therefore, by using the connector set configured in this manner, it is possible to prevent the edge portion of the circuit board from being incorrectly inserted into the card edge connector.

[0011] In the above aspect, preferably, the incorrect insertion preventing wall defines an outer boundary of an end surface of the circuit board inserted into the insertion hole.

[0012] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide the first card edge connector having the incorrect insertion preventing wall with a simple configuration.

[0013] In the above aspect, preferably, the incorrect insertion prevention wall forms a partition wall of the insertion hole.

[0014] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide the first card edge connector having the wall for preventing incorrect insertion with a simple configuration.

[0015] In the above aspect, preferably, the incorrect insertion prevention wall protrudes from a corresponding wall of the second card edge connector in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the circuit board.

[0016] According to this aspect, the distinction between the first card edge connector and the second card edge connector is simplified.

[0017] In the above aspect, preferably, each of the first card edge connector and the second card edge connector has an upper wall (31) and a lower wall (33), the upper wall defining a boundary on the front side of the circuit board accommodated in the insertion hole, the lower wall defining a boundary on the rear side of the circuit board, and a rib (49, 93) is provided between the improper insertion prevention wall and at least one of the upper wall and the lower wall so as to connect the two components.

[0018] According to this aspect, the rigidity of the incorrect insertion preventing wall can be increased.

[0019] In order to accomplish this task, another aspect of the present invention provides a connector assembly (1, 81), comprising the above-mentioned connector group and a card edge group (5, 85), the card edge group comprising a first card edge (3A) and a second card edge (3B), the first card edge forming the end of the circuit board and being configured to be inserted into the first card edge connector, the second card edge forming the end of the circuit board and being configured to be inserted into the second card edge connector, wherein the first card edge is provided with a first cutout (15AL, 15AR) cut out from its edge along the insertion direction and configured to receive the incorrect insertion prevention wall, and the second card edge is provided with a second cutout (15BL, 15BR) cut out from its edge along the insertion direction to receive a wall of the second edge connector corresponding to the incorrect insertion prevention wall but not receiving the incorrect insertion prevention wall.

[0020] According to this aspect, since the incorrect insertion prevention wall of the first card edge cannot be fitted into the cutout provided in the second card edge, it is possible to prevent the second card edge from being incorrectly fitted to the first card edge connector.

[0021] In the above aspect, preferably, the first incision has a longer incision length than the second incision.

[0022] According to this aspect, the cutout for receiving the incorrect insertion preventing wall and the cutout for not receiving the incorrect insertion preventing wall but receiving the wall of the second card edge connector corresponding to the incorrect insertion preventing wall can be configured by using a simple structure. Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the above aspect, it is possible to prevent the connector set and the connector assembly from improperly fitting between the edge of the circuit board and the card edge connector which do not correspond to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing (A) a first edge connector, (B) a second edge connector, (C) a first card edge, and (D) a second card edge included in a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a top view showing (A) a state where the first edge connector is properly mated with the first card edge connector and (B) a state where the second edge connector is properly mated with the second card edge connector; Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of ; Figure 4 is along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of the first edge connector taken along line IV-IV; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connector member; Figure 6 are top views of (A) the second edge connector mating with the first card edge and (B) the first edge connector mating with the second card edge; Figure 7 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of ; Figure 8 is a top view showing (A) a state where the first edge connector is mated with the first card edge in a flipped state and (B) a state where the second edge connector is mated with the second card edge in a flipped state; Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional top view showing (A) a first edge connector mating with a first card edge in a flipped state and (B) a second edge connector mating with a second card edge in a flipped state; Fig.10 is a perspective view showing (A) a first edge connector, (B) a second edge connector, (C) a first card edge, and (D) a second card edge included in a connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig.11 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing (A) a first edge connector fully mated with a first card edge and (B) a second edge connector fully mated with a second card edge; Fig.12 (A) a top view of a state where a second edge connector is mated with a first card edge, and (B) a partial cross-sectional top view of the interior of a card edge insertion hole; Fig.13 is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of ; Fig.14are perspective views of (A) a first variation of the first card edge and the second card edge of the first embodiment and (B) a second variation of the first card edge and the second card edge of the first embodiment; Fig.15 is a view of a connector assembly according to another variant embodiment of the present invention that is modified from the first embodiment; Fig.16 1 is a view of a connector assembly according to another modified embodiment of the present invention which is modified from the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] A connector set and a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] (First embodiment) The connector assembly 1 of the first embodiment includes a card edge group 5 (hereinafter referred to as card edge 3) formed by the end of a circuit board, and a connector group 9 formed by a plurality of card edge connectors (hereinafter referred to as edge connectors 7) configured to respectively mate with each card edge 3.

[0027] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 , the connector set 9 includes two edge connectors 7 (also called card edge connectors). Figure 1 The edge connector 7 shown in (A) will be referred to as a first edge connector 7A (also referred to as a first card edge connector), and Figure 1 The edge connector 7 shown in (B) will be referred to as a second edge connector 7B (also referred to as a second card edge connector). The first edge connector 7A and the second edge connector 7B each have a card edge insertion hole 11 of the same shape for receiving the corresponding card edge 3.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown in (C) and (D) of FIG. 1 , the card edge set 5 includes two card edges 3. Each card edge 3 is configured to be mated with a corresponding edge connector 7 by being inserted into a card edge insertion hole 11 of the corresponding edge connector 7. Hereinafter, the card edge 3 mated to the first edge connector 7A will be referred to as the first card edge 3A (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 (C)), and the card edge 3 that is mated to the second edge connector 7B will be referred to as the second card edge 3B. (Refer to Figure 1 (D)).

