Connector and connector set

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector and a connector group. A connector (1) includes a housing (10) and terminals (13, 14) held by the housing (10), the terminals (13, 14) having attachment portions (132, 142) attachable to a member (1A) to be connected. Furthermore, the housing (10) has formed therein a recess (112e) that accommodates and holds the portion (10A) to be connected of the member (1A) to be connected, and a protrusion (112d) that defines the recess (112e) by protruding with respect to the thickness of the portion (10A) to be connected. Furthermore, the protruding part (112d) is only formed on the peripheral edge part of the housing (10).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application date of November 21, 2019, application number 201911147166.5, and invention name "Connector". Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector group. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, as a connector, a connector including a housing and terminals as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-152273 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) is known. The terminals are held by the housing and are mounted on a connected member such as a cable.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a recess for accommodating a connection region (connected portion) of the connected member is formed on one side of the housing, and the recess is defined by a protrusion that protrudes downward from one side of the housing. Further, in Patent Document 1, the protrusion is formed in a substantially T shape in plan view and is protruded so that its thickness is thicker than the thickness of the connected portion of the connected member. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In such a connector, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the shape of the connected portion, the degree of freedom in the connection position where the connected portion is connected to the housing, etc., that is, the degree of freedom in connecting the connected member to the housing. However, it is preferable to further increase the degree of freedom in connecting the connected member to the housing.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a connector that can further increase the degree of freedom in connecting a connected member to a housing.

[0007] The connector of the present disclosure includes a housing and terminals. The terminals have mounting portions that can be mounted on a connected member and are held by the housing. Further, a recess and a protrusion are formed in the housing. The recess accommodates and holds the connected portion of the connected member, and the protrusion protrudes relative to the thickness of the connected portion to define the recess. And the protrusion is formed only on the peripheral portion of the housing.

[0008] By adopting the present disclosure, a connector that can further increase the degree of freedom in connecting a connected member to a housing can be obtained. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 It is a view showing an example of a connector group, and is a perspective view showing the connector group disassembled into a plug-type connector and a socket-type connector. The plug-type connector is mounted on a cable and temporarily holds a sliding member, and the socket-type connector is mounted on a circuit board.

[0010] Figure 2It is a diagram showing an example of a connector group, and it is a perspective view showing a state where a plug connector mounted on a cable is fitted with a socket connector mounted on a circuit board and locked using a sliding member.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the plug terminals and socket terminals of the exemplified connector group. (a) is a perspective view showing the state before the lower plug terminal contacts the lower socket terminal, and (b) is a top view showing the contact state of the lower plug terminal and the lower socket terminal.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the plug terminals and socket terminals of the exemplified connector group. (a) is a perspective view showing the state before the upper plug terminal contacts the upper socket terminal, and (b) is a top view showing the contact state of the upper plug terminal and the upper socket terminal.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a diagram explaining the situation of locking the exemplified plug connector and socket connector using a sliding member, and it is a perspective view showing the state before the plug connector temporarily holding the sliding member is fitted with the socket connector.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a diagram explaining the situation of locking the exemplified plug connector and socket connector using a sliding member, and it is a perspective view showing the state where the plug connector temporarily holding the sliding member is fitted with the socket connector.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a diagram explaining the situation of locking the exemplified plug connector and socket connector using a sliding member, and it is a perspective view showing the state where the plug connector and the socket connector are fitted together and locked using the sliding member.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing the state before mounting the plug connector temporarily holding the sliding member, which the exemplified connector group has, on a cable.

[0017] Figure 9 It is a diagram explaining the situation of mounting the plug connector, which the exemplified connector group has, on a cable. (a) is a perspective view observed from the reverse side before mounting, and (b) is a perspective view observed from the reverse side after mounting.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a top view showing the state of mounting the plug connector, which the exemplified connector group has, on a cable.

[0019] Figure 11It is a bottom view showing the state in which the plug connector included in the illustrated connector group is mounted on a cable.

[0020] Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing an exploded view of the plug connector and the sliding member included in the illustrated connector group.

[0021] Figure 13 It is a view showing the plug housing of the plug connector, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a bottom view.

[0022] Figure 14 It is a view showing the plug housing of the plug connector, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side sectional view.

[0023] Figure 15 It is a view showing the lower plug terminal of the plug connector, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0024] Figure 16 It is a view showing the upper plug terminal of the plug connector, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0025] Figure 17 It is a perspective view showing the state before the socket connector included in the illustrated connector group is mounted on a circuit board.

[0026] Figure 18 It is a perspective view showing an exploded view of the socket connector included in the illustrated connector group.

[0027] Figure 19 It is a view showing the socket housing of the socket connector, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a bottom view.

[0028] Figure 20 It is a view showing the socket housing of the socket connector, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side sectional view.

[0029] Figure 21 It is a view showing the lower socket terminal of the socket connector, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0030] Figure 22It is a diagram showing the upper socket terminals of a socket-type connector. (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0031] Figure 23 It is a diagram showing the sliding member of the illustrated connector group. (a) is a perspective view observed from one side, and (b) is a perspective view observed from the other side.

[0032] Figure 24 It is a diagram showing the sliding member of the illustrated connector group. (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) is a front view, and (e) is a rear view.

[0033] Figure 25 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state where the sliding member is temporarily held on the illustrated plug-type connector.

[0034] Figure 26 It is a diagram explaining the situation of locking the illustrated plug-type connector and socket-type connector using the sliding member, and is a side cross-sectional view showing the state before the plug-type connector temporarily holding the sliding member is engaged with the socket-type connector.

[0035] Figure 27 It is a diagram explaining the situation of locking the illustrated plug-type connector and socket-type connector using the sliding member, and is a side cross-sectional view showing the state after the plug-type connector temporarily holding the sliding member is engaged with the socket-type connector.

[0036] Figure 28 It is a diagram explaining the situation of locking the illustrated plug-type connector and socket-type connector using the sliding member, and is a side cross-sectional view showing the state after the plug-type connector is engaged with the socket-type connector and locked using the sliding member.

[0037] Figure 29 It is a diagram explaining the plug-type connector shown as a modified example. (a) is the front view of the plug-type connector shown as a modified example, and (b) is a diagram explaining the method of confirming the protruding amount of the mounting portion of the plug-type connector shown as a modified example.

[0038] Figure 30 It is a diagram explaining the illustrated plug-type connector. (a) is the front view of the illustrated plug-type connector, and (b) is a diagram explaining the method of confirming the protruding amount of the mounting portion of the illustrated plug-type connector. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, hereinafter, as an example of a connector, a plug connector 1 mounted on a cable (mounted member) 1A is illustrated, and as an example of a connector on the mating side of the plug connector 1, a socket connector 2 mounted on a circuit board (mounted member on the mating side) 2A is illustrated.

[0040] In addition, in the following description, the direction orthogonal to the mounting surface of the mounted member in the state of being mounted on the mounted member (the normal direction of the mounting surface) will be described as the up-down direction (Z direction) of the connector. In addition, the direction in which the terminals are arranged in the housing of each connector will be described as the width direction (Y direction), and the insertion direction in which the terminals are inserted into the housing of each connector will be described as the front-back direction (X direction).

[0041] In addition, the upper side in the up-down direction in the state where the connector mounted on the mounted member is located above the mounting surface is defined as the upper side, and the side facing the mating connector on the object side when the connectors are mated with each other is defined as the front in the front-back direction.

[0042] [Structural example of connector group]

[0043] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown connector groups C1, etc., the plug connector (connector) 1 of the present embodiment is used.

[0044] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the connector group C1 includes the above-mentioned plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2 that mates with the plug connector 1.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the plug connector 1 is formed to be mountable on a cable (member to be connected) 1A such as an FPC or an FFC. Specifically, the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A by electrically connecting (mounting) the first mounting pieces (mounting portions) 132 and the second mounting pieces (mounting portions) 142 of the plug terminals (terminals) 13 and 14 of the plug connector 1 to the conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A.

[0046] On the other hand, the socket connector 2 is formed to be mountable on a circuit board (mounted member on the mating side) 2A. Specifically, the socket connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 2A by electrically connecting (mounting) the first mounting pieces (mounting portions on the mating side) 232 and the second mounting pieces (mounting portions on the mating side) 242 of the socket terminals (terminals on the mating side) 23 and 24 of the socket connector 2 to the conductor portion 2bA of the circuit board 2A.

[0047] Further, by fitting the plug - type connector 1 that holds the plug terminals 13 and 14 in the plug housing 10 and mounts the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 to the cable 1A to the socket - type connector (connector on the target side) 2, the plug terminals 13 and 14 are electrically connected to the socket terminals (terminals on the target side) 23 and 24 of the socket - type connector 2.

[0048] In this way, for the connector set C1, by fitting the plug - type connector 1 and the socket - type connector 2 together to connect the plug terminals 13 and 14 and the socket terminals 23 and 24 in conduction, the cable 1A and the circuit board 2A are electrically connected together (see Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0049] In addition, in the present embodiment, the sliding member 3 is held at the plug - type connector 1 so as to be slidable (see Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0050] The sliding member 3 is slidably mounted to the plug - type connector 1 in such a manner that, in a state where the fitting of the plug - type connector 1 to the socket - type connector 2 is not completed, the sliding from the initial position as the first position to the sliding - completion position as the second position is restricted. In addition, the first position and the second position can be appropriately set.

[0051] Moreover, the sliding member 3 is configured to be allowed to slide from the initial position to the sliding - completion position when the state where the plug - type connector 1 is fitted to the socket - type connector 2 is achieved. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to confirm the completion of the fitting of the plug - type connector 1 and the socket - type connector 2 based on the sliding of the sliding member 3 from the initial position to the sliding - completion position.

[0052] In this way, in the present embodiment, the connector set C1 has a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) function, and the sliding member 3 functions as a CPA member.

[0053] [Structural example of the cable 1A]

[0054] Next, based on Figures 8 to 11 an example of the structure of the cable 1A for mounting the plug - type connector 1 will be described.

[0055] The cable 1A is formed in a sheet (flat plate) shape having a front surface (front face: one face) 1aA and a back surface (rear face: the other face) 1bA, and the front surface 1aA serves as the mounting surface for mounting the plug - type connector 1. In addition, the cable 1A has flexibility and can be bent along the cable thickness direction.

[0056] The cable 1A includes a connection area 11A used for connection with the plug connector 1 and an extension area 12A formed by extending the conductor layer 15bA for wiring with other circuits.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the cable 1A is formed such that the connection area 11A is located on one end side of the extension area 12A. And in a state where the plug connector 1 connected to the connection area 11A is fitted with the socket connector 2, the extension area 12A is located on the side opposite to the side where the socket connector 2 is located.

[0058] In addition, the cable 1A is formed in a multilayer structure, including a support layer 15aA and a conductor layer 15bA supported by the support layer 15aA. The support layer 15aA is formed of a plurality of insulator films and covers the conductor layer 15bA. On the other hand, the conductor layer 15bA is a conductor film printed on the insulator film constituting the support layer 15aA and is a plurality of wiring patterns corresponding to a plurality of plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) described later respectively.

