Connector assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a connector assembly capable of connecting electric wires with each other through a first connector and a second connector having the same structure, and realizing miniaturization. The first connector (11) has a first insulator (12) and a first contact (13) connected to an end of the first electric wire (C1), the second connector (21) has a second insulator (22) and a second contact (23) connected to an end of the second electric wire (C2), and when the first connector (11) and the second connector (21) are fitted to each other, a portion of the first contact (13) is positioned between the second contact (23) and the second insulator (22). The first contact (13) and the second contact (23) are in contact with each other and the first electric wire (C1) and the second electric wire (C2) are electrically connected with each other in a state where a portion of the second contact (23) is located between the first contact (13) and the first insulator (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and in particular to a connector assembly formed by a first connector and a second connector that are interlocked with each other, wherein the first connector is connected to the end of a first wire, and the second connector is connected to the end of a second wire and has the same structure as the first connector. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a connector for connecting two electric wires to each other.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, Fig.31 As shown, a connector assembly is disclosed that connects a plurality of electric wires to each other by fitting a first connector 1 and a second connector 2. The first connector 1 and the second connector 2 have the same structure and are thus formed as hermaphrodites.

[0004] The first connector 1 includes a first insulator 3 and a plurality of first contacts 4 held by the first insulator 3. The first insulator 3 includes a flat plate portion 3A extending forward of the first connector 1 and provided with the plurality of first contacts 4, and a pair of guide portions 3B adjacent to both sides of the thin plate portion 3A and extending forward on a surface different from the thin plate portion 3A.

[0005] The second connector 2 has a second insulator 5 and a plurality of second contacts 6 (not shown) held by the second insulator 5, similarly to the first connector 1. The second insulator 5 has a flat plate portion 5A extending forward of the second connector 2 and provided with a plurality of second contacts 6, and a pair of guide portions 5B adjacent to both sides of the thin plate portion 5A and extending forward on a surface different from the thin plate portion 5A.

[0006] like Fig.31 As shown, if the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are plugged into each other in the opposite directions of front to back, left to right, and top to bottom, the thin plate portion 3A and the thin plate portion 5A overlap with each other, and a pair of guide portions 3B and a pair of guide portions 5B overlap and contact with each other, respectively, whereby the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are in a mating state.

[0007] Therefore, if Fig.32 As shown, contact portions 4A of first contacts 4 disposed on thin plate portion 3A and contact portions 6A of second contacts 6 disposed on thin plate portion 5A are in elastic contact, and the plurality of first contacts 4 and the plurality of second contacts 6 are electrically connected to each other.

[0008] Since the contact portions 4A of the plurality of first contacts 4 and the contact portions 6A of the plurality of second contacts 6 are in elastic contact, a force in a direction away from each other is applied to the first connector 1 and the second connector 2. Fig.31The pair of guide portions 3B and the pair of guide portions 5B shown are in contact with each other, and the mating state of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 is maintained.

[0009] Prior art literature

[0010] Patent Literature

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-55657

[0012] However, in order to overcome the force generated by the elastic contact between the multiple first contacts 4 and the multiple second contacts 6 to maintain the mating state of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, it is necessary to ensure the strength of the pair of guide parts 3B of the first connector 1 and the pair of guide parts 5B of the second connector 2, which makes it difficult to miniaturize the first connector 1 and the second connector 2. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that can connect electric wires to each other by using a first connector and a second connector having the same structure and can be miniaturized.

[0014] The connector assembly of the present invention is a connector assembly formed by a first connector and a second connector being engaged with each other, wherein the first connector is connected to the end of a first electric wire, and the second connector is connected to the end of a second electric wire and has the same structure as the first connector.

[0015] The first connector has a first insulator and a first contact held in the first insulator and connected to an end of a first wire.

[0016] The second connector has a second insulator and a second contact held by the second insulator and connected to an end of the second wire.

[0017] When the first connector and the second connector are mated with each other, the first contact is located between the second contact and the second insulator, and the second contact is located between the first contact and the first insulator, the first contact and the second contact are in contact with each other, and the first wire and the second wire are electrically connected to each other.

[0018] The first insulator may include a planar first joint surface and a concave first contact receiving portion formed on the first joint surface and receiving at least a portion of the first contact.

[0019] The second insulator has a planar second joint surface opposed to the first joint surface and a concave second contact accommodating portion formed on the second joint surface and accommodating at least a part of the second contact.

[0020] Preferably, the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other by relatively moving along the second joint surface and the first joint surface.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferred that the first contact has a first protrusion protruding in a direction opposite to the second connector.

[0022] The second contact has a second protrusion protruding in a direction opposite to the first connector.

[0023] The first connector and the second connector move relatively until the first protrusion and the second protrusion pass over each other.

[0024] Alternatively, the first connector and the second connector may move relative to each other in a manner of sliding linearly with each other.

[0025] Alternatively, the first connector and the second connector may move relative to each other in a rotational and sliding manner.

[0026] Preferably, a waterproof portion is provided between the first joint surface and the second joint surface.

[0027] The waterproof portion may be configured to include a first waterproof sheet disposed on the first joint surface and a second waterproof sheet disposed on the second joint surface and in close contact with the first waterproof sheet.

[0028] The first electric wire and the second electric wire may each be a coated electric wire in which the outer circumference of the conductor portion is covered by the insulating coating portion.

[0029] The conductor portion at the end of the first electric wire is connected to the first contact in the first contact receiving portion.

[0030] The conductor portion at the end portion of the second electric wire is connected to the second contact in the second contact accommodation portion.

