Connector

Abstract

A connector includes: a first housing provided with a plurality of first arrangement portions in which a plurality of first terminals are arranged; and a second housing fitted to the first housing and provided with second arrangement parts provided in a number less than the number of the plurality of first arrangement parts, in which second terminals to be electrically connected to the first terminals are arranged, and the first housing and the second housing are provided with restriction parts, in which the second terminals to be electrically connected to the first terminals are arranged in a number less than the number of the plurality of first arrangement parts. The restricting portion enables the first housing and the second housing to engage with each other in a state where the second arrangement portion is arranged at a regular position with respect to the plurality of first arrangement portions.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, a connector includes a first housing provided with a plurality of first arrangement portions, in which a plurality of first terminals are arranged. In addition, a connector is known, which includes a second housing fitted into the first housing and provided with a second arrangement portion, in which a second terminal (JP 2017-208164A) to be electrically connected to the terminal is arranged. In such a connector, the number of second terminals accommodated in the connector is less than the number of terminals accommodated in the first housing. Therefore, the number of the first arrangement portions of the first housing is greater than the number of the second arrangement portions of the connector, and thereby the second housing can be fitted into the first housing at a free position. Summary of the invention

[0003] However, in the connector disclosed in JP 2017-208164A, there is a possibility that the second housing is fitted into the first housing at a different position. If the second housing is fitted into the first housing at a different position, different first terminals and different second terminals are electrically connected to each other.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of these problems of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of fitting a second housing into a first housing in a regular position.

[0005] The connector according to the present invention includes: a first shell, which is provided with a plurality of first arrangement parts, in which a plurality of first terminals are arranged; and a second shell, which is matched to the first shell and is provided with a second arrangement part, the second arrangement part is provided in a number less than the number of the plurality of first arrangement parts, and in the second arrangement part, the second terminal to be electrically connected to the first terminal is arranged, wherein the first shell and the second shell are provided with a limiting part, which enables the first shell to be matched with the second shell when the second arrangement part is arranged in a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement parts.

[0006] The present invention makes it possible to provide a connector capable of fitting a second housing into a first housing in a regular position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a front view of the connector according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a front view of a first housing of the connector according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second housing of the connector according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the second housing of the connector according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a front view of the second housing of the connector according to the first embodiment before the second housing having the predetermined second arrangement portion is formed.

[0012] Figure 6 is a front view of the connector according to the first embodiment when the second housing is not arranged in a regular position relative to the first housing.

[0013] Figure 7 is a front view of a connector according to a second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 is a front view of a first housing of a connector according to a second embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a front view of a second housing of the connector according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Fig.10 is a bottom view of a second housing of the connector according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Fig.11 is a front view of the connector according to the second embodiment when the second housing is not arranged in a regular position relative to the first housing.

[0018] Fig.12 is a front view of the second housing of the connector according to the second embodiment before the second housing having the predetermined second arrangement portion is formed.

[0019] Fig.13 is a front view of another example of the second housing of the connector according to the first embodiment before the second housing having the predetermined second arrangement portion is formed.

[0020] Fig.14 is a front view showing another example of the second housing of the connector according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Fig.15 is a bottom view showing another example of the second housing of the connector according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, the connector according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0023] (First embodiment)

[0024] Will refer to Figures 1 to 6 A first embodiment is described.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 1 according to the present embodiment is used to electrically connect electrical components, such as between a power source and a device or between devices. The connector 1 has a first housing 3 and a second housing 5 that can be matched. For example, in the first housing 3, a first terminal (not shown) electrically connected to one electrical component is arranged. For example, in the second housing 5, a second terminal (not shown) electrically connected to another electrical component is arranged. In the connector 1, when the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are matched with each other, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected to each other, thereby electrically connecting the electrical components to each other.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the connector 1 includes a first housing 3 and a second housing 5 .