[0059] In addition, a plurality of conductor portions 151bA are formed on the upper surface of the connection area 11A, and the plurality of conductor portions 151bA are the conductor layer 15bA exposed from the support layer 15aA. The plurality of conductor portions 151bA are formed in two rows in the front - rear direction, and the conductor portions 151bA in each row are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the width direction (Y - direction). In addition, in the present embodiment, the plurality of conductor portions 151bA are formed to be staggered in a plan view (in a state of observing along the mounting surface 1aA).

[0060] For example, the conductor layer 15bA is formed by printing a plurality of conductor films on the support layer 15aA, and another support layer 15aA is covered on the conductor layer 15bA, thereby enabling the formation of the above - described structure. At this time, if the other support layer 15aA is provided in such a way as not to cover the top end of the conductive layer 15bA, the cable 1A with the top end of the conductive layer 15bA exposed to one side (upward in the up - down direction) is formed.

[0061] In addition, the formation method of the cable 1A is not limited to the above - described method and can be formed by various methods.

[0062] In addition, a fixing portion 15cA is formed on the upper surface of the connection region 11A, and a holding fitting 15 (described later) of the plug connector 1 is fixed to the fixing portion 15cA. In the present embodiment, the cable 1A has a wide portion 16A which is formed by extending both sides in the width direction (Y direction) with respect to a plurality of conductor layers 15bA arranged in the width direction (Y direction), and a pair of fixing portions 15cA are formed on the top side (front side in the front-rear direction) of each wide portion 16A. For example, the fixing portion 15cA can be formed in the same manner as the formation of the conductor layer 15bA in the printing process of the conductor layer 15bA.

[0063] In addition, in the present embodiment, a notch 11aA that is elongated in the width direction (Y direction) and has a stepped shape is formed at the connection region 11A of the cable 1A and opens forward. Further, through holes 11bA that penetrate in the cable thickness direction (vertical direction; Z direction) are formed on both sides in the width direction (Y direction) of the notch 11aA in the connection region 11A.

[0064] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cable 1A includes a reinforcing plate 14A. The reinforcing plate 14A is formed using glass epoxy resin, stainless steel, etc., and the connection region 11A of the cable 1A is strengthened by sandwiching the connection region 11A of the cable 1A between the reinforcing plate 14A and the plug connector 1.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the reinforcing plate 14A is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection region 11A of the cable 1A. That is, the contour shape of the reinforcing plate 14A in a plan view (in a state of observing along the mounting surface 1aA) is formed in a shape substantially the same as the contour shape of the connection region 11A. Therefore, in the reinforcing plate 14A, a notch 14aA that is elongated in the width direction (Y direction) and opens forward is formed, and through holes 14bA that penetrate in the cable thickness direction (vertical direction; Z direction) are formed. Then, in a state where the notch 11aA and the notch 14aA communicate with each other and the through hole 11bA and the through hole 14bA communicate with each other, the reinforcing plate 14A is attached to the back side of the connection region 11A using an adhesive or the like.

[0066] At this time, it is preferable that the entire conductor portion 151bA overlaps with the reinforcing plate 14A in a plan view (in a state of observing along the mounting surface 1aA). Thus, since the entire conductor portion 151bA is supported by the reinforcing plate 14A, it is possible to suppress the conductor portion 151bA from being bent in the vertical direction (Z direction) or being deflected in the width direction (Y direction).

[0067] [Structural example of the plug connector 1]

[0068] Next, based on Figures 12 to 16 an example of the structure of the plug connector 1 will be described.

[0069] As Figure 12 shown, the plug-type connector (connector) 1 includes a plug housing (housing) 10, plug terminals (terminals: lower-side plug terminal 13 and upper-side plug terminal 14) held by the plug housing 10, and a holding fitting 15 held by the plug housing 10.

[0070] Further, by mounting the plug terminals (lower-side plug terminal 13 and upper-side plug terminal 14) held by the plug housing 10 to the conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A disposed outside the plug housing 10, the plug-type connector 1 is mounted to the cable 1A as the member to be mounted. In addition, the plug terminals (lower-side plug terminal 13 and upper-side plug terminal 14) are mounted to the conductor portion 151bA by soldering or the like. Further, with the holding fitting 15 held by the plug housing 10, the holding fitting 15 is fixed to the fixing portion 15cA of the cable 1A by soldering or the like, thereby fixing the plug housing 10 to the cable 1A.

[0071] The plug housing 10 includes a housing main body 11 having rigidity. For example, the plug housing 10 can be formed using an insulating resin material.

[0072] In addition, a locking portion 12 is formed in the housing main body 11. The locking portion 12 is configured to hold the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 of the socket-type connector 2 in a fitted state or to release the fitted state.

[0073] Thus, in the present embodiment, the plug housing 10 includes the housing main body 11 and the locking portion 12 formed in the housing main body 11.

[0074] The housing main body 11 includes a top wall 111, a bottom wall 112, side walls 113, and a front wall 114. The pair of side walls 113 are provided to be continuous with both ends in the width direction (Y direction) of the top wall 111 and the bottom wall 112, respectively. The front wall 114 is provided to be continuous with the front ends of the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112, and the side walls 113, 113.

[0075] In addition, the housing main body 11 includes a partition wall 115. The partition wall 115 is provided to be continuous with the front wall 114 and the pair of side walls 113, and vertically divides the space defined by the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112, the side walls 113, 113, and the front wall 114.

[0076] In addition, the housing main body 11 includes a plurality of upper side partition walls 116 that are arranged to be continuous with the top wall 111, the partition wall 115, and the front wall 114. The upper side space separated by the partition wall 115 is divided into a plurality of spaces by using the upper side partition walls 116. In addition, the housing main body 11 includes a plurality of lower side partition walls 117 that are arranged to be continuous with the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 115, and the front wall 114. The lower side space separated by the partition wall 115 is divided into a plurality of spaces by using the lower side partition walls 117.

[0077] Moreover, a locking portion 12 is formed at the center in the width direction of the upper part of the housing main body 11. Specifically, the top walls 111 are formed on both sides in the width direction of the locking portion 12, and the upper side partition walls 116 are arranged to be continuous with the top walls 111 on the inner sides in the width direction of the respective top walls 111. Thus, in the present embodiment, in a state of being observed along the insertion direction (front-rear direction; X direction), the housing main body 11 is formed in a shape that is recessed at the center in the width direction. And a locking portion 12 is formed at the recessed portion 11a formed at the center in the width direction of the housing main body 11.

[0078] The locking portion 12 has a rod portion 121 that is arranged to be continuous with the front end of the partition wall 115 and extends rearward. The rear side of the rod portion 121 can move relative to the partition wall 115 (housing main body 11) in the up-down direction. And an operation portion 121a for operating the rod portion 121 is formed at the rear end of the rod portion 121, and an engaging protrusion portion 121b for engaging with an engaging concave portion (engaging portion) 221a formed in the socket type connector 2 is formed at the center in the front-rear direction of the rod portion 121.

[0079] In the present embodiment, when the plug housing 10 is fitted with the socket housing 20 of the socket type connector 2, the engaging protrusion portion 121b engages with the engaging concave portion 221a, and the housings of the respective connectors can be locked to each other (maintained in a fitted state). And by pressing the operation portion 121a of the rod portion 121 to move the rod portion 121 downward, the engaging protrusion portion 121b also moves downward, and the engagement between the engaging protrusion portion 121b and the engaging concave portion 221a is released, so that the fitting between the housings of the respective connectors can be released.

[0080] In addition, insertion spaces S6 for inserting the sliding members 3 are formed at portions on both sides in the width direction of the rod portion 121 in the recessed portion 11a. In addition, a flexure allowance space S7 that allows the rod portion 121 to flex downward (move relative to the housing main body 11) is formed at a portion below the rod portion 121 (between the rod portion 121 and the partition wall 115) in the recessed portion 11a.

[0081] Further, the insertion space S6 is divided into a space for inserting the lower arm portion 32 of the sliding member 3 described later and a space for inserting the upper arm portion 33 by a protruding wall 116a formed at the upper side partition wall 116 defining the concave portion 11a and protruding in the width direction.

[0082] In addition, a stepped portion 116b is formed at the center in the front-rear direction below the protruding wall 116a of the upper side partition wall 116 defining the concave portion 11a. The space for inserting the lower arm portion 32 is formed to be wider at the front side in a plan view (see Figure 25 ). Then, by engaging the locking protrusion 32a formed at the tip (front end) of the lower arm portion 32 so as to protrude outward in the width direction with the stepped portion 116b, the sliding member 3 is prevented from detaching from the housing main body 11.

[0083] Moreover, a restricting protrusion (sliding restricting portion) 111b that is substantially L-shaped in a plan view is formed at the rear portion of the top wall 111. In a state where the plug housing 10 is not fully engaged with the socket housing 20, the restricting protrusion 111b restricts the sliding of the sliding member 3 from the initial position to the sliding completion position.

[0084] Through holes 114a are formed in the front wall 114 so as to communicate with a plurality of spaces separated by the partition wall 115, the upper side partition wall 116, and the lower side partition wall 117. Thus, in the present embodiment, a plurality of spaces penetrating in the front-rear direction are formed in the housing main body 11. And the plug terminals (the lower plug terminal 13 and the upper plug terminal 14) can be respectively pressed (inserted) into the spaces penetrating in the front-rear direction.

[0085] In the present embodiment, at the housing main body 11, a plurality of spaces arranged in the width direction (Y direction) are formed in two stages in the up-down direction (Z direction). In addition, when observing the housing main body 11 from the rear in the front-rear direction, the plurality of spaces are formed in a staggered shape. By setting it in this way, miniaturization in the width direction of the plug-type connector 1 is achieved.

[0086] Specifically, a plurality of spaces defined by the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 115, and the lower side partition wall 117 are arranged in the width direction (Y direction) at the lower side (the mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing main body 11. And the space formed at the lower side (the mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing main body 11 becomes the first space S1 for pressing (inserting) the lower plug terminal 13.

[0087] On the other hand, on the upper side of the housing main body 11 (a position farther from the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1), a plurality of spaces defined by the top wall 111, the partition wall 115, and the upper side partition wall 116 are arranged in the width direction (Y direction). Moreover, the space formed on the upper side of the housing main body 11 becomes the second space S2 into which the upper side plug terminal 14 is pressed (inserted).

[0088] In the present embodiment, 12 spaces (lower side spaces S1) are arranged along the width direction on the lower side of the housing main body 11. On the other hand, on the upper side of the housing main body 11, 4 spaces (upper side spaces S2) are arranged on one side in the width direction of the locking portion 12, and 4 spaces (upper side spaces S2) are arranged on the other side in the width direction of the locking portion 12. That is, on the upper side of the housing main body 11, 8 spaces (upper side spaces S2) are arranged along the width direction with the locking portion 12 interposed therebetween. By arranging in this way, miniaturization in the height direction of the housing main body 11 is achieved.

[0089] In addition, in the present embodiment, the upper side partition wall 116 and the lower side partition wall 117 are formed at positions offset in the width direction. That is, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are formed so as to overlap partially in a top view. In other words, in a state where the plug terminals (lower side plug terminal 13 and upper side plug terminal 14) are held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, when observing the plug housing 10 in the normal direction (vertical direction) of the mounting surface 1aA, the first space S1 and the second space S2 overlap.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, when observing the plug housing 10 in the width direction, the insertion space S6 overlaps with the second space S2. By arranging in this way, the height of the plug housing 10 holding the sliding member 3 can be suppressed to be low.