[0031] In this case, it is preferred that the first insulator has a first wire accommodating groove formed on the first joint surface in a manner communicating with the first contact accommodating portion and accommodating a portion of the first wire.

[0032] The second insulator has a second wire accommodating groove formed on the second joint surface in such a manner as to communicate with the second contact accommodating portion and accommodating a portion of the second wire.

[0033] Preferably, the first insulator has a first locking portion and a first locked portion.

[0034] The second insulator has a second locking portion and a second locked portion,

[0035] When the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, the first locked portion is locked by the second locking portion, and the second locked portion is locked by the first locking portion, so that the first insulator and the second insulator are fixed to each other.

[0036] Alternatively, the first insulator has a first locking portion,

[0037] The second insulator has a second locking portion,

[0038] When the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, the first locking portion and the second locking portion interfere with each other, so that the first insulator and the second insulator are fixed to each other.

[0039] Effects of the present invention:

[0040] According to the present invention, the first connector has a first insulator and a first contact held by the first insulator and connected to the end of the first wire, and the second connector has a second insulator and a second contact held by the second insulator and connected to the end of the second wire. When the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, the first contact is located between the second contact and the second insulator, and the second contact is located between the first contact and the first insulator, the first contact and the second contact are in contact with each other, and the first wire and the second wire are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the wires can be connected to each other through the first connector and the second connector having the same structure, and miniaturization can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly according to the first embodiment in a mating state.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the connector assembly according to the first embodiment in a mating state.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the connector assembly according to the first embodiment in a mating state.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly according to the first embodiment in a state before mating.

[0045] Figure 5 This is an assembly diagram of the first connector in the connector assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the first insulator of the first connector in the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the first contact of the first connector in the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing the first connector in the first embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 BB line cross-sectional view.

[0050] Fig.10 The second connector in Embodiment 1 is Fig. 9 The corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0051] Fig.11 This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly according to the first embodiment in a state before the first connector and the second connector slide linearly.

[0052] Fig.12 This is a side view showing the connector assembly according to the first embodiment in a state before the first connector and the second connector slide linearly.

[0053] Fig.13 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly according to the first embodiment in a state before the first connector and the second connector slide linearly.

[0054] Fig.14 yes Figure 2 AA line section view.

[0055] Fig.15 This is a partially enlarged view showing the first locking portion and the second locked portion of the connector assembly according to the first embodiment in the mating state.

[0056] Fig.16 This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in a mating state.

[0057] Fig.17 This is a plan view showing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in a mating state.

[0058] Fig.18 This is a side view showing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in a mating state.

[0059] Fig.19 This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in a state before mating.

[0060] Fig. 20 This is an assembly diagram of the first connector in the connector assembly according to the second embodiment.

[0061] Fig.21 This is a perspective view showing a first insulator of a first connector in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 22This is a perspective view showing a first contact of a first connector in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0063] Fig.23 This is a plan view showing the first connector in the second embodiment.

[0064] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 DD line cross-sectional view.

[0065] Fig.25 The second connector in Embodiment 2 is Fig.24 The corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0066] Fig.26 This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in a state before the first connector and the second connector are rotated and slid.

[0067] Fig. 27 This is a side view of the connector assembly according to the second embodiment showing a state before the first connector and the second connector rotate and slide.

[0068] Fig.28 This is a side cross-sectional view of the connector assembly according to the second embodiment showing a state before the first connector and the second connector rotate and slide.

[0069] Fig.29 yes Fig.17 CC line section view.

[0070] Fig.30 This is a partially enlarged view showing a first locking portion and a second locked portion of the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in a mated state.

[0071] Fig.31 This is a perspective view showing a conventional connector assembly in a state before mating.

[0072] Fig.32 It is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional connector assembly in a mating state.

[0073] Reference numerals

[0074] 1 first connector, 2 second connector, 3 first insulator, 3A, 5A thin plate portion, 3B, 5B guide portion, 4 first contact, 5 second insulator, 6 second contact, 11, 31 first connector, 12, 32 first insulator, 12A flat plate portion, 12B, 32B first joint surface, 12C, 12E, 22C, 22E recessed portion, 12D, 32E first wire accommodating groove, 12F connecting groove, 12G second wire accommodating groove, 12H, 32F first locking portion, 12J, 32G, 42G arm portion, 12K, 12M, 22M, 32H, 42H protrusion, 12L first locked portion, 13 first contact, 13A, 23A, 33A wire connecting portion, 13B foot portion, 13C, 33B, 43B extension portion, 13D, 33C first convex portion, 13E, 23E, 33D, 43D front end portion, 14, 34 first waterproof sheet, 14A, 24A, 34A, 44A opening portion, 21, 41 second connector, 22, 42 second insulator, 22B, 42B second mating surface, 42C second contact accommodating portion, 22D second wire accommodating groove, 22H, 42F second locking portion, 22L second locked portion, 23D, 43C second convex portion, 24, 44 second waterproof sheet, 32A circular plate portion, 32C first contact accommodating portion, 32D press-fit hole, 32J, 42J reduced diameter portion, 33E press-fit portion, C1 first wire, C2 second wire, CA conductor portion, CB insulating covering portion, RA rotating shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0076] Implementation Method 1

[0077] Figure 1 to Figure 3 The connector assembly of Embodiment 1 is shown. The connector assembly includes a first connector 11 and a second connector 21, and the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are fitted to each other by sliding the second connector 21 linearly relative to the first connector 11, thereby electrically connecting the first electric wire C1 and the second electric wire C2.