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the first housing 3 is made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin, for example. The first housing 3 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped housing shape so that the upper wall 7, the lower wall 9 and the pair of side walls 11 and 11 are continuous, and the second housing 5 can be fitted into the first housing 3. The front side of the first housing 3 in the mating direction with the second housing 5 is opened in such a way that the second housing 5 can be inserted therein. The rear side in the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 is closed by a bottom wall 13, which is formed by a component that is continuous with the upper wall 7, the lower wall 9 and the pair of side walls 11 and 11. The bottom wall 13 of the first housing 3 is provided with a first arrangement portion 15 that passes through the bottom wall 13, and a first connection portion (not shown) of a convex piece of the first terminal is arranged in the first arrangement portion 15. A plurality of (seven here) first arrangement portions 15 are arranged at predetermined intervals along a direction orthogonal to the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5.

[0028] A partition 17 is provided above the first arrangement portion 15. The partition 17 is formed by a component continuous with the upper wall 7 and the bottom wall 13, and protrudes inward. A plurality of (seven in this case) partitions 17 are provided at positions corresponding to the respective first arrangement portions 15. The partition 17 extends from the bottom wall 13 to the opening along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. A pair of side walls 11 and 11 of the first shell 3 are respectively provided with a movement limiting portion 19, which is formed by a component continuous with the pair of side walls 11 and 11 and the bottom wall 13, and protrudes inward. The movement limiting portion 19 extends from the bottom wall 13 to the opening along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. A pair of side walls 11 and 11 of the first shell 3 and the lower wall 9 are respectively provided with a support portion 21, which is formed by a component continuous with the pair of side walls 11 and 11, the lower wall 9 and the bottom wall 13, and protrudes inward. The support portion 21 extends from the bottom wall 13 to the opening along the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 .

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the second housing 5 is made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin, for example. The second housing 5 is formed into a U-shaped housing shape with an upper opening so that the lower wall 23 and a pair of side walls 25 and 25 are continuous, and the second housing 5 can be fitted into the first housing 3. The space separated by the lower wall 23 and the pair of side walls 25 and 25 of the second housing 5 forms a second arrangement portion 27 capable of accommodating the second terminal. The second terminal has a box shape into which the first connection portion of the first terminal can be inserted, or has a second connection portion (not shown) composed of a pair of retaining pieces for retaining the first connection portion, and the second terminal is electrically connected to the terminal portion of the wire (not shown) electrically connected to the electrical component.

[0030] The front side of the second arrangement portion 27 in the mating direction with the first housing 3 is closed by a bottom wall 29 formed by one member continuous with the pair of side walls 25 and 25. In the bottom wall 29, a hole into which the first connection portion can be inserted is formed in a manner penetrating the bottom wall 29 at a position corresponding to the first arrangement portion 15. The height of the bottom wall 29 from the lower wall 23 upward is set to be lower than the height of the pair of side walls 25 and 25 from the lower wall 23 upward, so that the partition 17 can be arranged between the pair of side walls 25 and 25 and the bottom wall 29. The partition 17 arranged between the pair of side walls 25 and 25 and the bottom wall 29 restricts the movement of the second housing 5 relative to the first housing 3, thereby making it possible to stably hold the second housing 5 in the first housing 3. The rear side of the second arrangement portion 27 in the mating direction with the first housing 3 is opened in a manner that the electric wires can be led out to the outside. An engaged portion formed by a hole or a groove is provided inside the second arrangement portion 27, and the engaged portion can engage with an engaging portion (not shown) provided in the second terminal. The engaged portion limits the movement of the second terminal relative to the second arrangement portion 27 by engaging with the engaging portion, so that the second terminal can be stably held in the second arrangement portion 27.

[0031] The lower wall 23 of the second arrangement portion 27 is provided with an extension portion 31 extending downward from the outer surface at a position corresponding to the first arrangement portion 15 (the hole in the bottom wall 29). The extension portion 31 extends along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 to be divided into two or more (here, two) between the bottom wall 29 and the opening on the rear side in the mating direction with the first shell 3. The extension portion 31 can extend continuously without being divided along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. The lower surface of the extension portion 31 is arranged to face the inner surface of the lower wall 9 of the first shell 3. Since the extension portion 31 and the lower wall 9 are arranged to face each other, the movement of the second shell 5 relative to the first shell 3 can be restricted, so that the second shell 5 can be stably held in the first shell 3. When the second shell 5 is arranged at both ends in the width direction inside the first shell 3, the movement restriction portion 19 is arranged to face the outer surface of the side wall 25, and the support portion 21 is arranged to face the outer surface of the lower wall 23. Since the side wall 25 and the movement restricting portion 19 are arranged to face each other, and the lower wall 23 and the support portion 21 are arranged to face each other, the movement of the second shell 5 relative to the first shell 3 can be restricted, so that the second shell 5 can be stably held in the first shell 3.