[0029] like Figure 1As shown in (C) and (D) of FIG. 1 , the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B each constitute a rear edge portion (edge ​​portion) of a circuit board. The circuit board is a plate-shaped substrate, and may be constituted by a so-called PCB (printed circuit board). Metal pads 13 are provided on the surfaces (front surfaces) of the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B. In this embodiment, two pads 13 are provided on each of the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B, and each pad 13 has a rectangular shape elongated in the front-to-back direction. The first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B may be provided on separate circuit boards, or alternatively, the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B may be provided on the same circuit board.

[0030] In the following description, the direction along which the card edge 3 is inserted into the edge connector 7 is referred to as a rearward direction (also referred to as an insertion direction), and the direction in which the front surface (front surface) of the card edge 3 faces is referred to as an upward direction. In the following description, for example, the reverse insertion direction may be referred to as a forward direction. However, such definition of directions is only for convenience of explanation and is not limited thereto.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown in (C) and (D) of FIG. 1 , each of the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B includes a pair of cutouts 15 cut forward from the rear edge thereof along both sides. Each cutout 15 has a generally rectangular shape extending forward from the rear edge. Due to these cutouts 15, each of the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B includes a generally rectangular card edge base 17 constituting the front portion thereof, and a card edge extension 19 extending rearward from the corresponding side of the card edge base 17. Hereinafter, the portion of the rearward-facing surface of the card edge base 17 that is not connected to the card edge extension 19 will be referred to as an abutment end surface 17S. Each abutment end surface 17S defines a rearward-facing surface of the corresponding cutout 15. Therefore, a step portion 22 is formed at the rear of the card edge 3 by the card edge base 17 and the card edge extension 19.

[0032] In the following description, among the cutouts 15 (also referred to as first cutouts) of the first card edge 3A, the left cutout 15 and the right cutout 15 are referred to as first left cutouts 15AL and first right cutouts 15AR, respectively. In addition, among the cutouts 15 (also referred to as second cutouts) of the second card edge 3B, the left cutout 15 and the right cutout 15 are referred to as second left cutouts 15BL and second right cutouts 15BR, respectively.

[0033] like Figure 1 (C) and (D) and Figure 2As shown, the length of the first right incision 15AR is longer than the length of the first left incision 15AL. The length of the second left incision 15BL is longer than the length of the second right incision 15BR. The incision length of the first right incision 15AR and the incision length of the second left incision 15BL are approximately equal, and the incision length of the first left incision 15AL and the incision length of the second right incision 15BR are approximately equal.

[0034] Each card edge extension 19 is provided with a slot 21 extending forward from its rear edge. Each slot 21 is provided at a position slightly offset from the transverse center portion of the card edge extension 19. In this embodiment, the card edge extension 19 of the first card edge 3A and the card edge extension 19 of the second card edge 3B have the same shape. In this embodiment, each card edge extension 19 is also provided with auxiliary slots 23 extending transversely inwardly from both side edges.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the first edge connector 7A and the second edge connector 7B each include a housing 25 and a plurality of terminal members 27 accommodated in and supported by the housing 25 .

[0036] Each housing 25 is made of insulating resin material. Figure 1 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 , each housing 25 includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body 25M extending laterally and a rectangular parallelepiped protrusion 25N protruding rearward from the main body 25M.

[0037] The card edge insertion hole 11 is provided in the front lower half of the main body 25M and is recessed toward the rear. The card edge insertion hole 11 of the first edge connector 7A and the card edge insertion hole 11 of the second edge connector 7B have the same shape.

[0038] like Figure 1 and 4 As shown, the card edge insertion hole 11 is defined by an upper wall 31 , a lower wall 33 , a left wall 35 , a right wall 37 , a rear wall 39 , and a partition wall 41 .

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper wall 31 defines the upper surface of the card edge insertion hole 11, or the boundary of the front side of the circuit board inserted into the card edge insertion hole 11. The lower wall 33 defines the lower surface of the card edge insertion hole 11, or the boundary of the rear side of the card edge 3 inserted into the card edge insertion hole 11. The left wall 35 defines the left side of the card edge insertion hole 11, or the left outer boundary of the left end surface of the card edge 3 inserted into the card edge insertion hole 11. The right wall 37 defines the right side of the card edge insertion hole 11, or the right outer boundary of the right end surface of the card edge 3 inserted into the card edge insertion hole 11.

[0040] like Figure 4As shown, the rear wall 39 defines at least a portion of the front surface of the card edge insertion hole 11, or a rear boundary of the card edge 3 inserted into the card edge insertion hole 11. The upper wall 31, the lower wall 33, the right wall 37, and the left wall 35 each have an edge surface facing forward at a front end thereof.

[0041] In this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown, gaps 40A are formed between the rear wall 39 and the left wall 35 and between the rear wall 39 and the right wall 37. In addition, a slot 40B extending from the rear to the front is provided between the rear portion of the upper wall 31 and the rear portion of the left wall 35, and a similar slot 40B is provided between the rear portion of the upper wall 31 and the rear portion of the right wall 37. Each of the lateral ends of the upper wall 31 is provided with a slot 40C extending forward from the vicinity of the rear end, passing the vicinity of the corresponding side edge of the rear wall 39, and further extending forward. By providing the slots 40B and 40C, a pair of cantilevered locking pieces 42A supported at their front ends are formed on the left and right edges of the upper wall 31, respectively. Each locking piece 42A is provided with a locking claw 42B protruding downward. When the card edge 3 is fully inserted into the card edge insertion hole 11, each locking claw 42B is received by the corresponding auxiliary slot 23, and the card edge 3 is locked in the housing 25 (of the edge connector 7).