[0078] The first connector 11 is connected to the end of the first wire C1, and the second connector 21 is connected to the end of the second wire C2. The first wire C1 and the second wire C2 are respectively covered wires whose outer peripheries of the conductor CA are covered by the insulating coating CB, and extend in opposite directions along the same straight line.

[0079] The first connector 11 has a first insulator 12 extending along the extension direction of the first electric wire C1, and the second connector 21 has a second insulator 22 extending along the extension direction of the second electric wire C2. The first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are fitted with each other in a state where the second insulator 22 overlaps the first insulator 12.

[0080] Here, for convenience, the direction from the first connector 11 toward the second connector 21 when the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are in the mating state is called the +Z direction, the direction in which the first wire C1 and the second wire C2 extend is called the Y direction, and the width direction of the first insulator 12 and the second insulator 22, that is, the direction orthogonal to the YZ plane is called the X direction.

[0081] The first connector 11 and the second connector 21 have the same structure. The first connector 11 is connected to the -Y direction end of the first electric wire C1, and the second connector 21 is connected to the +Y direction end of the second electric wire C2.

[0082] Figure 4 The connector assembly of Embodiment 1 is shown in a state before mating. The first connector 11 and the second connector 21 have the same structure and are formed as hermaphrodites. The second connector 21 is mated with the first connector 11 in an opposite posture in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction relative to the first connector 11.

[0083] Figure 5 The assembling diagram of the first connector 11 is shown. The first contacts 13 are arranged on the +Z direction side of the first insulator 12 , the first waterproof sheet 14 is arranged on the +Z direction side of the first contacts 13 , and the first electric wires C1 are arranged on the +Z direction side of the first waterproof sheet 14 .

[0084] The first waterproof sheet 14 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the first insulator 12 when viewed from the +Z direction, and a rectangular opening 14A extending in the Y direction is formed at the center of the first waterproof sheet 14. In addition, at the -Y direction end of the first electric wire C1, the conductor portion CA is exposed by removing the insulating coating portion CB, and the exposed conductor portion CA of the first electric wire C1 is located on the +Z direction side of the first contact 13 via the opening 14A of the first waterproof sheet 14.

[0085] like Figure 6 As shown, the first insulator 12 is formed of an insulating resin and has a substantially rectangular flat plate portion 12A extending in the Y direction along the XY plane. The flat plate portion 12A has a planar first joint surface 12B facing the +Z direction, and a recess 12C opened in the +Z direction is formed on the first joint surface 12B at a position closer to the +Y direction side than the center of the flat plate portion 12A in the Y direction.

[0086] Furthermore, a first wire accommodating groove 12D extending from the recess 12C to the +Y direction end portion of the first insulator 12 in the Y direction is formed on the first joint surface 12B.

[0087] Furthermore, the first joint surface 12B is formed with: a recess 12E, which is arranged at the center of the first insulator 12 in the Y direction and is open toward the +Z direction; a connecting groove 12F, which is connected to the recess 12E and extends from the recess 12E in the -Y direction; and a second wire accommodating groove 12G, which extends from the connecting groove 12F in the Y direction to the -Y direction end of the first insulator 12.

[0088] The recessed portion 12C accommodates a portion of the first contact 13 and holds the first contact 13, and the recessed portion 12E accommodates the contact portion of the first contact 13 and the second contact 23 described later of the second connector 21 when the first connector 11 is mated with the second connector 21. The recessed portions 12C and 12E form a concave first contact accommodating portion arranged on the first mating surface 12B.

[0089] The peripheries of these recessed portions 12C and 12E are completely surrounded by the planar first joint surface 12B and the first and second wire accommodating grooves 12D and 12G.

[0090] A pair of L-shaped first locking portions 12H extending outward in the X direction and projecting in the +Z direction from the flat plate portion 12A are formed on both sides of the flat plate portion 12A located on the +X direction side and the -X direction side of the connecting groove 12F. The first locking portion 12H includes an arm portion 12J extending in the -Y direction on the +Z direction side relative to the first joint surface 12B and a protrusion 12K projecting in the -Z direction from the middle portion of the arm portion 12J.

[0091] A pair of first locked portions 12L extending outward in the X direction from the flat plate portion 12A are formed on both sides of the flat plate portion 12A located on the +X direction side and the -X direction side of the recess 12C. A protrusion 12M protruding in the -Z direction is formed on the first locked portion 12L.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, the first contact 13 is formed of a conductive and bent metal plate and has a substantially rectangular wire connecting portion 13A extending along the XY plane and a pair of leg portions 13B bent in the -Z direction from the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the wire connecting portion 13A.

[0093] Furthermore, the first contact 13 has an extension portion 13C that temporarily protrudes in the +Z direction from the -Y direction end of the wire connecting portion 13A and then extends in the -Y direction, and a first convex portion 13D that is curved so as to protrude in the -Z direction is formed at the -Y direction end of the extension portion 13C. A front end portion 13E in the -Y direction of the first convex portion 13D is inclined in the -Y direction and the +Z direction.

[0094] like Figure 8As shown, in the first connector 11, a pair of leg portions 13B of the first contact 13 are pressed into a recess 12C of the first insulator 12 forming a part of the first contact accommodation portion, whereby the first contact 13 is held by the first insulator 12. In addition, a first waterproof sheet 14 made of a rubber material or the like is arranged on the surface of the first joint surface 12B of the first insulator 12.

