Connector assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a connector assembly which is provided with a plug connector in which plug terminals are arranged in a staggered manner and a socket connector in which socket terminals are arranged in a staggered manner, a user can obtain a sense of in-place when fitting the plug connector and the socket connector, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The connector assembly is provided with a plug connector (100) and a socket connector which can be fitted with each other. A plug connector (100) is provided with a plug insulator (200) and a row of plug terminals (400) held by the plug insulator (200). Each plug terminal (400) has a main contact portion (422), a support contact portion (442), an insertion end portion (410), a contact step (444), and an additional contact step (424). The main contact portion (422) of each plug terminal (400) and the support contact portion (442) of the adjacent plug terminal (400) are on the same plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly including a plug connector and a socket connector that can be fitted to each other. Background Art

[0002] Refer to Fig. 20 , Patent Document 1 discloses a connector (connector assembly) 900 including a plug member (plug connector) 910 and a socket (socket connector) 920 that can be fitted to each other. The socket connector 920 includes: a socket housing (socket insulator) 922, and a row of socket-side terminals (socket terminals) 924 held by the socket insulator 922. The socket terminals 924 are arranged in a staggered manner. Each socket terminal 924 has: a socket-side main contact portion (main contact) 9242, a side wall portion (support contact) 9244, an elastic portion 9246 connecting between the main contact 9242 and the support contact 9244, and a socket-side locking portion 9248. As Fig.21 shown, the plug connector 910 includes: a plug member housing (plug insulator) 912, and a row of plug member-side terminals (plug terminals) 914 held by the plug insulator 912. The plug terminals 914 are arranged in a staggered manner. Each plug terminal 914 has: a plug member-side main contact portion (main contact portion) 9142, a plug member-side contact portion (support contact portion) 9144, a connecting portion (insertion end portion) 9146, a plug member-side locking portion (contact step) 9147, and an engaging recess 9148. Refer to Fig. 20 and Fig.21 , the socket terminals 924 and the plug terminals 914 correspond to each other. When the plug connector 910 is fitted to the socket connector 920, the insertion end portion 9146 of each plug terminal 914 is inserted between the main contact 9242 and the support contact 9244 of the corresponding socket terminal 924. In the fitted state where the plug connector 910 and the socket connector 920 are fitted to each other, the main contact 9242 contacts the main contact portion 9142, and on the other hand, the support contact 9244 contacts the support contact portion 9144.

[0003] Refer to Fig. 20 , when the plug connector 910 is fitted to the socket connector 920, the main contact 9242 of the socket terminal 924 bites into the recess 9148 of the plug terminal 914, and the socket-side locking portion 9248 of the socket terminal 924 bites and engages with the contact step 9147 of the plug terminal 914. Thus, the plug connector 910 and the socket connector 920 are bite-fitted. That is, when the plug connector 910 and the socket connector 920 are fitted, the user can obtain a click feeling, and the fitting of the plug connector 910 and the socket connector 920 is locked.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-8055 Summary of the invention

[0007] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0008] For a connector assembly like the connector assembly 900 of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly comprising: a plug connector with plug terminals arranged in an alternating manner, and a socket connector with socket terminals arranged in an alternating manner, so that a user can get a sense of fit when fitting the plug connector and the socket connector, and the connector assembly can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0010] (II) Technical solution

[0011] As a first connector assembly, the present invention provides a connector assembly,

[0012] It has a plug connector and a socket connector that can be mated with each other, wherein:

[0013] The socket connector comprises: a socket insulator and a row of socket terminals held by the socket insulator.

[0014] The socket terminals are arranged in a staggered manner,

[0015] Each of the socket terminals has a main contact, a supporting contact, and an elastic portion connected between the main contact and the supporting contact.

[0016] With respect to each of the socket terminals, the main contact and the supporting contact are separated from each other in the width direction,

[0017] The plug connector comprises: a plug insulator and a row of plug terminals held by the plug insulator.

[0018] The plug terminals are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0019] Each of the plug terminals has a main contact portion, a supporting contact portion, an insertion end portion, a contact step, and an additional contact step.

[0020] With respect to each of the plug terminals, the main contact portion and the support contact portion are separated from each other in the width direction.

[0021] Regarding each of the plug terminals, a portion of the insertion end portion is larger in the width direction than a minimum distance between the main contact portion and the support contact portion,

[0022] The contact step is located at a boundary between the insertion end portion and the support contact portion,

[0023] The additional contact step is located at a boundary between the insertion end portion and the main contact portion,

[0024] The socket terminals correspond to the plug terminals respectively,

[0025] When the plug connector is engaged with the socket connector, the insertion end of each plug terminal is inserted between the main contact and the support contact of the corresponding socket terminal.

[0026] In the mating state where the plug connector and the socket connector are mated with each other, the main contact is in contact with the main contact portion, and on the other hand, the support contact is in contact with the support contact portion.

[0027] The main contact portion of each plug terminal and the support contact portion of the adjacent plug terminal are on the same plane.

[0028] In addition, as a second connector assembly, the present invention provides a connector assembly, which is related to the first connector assembly, wherein:

[0029] Each of the plug terminals has a bent portion serving as the contact step and another bent portion serving as the additional contact step.