[0032] A plurality of (here, three) second arrangement portions 27 are continuously arranged along a direction orthogonal to the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5, so that the adjacent side walls 25 and 25 and the lower walls 23 and 23 are continuous parts. The second shell 5 having a plurality of second arrangement portions 27 is obtained by modifying the second shell 5 having a plurality of (here, seven) second arrangement portions 27 continuously arranged according to the circuit to be applied (see Figure 5 ) is processed (such as cutting or fusing). Since the second shell 5 is formed in this way, only one mold for molding the second shell 5 needs to be manufactured, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the second shell 5.

[0033] The second housing 5 having a plurality of (here, three) second arrangement portions 27 is fitted into the portion of the first housing 3 where a plurality of (here, three) first arrangement portions 15 are located, according to the circuit to be applied. Since the second housing 5 is fitted into the first housing 3 in this manner, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected to each other, thereby forming a desired circuit.

[0034] Here, the number of the plurality of (here, three) second arrangement portions 27 is less than the number of the plurality of (here, seven) first arrangement portions 15. Therefore, although the second housing 5 can be fitted into the first housing 3 at a free position, the second housing 5 may also be fitted into the first housing 3 at a different position. If the second housing 5 is fitted into the first housing 3 at a different position, different first terminals and different second terminals are electrically connected to each other, and thus the desired circuit cannot be obtained. Therefore, the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are provided with a limiting portion 33, which can make the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 fit in a state where the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged in a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the limiting portion 33 includes a groove 35 and a protrusion 37. Figure 1 , a state in which the second housing 5 is fitted to the left end of the first housing is shown, and in the following description, this state will be described as a state in which the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged at a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15 .

[0036] The groove 35 is provided in the second shell 5. The groove 35 is provided in the lower surface of the extension portion 31 to be positioned corresponding to the second arrangement portion 27 of the second shell 5, and the extension portion 31 is located below the lower wall 23 of the second arrangement portion 27. The groove 35 is provided in the entire length direction of the lower surface of the extension portion 31 along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. The groove 35 is opened at least on the front side in the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5, so that the protrusion 37 can be inserted when the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 are mated with each other. Here, the groove 35 is also opened on the rear side in the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5, so that the insertion state of the protrusion 37 into the groove 35 can be intuitively confirmed. Since the groove 35 is provided along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5, the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 can be guided to mate.

[0037] The groove 35 is provided in the second shell 5 at a position corresponding to the second arrangement portion 27 (here, the second arrangement portion 27 at the center and the right end) other than one second arrangement portion 27 (here, the second arrangement portion 27 at the left end) among the plurality of (here, three) second arrangement portions 27. The groove 35 may be provided in the second shell 5 at a position corresponding to the second arrangement portion 27 other than at least one second arrangement portion 27. For example, the groove 35 may be provided in the second shell 5 at a position corresponding to the second arrangement portion 27 only at the right end, and the groove 35 may not be provided at a position corresponding to the other second arrangement portions 27.

[0038] The protrusion 37 is provided on the first housing 3. The protrusion 37 is provided on the inner surface of the lower wall 9 located below the first arrangement portion 15 to be positioned corresponding to the first arrangement portion 15 of the first housing 3. The protrusion 37 is formed by one member continuous with the lower wall 9 to protrude from the inner surface of the lower wall 9 toward the first arrangement portion 15. The protrusion height of the protrusion 37 is set to be equal to or slightly smaller than the depth of the groove 35. The width of the protrusion 37 is set to be equal to or slightly smaller than the width of the groove 35. The protrusion 37 extends over the entire area from the bottom wall 13 to the opening of the first housing 3 along the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5. Therefore, at least a part of the protrusion 37 is arranged on the front side (opening side in the first housing 3) in the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5. Since the protrusion 37 is arranged on the front side in the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5, it is possible to detect whether the protrusion 37 is inserted into the groove 35 at the initial stage of the mating of the first housing 2 and the second housing 5. By extending the protrusion 37 along the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 , the engagement range between the groove 35 and the protrusion 37 can be expanded, so that the mating state of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 can be stably maintained.