[0095] like Fig. 9 As shown, the -Z direction portion of the insulating covering CB near the -Y direction end of the first electric wire C1 is accommodated in the first electric wire accommodating groove 12D of the first insulator 12 via the first waterproof sheet 14, and the conductor portion CA exposed from the insulating covering CB is connected to the electric wire connecting portion 13A of the first contact 13 in the opening portion 14A of the first waterproof sheet 14, for example by welding.

[0096] The first convex portion 13D of the first contact 13 is located on the +Z direction side of the concave portion 12E of the first insulator 12 through the opening 14A of the first waterproof sheet 14 , and the tip 13E of the first convex portion 13D is located closer to the +Z direction side than the first joint surface 12B of the first insulator 12 .

[0097] Here, Fig.10 The second connector 21 is shown to be fitted with the first connector 11. The second connector 21 has the same structure as the first connector 11, and is fitted with the first connector 11 in an inverse posture in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction.

[0098] like Fig.10 As shown, in the second connector 21, a pair of legs of the second contact 23 are pressed into a recess 22C of the second insulator 22 that forms a part of the second contact accommodating portion, and the second contact 23 is retained in the second insulator 22, and a second waterproof sheet 24 is arranged on the surface of the second mating surface 22B of the second insulator 22.

[0099] The +Z direction portion of the insulating covering CB near the +Y direction end of the second electric wire C2 is accommodated in the second electric wire accommodating groove 22D of the second insulator 22 via the second waterproof sheet 24, and the conductor portion CA exposed from the insulating covering CB is connected to the electric wire connecting portion 23A of the second contact 23 in the opening portion 24A of the second waterproof sheet 24, for example by welding.

[0100] The second convex portion 23D of the second contact 23 is located on the −Z direction side of the concave portion 22E of the second insulator 22 through the opening 24A of the second waterproof sheet 24 , and the tip 23E of the second convex portion 23D is located on the −Z direction side relative to the second joint surface 22B of the second insulator 22 .

[0101] In addition, the second insulator 22 of the second connector 21 has a second locking portion 22H and a second locked portion 22L described later having the same structure as the first locking portion 12H and the first locked portion 12L of the first insulator 12 of the first connector 11, the second locking portion 22H has a protrusion formed on the arm portion, and the second locked portion 22L has a protrusion.

[0102] When assembling the connector assembly of the first embodiment, first, Fig.11 As shown, the second connector 21 is overlapped on the +Z direction side of the first connector 11 in a posture that is opposite to the first connector 11 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. At this time, in a state where the second waterproof sheet 24 of the second connector 21 is in contact with the first waterproof sheet 14 of the first connector 11, the second insulator 22 of the second connector 21 is arranged at a position offset by a predetermined distance to the -Y direction side relative to the first insulator 12 of the first connector 11.

[0103] Therefore, if Fig.12 As shown, the second locking portion 22H and the second locked portion 22L of the second connector 21 are respectively located further away from the first locked portion 12L and the first locking portion 12H of the first connector 11 in the -Y direction, and the first insulator 12 of the first connector 11 and the second insulator 22 of the second connector 21 are in a state where they are not yet locked to each other.

[0104] In addition, at this time, if Fig.13 As shown, the second contacts 23 of the second connector 21 are located further away from the first contacts 13 in the −Y direction and have not yet come into contact with the first contacts 13 of the first connector 11 .

[0105] Furthermore, the tip end 13E of the first protrusion 13D of the first contact 13 in the first connector 11 is located closer to the +Z direction side than the tip end 23E of the second protrusion 23D of the second contact 23 in the second connector 21 .

[0106] In this state, if the second connector 21 is slid relative to the first connector 11 in the +Y direction until the second insulator 22 of the second connector 21 is at the same Y direction position as the first insulator 12 of the first connector 11, Fig.14As shown, the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are relatively moved by being guided by the front end 13E of the first convex portion 13D of the first contact 13 and the front end 23E of the second convex portion 23D of the second contact 23 until the first convex portion 13D and the second convex portion 23D pass over each other. Thus, the first convex portion 13D of the first contact 13 is located between the second contact 23 of the second connector 21 and the second insulator 22, and the second convex portion 23D of the second contact 23 is located between the first contact 13 of the first connector 11 and the first insulator 12.

[0107] In more detail, the first convex portion 13D of the first contact 13 is located between the second convex portion 23D of the second contact 23 and the bottom surface of the concave portion 22E of the second insulator 22, and the second convex portion 23D of the second contact 23 is located between the first convex portion 13D of the first contact 13 and the bottom surface of the concave portion 12E of the first insulator 12, and the first convex portion 13D of the first contact 13 and the second convex portion 23D of the second contact 23 are in elastic contact with each other in the Z direction. Thus, the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are fitted with each other, and the assembly of the connector assembly is completed.

[0108] In addition, the first convex portion 13D of the first contact 13 is located between the second contact 23 of the second connector 21 and the second insulator 22, and the second convex portion 23D of the second contact 23 is located between the first contact 13 of the first connector 11 and the first insulator 12, so that a contact force that pulls the first insulator 12 and the second insulator 22 toward each other in the Z direction acts between the first contact 13 and the second contact 23. That is, a contact force in the +Z direction from the second convex portion 23D of the second contact 23 toward the second insulator 22 acts on the first convex portion 13D of the first contact 13, and a contact force in the −Z direction from the first convex portion 13D of the first contact 13 toward the first insulator 12 acts on the second convex portion 23D of the second contact 23.