[0091] Moreover, the lower side plug terminal 13 is pressed (inserted) forward from the opening on the rear end side of the first space S1, and the opening on the rear end side of the first space S1 becomes the insertion port S1a. In addition, the opening on the front end side of the first space S1 is smaller than the insertion port S1a so that the lower side plug terminal 13 does not fall off. That is, the forward movement of the lower side plug terminal 13 pressed (inserted) from the insertion port S1a is restricted by the front wall 114. In addition, the opening on the front end side of the first space S1 becomes an introduction port S1b for introducing the contact portion 230a of the lower side socket terminal 23 of the socket type connector 2 described later into the first space S1. The peripheral portion of the introduction port S1b is formed in a conical shape to facilitate the introduction of the contact portion 230a of the lower side socket terminal 23.

[0092] Similarly, the upper plug terminal 14 is pressed (inserted) forward from the opening on the rear end side of the second space S2 toward the front. The opening on the rear end side of the second space S2 serves as the insertion port S2a. In addition, the opening on the front end side of the second space S2 is smaller than the insertion port S2a so that the upper plug terminal 14 does not fall off. That is, the forward movement of the upper plug terminal 14 pressed (inserted) from the insertion port S2a is restricted by the front wall 114. Further, the opening on the front end side of the second space S2 also serves as the introduction port S2b for introducing the contact portion 240a of the upper socket terminal 24 of the socket-type connector 2 described later into the second space S2. The peripheral portion of the introduction port S2b is also formed in a conical shape to facilitate the introduction of the contact portion 240a of the upper socket terminal 24.

[0093] In addition, a groove portion 111a that opens rearward and downward is formed in the lower portion of the top wall 111 in communication with the second space S2. The upper end of the side wall 144 of the upper plug terminal 14 described later is inserted into the groove portion 111a to guide the pressing (insertion) of the upper plug terminal 14 into the second space S2.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the groove portions 111a are formed on both sides in the width direction of the second space S2, and each groove portion 111a is formed to extend from the insertion port S2a to the front wall 114.

[0095] That is, the length of the groove portion 111a in the insertion direction (X direction) is formed to be equal to or greater than the distance that the upper plug terminal 14 moves during the period from the start of inserting the upper end of the side wall 134 into the groove portion 111a to the completion of the insertion. Therefore, the portion of the upper end of the side wall 134 that is first inserted into the groove portion 111a always exists within the groove portion 111a during the period from the start of the insertion into the groove portion 111a to the completion of the pressing (insertion) of the upper plug terminal 14 into the second space S2.

[0096] In addition, the groove portion 111a is formed such that the groove width (length in the Y direction) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 134.

[0097] Similarly, a groove portion 115a that opens rearward and downward is formed in the lower portion of the partition wall 115 in communication with the first space S1. The upper end of the side wall 134 of the lower plug terminal 13 described later is inserted into the groove portion 115a to guide the pressing (insertion) of the lower plug terminal 13 into the first space S1.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the groove portions 115a are also formed on both sides in the width direction of the first space S1, and each groove portion 115a is formed to extend from the insertion port S1a to the front wall 114.

[0099] That is, the length of the slot portion 115a in the insertion direction (X direction) is formed to be equal to or greater than the distance by which the lower plug terminal 13 moves during the period from the start of inserting the upper end of the side wall 134 into the slot portion 115a to the completion of the insertion. Therefore, the portion of the upper end of the side wall 134 that is first inserted into the slot portion 115a always remains within the slot portion 115a during the period from the start of the insertion into the slot portion 115a to the completion of the pressing (insertion) of the lower plug terminal 13 into the first space S1.

[0100] In addition, the slot portion 115a is formed such that the slot width (the length in the Y direction) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 134.

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, a slot portion 115b is formed at the rear end of the partition wall 115. The slot portion 115b extends in the vertical direction and both ends thereof open to the first space S1 and the second space S2, respectively. Specifically, the slot portion 115b is formed to be opposite in the vertical direction to one of the two slot portions 111a ( Figure 14 the one on the right side in (b) of

[0102] That is, as shown in Figure 14 (b) of Figure 14 when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction, the slot portion 115b and one (

[0103] the one on the right side in (b) of Figure 14 the slot portion 111a are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction. The upper part of the leg portion 141 of the upper plug terminal 14 in the pressed (inserted) state is inserted into the slot portion 115b.

[0104] In addition, a slot portion 112a that extends in the vertical direction and has an upper end opening to the first space S1 is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 112. Specifically, when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction, the slot portion 112a, one ( Figure 14 the one on the right side in (b) of

[0105] That is, as shown in Figure 14As shown in (b) thereof, when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction, the groove portion 112b and one ( Figure 14 the groove portion 115a on the right side of (b)) are arranged in a straight line along the up-down direction. The groove portion 112b is for inserting the leg portion 131 of the lower plug terminal 13 in the press-fitted (inserted) completed state.

[0106] In addition, a recess 112c that opens downward and rearward and extends in the front-rear direction is formed at the rear end portion of the bottom wall 112. The recess 112c is for accommodating the first mounting piece 132 of the lower plug terminal 13 in the press-fitted (inserted) completed state.

[0107] In addition, extension portions 113a, 113a that extend rearward are respectively formed on the pair of side walls 113, 113, and the region where the extension portions 113a, 113a face each other becomes a recess 113b for accommodating the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of the plug terminals 13, 14.

[0108] In this way, in the present embodiment, the first mounting pieces 132, 142 of the plug terminals 13, 14 are mounted on the conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A at a position closer to the front side than the rear ends of the extension portions 113a, 113a. At this time, the connecting region 11A of the cable 1A is clamped by the extension portions 113a, 113a and the reinforcing plate 14A.

[0109] If set in that way, when the cable 1A is shaken and moves in a direction separating from the reinforcing plate 14A, the peeling of the adhesion between the cable 1A and the reinforcing plate 14A can be more reliably suppressed. In addition, since the first mounting pieces 132, 142 of the plug terminals 13, 14 are located at a position closer to the front side than the tips (rear ends) of the extension portions 113a, 113a, the first leg portions 131, the second leg portions 141, the first mounting pieces 132, and the second mounting pieces 142 of the plug terminals 13, 14 can be prevented from being deformed due to the shaking of the cable 1A. That is, the mounting portion between the plug terminals 13, 14 and the cable 1A can be protected from the influence of the shaking of the cable 1A.

[0110] In addition, holding member mounting portions 113c, 113c for holding the holding member 15 are respectively formed at the front ends of the pair of side walls 113, 113.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the holding fitting mounting portion 113c includes a recess 113d and cut grooves 113e, 113e. The recess 113d opens outward in the vertical direction and the width direction. The cut grooves 113e, 113e are provided to be continuous with the inner side in the width direction of the recess 113d, and both ends in the front-rear direction of the main body portion 151 of the holding fitting 15 are inserted therein. Further, in a state where the holding fitting 15 is held by the plug housing 10, the plug housing 10 is fixed to the cable 1A by fixing a fixing piece 152 that is continuous with the lower end of the main body portion 151 to the fixing portion 15cA of the cable 1A.

[0112] In addition, a protrusion 112d is formed on the lower side (reverse side) of the bottom wall 112 so as to protrude downward. By forming the protrusion 112d on the bottom wall 112 as described above, a recess 112e is formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall 112. When the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the connection region 11A where the reinforcement plate 14A is mounted is received in the recess 112e (see (b) of Figure 9 . Thus, in the present embodiment, the connection region 11A where the reinforcement plate 14A is mounted becomes the connected portion 10A received and held in the recess 112e. The protrusion 112d is formed on the bottom wall 112 such that the protruding amount is equal to or greater than the thickness of the connected portion 10A (the sum of the thickness of the cable 1A and the thickness of the reinforcement plate 14A).

[0113] Thus, in the present embodiment, the plug housing 10 includes a pair of wall portions (the top wall 111 and the bottom wall 112) that face each other in the housing thickness direction (vertical direction: Z direction). A recess 112e for receiving the connected portion 10A (the connection region 11A where the reinforcement plate 14A is mounted) of the cable 1A is formed on the bottom wall 112, which is one of the pair of wall portions (the top wall 111 and the bottom wall 112). That is, the plug housing 10 has a receiving portion (recess 112e) for receiving the cable (the member to be mounted) 1A on one of the wall portions (the bottom wall 112) in the housing thickness direction (vertical direction).

[0114] With such a structure, when the plug housing 10 is fitted into the socket housing 20, the lower end of the protrusion 112d slides on the inner surface of the socket housing 20. That is, when the plug housing 10 is fitted into the socket housing 20, interference between the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A and the socket housing 20 can be suppressed.

[0115] Here, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 112d is formed only on the peripheral portion of the bottom wall 112, and no protrusion 112d is formed on the inner side of the bottom wall 112.

[0116] In the present embodiment, the protrusion 112d is constituted only by a pair of front protrusions 112f that are formed in a slender shape in the width direction along the front ends on both sides in the width direction of the bottom wall 112 and a pair of rear protrusions 112g that are formed in a slender shape in the front-rear direction along the rear ends on both sides in the width direction of the bottom wall 112.

[0117] The front protrusion 112f and the rear protrusion 112g are formed at the portion of the bottom wall 112 where the side walls 113 are continuously provided. Specifically, the front protrusion 112f is formed along the front edge of the plug housing 10 in front of the fitting mounting portion 113c, and the rear protrusion 112g is formed along the outer edge of the outer side in the width direction of the extension portion 113a on the outer side in the width direction of the extension portion 113a. Thus, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 112d is formed only at the four corners of the bottom wall 112.

[0118] In addition, in the present embodiment, the shape of the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A is formed into a shape in which a part of its contour line corresponds to the inner contour line of the protrusion 112d. Specifically, for the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A, in a state where it is housed in the recess 112e, the front edges on both sides in the width direction where the notches 11aA and 14aA are not formed are formed along the inner (rear) contour line of the front protrusion 112f, and the rear ends on both sides in the width direction are formed along the inner contour line in the width direction of the rear protrusion 112g. In this way, the front protrusion 112f is used to suppress the forward displacement of the connected portion 10A, and the rear protrusion 112g is used to suppress the displacement of the connected portion 10A in the width direction. In addition, the connected portion 10A only needs to be a shape that is housed in the recess 112e and can be formed into various shapes.

[0119] Moreover, as in the present embodiment, if the protrusion 112d is formed only at the four corners of the bottom wall 112, when observing the plug housing 10 in a state where the plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in an arrangement in the width direction (Y direction: one direction) along the front-rear direction (X direction: crossing direction), it is possible to avoid the protrusion 112d overlapping with the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14.

[0120] In addition, in the present embodiment, in a state where the plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10, the tips of the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 protrude toward the recess 112e side (below the plug housing 10).

[0121] Thus, in the present embodiment, when observing the plug housing 10 while holding the plug terminals 13 and 14 in the front-rear direction (X direction: crossing direction), the tips of the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the respective plug terminals can be visually recognized regardless of whether observed from the front side or the rear side. Further, when observing from the front-rear direction, the tips of the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the respective plug terminals protrude downward from the plug housing 10 in a state of being separated from each other in the width direction.