[0042] The partition wall 41 has a main surface facing the lateral direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The partition wall 41 is connected to the upper wall 31 at its upper end and to the lower wall 33 at its lower end. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the partition wall 41 is also connected to the rear wall 39 at its rear end, but the partition wall 41 does not need to be connected to the rear wall 39. The partition wall 41 divides the card edge insertion hole 11 into left and right parts, and divides the card edge insertion hole 11 into two parts. In this embodiment, the partition wall 41 is provided at a position slightly offset to the right from the center in the card edge insertion hole 11.

[0043] In both the first edge connector 7A and the second edge connector 7B, the front end of the partition wall 41 is located behind the front end of any one of the upper wall 31 , the lower wall 33 , the left wall 35 , and the right wall 37 .

[0044] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the upper wall 31, the lower wall 33, the left wall 35, the right wall 37, the rear wall 39, and the partition wall 41 of the first edge connector 7A may be referred to as the first upper wall 31A, the first lower wall 33A, the first left wall 35A, the first right wall 37A, the first rear wall 39A, and the first partition wall 41A, respectively. Similarly, the upper wall 31, the lower wall 33, the left wall 35, the right wall 37, the rear wall 39, and the partition wall 41 of the second edge connector 7B may be referred to as the second upper wall 31B, the second lower wall 33B, the second left wall 35B, the second right wall 37B, the second rear wall 39B, and the second partition wall 41B, respectively.

[0045] The front end of the first upper wall 31A and the front end of the first lower wall 33A are located at the same position in the front-rear direction. The second upper wall 31B and the second lower wall 33B have the same shape as the first upper wall 31A and the first lower wall 33A, respectively, so that the front end of the second upper wall 31B and the front end of the second lower wall 33B are also located at the same position in the front-rear direction.

[0046] The first right wall 37A extends further forward than the first upper wall 31A and the first lower wall 33A. On the other hand, the front end (the rear end with respect to the insertion direction) of the second right wall 37B is located at the same position in the front-to-rear direction as the front end of the second upper wall 31B and the front end of the second lower wall 33B. Therefore, when the front end of the first upper wall 31A and the front end of the second upper wall 31B are aligned with each other in the front-to-rear direction (arranged in a row laterally), the front end of the first right wall 37A and the front end of the second right wall 37B are located at different positions, so that the front end of the first right wall 37A is located further forward than the front end of the second right wall 37B.

[0047] In the first edge connector 7A, the opening edge 44A of the card edge insertion hole 11 is formed by portions of the first upper wall 31A, the first left wall 35A, the first lower wall 33A, and the first right wall 37A that are aligned with the front edges of the first upper wall 31A and the first lower wall 33A with respect to the front-rear direction (see Figure 1 (A)) limitation.

[0048] In the second edge connector 7B, the opening edge 44B of the card edge insertion hole 11 is formed by portions of the second upper wall 31B, the second right wall 37B, the second lower wall 33B, and the second left wall 35B that are aligned with the front edges of the second upper wall 31B and the second lower wall 33B with respect to the front-rear direction (see Figure 1 (B)) limitation.

[0049] The front end of the first right wall 37A is located further forward than the second right wall 37B relative to the opening edge 44A.

[0050] The front portion (hereinafter referred to as the first protruding wall 43) of the first right wall 37A protruding beyond the first upper wall 31A and the first lower wall 33A is provided with a plurality of ribs 45 extending in the front-rear direction on its left side surface. The respective ribs 45 are connected to the first upper wall 31A or the first upper wall 31A at their rear ends. In this embodiment, the first right wall 37A includes two ribs 45 connected to the upper edge and the lower edge of the first upper wall 31A, respectively, and another rib 45 connected to the first lower wall 33A.

[0051] Each of the ribs 45 provided on the first protruding wall 43 is configured so that the protruding height, that is, the protruding height in the lateral direction, gradually increases toward the rear (the main body portion 25M). As a result, the protruding end surface of each rib 45 forms an inclined surface 45S that inclines toward the left as it moves toward the rear (toward the main body portion 25M).

[0052] The second left wall 35B extends further forward than the second upper wall 31B and the second lower wall 33B. On the other hand, the front end of the second right wall 37B is located at the same position as the front end of the first upper wall 31A and the front end of the first lower wall 33A in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, when the front end of the first upper wall 31A and the front end of the second upper wall 31B are aligned with each other in the front-to-rear direction (arranged in a row laterally), the position of the front end (the rear end with respect to the insertion direction) of the second left wall 35B is different from the front end of the first left wall 35A with respect to the front-to-rear direction, and is arranged in front of the front end of the first left wall 35A.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown in (A) and (B), the distance between the front end surface of the first right wall 37A and the first rear wall 39A is less than the cut length of the first right cutout 15AR, and greater than the cut length of the second right cutout 15BR. The distance between the front end surface of the second rear wall 39B and the second left wall 35B is less than the cut length of the second left cutout 15BL, and greater than the cut length of the first right cutout 15AR.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown in (B), the front portion (hereinafter referred to as the second protruding wall 47) of the second left wall 35B in front of the second upper wall 31B and the second lower wall 33B is provided with a plurality of ribs 49 extending in the front-rear direction on its right side surface. Each rib 49 is connected to the second upper wall 31B or the second lower wall 33B at their rear ends. In this embodiment, the second left wall 35B is provided with two ribs 49 connected to the upper edge and the lower edge of the second upper wall 31B, respectively, and another rib 49 connected to the second lower wall 33B.