[0030] In addition, as a third connector assembly, the present invention provides a connector assembly, which is related to the first connector assembly, wherein:

[0031] Each of the plug terminals has a protruding portion constituting the contact step and another protruding portion constituting the additional contact step.

[0032] In addition, as a fourth connector assembly, the present invention provides a connector assembly, which is related to the first connector assembly, wherein:

[0033] In each of the plug terminals, the main contact portion and the support contact portion are thinner than the insertion end portion.

[0034] In addition, as a fifth connector assembly, the present invention provides a connector assembly, which is related to the first connector assembly, wherein:

[0035] In each of the plug terminals, a recess is formed in the main contact portion, and another recess is formed in the support contact portion.

[0036] The additional contact step is formed at a boundary between the insertion end portion and the recessed portion of the main contact portion, and on the other hand, the contact step is formed at a boundary between the insertion end portion and the recessed portion of the support contact portion.

[0037] (III) Beneficial effects

[0038] In the connector assembly of the present invention, the main contact portion of each plug terminal and the support contact portion of the adjacent plug terminal are on the same surface. Therefore, in the mold used for insert molding the plug connector of the connector assembly of the present invention, the surface that presses the main contact portion and the support contact portion at the same time can be formed by a simple plane, so the shape of the mold can be simplified. That is, the connector assembly of the present invention can reduce the manufacturing cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 1 is a side view showing a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the plug connector and the receptacle connector are in an unmated state.

[0040] Figure 2 It is represented along the AA line Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0041] Figure 3 It is represented along line BB Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0042] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 3D view of a connector assembly. In the figure, the plug connector and the socket connector are in a mating state.

[0043] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 4 A side view of the connector assembly.

[0044] Figure 6 It is indicated along the CC line Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0045] Figure 7 It is indicated along the DD line Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly.

[0046] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 4 A perspective view of a plug connector included in a connector assembly.

[0047] Fig. 9 Yes Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the plug connector surrounded by a dotted line E.

[0048] Fig.10 Yes means Figure 8 Top view of the plug connector.

[0049] Fig.11 Yes means Figure 8 Side view of the plug connector.

[0050] Fig.12 Yes means Figure 8 Figure 2 shows the bottom view of the plug connector.

[0051] Fig.13 Yes means Figure 4 A perspective view of a receptacle connector included in a connector assembly.

[0052] Fig.14 Yes means Fig.13 A top view of the socket connector.

[0053] Fig.15 Yes means Fig.13 Side view of the receptacle connector.

[0054] Fig.16 Yes means Fig.13 Bottom view of the socket connector.

[0055] Fig.17 Yes Figure 4 A perspective view showing an enlarged portion of a plug connector included in a first modification of the connector assembly.

[0056] Fig.18 Yes Figure 4 A perspective view showing an enlarged portion of a plug connector included in a second modification of the connector assembly.

[0057] Fig.19 Yes Figure 4 A perspective view showing an enlarged portion of a plug connector included in a third modification of the connector assembly.

[0058] Fig. 20 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector of Patent Document 1.

[0059] Fig.21 Yes means Fig. 20 A perspective view of a plug member included in a connector.

[0060] Description of Reference Numerals

[0061] 10-connector assembly; 100-plug connector; 200, 200A, 200B, 200C-plug insulator; 220-long wall portion; 222-clamping portion; 2222-first surface; 2224-second surface; 224-hole; 230-short wall portion; 240-hole; 250-island accommodating portion; 252-upper surface; 400, 400A, 400B, 400C-plug terminal; 410-insertion end; 422, 422B, 422C-main contact portion; 424-additional contact step (bend); 424A-additional contact step (raised portion); 424B, 424C-additional contact step; 426-recess; 427-outer Side main surface; 442, 442B, 442C-support contact portion; 444-contact step (bent portion); 444A-contact step (raised portion); 444B, 444C-contact step; 446-recess; 447-outer support surface; 470-mounting portion; 800-socket connector; 810-socket insulator; 811-surrounding portion; 812-wall accommodating portion; 8122-lower surface; 814-island portion; 820-socket terminal; 822-retained portion; 823-connecting portion; 824: supporting contact; 825-mounting portion; 826-elastic portion; 827: locking portion; 828-main contact; 829-auxiliary locking portion; Dm-minimum distance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Reference Figure 1 The connector assembly 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plug connector 100 and a socket connector 800. Figure 4 As shown, the plug connector 100 and the receptacle connector 800 can be mated with each other.

[0063] Reference Fig.15 The socket connector 800 of this embodiment is mounted on a substrate (not shown) having a solder pad (not shown) on its surface. Figure 6 As shown, the receptacle connector 800 of the present embodiment can be mated with the plug connector 100 in the up-down direction. In the present embodiment, the up-down direction is the Z direction. Here, the upward direction is the +Z direction, and the downward direction is the -Z direction.

[0064] like Fig.13 As shown, the receptacle connector 800 of the present embodiment includes a receptacle insulator 810 and a plurality of receptacle terminals 820 .