[0109] When the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are fitted into each other, the first contacts 13 and the second contacts 23 are electrically connected to each other, and the first electric wires C1 and the second electric wires C2 are electrically connected to each other via the first contacts 13 and the second contacts 23 .

[0110] Furthermore, the second connector 21 slides relatively in the +Y direction with respect to the first connector 11 until the second insulator 22 of the second connector 21 is in the same Y direction position as the first insulator 12 of the first connector 11. Figure 3 As shown, the first locked portion 12L of the first insulator 12 is locked by the second locking portion 22H of the second insulator 22, and the second locked portion 22L of the second insulator 22 is locked by the first locking portion 12H of the first insulator 12, thereby the first insulator 12 and the second insulator 22 are fixed to each other.

[0111] In addition, if the second locked portion 22L of the second insulator 22 is locked by the first locking portion 12H of the first insulator 12, Fig.15 As shown, the projection 12K of the arm portion 12J of the first locking portion 12H is hooked on the projection 22M of the second locked portion 22L. Although not shown, similarly, the projection of the arm portion of the second locking portion 22H is hooked on the projection 12M of the first locked portion 12L. Thus, the second connector 21 in the mating state is effectively prevented from moving straight from the first connector 11 in the -Y direction to release the mating state.

[0112] In addition, when the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are mated, the first protrusion 13D of the first contact 13 and the second protrusion 23D of the second contact 23 are in a state of crossing over each other. Therefore, the first protrusion 13D and the second protrusion 23D interfere with each other, thereby preventing the second connector 21 from deviating from the first connector 11 in the -Y direction and releasing the mating state.

[0113] In the connector assembly of the first embodiment, the contact force that pulls the first insulator 12 and the second insulator 22 toward each other in the Z direction acts between the first contact 13 and the second contact 23, so that the strength and durability required for the first locking portion 12H, the first locked portion 12L, the second locking portion 22H, and the second locked portion 22L for mutually fixing the first insulator 12 and the second insulator 22 are reduced. As a result, the connector assembly can be miniaturized.

[0114] Furthermore, a first waterproof sheet 14 is disposed on the planar first joint surface 12B of the first insulator 12, and a -Z direction portion of the insulating coating CB near the -Y direction end of the first electric wire C1 is accommodated in the first electric wire accommodation groove 12D of the first insulator 12 via the first waterproof sheet 14. Similarly, a second waterproof sheet 24 is disposed on the planar second joint surface 22B of the second insulator 22, and a +Z direction portion of the insulating coating CB near the +Y direction end of the second electric wire C2 is accommodated in the second electric wire accommodation groove 22D of the second insulator 22 via the second waterproof sheet 24. When the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are engaged, the first waterproof sheet 14 on the first joint surface 12B and the second waterproof sheet 24 on the second joint surface 22B are pressed against each other in the Z direction. Therefore, a waterproof structure can be easily formed using the first waterproof sheet 14 and the second waterproof sheet 24 made of rubber material or the like.

[0115] In addition, for the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 in the engaged state, the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 can be detached from each other by sliding straight in the direction opposite to the engaging operation only with the force of the protrusion 12K of the first locking part 12H and the protrusion of the second locking part 22H respectively crossing over the protrusion 22M of the second locked part 22L and the protrusion 12M of the first locked part 12L.

[0116] Implementation Method 2

[0117] Figure 16 to Figure 18 The connector assembly of Embodiment 2 is shown. The connector assembly includes a first connector 31 and a second connector 41, and the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are engaged with each other by rotating and sliding the second connector 41 relative to the first connector 31 about the rotation axis RA, thereby electrically connecting the first electric wire C1 and the second electric wire C2.

[0118] The first connector 31 is connected to the +Y direction end of the first electric wire C1, and the second connector 41 is connected to the -Y direction end of the second electric wire C2. The first electric wire C1 and the second electric wire C2 are the same as the electric wires used in the first embodiment, and each constitutes a covered electric wire whose outer periphery of the conductor part CA is covered by the insulating coating part CB, and extends in opposite directions along the same straight line.

[0119] The first connector 31 includes a first insulator 32 having a substantially disk shape, and the second connector 41 also includes a second insulator 42 having a substantially disk shape. The first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are fitted to each other in a state where the second insulator 42 is superimposed on the first insulator 32 .

[0120] In addition, the rotation axis RA passes through the centers of the first insulator 32 and the second insulator 42 having a substantially disk shape, and extends in the Z direction.

[0121] Fig.19 The connector assembly of the second embodiment is shown in a state before mating. The first connector 31 and the second connector 41 have the same structure and are formed as hermaphrodites. When the second connector 41 starts mating with the first connector 31, it is in a state rotated by a predetermined angle on the XY plane relative to the first connector 31, but when the mating is completed, it becomes a reverse posture in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction relative to the first connector 31.

[0122] Fig. 20 1 shows an assembly diagram of the first connector 31. A first waterproof sheet 34 is disposed on the +Z direction side of the first insulator 32, a first electric wire C1 is disposed on the +Z direction side of the first waterproof sheet 34, and a first contact 33 is disposed on the +Z direction side of the first electric wire C1.

[0123] When viewed from the +Z direction, the first waterproof sheet 34 has a ring shape with a circular opening 34A formed at the center. In addition, at the +Y direction end of the first electric wire C1, the conductor CA is exposed by removing the insulating coating CB, and the exposed conductor CA of the first electric wire C1 is located on the +Z direction side of the opening 34A of the first waterproof sheet 34, and the first contact 33 is located on the +Z direction side of the exposed conductor CA of the first electric wire C1.