[0055] Each of the ribs 49 provided on the second projecting wall 47 is configured so that its projecting height increases toward the rear (toward the main body portion 25M). As a result, the projecting end surface of the rib 49 forms an inclined surface 49S which is inclined rightward as it moves toward the rear (toward the main body portion 25M).

[0056] In this embodiment, if Figure 1As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 , the portion (connector body 51) of the first edge connector 7A other than the first protruding wall 43 and the ribs 45 provided on the first protruding wall 43 has the same configuration as the portion of the second edge connector 7B other than the second protruding wall 47 and the ribs 49 provided on the second protruding wall 47. In other words, it can be said that the first edge connector 7A is composed of the connector body 51, the first protruding wall 43, and the first protruding wall 43, while the second edge connector 7B is composed of the connector body 51, the second protruding wall 47, and the second protruding wall 47.

[0057] A plurality of (two in this embodiment) terminal insertion holes 59 are provided on the rear surface of the housing 25. Figure 3 As shown, each terminal insertion hole 59 opens at the rear surface of the protrusion 25N and extends toward the front. Each terminal insertion hole 59 is arranged adjacent to each other laterally. In this embodiment, each terminal insertion hole 59 extends from the upper half of the rear surface of the protrusion 25N to the front end of the upper wall 31 and opens at the front surface of the upper wall 31.

[0058] Each terminal insertion hole 59 is provided with a communication hole 59M communicating with the card edge insertion hole 11. The communication hole 59M is preferably provided in a front portion of the terminal insertion hole 59.

[0059] The wall defining the upper edge of each terminal insertion hole 59 is provided with a lance 61 for locking the terminal member 27 in the terminal insertion hole 59. The lance 61 has a cantilever shape extending forward from the rear upper end of the housing 25. The free end of the lance 61 is provided with a locking protrusion 61M protruding downward.

[0060] Each terminal member 27 is composed of a sheet metal member formed by bending a stamped sheet metal. Figure 5 As shown, the terminal member 27 includes a crimping portion 63 , a housing 65 provided in front of the crimping portion 63 , and a spring piece 67 supported by the housing 65 .

[0061] The crimping portion 63 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The conductor 69M of the core wire of the cable 69 is inserted into the inner hole of the crimping portion 63 and crimped therein. Thus, the terminal member 27 is electrically connected to the conductor 69M.

[0062] The housing 65 has a channel cross-sectional shape that opens downward. Figure 3 As shown, the housing 65 is provided with a locking hole 65M penetrating in the vertical direction. The terminal member 27 is fixed to the housing 25 by accommodating the locking protrusion 61M of the lance 61 in the locking hole 65M.

[0063] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the housing 65 is formed with an opening portion 65N penetrating in the up-down direction. The lower wall 33 defining the lower surface of the terminal insertion hole 59A is formed with a retainer insertion hole 59N communicating with the terminal insertion hole 59. The resin retainer 64 is inserted into the retainer insertion hole 59N. The retainer 64 is supported by the housing 25 by being inserted into the retainer insertion hole 59N. The upper end of the retainer 64 protrudes into the opening 65N and locks the terminal member 27 to the housing 25.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the spring piece 67 is accommodated in the housing 65. The spring piece 67 is connected to the housing 65 at its base end. A pressing portion 67M and a contact portion 67N protruding downward are provided on the lower surface of the spring piece 67, and the pressing portion 67M and the abutment portion 67N are formed as bulges protruding downward of the spring piece 67. The pressing portion 67M is located behind the contact portion 67N.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, each terminal member 27 is accommodated in the corresponding terminal insertion hole 59. Each spring piece 67 protrudes into the card edge insertion hole 11 via the communication hole 59M. When the card edge 3 is not inserted into the card edge insertion hole 11, the pressing portion 67M is located inside the card edge insertion hole 11.

[0066] Next, the effects of the connector assembly 1 and the connector set 9 constructed as described above will be discussed below.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown in (A), when first edge connector 7A is fully mated with first card edge 3A, card edge extension 19 of first card edge 3A contacts first rear wall 39A and is fully accommodated in card edge insertion hole 11 of first edge connector 7A.

[0068] The distance between the front end surface of the first right wall 37A and the first rear wall 39A is smaller than the cutout length of the first right notch 15AR. Therefore, when the first right wall 37A is accommodated inside the first right notch 15AR, the first right wall 37A extends along the right edge of the card edge extension 19 of the first card edge 3A. The first partition wall 41A is accommodated in the slit 21.

[0069] When first card edge 3A is inserted into card edge insertion hole 11 of first edge connector 7A, first card edge 3A contacts pressing portion 67M, which then moves toward the bottom wall of housing 65. As a result, contact portion 67N moves toward card edge insertion hole 11. When first edge connector 7A is fully mated with first card edge 3A, contact portion 67N contacts corresponding pad 13 of first card edge 3A, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown.