[0065] Reference Fig.13 The socket insulator 810 of this embodiment is made of an insulator. The socket insulator 810 holds the socket terminal 820. The socket insulator 810 includes a surrounding portion 811, a wall accommodating portion 812, and an island portion 814.

[0066] like Fig.13 As shown, the surrounding portion 811 of this embodiment is in a generally square tube shape extending in the up-down direction. The surrounding portion 811 defines the outer end of the socket insulator 810 in the width direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the width direction is the X direction. The width direction may be the front-back direction. The front is the +X direction, and the back is the -X direction. The surrounding portion 811 defines the outer end of the socket insulator 810 in the pitch direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the width direction. In this embodiment, the pitch direction is the Y direction.

[0067] like Fig.14 As shown, the wall accommodating portion 812 of this embodiment is surrounded by the surrounding portion 811 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The wall accommodating portion 812 is a concave portion depressed downward in the vertical direction and has a lower surface 8122. The lower surface 8122 defines the lower end of the wall accommodating portion 812 in the vertical direction.

[0068] Reference Fig.14 The island portion 814 of this embodiment protrudes upward in the vertical direction from the lower surface 8122. The island portion 814 is surrounded by the wall portion accommodating portion 812 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 The socket terminal 820 of this embodiment is made of metal. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the socket terminals 820 are of the same shape. The socket terminals 820 are held in the socket insulator 810. Specifically, the socket terminals 820 are partially embedded in the socket insulator 810 and held by insert molding. In addition, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the socket terminals 820 may also be held in the socket insulator 810 by other methods other than insert molding.

[0070] like Fig.14 As shown, the socket terminals 820 are arranged in two rows in the width direction, namely the front row and the rear row. In addition, the socket terminals 820 of each row are arranged in the pitch direction. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, and the socket terminals 820 only need to be arranged in one row. In other words, the socket connector 800 can have only one row of socket terminals 820. The socket terminals 820 of one of the two rows correspond to the socket terminals 820 of the other of the two rows. The socket terminals 820 are staggered. More specifically, in each row, the socket terminals 820 are staggered.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, each socket terminal 820 of the present embodiment includes a main contact 828 , a support contact 824 , and an elastic portion 826 .

[0072] like Figure 2As shown, the main contact 828 of this embodiment is connected to the elastic part 826. The main contact 828 is supported by the elastic part 826. The main contact 828 of the socket terminal 820 in one of the two rows and the main contact 828 of the corresponding socket terminal 820 in the other of the two rows are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In two socket terminals 820 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the main contact 828 of one of the socket terminals 820 faces in the width direction in an opposite direction to the main contact 828 of the other socket terminal 820 faces in the width direction.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the support contact 824 of this embodiment is connected to the elastic portion 826. For each socket terminal 820, the main contact 828 and the support contact 824 are separated from each other in the width direction. For each socket terminal 820, the main contact 828 and the support contact 824 are opposite to each other in the width direction. The support contact 824 of the socket terminal 820 on one side of the two columns and the support contact 824 of the corresponding socket terminal 820 on the other side of the two columns face the same direction in the width direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In two socket terminals 820 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the support contact 824 of one of the socket terminals 820 faces in the width direction in an opposite direction to the support contact 824 of the other socket terminal 820 faces in the width direction.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the elastic part 826 of this embodiment is at least partially elastically deformable. The elastic part 826 is connected between the main contact 828 and the supporting contact 824. The elastic part 826 extends from the main contact 828 to the supporting contact 824.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, each socket terminal 820 has a held portion 822 , a connecting portion 823 , a mounting portion 825 , a locking portion 827 , and an auxiliary locking portion 829 .

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the held portion 822 of this embodiment connects the connection portion 823 and the mounting portion 825. The held portion 822 extends downward from the connection portion 823 in the vertical direction. The held portion 822 extends upward from the mounting portion 825 in the vertical direction. The held portion 822 is held by the socket insulator 810. Specifically, the held portion 822 is embedded in the socket insulator 810.

[0077] like Figure 2As shown, the connection portion 823 of this embodiment connects the held portion 822 and the supporting contact 824. The connection portion 823 extends from the held portion 822 to a position close to the main contact 828 in the width direction, then bends and extends downward to the supporting contact 824 in the vertical direction.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the mounting portion 825 of this embodiment is bent from the lower end of the held portion 822 and extends in the width direction to a direction away from the main contact 828. The mounting portion 825 defines one end in the width direction of the socket terminal 820. The mounting portion 825 defines the lower end in the vertical direction of the socket terminal 820. When the socket connector 800 is mounted on a substrate, the mounting portion 825 is soldered to the solder pad of the substrate.

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the locking portion 827 of this embodiment is oblique to both the vertical direction and the width direction. The locking portion 827 is located below the support contact 824 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 827 is located at the same position as the main contact 828 in the vertical direction.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary locking portion 829 of this embodiment is oblique to both the vertical direction and the width direction. The auxiliary locking portion 829 is located below the main contact 828 in the vertical direction. The auxiliary locking portion 829 is located below the support contact 824 in the vertical direction. The auxiliary locking portion 829 is located below the locking portion 827 in the vertical direction.