[0124] like Fig.21 As shown, the first insulator 32 is formed of insulating resin and has a substantially circular disk portion 32A extending along the XY plane. The disk portion 32A has a planar first joint surface 32B facing the +Z direction and a concave first contact accommodating portion 32C formed on the first joint surface 32B and open in the +Z direction.

[0125] The first contact accommodation portion 32C is formed at the center of the circular plate portion 32A, and accommodates and holds the first contact 33. The first contact accommodation portion 32C is formed with a pair of press-fit holes 32D into which a part of the first contact 33 is press-fitted.

[0126] Furthermore, a first wire accommodating groove 32E extending in the Y direction from the first contact accommodating portion 32C to the −Y direction end portion of the circular plate portion 32A is formed in the first joint surface 32B.

[0127] The periphery of the first contact accommodating portion 32C is completely surrounded by the planar first engagement surface 32B and the first wire accommodating groove 32E.

[0128] A pair of first locking portions 32F protruding in the +Z direction are formed on the side of the circular plate portion 32A. The pair of first locking portions 32F are located on the same diameter of the circular plate portion 32A and are opposite to each other, and each has an arm portion 32G extending along the circumferential direction of the circular plate portion 32A on the +Z direction side relative to the first joint surface 32B. The arm portions 32G of the pair of first locking portions 32F extend in the same rotation direction relative to the center of the circular plate portion 32A, and are bent along the circumferential direction of the circular plate portion 32A.

[0129] Furthermore, a protrusion 32H that protrudes in the −Z direction is formed at an intermediate portion of the arm portion 32G in the circumferential direction of the circular plate portion 32A.

[0130] Furthermore, a pair of reduced diameter portions 32J are formed on the side of the circular plate portion 32A, adjacent to the pair of first locking portions 32F and recessed toward the center of the circular plate portion 32A. The reduced diameter portions 32J extend from the -Z direction side of the arm portion 32G of the corresponding first locking portion 32F along the circumferential direction of the circular plate portion 32A to a rotation position beyond the front end of the arm portion 32G.

[0131] like Fig. 22As shown, the first contact 33 is formed of a conductive and bent metal plate, and has a wire connecting portion 33A extending slenderly in the Y direction along the XY plane and a pair of extension portions 33B extending from the +Y direction end and -Y direction end of the wire connecting portion 33A along the XY plane.

[0132] The extension portion 33B connected to the +Y direction end of the wire connection portion 33A extends in the -Y direction after extending from the +Y direction end of the wire connection portion 33A along the XY plane in the -X direction, and a first protrusion 33C is formed at the -Y direction end so as to be bent in the -Z direction, and the front end 33D of the first protrusion 33C in the -Y direction is inclined in the -Y direction and the +Z direction.

[0133] On the other hand, the extension portion 33B connected to the -Y direction end of the wire connecting portion 33A extends in the +Y direction after extending from the -Y direction end of the wire connecting portion 33A along the XY plane in the +X direction, and a first protrusion 33C is formed at the +Y direction end so as to be bent in the -Z direction, and the front end portion 33D of the first protrusion 33C in the +Y direction is inclined in the +Y direction and the +Z direction.

[0134] Furthermore, the first contact 33 has a pair of press-fit portions 33E extending in the -Z direction from the +Y direction end portion and the -Y direction end portion of the wire connecting portion 33A, respectively.

[0135] like Fig.23 As shown, in the first connector 31 , a first waterproof sheet 34 made of a rubber material or the like is arranged on the surface of the first joint surface 32B of the first insulator 32 .

[0136] The conductor portion CA exposed from the insulating coating portion CB near the +Y direction end of the first electric wire C1 is connected to the surface of the wire connecting portion 33A on the -Z direction side of the first contact 33 by, for example, welding, and the first contact 33 is accommodated in the first contact accommodating portion 32C of the first insulator 32. The first contact 33 is fixed to the first insulator 32 by a pair of press-fit portions 33E being pressed into a pair of press-fit holes 32D of the first contact accommodating portion 32C.

[0137] In addition, the insulating coating portion CB near the +Y direction end portion of the first electric wire C1 is accommodated in the first waterproof sheet 34. Fig.21 The first insulator 32 is shown in the first wire receiving groove 32E.

[0138] like Fig.24As shown, a pair of first protrusions 33C formed on a pair of extension portions 33B of the first contact 33 are respectively arranged on the +Z direction side of the first contact accommodating portion 32C of the first insulator 32 through the opening portion 34A of the first waterproof sheet 34, and the front end portion 33D of each first protrusion 33C is located closer to the +Z direction side than the first joint surface 32B of the first insulator 32.

[0139] Here, Fig.25 The second connector 41 is shown to be fitted with the first connector 31. The second connector 41 has the same structure as the first connector 31, and is fitted with the first connector 31 in an inverse posture in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction relative to the first connector 31.

[0140] In the second connector 41 , the second contacts 43 are accommodated in the second contact accommodation portions 42C of the second insulator 42 , and the second waterproof sheet 44 is arranged on the surface of the second joint surface 42B of the second insulator 42 .

[0141] The conductor portion CA exposed from the insulating coating portion CB near the −Y direction end portion of the second electric wire C2 is connected to the second contact 43 by welding, for example.

[0142] A pair of second protrusions 43C formed on a pair of extension portions 43B of the second contact 43 are located on the -Z direction side of the second contact accommodating portion 42C of the second insulator 42 through the opening portion 44A of the second waterproof sheet 44, and the front end portion 43D of each second protrusion 43C is located closer to the -Z direction side than the second joint surface 42B of the second insulator 42.