[0070] like Figure 2As shown in (B), when second edge connector 7B is fully mated with second card edge 3B, card edge extension 19 of second card edge 3B contacts second rear wall 39B and is fully accommodated in card edge insertion hole 11 of second edge connector 7B.

[0071] The distance between the front end surface of the second left wall 35B and the second rear wall 39B is smaller than the length of the second left cutout 15BL. Therefore, the second left wall 35B is accommodated inside the second left cutout 15BL, and the second left wall 35B extends along the left edge of the card edge extension 19 of the second card edge 3B. The second partition wall 41B is accommodated in the slit 21.

[0072] The front end face of the first right wall 37A is located further forward relative to the opening edge 44A than the front end face of the second right wall 37B, and the card edge insertion hole 11 of the first edge connector 7A and the card edge insertion hole 11 of the second edge connector 7B have the same shape. The distance between the front end face of the first right wall 37A and the first rear wall 39A is greater than the distance between the front end face of the second right wall 37B and the second rear wall 39B, and is greater than the cutout length of the second right cutout 15BR. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in (A), when the operator attempts to insert the second card edge 3B into the first edge connector 7A, the front end face of the first right wall 37A abuts against the abutment end face 17S, so that the second card edge 3B cannot be inserted into the first edge connector 7A deeply enough to make the card edge extension 19 of the second card edge 3B contact with the first rear wall 39A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the incorrect mating between the first edge connector 7A and the second card edge 3B which do not correspond to each other. In other words, the first right wall 37A cooperates with the second right notch 15BR so as to function as an incorrect insertion prevention wall to prevent incorrect insertion.

[0073] In this embodiment, each terminal member 27 is configured not to contact the pad 13 of the second card edge 3B because the second card edge 3B cannot be inserted deep enough into the first edge connector 7A to make the card edge extension 19 of the second card edge 3B contact the first rear wall 39A. Figure 7 As shown, the terminal members 27 of the first edge connector 7A and the pads 13 of the second card edge 3B cannot be electrically connected.

[0074] By forming the cutout 15 which does not receive the incorrect insertion prevention wall (first right wall 37A) of the first edge connector 7A but receives the wall (second right wall 37B) of the second edge connector 7B corresponding to the incorrect insertion prevention wall in this manner, the second card edge 3B cannot be inserted into the first edge connector 7A. Therefore, the connector set 9 including the first edge connector 7A and the second edge connector 7B can prevent incorrect mating.

[0075] Similarly, if Figure 6 As shown in (B), when the operator attempts to insert the first card edge 3A into the second edge connector 7B, the second card edge 3B cannot be inserted deeply enough into the first edge connector 7A to make the front end face of the second left wall 35B contact with the abutment end face 17S and the card edge extension 19 of the first card edge 3A contact with the first rear wall 39A. Therefore, it is possible to avoid incorrect mating between the second edge connector 7B and the first card edge 3A that do not correspond to each other. In other words, the second left wall 35B cooperates with the first left notch 15AL to function as an incorrect insertion prevention wall that prevents incorrect insertion.

[0076] Since the incorrect insertion prevention wall is configured by changing the position and extension length of the end of the first right wall 37A or the second left wall 35B, the structure can be simplified. In addition, since the first right wall 37A and the second left wall 35B each protrude forward from the edge of the corresponding card edge insertion hole 11, the operator can easily visually distinguish the first edge connector 7A from the second edge connector 7B.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown in (A) and (B), ribs 45 and 49 are provided at the front of the first right wall 37A and the front of the second left wall 35B, respectively. Thus, the rigidity of the front portions of the first right wall 37A and the second left wall 35B protruding forward from the opening edges 44A and 44B of the card edge insertion hole 11 can be increased.

[0078] The partition wall 41 is provided in the card edge insertion hole 11 at a position offset to the right from the center, and the slot 21 is provided in a corresponding manner at a position similarly offset to the right in the card edge extension 19. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 2A , when an attempt is made to insert the first card edge 3A into the first edge connector 7A in a vertically flipped orientation, the partition wall 41 abuts against the rear end of the first card edge 3A and cannot be inserted into the slot 21, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 (A) As shown. Therefore, the first card edge 3A cannot be inserted into the first edge connector 7A. In addition, Figure 8 As shown in (B), when trying to insert the second card edge 3B into the second edge connector 7B in a vertically flipped orientation, the partition wall 41 abuts against the rear end of the second card edge 3B, so that the partition wall 41 cannot be inserted into the narrow slot 21, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 (B) As shown. Therefore, the second card edge 3B cannot be inserted into the second edge connector 7B. In this way, by providing the partition wall 41 at a position offset to the left or right in the card edge insertion hole 11, it is possible to prevent the card edge 3 from being incorrectly inserted in an inverted orientation.

[0079] (Second embodiment) Similar to the first embodiment, the connector assembly 81 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes: a connector group 83 including a first edge connector 7A and a second edge connector 7B; and a card edge group 85 including a first card edge 3A and a second card edge 3B. Fig.10 As shown in (A) to (D) of FIG. 1 , the left wall 35, the right wall 37 and the partition wall 91 of the housing 25 of each of the first edge connector 7A and the second edge connector 7B are different from those of the first embodiment. In addition, the lengths of the cutouts 15 and the slots 21 of the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B are different from those of the first embodiment. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in other respects. Therefore, descriptions of other parts will be omitted.