[0081] Reference Fig.11 The plug connector 100 of this embodiment is a plug connector mounted on a substrate (not shown) having a solder pad (not shown) on its surface. Figure 6 As shown, the plug connector 100 of the present embodiment can be mated with the receptacle connector 800 in the up-down direction.

[0082] like Fig.12 As shown, the plug connector 100 includes a plug insulator 200 and a plurality of plug terminals 400 .

[0083] Reference Fig.12 The plug insulator 200 of this embodiment is composed of an insulator. The plug insulator 200 holds the plug terminal 400. The plug insulator 200 has two long wall portions 220, two short wall portions 230, and an island portion accommodating portion 250. In addition, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of the long wall portion 220 may also be one.

[0084] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , each long wall portion 220 of the present embodiment defines the outer end of the plug insulator 200 in the width direction. Figure 8As shown, each long wall portion 220 has a height in the up-down direction and extends in the pitch direction. Each long wall portion 220 connects two short wall portions 230 to each other in the pitch direction. The two long wall portions 220 are arranged in the width direction. When the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 800 are mated with each other, the long wall portion 220 is accommodated in the wall portion accommodating portion 812.

[0085] like Fig. 9 As shown, the long wall portion 220 has: a plurality of clamping portions 222 and a plurality of holes 224 .

[0086] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the clamping portions 222 of this embodiment are arranged in the pitch direction. Each clamping portion 222 extends in the up-down direction. The clamping portion 222 is located between two adjacent plug terminals 400 in the pitch direction. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, each clamping portion 222 has a first surface 2222 and a second surface 2224 in the width direction.

[0087] like Fig.11 As shown, the first surface 2222 of this embodiment faces outward in the width direction. The first surface 2222 defines the outer end of the clamping portion 222 in the width direction. The first surface 2222 intersects the width direction. More specifically, the first surface 2222 is orthogonal to the width direction. The first surface 2222 extends in the up-down direction.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, the second surface 2224 of this embodiment faces inward in the width direction. The second surface 2224 defines the inner end of the clamping portion 222 in the width direction. The second surface 2224 intersects the width direction. More specifically, the second surface 2224 is orthogonal to the width direction. The second surface 2224 extends in the up-down direction.

[0089] like Fig. 9 As shown, the holes 224 of this embodiment are arranged in the pitch direction. Each hole 224 penetrates the long wall portion 220 in the width direction. The hole 224 is located between two adjacent plug terminals 400 along the pitch direction. The hole 224 is located above the clamping portion 222 in the vertical direction. The holes 224 correspond to the clamping portions 222 respectively. Each hole 224 is located above the corresponding clamping portion 222 in the vertical direction.

[0090] like Fig.12 As shown, each short wall portion 230 of this embodiment defines the outer end of the plug insulator 200 in the pitch direction. Figure 8 As shown, each short wall portion 230 has a height in the vertical direction and extends in the width direction. Each short wall portion 230 connects the two long wall portions 220 to each other in the width direction. When the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 800 are mated with each other, the short wall portion 230 is accommodated in the wall portion accommodating portion 812.

[0091] Reference Fig.12 The island-shaped portion accommodating portion 250 of the present embodiment is a recessed portion that is recessed upward in the vertical direction and has an upper surface 252. The upper surface 252 defines the upper end of the island-shaped portion accommodating portion 250. When the plug connector 100 and the receptacle connector 800 are mated with each other, the island-shaped portion accommodating portion 250 accommodates the island-shaped portion 814.

[0092] like Fig.10 As shown, a hole 240 is formed in the plug insulator 200 .

[0093] like Fig.10 As shown, the hole 240 of this embodiment passes through the upper surface 252 of the island-shaped portion receiving portion 250 in the vertical direction. The hole 240 is located at the upper end of the plug insulator 200 in the vertical direction.

[0094] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , each plug terminal 400 of the present embodiment is made of metal. The plug terminals 400 have the same shape. The plug terminals 400 are held in the plug insulator 200. The plug terminals 400 are partially embedded in the plug insulator 200 and held by insert molding. The plug terminals 400 are held in the long wall portion 220. The plug terminals 400 are partially embedded in the long wall portion 220 and held. The two rows of the plug terminals 400 correspond to the two long wall portions 220, respectively. The plug terminals 400 of each row are held in the corresponding long wall portion 220. The plug terminals 400 of each row are partially embedded in the corresponding long wall portion 220 and held.

[0095] like Fig.12 As shown, the plug terminals 400 of this embodiment are arranged in the pitch direction. More specifically, the plug terminals 400 are arranged in two rows in the width direction, namely the front row and the rear row. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, and the plug terminals 400 only need to be arranged in one row. In other words, the plug connector 100 can have only one row of plug terminals 400. The plug terminals 400 of one of the two rows correspond to the plug terminals 400 of the other of the two rows. The plug terminals 400 of each row are arranged in the pitch direction. The plug terminals 400 are staggered. More specifically, in each row, the plug terminals 400 are staggered.

[0096] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the socket terminals 820 correspond to the plug terminals 400 respectively. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the mating state where the plug connector 100 is mated with the receptacle connector 800 , the receptacle terminals 820 and the plug terminals 400 are in contact with each other.