[0122] Further, in the present embodiment, the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 are formed into thin plate shapes as described later, and in a state where the plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10, the thickness direction of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 substantially coincides with the width direction (Y direction). That is, the plurality of plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 in a manner of being arranged along the thickness direction of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142.

[0123] Further, the plug terminals 13 and 14 have main bodies (the first main body 130 and the second main body 140) inserted and held in the plug housing 10, and in the present embodiment, the insertion directions of the main bodies 130 and 140 substantially coincide with the front-rear direction (X direction). That is, the crossing direction in which the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 coincides with the insertion direction in which the main bodies 130 and 140 are inserted into the plug housing 10.

[0124] Thus, in the present embodiment, when observing in the insertion direction in which the main bodies 130 and 140 are inserted into the plug housing 10, none of the first mounting pieces 132 and the second mounting pieces 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 that protrude downward from the plug housing 10 in a state of being separated from each other in the width direction overlap with the protrusion 112d.

[0125] Next, based on Figure 15 and Figure 16 the specific structure of the plug terminal (terminal) will be described.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) includes a main body portion, a leg portion, and a mounting portion. The main body portion is inserted into a space formed in the plug housing 10. The leg portion extends from the main body portion toward the mounting surface 1aA of the cable 1A in a state where the plug terminal is mounted on the cable (mounted member) 1A. The mounting portion is provided continuously with the leg portion and can be mounted on the cable 1A.

[0127] Specifically, the plug terminal includes a lower plug terminal 13 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a first space S1 formed on the lower side (the mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing main body 11. In addition, the plug terminal includes an upper plug terminal 14 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a second space S2 formed on the upper side of the housing main body 11 (a position farther from the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1).

[0128] In the present embodiment, the lower plug terminals 13 are conductive and are arranged in a plurality along the width direction (Y direction) of the plug housing 10. As Figure 15 shown, the lower plug terminal 13 is formed in a shape obtained by bending a strip-shaped metal member in the plate thickness direction, and is substantially U-shaped when viewed in the insertion direction (front-rear direction; X direction) (refer to Figure 15 (e) of Figure 15 (f)). Such a lower plug terminal 13 can be formed, for example, by performing a bending process on a strip-shaped metal member that has been blanked into a predetermined shape.

[0129] In addition, the lower plug terminal 13 includes a first main body portion (main body portion) 130 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S1. Further, the lower plug terminal 13 includes a first leg portion (leg portion) 131 and a first mounting piece (mounting portion) 132. The first leg portion (leg portion) 131 extends from the first main body portion 130 toward the mounting surface 1aA in a state where the lower plug terminal 13 is mounted on a cable (member to be mounted) 1A, and the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 132 is provided continuously with the first leg portion 131 and can be mounted on the cable 1A.

[0130] The first main body portion 130 includes a bottom wall 133 and side walls 134 that are provided continuously with both end portions in the width direction (Y direction) of the bottom wall 133.

[0131] The bottom wall 133 includes a bottom wall main body 135 and a contact protection portion 136. The bottom wall main body 135 is provided continuously with the lower ends of the side walls 134, and the contact protection portion 136 is provided continuously with the front end of the bottom wall main body 135 and protrudes forward. When the first main body portion 130 is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S1, the contact protection portion 136 inhibits the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13 from contacting the housing main body 11.

[0132] In addition, restricting pieces 135a and 136a that protrude outward from both ends in the width direction (Y direction) are respectively formed on the bottom wall main body 135 and the contact protection portion 136. And when the first main body portion 130 is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S1, the restricting pieces 135a and 136a are used to inhibit the situation where the first main body portion 130 is press-fitted (inserted) obliquely.

[0133] The side wall 134 includes a side wall main body 137 and a contact piece 138. The side wall main body 137 is arranged such that its lower end is continuous with the bottom wall main body 135. The contact piece 138 is elastically deformable and is arranged to be continuous with the front end of the side wall main body 137, and is used to contact the contact portion of the socket connector.

[0134] A restricting projection 137a is formed at the upper end of the side wall main body 137. When the first main body portion 130 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1, the restricting projection 137a is used to suppress the floating of the first main body portion 130.

[0135] In addition, the contact piece 138 includes an inner curved piece 138a and an outer curved piece 138b. The inner curved piece 138a is arranged to be continuous with the front end of the side wall main body 137 in a manner of curving inward in the width direction. The outer curved piece 138b is arranged to be continuous with the front end of the inner curved piece 138a in a manner of curving inward in the width direction.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the contact piece 138 is arranged to be continuous with the pair of side wall main bodies 137, 137 respectively, and is formed to be substantially line-symmetric in a top view. That is, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 include inner curved pieces 138a, 138a having a shape that curves along the direction of approaching each other as going forward, and outer curved pieces 138b, 138b having a shape that curves along the direction of separating from each other as going forward.

[0137] And, at the portion where the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 are closest to each other (the portion where the inner curved piece 138a and the outer curved piece 138b are arranged to be continuous), the contact portion 230a of the socket connector 2 is clamped (refer to Figure 3 (b)). Thus, in the present embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 function as the contact portions 130a of the lower plug terminal 13. And, the pair of outer curved pieces 138b function as guiding portions for more smoothly guiding the contact portion 130a of the socket connector 2.

[0138] In addition, in the present embodiment, an extended wall 139 protruding rearward is arranged to be continuous with the rear end of one of the pair of side wall main bodies 137, 137, and the first main body portion 130 is formed in a shape protruding rearward on one side.

[0139] A pressing projection 139a is formed at the upper end of the extended wall 139. By causing the pressing projection 139a to sink into the housing main body 11, the first main body portion 130 is pressed into the first space S1.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, a groove portion 115a is formed, and the upper end of the side wall 134 of the lower plug terminal 13 is inserted into the groove portion 115a to guide the pressing (insertion) of the lower plug terminal 13 into the first space S1. Therefore, even when the lower plug terminal 13 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1 by pressing one side wall 134 that protrudes rearward from the first main body portion 130, displacement of the lower plug terminal 13 can be suppressed. As a result, the lower plug terminal 13 can be pressed (inserted) into the first space S1 more smoothly and accurately.

[0141] Moreover, the first leg portion 131 extends downward (cable 1A: the member to be mounted) from the rear end portion of the extending wall 139. Thus, in the present embodiment, the first leg portion 131 extends along the housing thickness direction from the first main body portion 130 in a state of being pressed (inserted) into the first space S1. In addition, the first mounting piece 132 is provided to be continuous with the lower end of the first leg portion 131 so as to protrude forward.

[0142] At this time, the first leg portion 131 and the first mounting piece 132 are formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and the plate thickness direction is formed to be substantially the same direction as the plate thickness direction of the side wall main body 137.

[0143] Therefore, in a state where the first main body portion 130 is inserted into the first space S1 and the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 132 is mounted on the cable (member to be mounted) 1A, the plate thickness direction of the first leg portion 131 becomes the width direction (Y direction). That is, in a state where the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the plate thickness direction of the first leg portion 131 becomes a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the first main body portion 130 into the first space S1 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0144] On the other hand, the upper plug terminal 14 is also conductive, and a plurality of them are arranged along the width direction (Y direction) of the plug housing 10. As Figure 16 shown, the upper plug terminal 14 is formed in a shape obtained by bending a strip-shaped metal member in the plate thickness direction, and is substantially U-shaped in a state of being observed in the insertion direction (front-rear direction; X direction) (refer to Figure 16 (e) of Figure 16 (f)). Such an upper plug terminal 14 can also be formed, for example, by performing a bending process on a strip-shaped metal member formed by punching to have a predetermined shape.

[0145] In addition, the upper plug terminal 14 includes a second main body portion (main body portion) 140 that is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2. Further, the upper plug terminal 14 includes a second leg portion (leg portion) 141 and a second mounting piece (mounting portion) 142. The second leg portion (leg portion) 141 extends from the second main body portion 140 toward the mounting surface 1aA in a state where the upper plug terminal 14 is mounted on the cable (mounted member) 1A, and the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 142 is provided to be continuous with the second leg portion 141 and can be mounted on the cable 1A.

[0146] The second main body portion 140 includes a bottom wall 143 and a side wall 144, and the side wall 144 is provided to be continuous with both end portions in the width direction (Y direction) of the bottom wall 143.

[0147] The bottom wall 143 includes a bottom wall main body 145 and a contact protection portion 146. The bottom wall main body 145 is provided to be continuous with the lower end of the side wall 144, and the contact protection portion 146 is provided to be continuous with the front end of the bottom wall main body 145 and protrude forward. When the second main body portion 140 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2, the contact protection portion 146 inhibits the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14 from contacting the housing main body 11.

[0148] In addition, restriction pieces 145a and 146a that protrude outward from both ends in the width direction (Y direction) are respectively formed on the bottom wall main body 145 and the contact protection portion 146. And when the second main body portion 140 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2, the restriction pieces 145a and 146a are used to inhibit the situation where the second main body portion 140 is pressed (inserted) obliquely.

[0149] The side wall 144 includes a side wall main body 147 and a contact piece 148. The side wall main body 147 is provided such that its lower end is continuous with the bottom wall main body 145, and the contact piece 148 is elastically deformable and is provided to be continuous with the front end of the side wall main body 147 and is used to contact the contact portion 240a of the socket-type connector 2.

[0150] A restriction protrusion 147a is formed at the upper end of the side wall main body 147, and when the second main body portion 140 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2, the restriction protrusion 147a inhibits the second main body portion 140 from floating.

[0151] In addition, the contact piece 148 includes an inner curved piece 148a and an outer curved piece 148b. The inner curved piece 148a is provided to be continuous with the front end of the side wall main body 147 in a manner of bending inward in the width direction, and the outer curved piece 148b is provided to be continuous with the front end of the inner curved piece 148a in a manner of bending inward in the width direction.

[0152] In the present embodiment, the contact piece 148 is provided to be continuous with a pair of side wall bodies 147, 147 respectively, and is formed to be substantially line-symmetric in a plan view. That is, the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 includes inner bending pieces 148a, 148a having a shape that bends in a direction approaching each other as it goes forward, and outer bending pieces 148b, 148b having a shape that bends in a direction separating from each other as it goes forward.

[0153] Moreover, at the portion where the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 are closest to each other (the portion where the inner bending piece 148a and the outer bending piece 148b are provided to be continuous), the contact portion 240a of the socket connector 2 is clamped (refer to Figure 4 (b) of ). Thus, in the present embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 function as the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14. And the pair of outer bending pieces 148b function as guiding portions for more smoothly guiding the contact portion 240a of the socket connector 2.

[0154] In addition, in the present embodiment, the extending wall 149 protruding rearward is provided to be continuous with the rear end of one of the pair of side wall bodies 147, 147, and the second main body portion 140 is formed in a shape protruding rearward on one side.

[0155] A press-fitting protrusion 149a is formed at the upper end of the extending wall 149, and the second main body portion 140 is press-fitted into the second space S2 by causing the press-fitting protrusion 149a to sink into the housing main body 11.

[0156] Further, in the present embodiment, a groove portion 111a is formed, into which the upper end of the side wall 144 of the upper plug terminal 14 is inserted, to guide the press-fitting (insertion) of the upper plug terminal 14 into the second space S2. Therefore, even when the upper plug terminal 14 is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S2 by pressing the single-side side wall 144 protruding rearward of the second main body portion 140, the dislocation of the upper plug terminal 14 can be suppressed. As a result, the upper plug terminal 14 can be press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S2 more smoothly and accurately.