[0080] The front end of the first right wall 37A, the front end of the first left wall 35A, the front end of the first upper wall 31A, and the front end of the first lower wall 33A of the first edge connector 7A of the second embodiment are aligned with each other in the front-rear direction. The opening edge 44 of the card edge insertion hole 11 of the first edge connector 7A is defined by the front end of the first right wall 37A, the front end of the first left wall 35A, the front end of the first upper wall 31A, and the front end of the first lower wall 33A.

[0081] The front end of the second right wall 37B, the front end of the second left wall 35B, the front end of the second upper wall 31B, and the front end of the second lower wall 33B of the second edge connector 7B are aligned with each other in the front-rear direction. The opening edge 44 of the card edge insertion hole 11 of the second edge connector 7B is defined by the front end of the second right wall 37B, the front end of the second left wall 35B, the front end of the second upper wall 31B, and the front end of the second lower wall 33B.

[0082] The front end surface of the first partition wall 91A is located further forward than the front end of the first right wall 37A, the front end of the first left wall 35A, the front end of the first upper wall 31A, and the front end of the first lower wall 33A. In other words, the front end surface of the first partition wall 91A is located in front of the opening edge 44 of the card edge insertion hole 11.

[0083] On the other hand, the front end face of the second partition wall 91B is located further back than the front end of the second right wall 37B, the front end of the second left wall 35B, the front end of the second upper wall 31B, and the front end of the second lower wall 33B. In other words, the front end face of the second partition wall 91B is located behind the opening edge 44 of the card edge insertion hole 11.

[0084] Therefore, when the front end of the first upper wall 31A and the front end of the second upper wall 31B are aligned with each other with respect to the front-rear direction (laterally aligned with each other), the front end of the first partition wall 91A (the rear end with respect to the insertion direction) is arranged at a position different from the front end of the second partition wall 91B and is located further forward than the front end of the first partition wall 91A. Fig.11As shown in (A) and (B), the distance between the front end of the first partition wall 91A and the first rear wall 39A is greater than the distance between the front end of the second partition wall 91B and the second rear wall 39B. In addition, the position of the front end surface of the first partition wall 91A relative to the opening edge 44 is different from the position of the front end surface of the second partition wall 91B relative to the opening edge.

[0085] Card edge insertion hole 11 provided in first edge connector 7A and card edge insertion hole 11 provided in second edge connector 7B are similar to each other except for the difference in shape between first partition wall 91A and second partition wall 91B.

[0086] like Fig.10 As shown in (A), the front portion of the first partition wall 91 located in front of the first upper wall 31A and the first lower wall 33A is provided with a plurality of ribs 93 extending in the front-to-back direction. The plurality of ribs 93 extend rearward from the vicinity of the front edge of the first partition wall 91A, and are connected to the first upper wall 31A or the first lower wall 33A at its rear end. In this embodiment, the plurality of ribs 93 of the first partition wall 91 include two ribs 93 connected to the lower edge of the first upper wall 31A and the first lower wall 33A, respectively. By arranging the plurality of ribs 93, the rigidity of the front portion of the first partition wall 91A is increased. In this embodiment, the height (the amount of protrusion in the right direction) of each rib 93 protruding from the first partition wall 91A increases toward the rear.

[0087] Similar to the first embodiment, each of the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B includes a card edge base 17 and a card edge extension 19. A pair of cutouts 15 are provided on both sides of the rear end portion of each of the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B. As a result, in each of the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B, the card edge extension 19 extends rearward from the transverse center portion of the rear edge of the card edge base 17. The respective cutouts 15 have substantially the same shape, and the length of each cutout 15 is greater than any one of the distance between the front end of the first right wall 37A and the first rear wall 39A, the distance between the front end of the first left wall 35A and the first rear wall 39A, the distance between the front end of the second right wall 37B and the second rear wall 39B, and the distance between the front end of the second left wall 35B and the second rear wall 39B.

[0088] The slot 21 of the first card edge 3A (hereinafter referred to as the first slot 21A) and the slot 21 of the second card edge 3B (hereinafter referred to as the second slot 21B) extend forward from the rear edge of the card edge extension 19 .

[0089] The cut length of the first slot 21A is greater than the distance between the front end face of the first partition wall 91A and the first rear wall 39A, the distance between the front end face of the second partition wall 91B and the second rear wall 39B, and the cut length of the second slot 21B. The first slot 21A extends further forward than the rear end face of the card edge extension 19 and reaches the card edge base 17.

[0090] The cut length of the second slot 21B is smaller than the distance between the front end face of the first partition wall 91A and the first rear wall 39A and the cut length of the first slot 21A, and is larger than the distance between the front end face of the second partition wall 91B and the second rear wall 39B. The rear end of the second slot 21B does not reach the card edge base 17.

[0091] Next, the effects of the connector assembly 81 and the connector set 83 according to the second embodiment will be discussed below.

[0092] When first edge connector 7A is fully mated with first card edge 3A, card edge extension 19 of first card edge 3A contacts first rear wall 39A and is fully received in card edge insertion hole 11 of first edge connector 7A. Fig.11 At this time, each terminal member 27 is in contact with the corresponding pad 13 .

[0093] The cutout length of the first slot 21A is greater than the distance between the front end face of the first partition wall 91A and the first rear wall 39A. Therefore, the first partition wall 91A is accommodated in the first slot 21A. In addition, since the length of the cutout 15 is longer than the distance between the front end of the first right wall 37A and the first rear wall 39A and the distance between the front end of the first left wall 35A and the first rear wall 39A, each of the first right wall 37A and the first left wall 35A is accommodated in the corresponding cutout 15. Therefore, when fully inserted, the first right wall 37A and the first left wall 35A can be separated from the rear end face of the card edge base 17 of the first card edge 3A, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 Alternatively, it may be in contact with the rear end surface of the card edge base 17 of the first card edge 3A.