[0097] like Figure 2As shown, each plug terminal 400 has a main contact portion 422 , a support contact portion 442 , an insertion end portion 410 , a contact step 444 , and an additional contact step 424 .

[0098] like Figure 2 As shown, the main contact portion 422 of this embodiment intersects the width direction. More specifically, the main contact portion 422 is orthogonal to the width direction. The main contact portion 422 of the plug terminal 400 in one of the two columns and the main contact portion 422 of the corresponding plug terminal 400 in the other of the two columns are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In two plug terminals 400 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the main contact portion 422 of one of the plug terminals 400 faces in the width direction in an opposite direction to the main contact portion 422 of the other plug terminal 400 faces in the width direction.

[0099] like Figure 2 As shown, the support contact portion 442 of the present embodiment intersects with the width direction. More specifically, the support contact portion 442 is orthogonal to the width direction. With respect to each plug terminal 400, the main contact portion 422 and the support contact portion 442 are separated from each other in the width direction. With respect to each plug terminal 400, a portion of the insertion end portion 410 is larger in the width direction than the minimum distance Dm between the main contact portion 422 and the support contact portion 442. The support contact portion 442 of the plug terminal 400 of one of the two columns and the support contact portion 442 of the corresponding plug terminal 400 of the other of the two columns face the same direction in the width direction. Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In two plug terminals 400 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the support contact portion 442 of one of the plug terminals 400 faces in the width direction in an opposite direction to the support contact portion 442 of the other of the plug terminals 400 faces in the width direction.

[0100] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the plug connector 100 is mated with the receptacle connector 800, the insertion end portion 410 of each plug terminal 400 is inserted between the main contact 828 and the support contact 824 of the corresponding receptacle terminal 820. In the mating state where the plug connector 100 and the receptacle connector 800 are mated with each other, the main contact 828 contacts the main contact portion 422, and on the other hand, the support contact 824 contacts the support contact portion 442.

[0101] Reference Fig. 9, the main contact portion 422 of each plug terminal 400 and the support contact portion 442 of the adjacent plug terminal 400 are on the same plane. More specifically, in two plug terminals 400 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the main contact portion 422 of one of the plug terminals 400 and the support contact portion 442 of the other of the plug terminals 400 are on the same plane, and the support contact portion 442 of the one of the plug terminals 400 and the main contact portion 422 of the other of the plug terminals 400 are on the same plane. As a result, in the mold used when insert molding the plug connector 100 of the connector assembly 10 of the present embodiment, the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion 422 and the support contact portion 442 can be a simple plane, so the shape of the mold can be simplified. That is, the connector assembly 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0102] Reference Fig. 9 The insertion end portion 410 of the present embodiment is U-shaped. That is, when the plug terminal 400 is viewed along the pitch direction, the insertion end portion 410 is U-shaped. The insertion end portion 410 defines the lower end of the plug terminal 400 in the vertical direction.

[0103] Reference Fig. 9 The contact step 444 of this embodiment is formed by bending. That is, each plug terminal 400 has a bent portion 444 as a contact step 444. The contact step 444 is located at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the support contact portion 442. The contact step 444 is located above the insertion end portion 410 in the vertical direction. The support contact portion 442 is located above the contact step 444 in the vertical direction. The contact step 444 extends along the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal 400.

[0104] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 When the user fits the plug connector 100 into the socket connector 800, the support contacts 824 of each socket terminal 820 of the socket connector 800 pass over the contact steps 444 of the corresponding plug terminals 400 and move upward. As a result, the user can get a sense of being in place. That is, with respect to the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment, when the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 800 are fitted, the user can get a sense of being in place.

[0105] In particular, as described above, in the plug terminal 400 of the present embodiment, the contact step 444 formed by bending is provided along the entire pitch direction. Therefore, in the connector assembly 10 of the present embodiment, when the plug connector 100 having the plug terminal 400 with a small size in the pitch direction is mated with the receptacle connector 800, even if the plug terminal 400 is offset in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminal 820, the support contact 824 of the receptacle terminal 820 can reliably pass over the contact step 444 of the corresponding plug terminal 400, so that the user can reliably feel in place.

[0106] Reference Figure 2 When the plug connector 100 and the receptacle connector 800 are mated with each other, the contact step 444 and the locking portion 827 lock the mating.

[0107] Reference Fig. 9 The additional contact step 424 of this embodiment is formed by bending. That is, each plug terminal 400 has another bent portion 424 as an additional contact step 424. The additional contact step 424 is located at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the main contact portion 422. The additional contact step 424 is located above the insertion end portion 410 in the vertical direction. The main contact portion 422 is located above the additional contact step 424 in the vertical direction. The additional contact step 424 extends along the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal 400.

[0108] As described above, the contact step 444 is provided on the plug terminal 400 for the purpose of creating a sense of fit and locking the above-mentioned fitting. In addition, the plug terminal 400 is also provided with an additional contact step 424. Thus, in each row of the staggered plug terminals 400, the main contact portion 422 located above the additional contact step 424 of each plug terminal 400 and the support contact portion 442 located above the contact step 444 of the adjacent plug terminal 400 can be made to be on the same surface.