[0157] Moreover, the second leg portion 141 extends downward (cable 1A: mounted member) from the rear end portion of the extending wall 149. The length of the second leg portion 141 in the vertical direction is longer than the length of the first leg portion 131 in the vertical direction. Thus, in the present embodiment, the second leg portion 141 extends along the housing thickness direction from the second main body portion 140 in a state of being press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S2. In addition, the second mounting piece 142 is provided to be continuous with the lower end of the second leg portion 141 so as to protrude rearward.

[0158] Thus, in the present embodiment, the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 132 is provided to be continuous with the first leg portion 131 so as to protrude forward (one side) in the front-rear direction (X direction: the insertion direction in which the main body portion is inserted into the space). Further, the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 142 is provided to be continuous with the second leg portion 141 so as to protrude rearward (the other side) in the front-rear direction (X direction: the insertion direction in which the main body portion is inserted into the space).

[0159] In addition, in a state where the first main body portion 130 and the second main body portion 140 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2, the positions of the first leg portion 131 and the second leg portion 141 in the front-rear direction are substantially the same (refer to Figures 5 to 7 ). And, in a state where the first main body portion 130 and the second main body portion 140 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2, the positions of the first leg portion 131 and the second leg portion 141 in the width direction are offset by approximately half a pitch.

[0160] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in a state where a plurality of plug terminals 13, 14 are held by the plug housing 10, the mounting portions (the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142) are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0161] In addition, in a state where the first main body portion 130 is inserted into the first space S1, the first mounting piece 132 is received in the recess 112c formed at the rear end portion of the bottom wall 112. On the other hand, in a state where the second main body portion 140 is inserted into the second space S2, the second mounting piece 142 is located at a position rearward of the insertion port S2a of the second space S2.

[0162] Therefore, when looking down in a state where a plurality of plug terminals 13, 14 are held by the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, the first mounting piece 132 overlaps with the plug housing 10. On the other hand, when looking down in a state where a plurality of plug terminals 13, 14 are held by the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, the second mounting piece 142 is exposed from the plug housing 10.

[0163] That is, in a state where the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, when observing the plug housing 10 along the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA, any one of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 (mounting portion) overlaps with the plug housing 10.

[0164] Thus, in the present embodiment, in a state where a plurality of plug terminals 13, 14 are held by the plug housing 10, the mounting portions (the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142) are arranged in a staggered manner on both sides of the insertion port (rear end edge) of the space.

[0165] In addition, the second leg portion 141 and the second mounting piece 142 are also formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and are formed such that the plate thickness direction is substantially the same as the plate thickness direction of the side wall main body 147.

[0166] Therefore, in a state where the second main body portion 140 is inserted into the second space S2 and the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 142 is mounted on the cable (member to be mounted) 1A, the plate thickness direction of the second leg portion 141 becomes the width direction (Y direction). That is, in a state where the plug-type connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the plate thickness direction of the second leg portion 141 becomes a direction intersecting the insertion direction in which the second main body portion 140 is inserted into the second space S2 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0167] In addition, in the present embodiment, in a state where the main body portions 130 and 140 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are inserted into the spaces S1 and S2, when viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction, the insertion port S1a is divided into two regions by the second leg portion 141. That is, in a state where the plug-type connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, when the plug housing is viewed along the insertion direction in which the main body portions 130 and 140 are inserted into the spaces S1 and S2, the insertion port S1a of the first space S1 is divided into two regions by the second leg portion 141.

[0168] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, at the position where the first main body portion 130 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1, the first leg portion 131 is inserted into the groove portion 112b and is held in a state where movement in the width direction (Y direction; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the groove portion 112b formed in the bottom wall 112 of the housing main body 11 functions as a first leg holding portion for holding the first leg portion 131. In this way, the plug-type connector 1 has a first leg holding portion that is connected to the plug housing 10 and is used for holding the first leg portion 131. In the present embodiment, the first leg holding portion is formed integrally with the plug housing 10. In addition, the first leg holding portion may also be formed by connecting a member independent of the plug housing 10 to the plug housing 10.

[0169] In addition, at the position where the second main body portion 140 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2, the second leg portion 141 is inserted into the groove portion 115b and the groove portion 112a and is held in a state where movement in the width direction (Y direction; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the groove portion 115b formed in the partition wall 115 of the housing main body 11 and the groove portion 112a formed in the bottom wall 112 function as a second leg holding portion for holding the second leg portion 141. In this way, the plug-type connector 1 has a second leg holding portion that is connected to the plug housing 10 and is used for holding the second leg portion 141. In the present embodiment, the second leg holding portion is also formed integrally with the plug housing 10, but the two may also be formed independently of each other.

[0170] By setting it in this way, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the first leg portion 131 and the second leg portion 141 when the main body portions 130 and 140 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are pressed into (inserted into) the spaces S1 and S2, when the plug terminals 13 and 14 pressed into (inserted into) the spaces S1 and S2 are mounted on the cable 1A, etc.

[0171] [Structural example of the socket - type connector 2]

[0172] Next, based on Figures 17 to 22 an example of the structure of the socket - type connector 2 will be described.

[0173] As Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown, the socket - type connector 2 includes a socket housing (housing on the object side) 20 and socket terminals (terminals on the object side: lower socket terminal 23 and upper socket terminal 24) held by the socket housing 20. In addition, the socket - type connector 2 includes a holding fitting (holding fitting on the object side) 25 held by the socket housing 20.

[0174] And, by mounting the socket terminals 23 and 24 held by the socket housing 20 on the conductor portion 2bA of the circuit board 2A arranged outside the socket housing 20, the socket - type connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 2A which is the mounted member on the object side. In addition, the socket terminals 23 and 24 are also mounted on the conductor portion 2bA by soldering or the like. Further, in a state where the holding fitting 25 is held by the socket housing 20, the holding fitting 25 is fixed to the fixing portion 2cA of the circuit board 2A by soldering or the like, thereby fixing the socket housing 20 to the circuit board 2A.

[0175] In addition, the circuit board 2A is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and includes a board main body 2aA formed of a resin material or the like having rigidity and insulation. And the conductor portion 2bA and the fixing portion 2cA are formed so as to be exposed on the front surface 21aA of the board main body 2aA. Thus, in the present embodiment, the front surface 21aA of the board main body 2aA becomes the mounting surface.

[0176] The socket housing 20 includes a housing main body 21 having rigidity. For example, the socket housing 20 can be formed using an insulating resin material.

[0177] In addition, a locking portion insertion portion 22 into which the locking portion 12 is inserted is formed in the upper portion of the housing main body 21, and the locking portion 12 is used to hold the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 in a mated state or to release the mated state.

[0178] Thus, in the present embodiment, the socket housing 20 includes the housing main body 21 and the locking portion insertion portion 22 formed in the housing main body 21.

[0179] The housing main body 21 includes a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212, side walls 213, and a rear wall 214. The side walls 213 are a pair and are arranged to continuously connect both ends in the width direction (Y direction) of the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212 respectively. The rear wall 214 is arranged to be continuous with the rear ends of the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212, and the side walls 213, 213.

[0180] Moreover, a locking portion insertion portion 22 is formed at the central portion in the width direction of the top wall 211. Specifically, the locking portion insertion portion 22 is formed inside the top wall 211 and has a storage portion 221 for storing the rod portion 121. A locking concave portion (locking portion) 221a for engaging with the engaging protrusion portion 121b of the locking portion 12 is formed at the central portion in the front - rear direction of the storage portion 221.

[0181] In addition, insertion spaces S8 for inserting the upper arm portions 33 of the sliding member 3 are formed on both sides in the width direction of the storage portion 221. Moreover, a protrusion (engaged portion) 211a protruding downward is formed on the top wall 211 so as to be disposed in the insertion space S8 when observed in the insertion direction (front - rear direction; X direction). The protrusion 211a is used to deflect the upper arm portion 33 downward, or the protrusion 211a is engaged with the engaging protrusion portion 33b formed at the top end of the upper arm portion 33.

[0182] In addition, a positioning protrusion 212b protruding upward is formed at the central portion in the width direction of the bottom wall 212. The positioning protrusion 212b is formed to correspond to the notch 11aA and the notch 14aA. When the plug housing 10 is fitted with the socket housing 20, the positioning protrusion 212b is inserted into the notch 11aA and the notch 14aA, and the positioning of the cable 1A in the width direction is performed by using the positioning protrusion 212b.

[0183] In addition, a plurality of spaces penetrating in the front - rear direction are formed in the rear wall 214. In the present embodiment, the plurality of spaces arranged in the width direction (Y direction) are formed in two levels in the up - down direction (Z direction). Moreover, when observing the housing main body 21 from the rear in the front - rear direction, the plurality of spaces are formed in a staggered shape. By setting it like that, miniaturization in the width direction of the socket - type connector 2 is achieved.

[0184] Moreover, the lower socket terminals 23 and the upper socket terminals 24 are respectively pressed (inserted) into the spaces penetrating in the front - rear direction.

[0185] Specifically, the space formed on the lower side (the mounting surface 21aA side) of the housing main body 21 becomes the first space S3 into which the lower socket terminals 23 are pressed (inserted).

[0186] On the other hand, the space formed on the upper side of the housing main body 21 (a position farther from the mounting surface 21aA than the first space S3) becomes the second space S4 into which the upper socket terminal 24 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0187] Also, the lower socket terminal 23 is press-fitted (inserted) forward from the opening on the rear end side of the first space S3, and the opening on the rear end side of the first space S3 serves as the insertion port S3a. Similarly, the upper socket terminal 24 is press-fitted (inserted) forward from the opening on the rear end side of the second space S4, and the opening on the rear end side of the second space S4 serves as the insertion port S4a.

[0188] In addition, a fitting space S5 that opens forward (toward the plug-type connector 1) is formed in the housing main body 21. The fitting space S5 is a space into which the housing main body 11 of the plug housing 10 is inserted and fitted, and is defined by a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212, a rear wall 214, and a pair of side walls 213, 213. Therefore, the first space S3 and the second space S4 are formed to communicate with the fitting space S5, respectively.

[0189] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 214a that extend in the vertical direction and protrude rearward are arranged along the width direction at the rear end of the rear wall 214. Specifically, the protrusions 214a are formed between the first space S3 and the second space S4 that are adjacent to each other in the width direction.

[0190] Also, a recess 212a that opens downward and rearward and extends in the front-rear direction is formed at the rear end portion of the bottom wall 212. The recess 212a is for housing the mounting piece (mounting portion on the target side) 242 of the upper socket terminal 24 in the press-fitted (inserted) completed state.

[0191] Also, holding member mounting portions 213a, 213a for holding the holding member 25 are respectively formed on the pair of side walls 213, 213.

[0192] In the present embodiment, the holding member mounting portion 213a includes a recess 213b and cut grooves 213c, 213c. The recess 213b opens to the outside in the vertical direction and the width direction, and the cut grooves 213c, 213c are provided to be continuous with the inner side in the width direction of the recess 213b and for inserting both ends in the front-rear direction of the main body portion 251 of the holding member 25. And by fixing the fixing piece 252 that is continuous with the lower end of the main body portion 251 to the fixing portion 2cA of the circuit board 2A in the state where the holding member 25 is held by the socket housing 20, the socket housing 20 is fixed to the circuit board 2A.