[0094] When the second edge connector 7B is fully mated with the second card edge 3B, the card edge extension 19 of the second card edge 3B contacts the second rear wall 39B and is fully received in the card edge insertion hole 11 of the second edge connector 7B. Fig.11 At this time, each terminal member 27 is in contact with the corresponding pad 13 .

[0095] The cutout length of the second slot 21B is greater than the distance between the front end face of the second partition wall 91B and the second rear wall 39B. Therefore, the second partition wall 91B is accommodated in the second slot 21B. In addition, the length of the cutout 15 is greater than the distance between the front end of the second right wall 37B and the second rear wall 39B and the distance between the front end of the second left wall 35B and the second rear wall 39B, so that the second right wall 37B and the second left wall 35B are accommodated in the corresponding cutouts 15. Therefore, as Fig.11 As shown in (B), when fully inserted, the second right wall 37B and the second left wall 35B may be separated from the rear end surface of the card edge base 17 of the second card edge 3B, or may be in contact with the rear end surface of the card edge base 17 of the second card edge 3B.

[0096] The front end surface of the first partition wall 91A is located further forward relative to the opening edge 44 than the front end surface of the second partition wall 91B, and the card edge insertion hole 11 of the first edge connector 7A has the same shape as the card edge insertion hole 11 of the second edge connector 7B. The distance between the front end surface of the first partition wall 91A and the first rear wall 39A is greater than the cutout length of the second slot 21B. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 , when attempting to insert the second card edge 3B into the first edge connector 7A, the operator cannot insert the second card edge 3B into the first edge connector 7A deeply enough to bring the card edge extension 19 of the second card edge 3B into contact with the first rear wall 39A because the front end surface of the first partition wall 91A abuts against the wall surface defining the second slit 21B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent incorrect insertion between the first edge connector 7A and the second card edge 3B that do not correspond to each other. In other words, the first partition wall 91A cooperates with the second slit 21B so as to function as an incorrect insertion prevention wall that prevents the first edge connector 7A and the second card edge 3B from mating with each other.

[0097] When the second card edge 3B is inserted into the first edge connector 7A until the front end surface of the first partition wall 91A contacts the wall defining the second slot 21B, each terminal member 27 does not contact the corresponding pad 13, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown. Therefore, even if the second card edge 3B is inserted into the first edge connector 7A, conductive connection between the respective terminal members 27 of the first edge connector 7A and the corresponding pads 13 of the second card edge 3B can be prevented. In this way, by making the position of the front end face of the first partition wall 91A relative to the first rear wall 39A (i.e., the position of the front end face of the first partition wall 91A relative to the opening edge 44) different from the position of the front end face of the second partition wall 91B relative to the second rear wall 39B (i.e., the position of the front end face of the second partition wall 91B relative to the opening edge 44), the incorrect insertion prevention wall can be easily formed and incorrect insertion can be prevented.

[0098] In the second embodiment, partition wall 91 is also provided in card edge insertion hole 11 at a position offset to the right from the center, and slot 21 is also provided in a corresponding manner at a position offset to the right in card edge extension 19. In this way, by providing partition wall 91 at a position offset to the left or right in card edge insertion hole 11, it is possible to prevent incorrect insertion of card edge 3 due to flipping of card edge connector 7, similar to the first embodiment.

[0099] The present invention has been described based on the specific embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications and can be implemented in a wide range of modifications.

[0100] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, if Figure 1 and 10 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10 respectively, the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B are provided on separate circuit boards formed separately from each other, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Fig.14 As shown in the first modified example of (A), the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B may be integrally connected to each other. In addition, the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B may be integrally formed in a single circuit board.

[0101] In addition, if Fig.14 As shown in the second modified example of (B), in addition to the first left notch 15AL and the first right notch 15AR on the first card edge 3A, another notch 95A may be provided at a certain distance in front of the first left notch 15AL on the first card edge 3A, and another notch 95B may be provided at a certain distance in front of the second right notch 15BR on the second card edge 3B. Therefore, the first card edge 3A and the second card edge 3B may each include a protrusion 97 protruding outward from the left and right edges of the card edge base 17, respectively.

[0102] The card edge group 5 may also include three or more card edges 3 , and the connector group 9 may include three or more edge connectors 7 so as to correspond to the respective card edges 3 .

[0103] For example, the first embodiment may be modified so that, in addition to the first edge connector 7A and the second edge connector 7B of the first embodiment, the connector set 9 further includes a third edge connector 7C having no first protruding wall 43 or second protruding wall 47 formed therein. Fig.15As shown. In this case, in addition to first card edge 3A and second card edge 3B, card edge set 5 also includes third card edge 3C having third right cutout 15CR on its right front edge and third left cutout 15CL on its left front side edge. The lengths of third left cutout 15CL and third right cutout 15CR are each set equal to first left cutout 15AL. This prevents incorrect mating of first edge connector 7A with second edge connector 7B and third edge connector 7C, and incorrect mating of second edge connector 7B with first edge connector 7A and third edge connector 7C.