[0143] The second insulator 42 of the second connector 41 has a pair of second locking portions 42F having the same structure as the first locking portions 32F of the first insulator 32 of the first connector 31 , and each second locking portion 42F has a protrusion 42H formed on an arm portion 42G described later.

[0144] When assembling the connector assembly of the second embodiment, first, Fig.26 As shown, the second connector 41 is overlapped on the +Z direction side of the first connector 31 in a reverse posture in the Z direction relative to the first connector 31. With the connected second electric wire C2 located at a rotation position extending from the Y direction toward a direction rotated by a predetermined angle around the rotation axis RA, the arm portion 42G of the second locking portion 42F of the second insulator 42 is located along the outer periphery of the reduced diameter portion 32J of the first insulator 32, and the arm portion 32G of the first locking portion 32F of the first insulator 32 is located along the outer periphery of the reduced diameter portion 42J of the second insulator 42. In this state, the second connector 41 can be overlapped on the +Z direction side of the first connector 31.

[0145] At this time, if Fig. 27 As shown, the arm 32G of the first locking portion 32F and the arm 42G of the second locking portion 42F are located at different rotational positions in the rotation direction centered on the rotation axis RA, and the first insulator 32 of the first connector 31 and the second insulator 42 of the second connector 41 are not locked to each other.

[0146] In addition, at this time, Fig.28 As shown, the second contacts 43 of the second connector 41 are located away from the first contacts 33 in the rotation direction about the rotation axis RA and have not yet come into contact with the first contacts 33 of the first connector 31 .

[0147] Furthermore, the tip end portion 33D of the first convex portion 33C of the first contact 33 in the first connector 31 is located closer to the +Z direction side than the tip end portion 43D of the second convex portion 43C of the second contact 43 in the second connector 41 .

[0148] Furthermore, since the second connector 41 is overlapped on the +Z direction side of the first connector 31 , the second waterproof sheet 44 of the second connector 41 is in contact with the first waterproof sheet 34 of the first connector 31 .

[0149] In this state, if the second connector 41 is rotated and slid relative to the first connector 31 around the rotation axis RA until the direction in which the second electric wire C2 connected to the second connector 41 extends becomes the Y direction, Fig.29 As shown, the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are relatively moved by the front end portion 33D of the pair of first protrusions 33C formed on the pair of extension portions 33B of the first contact 33 and the front end portion 43D of the pair of second protrusions 43C formed on the pair of extension portions 43B of the second contact 43 until the first protrusion 33C and the second protrusion 43C pass over each other. Thus, the pair of first protrusions 33C of the first contact 33 are respectively located between the second contact 43 of the second connector 41 and the second insulator 42, and the pair of second protrusions 43C of the second contact 43 are respectively located between the first contact 33 of the first connector 31 and the first insulator 32.

[0150] In more detail, the first convex portion 33C of each first contact 33 is located between the corresponding second convex portion 43C of the second contact 43 and the bottom surface of the second contact receiving portion 42C of the second insulator 42, and the second convex portion 43C of each second contact 43 is located between the corresponding first convex portion 33C of the first contact 33 and the bottom surface of the first contact receiving portion 32C of the first insulator 32, and the first convex portion 33C of the first contact 33 and the second convex portion 43C of the second contact 43 corresponding to each other are in elastic contact in the Z direction. Thus, the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are fitted with each other, and the assembly of the connector assembly is completed.

[0151] In addition, the first convex portion 33C of the first contact 33 is located between the second contact 43 of the second connector 41 and the second insulator 42, and the second convex portion 43C of the second contact 43 is located between the first contact 33 of the first connector 31 and the first insulator 32, so that a contact force that pulls the first insulator 32 and the second insulator 42 toward each other in the Z direction acts between the first contact 33 and the second contact 43. That is, a contact force in the +Z direction from the second convex portion 43C of the second contact 43 toward the second insulator 42 acts on the first convex portion 33C of the first contact 33, and a contact force in the −Z direction from the first convex portion 33C of the first contact 33 toward the first insulator 32 acts on the second convex portion 43C of the second contact 43.

[0152] When the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are fitted into each other, the first contacts 33 and the second contacts 43 are electrically connected to each other, and the first electric wires C1 and the second electric wires C2 are electrically connected to each other via the first contacts 33 and the second contacts 43 .

[0153] Furthermore, the second connector 41 is rotated and slid relative to the first connector 31 about the rotation axis RA until the direction in which the second electric wire C2 connected to the second connector 41 extends becomes the Y direction. Fig.18 As shown, the arm portion 32G of the first locking portion 32F of the first insulator 32 and the arm portion 42G of the second locking portion 42F of the second insulator 42 are at positions overlapping each other in the Z direction. As a result, the first locking portion 32F and the second locking portion 42F interfere with each other, and the first insulator 32 and the second insulator 42 are locked and fixed to each other.

[0154] Thus, if the first insulator 32 and the second insulator 42 are locked to each other, Fig.30 As shown, the projection 42H of the arm 42G of the second lock portion 42F is hooked on the projection 32H of the arm 32G of the first lock portion 32F. This effectively prevents the second connector 41 in the mated state from rotating relative to the first connector 31 around the rotation axis RA to release the mated state.

[0155] In addition, when the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are engaged with each other, the first protrusion 33C of the first contact 33 and the second protrusion 43C of the second contact 43 are in a state of crossing over each other. Therefore, the first protrusion 33C and the second protrusion 43C interfere with each other, thereby suppressing the second connector 41 from rotating around the rotation axis RA relative to the first connector 31 and releasing the engaged state.