[0193] In addition, in the present embodiment, the socket terminal includes a main body portion, a leg portion, and a mounting portion. The main body portion is inserted into a space formed in the socket housing 20. The leg portion extends from the main body portion toward the mounting surface 21aA of the circuit board (mounted member) 2A in a state where the socket terminal is mounted on the circuit board 2A. The mounting portion is provided continuously with the leg portion and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0194] Specifically, the socket terminal includes a lower socket terminal 23 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a first space S3 formed on the lower side (mounting surface 21aA side) of the housing main body 21. In addition, the socket terminal includes an upper socket terminal 24 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a second space S4 formed on the upper side of the housing main body 21 (a position farther from the mounting surface 21aA than the first space S3).

[0195] In the present embodiment, the lower socket terminal 23 has conductivity and a plurality of them are arranged along the width direction (Y direction) of the socket housing 20. As Figure 21 shown, the lower socket terminal 23 is formed in a thin plate shape and is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3 from the rear in a state where the plate thickness direction is substantially aligned with the width direction (Y direction). The first space S3 is formed in the housing main body 21. The lower socket terminal 23 can be formed, for example, by punching a metal thin plate.

[0196] In addition, the lower socket terminal 23 includes a first main body portion (main body portion on the object side) 230 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3. Further, the lower socket terminal 23 includes a first leg portion (leg portion on the object side) 231 and a first mounting piece (mounting portion on the object side) 232. The first leg portion (leg portion on the object side) 231 extends from the first main body portion 230 toward the mounting surface 21aA in a state where the lower socket terminal 23 is mounted on the circuit board (mounted member) 2A. The first mounting piece (mounting portion on the object side) 232 is provided continuously with the first leg portion 231 and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0197] Moreover, a substantially rod-shaped contact portion (contact portion on the object side) 230a is formed at the front end of the first main body portion 230 so as to protrude forward. In addition, press-in protrusions 230b are formed at the upper end and the lower end of the first main body portion 230. By causing the press-in protrusions 230b to sink into the housing main body 21, the first main body portion 230 is press-fitted into the first space S3. And in a state where the first main body portion 230 is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3, the contact portion 230a is disposed in the fitting space S5.

[0198] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first leg portion 231 extends downward (circuit board 2A: the member to be mounted) from the rear end portion of the first main body portion 230. Specifically, the first leg portion 231 is formed in a shape bent like a crankshaft, and the lower end is located at a position rearward of the first main body portion 230. Thus, in the present embodiment, the first leg portion 231 extends in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the housing from the first main body portion 230 in a state of being press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3. Further, the first mounting piece 232 is provided to be continuous with the lower end of the first leg portion 231 so as to protrude rearward.

[0199] On the other hand, the upper socket terminal 24 is also conductive and a plurality of the upper socket terminals 24 are arranged in the width direction (Y direction) of the socket housing 20. As Figure 22 shown, the upper socket terminal 24 is formed in a thin plate shape and is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4 from the rear in a state where the plate thickness direction is substantially aligned with the width direction (Y direction). The second space S4 is formed in the housing main body 21. The upper socket terminal 24 can be formed, for example, by blanking a metal thin plate.

[0200] In addition, the upper socket terminal 24 includes a second main body portion (main body portion on the object side) 240 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4. Further, the upper socket terminal 24 includes a second leg portion (leg portion on the object side) 241 and a second mounting piece (mounting portion on the object side) 242. The second leg portion (leg portion on the object side) 241 extends from the second main body portion 240 toward the mounting surface 21aA in a state where the upper socket terminal 24 is mounted on the circuit board (member to be mounted) 2A. The second mounting piece (mounting portion on the object side) 242 is provided to be continuous with the second leg portion 241 and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0201] Moreover, a substantially rod-shaped contact portion (contact portion on the object side) 240a is formed at the front end of the second main body portion 240 so as to protrude forward. In addition, press-fitting protrusions 240b are formed at the upper end and the lower end of the second main body portion 240. By causing the press-fitting protrusions 240b to sink into the housing main body 21, the second main body portion 240 is press-fitted into the second space S4. And in a state where the second main body portion 240 is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4, the contact portion 240a is disposed in the fitting space S5.

[0202] Further, in the present embodiment, the second leg portion 241 extends substantially linearly downward (circuit board 2A: mounted member) from the rear end portion of the second main body portion 240. Thus, in the present embodiment, the second leg portion 241 extends in the housing thickness direction (vertical direction) from the second main body portion 240 in a state of being press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4. The length of the second leg portion 241 in the vertical direction is longer than the length of the first leg portion 231 in the vertical direction. Further, the first mounting piece 232 is provided to be continuous with the lower end of the second leg portion 241 so as to protrude forward.

[0203] Thus, in the present embodiment, the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 242 is provided to be continuous with the second leg portion 241 so as to protrude forward (one side) in the front-rear direction (X direction: insertion direction of the main body portion into the space). Further, the first mounting piece 232 is provided to be continuous with the first leg portion 231 so as to protrude rearward (the other side) in the front-rear direction (X direction: insertion direction of the main body portion into the space).

[0204] That is, in a state where a plurality of socket terminals are held by the socket housing 20, the mounting portions (the first mounting piece 232 and the second mounting piece 242) are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0205] In addition, in a state where the second main body portion 240 is inserted into the second space S4, the second mounting piece 242 is received in a recess 212a formed at the rear end portion of the bottom wall 212. On the other hand, in a state where the first main body portion 230 is inserted into the first space S3, the first mounting piece 232 is located at a position rearward of the insertion port S3a of the first space S3.

[0206] Therefore, when viewed from above in a state where a plurality of socket terminals 23, 24 are held by the socket housing 20 and mounted on the circuit board 2A, the second mounting piece 242 overlaps with the socket housing 20. On the other hand, when viewed from above in a state where a plurality of socket terminals 23, 24 are held by the socket housing 20 and mounted on the circuit board 2A, the first mounting piece 232 is exposed from the socket housing 20.

[0207] That is, in a state where the socket connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 2A, when the socket housing 20 is viewed in the normal direction of the mounting surface 21aA, any one of the first mounting piece 232 and the second mounting piece 242 (mounting portion) overlaps with the socket housing 20.

[0208] Thus, in the present embodiment, in a state where a plurality of socket terminals 23, 24 are held by the socket housing 20, the mounting portions (the first mounting piece 232 and the second mounting piece 242) are arranged in a staggered manner on both sides of the insertion port (rear end edge) of the space.

[0209] In addition, in the present embodiment, at the position where the first main body portion 230 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S3, the first leg portion 231 is held between the ridges 214a in a state where its movement in the width direction (Y direction; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the ridges 214a formed on the rear wall 214 of the housing main body 21 function as a first leg holding portion for holding the first leg portion 231. In this way, the socket connector 2 includes a first leg holding portion that is connected to the socket housing 20 and is used to hold the first leg portion 231. In the present embodiment, the first leg holding portion is formed integrally with the socket housing 20. In addition, a member independent of the socket housing 20 may be connected to the socket housing 20 to form the first leg holding portion.

[0210] Further, at the position where the second main body portion 240 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S4, the second leg portion 241 is held between the ridges 214a in a state where its movement in the width direction (Y direction; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the ridges 214a formed on the rear wall 214 of the housing main body 21 also function as a second leg holding portion for holding the second leg portion 241. In this way, the socket connector 2 includes a second leg holding portion that is connected to the socket housing 20 and is used to hold the second leg portion 241. In the present embodiment, the second leg holding portion is also formed integrally with the socket housing 20, but the two may be formed independently of each other.

[0211] By setting it in this way, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the leg portions 231 and 241 when the main body portions 230 and 240 of the socket terminals 23 and 24 are pressed (inserted) into the spaces S3 and S4.

[0212] When the above-mentioned plug connector 1 is engaged with the socket connector 2 having the above-mentioned structure, the locking portion 12 of the plug housing 10 is inserted into the locking portion insertion portion 22 of the socket housing 20, and the housing main body 11 is inserted into the fitting space S5.

[0213] At this time, the engaging protrusion 121b of the rod portion 121 is pressed downward by the top wall 211 of the socket housing 20. In this way, when the engaging protrusion 121b is pressed downward by the top wall 211, the rear end portion (operation portion 121a) of the rod portion 121 is elastically deformed so as to move downward, so that the engaging protrusion 121b can move to the inside of the locking portion insertion portion 22.

[0214] Further, when the engaging projection 121b is moved to the inside of the locking portion insertion portion 22, the downward pressing of the engaging projection 121b by the top wall 211 is released, and the engaging projection 121b moves upward under the action of the elastic restoring force of the rod portion 121. Then, due to the upward movement, the engaging projection 121b engages with the engaging concave portion 221a formed in the socket connector 2, thereby locking the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2 in the mated state.

[0215] In addition, during the process of mating the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2, the tip of the contact portion 230a of the lower socket terminal 23 is introduced from the introduction port S1b into the first space S1 formed in the plug housing 10 to contact the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13. Further, in the present embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 230a is inserted between a pair of contact pieces 138, 138 and clamped by the pair of contact pieces 138, 138, thereby connecting the lower plug terminal 13 and the lower socket terminal 23 in conduction.

[0216] Similarly, the tip of the contact portion 240a of the upper socket terminal 24 is introduced from the introduction port S2b into the second space S2 formed in the plug housing 10 to contact the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14. In addition, in the present embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 240a is inserted between a pair of contact pieces 148, 148 and clamped by the pair of contact pieces 148, 148, thereby connecting the upper plug terminal 14 and the upper socket terminal 24 in conduction.

[0217] In this way, by mating the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2, the plug terminal 13 and the socket terminal 23 are connected in conduction, and the plug terminal 14 and the socket terminal 24 are connected in conduction, thereby forming a connector group C1 that electrically connects the cable 1A and the circuit board 2A together.

[0218] On the other hand, when detaching the plug connector 1 from the socket connector 2, first, the operation portion 121a of the rod portion 121 is pressed to move the rod portion 121 downward. By such an operation, the engaging projection 121b also moves downward, releasing the engagement between the engaging projection 121b and the engaging concave portion 221a. And in the state where the engagement between the engaging projection 121b and the engaging concave portion 221a is released, when the plug connector 1 is pulled relative to the socket connector 2 in the pulling-out direction, the plug connector 1 moves relative to the socket connector 2 in the pulling-out direction. In this way, when the plug connector 1 moves relative to the socket connector 2 in the pulling-out direction, first, the conduction connection between the terminals is released, and then the engagement between the housings is released. Thereby, the plug connector 1 is detached from the socket connector 2.

[0219] [Structural example of the sliding member 3]

[0220] Next, based on Figure 23 and Figure 24 an example of the structure of the sliding member 3 will be described.

[0221] The sliding member 3 has a substantially rectangular plate-shaped main body portion 31, and a handle 31a is formed on the upper portion of the main body portion 31.

[0222] In addition, a pair of lower side arm portions 32 are continuously provided on both sides in the width direction of the lower portion of the main body portion 31 so as to extend forward in the front-rear direction. The pair of lower side arm portions 32 are provided in a cantilever state and are continuous with the main body portion 31, and are formed to be elastically deformable in the width direction. A locking protrusion 32a is formed at the tip (front end) of the lower side arm portion 32 so as to protrude outward in the width direction.