[0109] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 When the user engages the plug connector 100 with the socket connector 800 , the main contacts 828 of each socket terminal 820 of the socket connector 800 pass over the additional contact step 424 and move upward.

[0110] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 When the plug connector 100 and the socket connector 800 are mated with each other, the additional contact step 424 and the auxiliary locking portion 829 auxiliary lock the above-mentioned mating.

[0111] like Figure 2 As shown, the plug terminal 400 has a mounting portion 470 .

[0112] like Figure 2 As shown, the mounting portion 470 of this embodiment extends from the supporting contact portion 442. Specifically, the mounting portion 470 is bent from the supporting contact portion 442 and extends in a direction away from the main contact portion 422 in the width direction. The mounting portion 470 defines one end of the plug terminal 400 in the width direction. The mounting portion 470 defines the upper end of the plug terminal 400 in the vertical direction. Fig.11 When the plug connector 100 is mounted on a substrate, the mounting portion 470 is soldered to the solder pad of the substrate.

[0113] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0114] (First Modification)

[0115] Reference Fig.17 The connector assembly (not shown) of the first modified example includes a plug connector 100A and a receptacle connector (not shown). The receptacle connector of this modified example is the same as the receptacle connector 800 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] like Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the plug connector 100A of this modification includes a plug insulator 200A and a plug terminal 400A. The plug insulator 200A of this modification is the same as the plug insulator 200 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] like Fig.17 As shown, each plug terminal 400A of this modification example includes: a main contact portion 422, a support contact portion 442, an insertion end portion 410, a contact step 444A, and an additional contact step 424A. The main contact portion 422, the support contact portion 442, and the insertion end portion 410 of this modification example are the same as the main contact portion 422, the support contact portion 442, and the insertion end portion 410 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and detailed description is omitted.

[0118] like Fig.17As shown, the contact step 444A of this modification is located at the boundary between the insertion end 410 and the support contact portion 442. The contact step 444A is located above the insertion end 410 in the up-down direction. The support contact portion 442 is located above the contact step 444A in the up-down direction. The contact step 444A is a protrusion 444A protruding in the width direction. That is, in the plug terminal 400A of this modification, the contact step 444A is formed by providing the protrusion 444A. In other words, each plug terminal 400A has: a protrusion 444A constituting the contact step 444A. Thus, similarly to the connector assembly 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment, in the connector assembly of this modified example, when the plug connector 100A having the plug terminal 400A with a small size in the pitch direction is mated with the receptacle connector, even if the plug terminal 400A is offset in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminal (not shown), the supporting contact (not shown) of the receptacle terminal can reliably pass over the contact step 444A of the corresponding plug terminal 400A, so that the user can reliably feel the contact. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact step 444A may also be a protrusion protruding in the width direction.

[0119] like Fig.17 As shown, the additional contact step 424A of this modification is located at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the main contact portion 422. The additional contact step 424A is located above the insertion end portion 410 in the up-down direction. The main contact portion 422 is located above the additional contact step 424A in the up-down direction. The additional contact step 424A is a protrusion 424A protruding in the width direction. That is, in the plug terminal 400A of this modification, the additional contact step 424A is formed by providing the protrusion 424A. In other words, each plug terminal 400A has: another protrusion 424A constituting the additional contact step 424A. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, and the additional contact step 424A may also be a protrusion protruding in the width direction.

[0120] (Second Modification)

[0121] Reference Fig.18 The connector assembly (not shown) of the second modified example includes a plug connector 100B and a receptacle connector (not shown). The receptacle connector of this modified example is the same as the receptacle connector 800 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] like Fig.18 As shown, the plug connector 100B of this modification includes a plug insulator 200B and a plug terminal 400B. The plug insulator 200B of this modification is the same as the plug insulator 200 of the above-mentioned embodiment except that it does not have a hole 224, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] like Fig.18 As shown, each plug terminal 400B of this modification example has: a main contact portion 422B, a support contact portion 442B, an insertion end portion 410, a contact step 444B, and an additional contact step 424B. The insertion end portion 410 of this modification example is the same as the insertion end portion 410 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and detailed description is omitted.

[0124] Reference Fig.18 , the main contact portion 422B of this modification crosses the width direction. More specifically, the main contact portion 422B is orthogonal to the width direction. The main contact portion 422B of the plug terminal 400B in one of the two columns and the main contact portion 422B of the corresponding plug terminal 400B in the other of the two columns face the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals 400B adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the direction in which the main contact portion 422B of one of the plug terminals 400B faces in the width direction is opposite to the direction in which the main contact portion 422B of the other of the plug terminals 400B faces in the width direction.

[0125] Reference Fig.18 , the support contact portion 442B of this variation intersects with the width direction. More specifically, the support contact portion 442B is orthogonal to the width direction. With respect to each plug terminal 400B, the main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B are separated from each other in the width direction. With respect to each plug terminal 400B, a portion of the insertion end portion 410 is larger in the width direction than the minimum distance between the main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B. The support contact portion 442B of one of the two columns of the plug terminal 400B and the support contact portion 442B of the corresponding plug terminal 400B of the other of the two columns face the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals 400B adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the direction in which the support contact portion 442B of one of the plug terminals 400B faces in the width direction is opposite to the direction in which the support contact portion 442B of the other of the plug terminals 400B faces in the width direction.