[0104] Furthermore, the second embodiment may be modified so that, in addition to the first edge connector 7A and the second edge connector 7B of the second embodiment, the connector set 83 further includes a third edge connector 7C in which a third edge connector 7C is connected. Fig.16 As shown, the distance between the front end position of the partition wall 41 and the rear wall 39 is different from the distance between the first edge connector 7A and the second edge connector 7B. Fig.16 In the example shown, the distance between the front end of the partition wall 41 and the rear wall 39 is smaller in the case of the third edge connector 7C than in the case of the second edge connector 7B. In this case, the cut length of the slot 21 (third slot 21C) of the third edge connector 7C is preferably shorter than the first slot 21A and the second slot 21B. This can prevent the incorrect mating of the first edge connector 7A with the second card edge 3B and the third card edge 3C, and the incorrect mating of the second edge connector 7B with the third card edge 3C. In this way, by providing the incorrect insertion prevention wall, it is possible to prevent the incorrect mating of at least one combination of the card edge 3 and the non-corresponding edge connector 7.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, when edge connector 7 is fully mated with card edge 3, card edge 3 is in contact with rear wall 39, but the present invention is not limited in this respect. For example, due to manufacturing errors, a slight gap may be formed between card edge 3 and rear wall 39. In addition, full mating between edge connector 7 and card edge 3 can be determined by electrical contact established between terminal members 27 provided on edge connector 7 and corresponding pads 13 provided on card edge 3, or by correct placement of each terminal member 27 relative to the corresponding pad 13. Reference numerals list

[0106] 1: Connector assembly according to the first embodiment 3: Card edge 3A: First card edge 3B: Second card edge 3C: Third card edge 5: Card edge assembly according to the first embodiment 7: Edge connector 7A: First edge connector 7B: Second edge connector 7C: Third edge connector 9: Connector set according to the first embodiment 11: Card edge insertion hole (insertion hole) 13: pad 15: cutout 15AL: First left incision (first incision) 15AR: First right incision (first incision) 15BL: Second left cut (second cut) 15BR: Second right cut (second cut) 15CL: 3rd left cut 15CR: 3rd right cut 17: Card edge base 17S: Abutment end surface 19: Card edge extension 21: Slot 21A: first slot 21B: second slot 21C: third slot 22: step portion 23: Auxiliary slot 25: Shell 25M: Main body 25N: Protrusion 27: Terminal member 31: Upper wall 31A: First upper wall 31B: Second upper wall (incorrect insertion prevention wall) 33: Lower wall 33A: First lower wall (incorrect insertion prevention wall) 33B: Second lower wall 35: Left wall 35A: First left wall 35B: Second left wall 37: right wall 37A: first right wall 37B: Second right wall 39: Back wall 39A: First rear wall 39B: Second rear wall 41: partition wall 40A: gap 40B: Slot 40C: Slot 41A: first partition wall 41B: second partition wall 42A: Locking piece 42B: Locking claw 43: First protruding wall 44: Opening edge 44A: Opening edge 44B: Opening edge 45: Rib 45S: Sloped surface 47: Second protruding wall 49: Rib 49S: inclined surface 51: connector body 59: Terminal insertion hole 59M: Communication hole 59N: Retainer insertion hole 61: Spear 61M: Locking protrusion 63: Pressing part 64: Retainer 65: Housing 65M: Locking hole 65N: Opening 67: Spring piece 67M: Pressing part 67N: Contact part 69: Cable 69M: Conductor 81: Connector assembly according to the second embodiment 83: Connector assembly according to the second embodiment 85: Card edge assembly according to the second embodiment 91: Partition wall 91A: First partition wall (incorrect insertion prevention wall) 91B: Second partition wall 93: Rib 95A: Incision 95B: Incision 97: Protrusion

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a first card edge connector and a second card edge connector, in, The first card edge connector and the second card edge connector each include a plurality of walls defining an insertion hole for receiving a corresponding end of a circuit board, and At least one of the plurality of walls of the first card edge connector is constituted by an incorrect insertion preventing wall having a rear end with respect to an insertion direction of the circuit board that is different from a corresponding rear end of the second card edge connector. 2 . The connector set according to claim 1 , wherein the incorrect insertion preventing wall defines an outer boundary of an end surface of the circuit board inserted into the insertion hole. 3 . The connector set according to claim 1 , wherein the incorrect insertion prevention wall forms a partition wall of the insertion hole. 4 . The connector set according to claim 1 , wherein the incorrect insertion prevention wall protrudes from a corresponding wall of the second card edge connector in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the circuit board.

5. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first card edge connector and the second card edge connector each have an upper wall defining a boundary on the front side of the circuit board accommodated in the insertion hole and a lower wall defining a boundary on the rear side of the circuit board, and a rib is provided between the incorrect insertion prevention wall and at least one of the upper wall and the lower wall so as to connect the two components.

6. A connector assembly, comprising a connector set and a card edge set according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the card edge set comprising a first card edge and a second card edge, the first card edge forming an end of the circuit board and configured to be inserted into the first card edge connector, the second card edge forming an end of the circuit board and configured to be inserted into the second card edge connector, in, The first card edge is provided with a first cutout, which is cut out from the edge of the first card edge along the insertion direction and is configured to receive the incorrect insertion preventing wall, and the second card edge is provided with a second cutout, which is cut out from the edge of the second card edge along the insertion direction to receive a wall of the second card edge connector corresponding to the incorrect insertion preventing wall but not receiving the incorrect insertion preventing wall.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The first incision has a longer incision length than the second incision.

Images