[0223] On the other hand, a pair of upper side arm portions 33 are continuously provided on both sides in the width direction of the upper portion of the main body portion 31 so as to extend forward in the front-rear direction. The pair of upper side arm portions 33 are provided in a cantilever state and are continuous with the main body portion 31, and are formed to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction (a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal). In the present embodiment, the pair of upper side arm portions 33 are formed to be wider on the root side (the side continuous with the main body portion 31). And, an engaging protrusion (engaging portion) 33b is formed at the tip (front end) of the upper side arm portion 33 so as to protrude upward.

[0224] In addition, a protrusion 33a protruding upward is formed at substantially the central portion in the front-rear direction of the upper side arm portion 33.

[0225] And, a restricting protrusion (restricting portion) 31b extending forward and upward is formed at the center in the width direction of the lower portion of the main body portion 31.

[0226] In addition, in the present embodiment, a protrusion 32b protruding upward is formed at the tip (front end) of the lower arm portion 32, and the thickness of the tip of the lower arm portion 32 in the vertical direction is greater than the gap (the maximum distance in the vertical direction) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33. That is, for the sliding member 3, a protrusion 32b is formed at the tip of the lower arm portion 32. And the thickness of the portion of the lower arm portion 32 where the protrusion 32b is formed is made greater than the gap (the maximum distance in the vertical direction) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33. Further, a protrusion 33c protruding downward is formed at the tip (front end) of the upper arm portion 33, and the thickness of the tip of the upper arm portion 33 in the vertical direction is greater than the gap (the maximum distance in the vertical direction) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33. That is, for the sliding member 3, a protrusion 33c is formed at the tip of the upper arm portion 33. And the thickness of the portion of the upper arm portion 33 where the protrusion 33c is formed is made greater than the gap (the maximum distance in the vertical direction) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33. At this time, the lower arm portion 32 is formed such that its tip protrudes more forward than the tip of the upper arm portion 33, and when the upper arm portion 33 is elastically deformed in the vertical direction, the protrusion 33c and the protrusion 32b do not interfere with each other.

[0227] In addition, the width of the tip side of the lower arm portion 32 protruding forward is also greater than the gap (the maximum distance in the vertical direction) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33.

[0228] By setting it in this way, it is possible to suppress the situation where the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 of the sliding member 3 are inserted into the gap between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 of other sliding members 3, resulting in the entanglement of the arm portions with each other. In this way, the sliding member 3 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to suppress the entanglement of the arm portions with each other without affecting the elastic deformation of the upper arm portion 33 in the vertical direction.

[0229] Next, based on Figures 25 to 28 an example of the operation of the sliding member 3 will be described.

[0230] As described above, in the present embodiment, the sliding member 3 functions as a CPA member. That is, the sliding member 3 is slidably mounted on the plug housing 10 in such a manner that it is restricted from slipping from the initial position (the first position) to the sliding completion position (the second position) in a state where the plug housing 10 is not yet fitted into the socket housing 20. And when the state where the plug housing 10 is fitted into the socket housing 20 is achieved, it is permitted to slip from the initial position to the sliding completion position.

[0231] Specifically, the sliding member 3 is inserted into the insertion space S6 in a state where the tip of the lower arm portion 32 is flexed inward in the width direction. At this time, the tip of the upper arm portion 33 is also inserted into the insertion space S6.

[0232] And, when the sliding member 3 is moved forward (inserted) by a predetermined amount in a state where the tips of the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 are inserted into the insertion space S6, the tip of the lower arm portion 32 moves to a position in front of the step portion 116b formed on the upper partition wall 116 that defines the recess 11a. In this way, when the tip of the lower arm portion 32 moves to a position in front of the step portion 116b, the lower arm portion 32 moves in a direction of opening away from each other (outward in the width direction) under the action of the elastic restoring force, and the locking projection 32a of the lower arm portion 32 is locked to the step portion 116b. In this way, the sliding member 3 is slidably held (temporarily held) on the plug housing 10 while suppressing the separation of the sliding member 3 from the housing body 11 (see Figure 25 ).

[0233] In addition, in a state where the locking projection 32a of the lower arm portion 32 is locked to the step portion 116b, the upper arm portion 33 is arranged such that the projection 33a faces the restricting projection (sliding restricting portion) 111b behind the restricting projection (sliding restricting portion) 111b (see Figure 26 ).

[0234] Therefore, in a state where the sliding member 3 is temporarily held on the plug housing 10 that is not engaged with the socket housing 20, when the sliding member 3 is desired to slide forward, since the projection 33a of the upper arm portion 33 abuts against the restricting projection 111b, the further forward movement of the sliding member 3 is restricted.

[0235] In the present embodiment, by forming the structure as described above, the sliding member 3 cannot slide from the initial position to the sliding completion position in a state where the plug housing 10 is not completely engaged with the socket housing 20. In addition, in the present embodiment, the position of the sliding member 3 in a state where the locking projection 32a of the lower arm portion 32 is locked to the step portion 116b is set as the initial position of the sliding member 3.

[0236] Also, when the plug housing 10 temporarily holding the sliding member 3 is fitted into the socket housing 20, during the period from the start of fitting to the completion of fitting, the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper side arm portion 33 abuts against the protrusion 211a of the top wall 211 and is pressed downward. And in the state where the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 are fitted, the tip of the engaging protrusion 33b abuts against the lower surface of the protrusion 211a, resulting in a state where the upper side arm portion 33 is flexed downward. At this time, the protrusion 33a of the upper side arm portion 33 also moves downward and is located at a position lower than the restricting protrusion (sliding restricting portion) 111b (see Figure 27 ).

[0237] Therefore, when the plug housing 10 is fitted into the socket housing 20, the restriction of the forward movement of the protrusion 33a by the restricting protrusion 111b is released, so that the sliding member 3 can slide forward. Thus, in the present embodiment, the upper side arm portion 33 that can elastically deform up and down and the protrusion 33a formed at the upper side arm portion 33 that can abut against the restricting protrusion 111b function as a sliding locking mechanism.

[0238] Then, the sliding member 3 is slid forward to fix the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper side arm portion 33 to the front end of the protrusion 211a of the top wall 211, so that the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 are also locked in the fitted state by the sliding member 3 (see Figure 28 ). Further, in the present embodiment, the position of the sliding member 3 in the state where the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper side arm portion 33 is fixed to the front end of the protrusion 211a of the top wall 211 is set as the sliding completion position (completion position: second position) of the sliding member 3.

[0239] By setting it in that way, the connector group C1 is doubly locked by the rod portion 121 and the sliding member 3.

[0240] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the sliding member 3 is slid to the sliding completion position (completion position), the restricting protrusion (restricting portion) 31b is inserted into the flexure allowance space S7. And the downward movement of the rod portion 121 is restricted by the restricting protrusion 31b inserted into the flexure allowance space S7. At this time, preferably, the upward protruding amount of the restricting protrusion 31b is set such that the engaging protrusion 121b and the engaging concave portion 221a are always engaged even in the state where the rod portion 121 abuts against the restricting protrusion 31b. When set in that way, it can be configured that the locking by the rod portion 121 cannot be released unless the locking by the sliding member 3 is released, and the locking state can be maintained more reliably.

[0241] In addition, when disengaging the fitting of the connector group C1 that is doubly locked by the rod portion 121 and the sliding member 3, first, the sliding member 3 located at the sliding completion position is slid to the initial position. In the present embodiment, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 33b and the protrusion 211a is released by pulling the sliding member 3 forcefully rearward (toward the initial position side). Thus, for example, when an operator or the like holds the handle 31a and pulls the sliding member 3 forcefully rearward, the sliding member 3 slides to the initial position.

[0242] In this way, by sliding the sliding member 3 to the initial position, the restriction on the downward movement of the rod portion 121 can be released, and the locking achieved by the rod portion 121 can be released.

[0243] Then, by performing the operation of removing the plug connector 1 from the socket connector 2 as described above, the plug connector 1 is removed from the socket connector 2.

[0244] [Function and Effect]

[0245] As described above, the plug connector (connector) 1 of the present embodiment has a plug housing (housing) 10 and terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14). The terminals have a first mounting piece (mounting portion) and a second mounting piece (mounting portion) mounted on a cable (connected member) 1A and are held by the plug housing 10.

[0246] In addition, a recess 112e for receiving and holding the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A is formed in the plug housing 10, and a protrusion 112d that protrudes relative to the thickness of the connected portion 10A and defines the recess 112e is provided. The protrusion 112d is formed only at the peripheral portion of the plug housing 10.

[0247] In this way, the protrusion 112d that defines the shape (outline shape) of the connected portion 10A and its arrangement position in the recess 112e does not exist in the central portion of the plug housing 10. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the shape of the connected portion 10A and the degree of freedom in the arrangement in the recess 112e can be further improved.

[0248] In this way, by adopting the present embodiment, a plug connector (connector) 1 can be obtained that can further improve the degree of freedom in connecting a cable (connected member) 1A to a plug housing (housing) 10.

[0249] In addition, in the present embodiment, a plurality of terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) are held by the plug housing 10 in a manner arranged along the width direction (Y direction: one direction).

[0250] Further, in a state where a plurality of terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10, the tips of the mounting portions (the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142) of the plurality of terminals 13 and 14 project toward the recess 112e side with respect to the plug housing 10.

[0251] Moreover, the protrusion 112d is formed such that, when observing the plug housing 10 holding the plurality of terminals 13 and 14 in the front-rear direction (X direction: the crossing direction intersecting with one direction), the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the plurality of mounting portions 132 and 142.

[0252] Thus, when observing the plug housing 10 in a state where the terminals (the lower plug terminal 13 and the upper plug terminal 14) are held in the front-rear direction (X direction: the crossing direction), the tips of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of each plug terminal can be visually recognized regardless of whether observing from the front side or the rear side.

[0253] Further, in the present embodiment, the mounting portions 132 and 142 are formed in a thin plate shape, and the plurality of terminals 13 and 14 are arranged in the thickness direction of the mounting portions 132 and 142.

[0254] Thus, deformation of the mounting portions 132 and 142 in the up-down direction (the direction intersecting with the thickness direction) can be suppressed. Therefore, even when the mounting portions 132 and 142 are mounted on the sheet-like cable 1A that can flex in the up-down direction, deformation of the mounting portions 132 and 142 due to the up-down shaking of the cable 1A can be suppressed.

[0255] Further, in the present embodiment, the terminals 13 and 14 have main body portions (the first main body portion 130 and the second main body portion 140) inserted and held in the plug housing 10. And the above-mentioned crossing direction is made to coincide with the insertion direction in which the main body portions 130 and 140 are inserted into the plug housing 10.

[0256] Thus, if the crossing direction, in which the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14, coincides with the insertion direction in which the main body portions 130 and 140 are inserted into the plug housing 10, the separation distance in the width direction of the mounting portions 132 and 142 of the respective terminals 13 and 14 can be maximized when observing from the crossing direction. That is, the direction in which the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 can be made to coincide with the direction in which the tips of the respective mounting portions can be more clearly visually recognized.

[0257] Further, in the present embodiment, the sheet-like cable 1A is used as a connected member for mounting the terminals 13 and 14 held in the plug housing 10.