[0126] Reference Fig.18, the main contact portion 422B of each plug terminal 400B and the support contact portion 442B of the adjacent plug terminal 400B are on the same plane. More specifically, in two plug terminals 400B adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the main contact portion 422B of one of the plug terminals 400B and the support contact portion 442B of the other of the plug terminals 400B are on the same plane, and the support contact portion 442B of the one of the plug terminals 400B and the main contact portion 422B of the other of the plug terminals 400B are on the same plane. Thus, similarly to the connector assembly 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment, in the mold used when insert molding the plug connector 100B of the connector assembly of this modified example, the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B can be a simple plane, so the shape of the mold can be simplified. That is, the connector assembly of this modified example can also reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0127] Reference Fig.18 The main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B of this modification are formed by compression molding. That is, in each plug terminal 400B, the main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B are thinner than the insertion end portion 410 .

[0128] Reference Fig.18 The contact step 444B of this modification is formed at the same time as the support contact portion 442B is formed by the molding process. The contact step 444B is located at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the support contact portion 442B. The contact step 444B is located above the insertion end portion 410 in the up-down direction. The support contact portion 442B is located above the contact step 444B in the up-down direction. The contact step 444B extends along the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal 400B. Thus, similarly to the connector assembly 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment, in the connector assembly of this modification, when the plug connector 100B having a plug terminal 400B with a small size in the pitch direction is mated with the receptacle connector, even if the plug terminal 400B is offset in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminal (not shown), the support contact (not shown) of the receptacle terminal can reliably pass over the contact step 444B of the corresponding plug terminal 400B, so that the user can reliably feel in place.

[0129] Reference Fig.18The additional contact step 424B of this modification is formed at the same time as the main contact portion 422B is formed by the molding process. The additional contact step 424B is located at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the main contact portion 422B. The additional contact step 424B is located above the insertion end portion 410 in the vertical direction. The main contact portion 422B is located above the additional contact step 424B in the vertical direction. The additional contact step 424B extends along the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal 400B.

[0130] (Third Modification)

[0131] Reference Fig.19 The connector assembly (not shown) of the third modified example includes a plug connector 100C and a receptacle connector (not shown). The receptacle connector of this modified example is the same as the receptacle connector 800 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0132] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the plug connector 100C of this modification includes a plug insulator 200C and a plug terminal 400C. The plug insulator 200C of this modification is the same as the plug insulator 200 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] like Fig.19 As shown, each plug terminal 400C of this modification example includes: a main contact portion 422C, a support contact portion 442C, an insertion end portion 410, a contact step 444C, and an additional contact step 424C. The insertion end portion 410 of this modification example is the same as the insertion end portion 410 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0134] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , in each plug terminal 400C of the present modification, a recessed portion 426 is formed in the main contact portion 422C. That is, the plug terminal 400C of the present modification has a partially recessed main contact portion 422C.

[0135] Reference Fig.19 The recess 426 of this modification is formed by a molding process. The recess 426 is recessed in the width direction toward a position close to the support contact portion 442C. The recess 426 of the plug terminal 400C in one of the two columns is recessed in the same direction in the width direction as the recess 426 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C in the other of the two columns. In two plug terminals 400C adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the recess 426 of one of the plug terminals 400C is recessed in the width direction in the opposite direction to the recess 426 of the other of the plug terminals 400C.

[0136] like Fig.19As shown, the main contact portion 422C has an outer main surface 427 adjacent to the recessed portion 426 .

[0137] Reference Fig.19 , the outer main surface 427 of this modification example surrounds the corresponding recess 426. The outer main surface 427 intersects the width direction. More specifically, the outer main surface 427 is orthogonal to the width direction. The outer main surface 427 of one of the two columns of the plug terminal 400C and the outer main surface 427 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C of the other of the two columns face the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals 400C adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the direction in which the outer main surface 427 of one of the plug terminals 400C faces in the width direction is opposite to the direction in which the outer main surface 427 of the other of the plug terminals 400C faces in the width direction.

[0138] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , in each plug terminal 400C of the present modification, another recessed portion 446 is formed in the support contact portion 442C. That is, the plug terminal 400C of the present modification has a support contact portion 442C that is partially recessed.

[0139] Reference Fig.19 The recess 446 of this modification is formed by a molding process. The recess 446 is recessed in the width direction toward a direction close to the main contact portion 422C. The recess 446 of the plug terminal 400C in one of the two columns is recessed in the same direction in the width direction as the recess 446 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C in the other of the two columns. In two plug terminals 400C adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the recess 446 of one of the plug terminals 400C is recessed in the width direction in the opposite direction to the recess 446 of the other of the plug terminals 400C.

[0140] like Fig.19 As shown, the support contact portion 442C has: an outer support surface 447 adjacent to the recessed portion 446 .