[0156] In the connector assembly of the second embodiment, as in the connector assembly of the first embodiment, the contact force that pulls the first insulator 32 and the second insulator 42 toward each other in the Z direction acts on the first contact 33 and the second contact 43, thereby reducing the strength and durability required for the first locking portion 32F and the second locking portion 42F for fixing the first insulator 32 and the second insulator 42 to each other. As a result, the connector assembly can be miniaturized.

[0157] Furthermore, a first waterproof sheet 34 is disposed on the planar first joint surface 32B of the first insulator 32, and the insulating coating CB near the +Y direction end of the first electric wire C1 is accommodated in the first electric wire accommodation groove 32E of the first insulator 32 via the first waterproof sheet 34. Similarly, a second waterproof sheet 44 is disposed on the planar second joint surface 42B of the second insulator 42, and the insulating coating CB near the -Y direction end of the second electric wire C2 is accommodated in the second electric wire accommodation groove of the second insulator 42 via the second waterproof sheet 44. When the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are engaged, the first waterproof sheet 34 on the first joint surface 32B and the second waterproof sheet 44 on the second joint surface 42B are pressed against each other in the Z direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily form a waterproof structure using the first waterproof sheet 34 and the second waterproof sheet 44 made of rubber material or the like.

[0158] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, the first contact 33 has a pair of first protrusions 33C and the second contact 43 has a pair of second protrusions 43C, but it is not limited to this. It can also be configured that the only first protrusion 33C of the first contact 33 and the only second protrusion 43C of the second contact 43 are elastically in contact in the Z direction.

[0159] However, as in the second embodiment, if the first contact 33 and the second contact 43 are configured to be in contact at two points by a pair of first protrusions 33C and a pair of second protrusions 43C, the reliability of the electrical connection can be improved.

[0160] In addition, for the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 in the engaged state, the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 can be disengaged from each other by rotating and sliding the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 in the direction opposite to the engaging operation only with the force of the protrusion 32H of the first locking portion 32F passing over the protrusion 42H of the second locking portion 42F.

[0161] In the connector assemblies of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, the first electric wire C1 and the second electric wire C2 are electrically connected to each other using the first connector 11, 31 and the second connector 21, 41, so the connection and disconnection of the first electric wire C1 and the second electric wire C2 can be easily switched only by engaging and disassembling the first connector 11, 31 and the second connector 21, 41.

[0162] Furthermore, the first connector 11, 31 and the second connector 21, 41 have the same structure as each other and are formed as hermaphrodites, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the connector assembly. In addition, the wrong connector will not be connected to the ends of the first wire C1 and the second wire C2, and the electrical connection between the first wire C1 and the second wire C2 can be reliably performed.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising a first connector and a second connector that are engaged with each other, wherein the first connector is connected to an end of a first electric wire, and the second connector is connected to an end of a second electric wire and has the same structure as the first connector, characterized in that: The first connector includes a first insulator and a first contact held by the first insulator and connected to an end of the first wire. The second connector has a second insulator and a second contact held by the second insulator and connected to an end of the second wire. When the first connector and the second connector are mated with each other, the first contact and the second contact are in contact with each other, and the first wire and the second wire are electrically connected to each other in a state in which a portion of the first contact is located between the second contact and the second insulator, and a portion of the second contact is located between the first contact and the first insulator.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first insulator has a planar first joint surface and a concave first contact accommodating portion formed on the first joint surface and accommodating at least a portion of the first contact. The second insulator has a planar second joint surface opposing the first joint surface and a concave second contact accommodating portion formed on the second joint surface and accommodating at least a portion of the second contact.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other by relatively moving along the second joint surface and the first joint surface.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first contact has a first protrusion protruding in a direction opposite to the second connector. The second contact has a second protrusion protruding in a direction opposite to the first connector. The first connector and the second connector move relatively to each other until the first protrusion and the second protrusion pass over each other.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first connector and the second connector move relative to each other in a mutually linear sliding manner.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first connector and the second connector move relative to each other in a rotating and sliding manner.

7. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The connector assembly includes a waterproof portion sandwiched between the first joint surface and the second joint surface.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The waterproof portion is composed of a first waterproof sheet disposed on the first joint surface and a second waterproof sheet disposed on the second joint surface and in close contact with the first waterproof sheet.

9. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The first electric wire and the second electric wire are each composed of a coated electric wire in which the outer periphery of a conductor portion is covered by an insulating coating portion. The conductor portion at the end of the first electric wire is connected to the first contact in the first contact accommodation portion. The conductor portion in the end portion of the second electric wire is connected to the second contact in the second contact accommodation portion.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first insulator has a first wire accommodating groove, which is formed on the first joint surface in a manner communicating with the first contact accommodating portion and accommodates a portion of the first wire. The second insulator has a second wire accommodating groove formed on the second joint surface in a manner communicating with the second contact accommodating portion and accommodating a portion of the second wire.

11. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The first insulator has a first locking portion and a first locked portion. The second insulator has a second locking portion and a second locked portion, When the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, the first locked portion is locked by the second locking portion, and the second locked portion is locked by the first locking portion, so that the first insulator and the second insulator are fixed to each other.

12. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The first insulator has a first locking portion, The second insulator has a second locking portion, When the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, the first insulator and the second insulator are fixed to each other due to the interference of the first locking portion and the second locking portion.

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