[0258] In this way, the degree of freedom of connection of the cable 1A to the plug housing (housing) 10 can be further improved.

[0259] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cable 1A includes a connection area 11A and an extension area 12A extending from the connection area 11A. And the connected portion 10A includes a connection area 11A and a reinforcing plate 14A that is mounted on the connection area 11A and reinforces the connection area 11A.

[0260] In this way, the connection of the cable 1A to the plug housing (housing) 10 can be made more secure.

[0261] In addition, in the present embodiment, the connector is a plug-type connector 1 as follows. In a state where the terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10 and the mounting portions 132 and 142 are mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, by fitting the connector with a socket-type connector (connector on the object side) 2, the terminals 13 and 14 are electrically connected to the terminals (terminals on the object side: lower socket terminal 23 and upper socket terminal 24) of the socket-type connector 2.

[0262] In this way, a plug-type connector 1 can be obtained that can further improve the degree of freedom of connection of the cable (connected member) 1A to the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0263] However, as in the present embodiment, in a state where a plurality of terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10, the tips of the mounting portions 132 and 142 protrude toward the concave portion 112e side with respect to the plug housing 10. In this case, in order to more reliably mount each of the mounting portions 132 and 142 to the cable 1A, it is necessary to make the protrusion amounts of each of the mounting portions 132 and 142 from the lower end of the plug housing 10 consistent.

[0264] Normally, the mounting portions 132 and 142 are photographed by the camera 42 in a state where the light emitted from the lamp 41 irradiates the mounting portions 132 and 142 of the terminals 13 and 14 held in the plug housing 10, thereby confirming the protrusion amounts of each of the mounting portions 132 and 142 from the lower end of the plug housing 10.

[0265] Here, as Figure 29 shown, when a protrusion 112d is formed in the front in the front-rear direction so as to overlap the mounting portions 132 and 142 when viewed from the front, in the case of observing from the front side in the front-rear direction, the mounting portions 132 and 142 are hidden behind by the protrusion 112d. Therefore, when confirming the protrusion amounts of each of the mounting portions 132 and 142, it is necessary to perform photographing in a state where the light irradiates each of the mounting portions 132 and 142 from the rear side.

[0266] In addition, when the thickness direction and the width direction of each mounting portion 132, 142 are made to coincide, it is preferable to bend the lower ends of each mounting portion 132, 142 so as to easily form a fillet during soldering installation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lower ends of each mounting portion 132, 142 are bent.

[0267] However, when the lower ends of each mounting portion 132, 142 are bent, the light irradiated on the bent portion is diffusely reflected and the lower ends become blurred. Therefore, when photographing in a state where light irradiates each mounting portion 132, 142 from the rear side, it is necessary to confirm the position of the edge portion of the upper end of each mounting portion 132, 142, and to estimate the protruding amount (the position of the lower end of each mounting portion 132, 142) based on the position of this edge and the thickness of each mounting portion 132, 142 in the vertical direction.

[0268] However, as in the present embodiment, when the thickness direction and the width direction of each mounting portion 132, 142 coincide, the dimensional tolerance in the vertical direction generated when forming the terminals 13, 14 is large. Therefore, the accurate protruding amount of each mounting portion 132, 142 cannot be confirmed by the above-described estimation method.

[0269] Thus, when the thickness direction and the width direction of each mounting portion 132, 142 coincide and the lower ends of each mounting portion 132, 142 are bent to easily form a fillet, the accurate protruding amount of each mounting portion 132, 142 cannot be confirmed when photographing in a state where light irradiates each mounting portion 132, 142 from the rear side. That is, as Figure 29 shown, when a protrusion 112d is formed in the front in the front-rear direction, the accurate protruding amount of each mounting portion 132, 142 cannot be confirmed when using the terminals 13, 14 shown in the present embodiment.

[0270] In contrast, as in the present embodiment, when observing the plug housing 10 holding a plurality of terminals 13, 14 in the front-rear direction, if the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the plurality of mounting portions 132, 142, it is possible to photograph in a state where light irradiates each mounting portion 132, 142 from the front side (see Figure 30 ). And, if photographing in a state where light irradiates each mounting portion 132, 142 from the front side, the top ends of each mounting portion 132, 142 can be reflected more clearly than when irradiating light from the rear side.

[0271] Thus, when observing the plug housing 10 holding a plurality of terminals 13 and 14 in the front-rear direction, if the protrusion 112d does not overlap with the plurality of mounting portions 132 and 142, it is possible to more accurately confirm the amount of protrusion of each of the mounting portions 132 and 142 from the lower end of the plug housing 10 even when using the terminals 13 and 14 shown in the present embodiment.

[0272] In addition, as Figure 29 shown, even if a protrusion 112d is formed in the front in the front-rear direction so as to overlap with the mounting portions 132 and 142 when viewed from the front, if the protrusion 112d is formed only at the peripheral portion of the plug housing 10, it is possible to further improve the degree of freedom in the shape of the connected portion 10A and the degree of freedom in the arrangement in the concave portion 112e.

[0273] [Other]

[0274] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and their modified examples, and various modifications can be made.

[0275] For example, in the above embodiment, a structure in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in two levels, upper and lower, has been illustrated, but it is also possible to configure a connector in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in only one level or a connector in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in three or more levels.

[0276] In addition, a connector in which the terminals arranged in the same level are formed in the same shape has been illustrated, but it is also possible to configure a connector in which a variety of terminals are arranged in the same level.

[0277] In addition, in the above embodiment, for each terminal, a structure in which the thickness direction of each mounting portion is aligned with the arrangement direction of the terminals has been illustrated, but it is also possible to configure a terminal in which the thickness direction of each mounting portion is aligned with the up-down direction.

[0278] In addition, in the above embodiment, a structure in which the crossing direction is aligned with the front-rear direction (the insertion direction of the main body portion of the terminal) has been illustrated, but the crossing direction only needs to be a direction in which the mounting portions of the plurality of terminals can be visually recognized in a state where the mounting portions of the plurality of terminals are separated from each other, and it may be a direction crossing the front-rear direction.

[0279] In addition, in the above embodiment, a structure in which no protrusion is formed in the entire portion where the terminals are present when viewed in the crossing direction has been illustrated, but it is not limited to this structure. For example, it may be configured such that when viewed in the crossing direction, a protrusion is formed so as to overlap with the terminal and a through hole is formed in the protrusion, and the top end of the mounting portion (the portion protruding from the housing) is located in the through hole when viewed in the crossing direction.

[0280] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, a connector having a sliding member is illustrated, but a connector without a sliding member can also be configured.

[0281] In addition, the present disclosure can also be applied to connectors (plug connectors, socket connectors) that electrically connect substrates to each other and cables to each other. Further, the present disclosure can also be applied to connectors (plug connectors, socket connectors) that electrically connect a wire to a substrate, and connectors (plug connectors, socket connectors) that electrically connect a wire to a cable.

[0282] In addition, the specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) of the housing, terminals, and other detailed parts can be appropriately changed.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, the connector comprises: a housing; and a plurality of terminals, which have mounting portions mounted on a member to be connected and are held by the housing in a manner arranged side by side in the width direction, the housing has a recess for arranging the member to be connected and a protrusion protruding in the up - down direction to define the recess, the top ends of the mounting portions of the plurality of terminals each protrude toward the recess side with respect to the housing, the protrusion is formed such that, when observed in the front - rear direction, the protrusion does not overlap with the mounting portions of the plurality of terminals.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, front - side protrusions are formed at the front ends on both sides in the width direction of the housing, and in a state of observing in the up - down direction, a part of the side wall of the housing in the up - down direction protrudes in the width direction with respect to other parts.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, the front - side protrusions are configured to be received in a housing on the object side of the object - side connector when the connector and the object - side connector are in a mated state.

4. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, the protrusion includes a first protrusion formed at the front end of the housing, the first protrusion is connected to the front - side protrusion in the up - down direction.

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, the front - side protrusions have a plane that is flush with the bottom surface of the recess at the rear end of the first protrusion.

6. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, the connector further has a holding fitting, the holding fitting has a main body portion held by the housing and a fixing piece that is continuous with the lower end of the main body portion and is fixed to the member to be connected, the front - side protrusions protrude in the width direction with respect to the fixing piece in a state of observing in the up - down direction.

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, the main body portion of the holding fitting is inserted into a cut - out groove formed in the housing.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 2, 3, and 6, characterized in that, the protrusion includes a first protrusion formed at the front end of the housing and a second protrusion formed at the rear end of the housing.

9. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, the housing has a space for inserting the terminals, the space includes: a first space formed in the housing and having a first insertion port on one side in the insertion direction of the terminals; and a second space formed in the housing at a position above the first space in the up - down direction intersecting with the insertion direction and having a second insertion port on one side in the insertion direction, the plurality of terminals include a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal has a first main body portion inserted into the first space, a first leg portion extending downward from the first main body portion in the up - down direction, and a first mounting portion that is continuous with the first leg portion and is mounted on the member to be connected as the mounting portion, The second terminal has a second main body portion inserted into the second space, a second leg portion extending downward in the vertical direction from the second main body portion, and a second mounting portion that is provided to be continuous with the second leg portion and is mounted on the connected member as the mounting portion. A plurality of groove portions that open to one of the first insertion openings are formed in the housing. The plurality of groove portions include a first groove portion into which the first leg portion is inserted and a second groove portion into which the second leg portion is inserted.

10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, a partition wall is formed between the first insertion opening and the second insertion opening of the housing, the first groove portion is formed in the bottom wall of the housing, the second groove portion is formed in the partition wall.

11. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, the first groove portion and the second groove portion are formed in the bottom wall of the housing.

12. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, a partition wall is formed between the first insertion opening and the second insertion opening of the housing, the first groove portion is formed in the bottom wall of the housing, the second groove portion is formed in the partition wall and the bottom wall of the housing.

13. The connector according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, the first leg portion and the second leg portion are formed in a plate shape and have a pair of surfaces perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, the pair of surfaces of the first leg portion face the inner surface of the first groove portion, the pair of surfaces of the second leg portion face the inner surface of the second groove portion.

14. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, the housing has a space for inserting the terminal, the space includes: a first space formed in the housing and having a first insertion opening on one side in the insertion direction of the terminal; and a second space formed in the housing at a position above the first space in the vertical direction intersecting the insertion direction and having a second insertion opening on one side in the insertion direction, the plurality of terminals include a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal has a first main body portion inserted into the first space, a first leg portion extending downward in the vertical direction from the first main body portion, and a first mounting portion that is provided to be continuous with the first leg portion and is mounted on the connected member as the mounting portion, the second terminal has a second main body portion inserted into the second space, a second leg portion extending downward in the vertical direction from the second main body portion, and a second mounting portion that is provided to be continuous with the second leg portion and is mounted on the connected member as the mounting portion, a plurality of groove portions that open to one of the first insertion openings are formed in the housing, the plurality of groove portions include two second groove portions into which the second leg portion is inserted.

15. The connector according to claim 9 or 14, wherein, the protrusion includes a first protrusion formed at the front end of the housing.

16. The connector according to claim 9 or 14, wherein, the protrusion includes a second protrusion formed at the rear end of the housing.

17. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, the connected member is a sheet-like cable.

18. A connector set, comprising the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and the connected member.

Images