[0141] Reference Fig.19 , the further outer support surface 447 of this modification example surrounds the corresponding recess 446. The further outer support surface 447 intersects with the width direction. More specifically, the further outer support surface 447 is orthogonal to the width direction. The further outer support surface 447 of the plug terminal 400C of one of the two columns and the further outer support surface 447 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C of the other of the two columns face the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals 400C adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the direction in the width direction of the further outer support surface 447 of one of the plug terminals 400C faces is opposite to the direction in the width direction of the further outer support surface 447 of the other of the plug terminals 400C faces.

[0142] like Fig.19 As shown, the outermost main surface 427 of each plug terminal 400C and the outermost support surface 447 of the adjacent plug terminal 400C are flush with each other. More specifically, in two plug terminals 400C adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the outermost main surface 427 of one of the plug terminals 400C and the outermost support surface 447 of the other of the plug terminals 400C are flush with each other, and the outermost support surface 447 of the one of the plug terminals 400C and the outermost main surface 427 of the other of the plug terminals 400C are flush with each other. That is, the main contact portion 422C of each plug terminal 400C and the support contact portion 442C of the adjacent plug terminal 400C are flush with each other. Thus, similarly to the connector assembly 10 of the above-described embodiment, in the mold used for insert molding the plug connector 100C of the connector assembly of this modification, the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion 422C and the support contact portion 442C can be a simple plane, so the shape of the mold can be simplified. That is, the connector assembly of this modification can also reduce manufacturing costs.

[0143] like Fig.19 As shown, the contact step 444C of this modification is formed at the same time as the recess 446 is formed by the molding process. The contact step 444C is formed at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the recess 446 of the support contact portion 442C.

[0144] like Fig.19 As shown, the additional contact step 424C of this modification is formed at the same time as the recess 426 is formed by the molding process. The additional contact step 424C is formed at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the recess 426 of the main contact portion 422C.

[0145] In the connector assembly of this modification, as the dimension of the plug terminal 400C in the pitch direction decreases, the dimension of the recess 446 in the pitch direction also decreases, so that the dimension of the contact step 444C in the pitch direction also decreases. Therefore, when the plug connector 100C of this modification is mated with the receptacle connector, if the plug terminal 400C is offset in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminal (not shown), the support contact (not shown) of the receptacle terminal may not be mated with the recess 446 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C. In other words, in this case, the support contact of the receptacle terminal may not go over the contact step 444C, and a sense of being in place may not be generated.

[0146] In contrast, the above-mentioned problem does not occur in the connector assembly 10 having the plug terminals 400, 400A, 400B having the contact steps 444, 444A, 444B in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example. That is, in the connector assembly 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example, when the plug connector 100, 100A, 100B having the plug terminals 400, 400A, 400B having small dimensions in the pitch direction is mated with the receptacle connector 800, even if the plug terminals 400, 400A, 400B are offset in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminals 820, the support contacts 824 of the receptacle terminals 820 can reliably pass over the contact steps 444, 444A, 444B of the corresponding plug terminals 400, 400A, 400B, so that the user can reliably feel in place. Therefore, the connector assembly 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example is preferred.

[0147] As mentioned above, although this invention was specifically described with respect to embodiment, this invention is not limited to this, Various deformation|transformation is possible.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a plug connector and a socket connector that can be mated with each other, wherein: The socket connector comprises: a socket insulator and a row of socket terminals held by the socket insulator. The socket terminals are arranged in a staggered manner, Each of the socket terminals has a main contact, a supporting contact, and an elastic portion connected between the main contact and the supporting contact. With respect to each of the socket terminals, the main contact and the supporting contact are separated from each other in the width direction, The plug connector comprises: a plug insulator and a row of plug terminals held by the plug insulator. The plug terminals are arranged in a staggered manner. Each of the plug terminals has a main contact portion, a supporting contact portion, an insertion end portion, a contact step, and an additional contact step. With respect to each of the plug terminals, the main contact portion and the support contact portion are separated from each other in the width direction. Regarding each of the plug terminals, a portion of the insertion end portion is larger in the width direction than a minimum distance between the main contact portion and the support contact portion, The contact step is located at a boundary between the insertion end portion and the support contact portion, The additional contact step is located at a boundary between the insertion end portion and the main contact portion, The socket terminals correspond to the plug terminals respectively, When the plug connector is engaged with the socket connector, the insertion end of each plug terminal is inserted between the main contact and the support contact of the corresponding socket terminal. In the mating state where the plug connector and the socket connector are mated with each other, the main contact is in contact with the main contact portion, and on the other hand, the support contact is in contact with the support contact portion. The main contact portion of each plug terminal and the support contact portion of the adjacent plug terminal are on the same plane.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plug terminals has a bent portion serving as the contact step and another bent portion serving as the additional contact step.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plug terminals has a protruding portion constituting the contact step and another protruding portion constituting the additional contact step.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In each of the plug terminals, the main contact portion and the support contact portion are thinner than the insertion end portion.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In each of the plug terminals, a recess is formed in the main contact portion, and another recess is formed in the support contact portion. The additional contact step is formed at a boundary between the insertion end portion and the recessed portion of the main contact portion, and on the other hand, the contact step is formed at a boundary between the insertion end portion and the recessed portion of the support contact portion.

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