[0039] In the first housing 3, the protrusion 37 is provided at a position corresponding to all (here, four) first arrangement portions 15 in which the second arrangement portion 27 is not arranged among the plurality of (here, seven) first arrangement portions 15. In the first housing 3, the protrusion 37 is provided at a position corresponding to the first arrangement portion 15 (here, the first arrangement portion 15 at the center and the right end) in which the second arrangement portion 27 corresponding to the groove 35 is arranged among the plurality of (here, three) first arrangement portions 15 in which the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged. That is, the protrusion 37 is provided in the first housing 3 at a position corresponding to all the first arrangement portions 15 except the first arrangement portion 15 (here, the first arrangement portion 15 at the left end) in which the second arrangement portion 27 not corresponding to the groove 35 is arranged.

[0040] When the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 are matched with each other, the restriction portion 33 can detect whether the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 can be matched with each other according to whether the protrusion 37 can be inserted into the groove 35. When the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged in a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15 (see Figure 1 ), the position of the protrusion 37 coincides with the position of the groove 35, so that the protrusion 37 can be inserted into the groove 35. Therefore, the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 can be matched with each other, and the regular first terminal and the regular second terminal can be electrically connected to each other, and thus the desired circuit can be obtained. On the contrary, when the second arrangement portion 27 is not arranged at the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15 (see Figure 6 ), the position of the protrusion 37 does not coincide with the position of the groove 35, and thus the protrusion 37 cannot be inserted into the groove 35. Here, the extension 31 at the left end of the groove 35 is not provided to abut against the protrusion 37, and thus the protrusion 37 cannot be inserted into the groove 35. Therefore, the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 cannot be matched with each other, and thus different first terminals and different second terminals are not electrically connected to each other.

[0041] The connector 1 includes a first housing 3 provided with a plurality of first arrangement portions 15, in which a plurality of first terminals are arranged. The connector 1 also includes a second housing 5, which is fitted into the first housing 3 and provided with a second arrangement portion 27, the number of which is less than the number of the plurality of first arrangement portions 15, in which second terminals to be electrically connected to the first terminals are arranged. In addition, the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are provided with a restriction portion 33, which enables the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 to be fitted in a state where the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged in a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15.

[0042] When the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged in a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15, the limiting portion 33 enables the first housing 3 to be matched with the second housing 5. Therefore, the regular first terminal and the regular second terminal can be electrically connected to each other, and thus the desired circuit can be obtained. On the contrary, when the second arrangement portion 27 is not arranged in a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15, the limiting portion 33 makes it impossible for the first housing 3 to be matched with the second housing 5. Therefore, different first terminals and different second terminals are not electrically connected to each other.

[0043] Thus, in the connector 1 , the second housing 5 can be fitted into the first housing 3 at the regular position.

[0044] Furthermore, the restricting portion 33 has a groove 35 provided in the second housing 5 and a protrusion 37 provided in the first housing 3 , and the protrusion 37 can be inserted into the groove 35 in a state where the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged at a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15 .

[0045] When the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged at the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15, the restriction portion 33 can insert the protrusion 37 into the groove 35, thereby enabling the first housing 3 to be matched with the second housing 5. On the contrary, when the second arrangement portion 27 is not arranged at the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15, the restriction portion 33 cannot insert the protrusion 37 into the groove 35, thereby making it difficult for the first housing 3 to be matched with the second housing 5. Therefore, whether the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged at the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15 can be detected based on whether the protrusion 37 in the restriction portion 33 can be inserted into the groove 35.

[0046] Furthermore, a plurality of second arrangement portions 27 are provided in the second housing 5. Furthermore, grooves 35 are provided in the second housing 5 at positions corresponding to the second arrangement portions 27 other than at least one of the plurality of second arrangement portions 27. Protrusions 37 are provided in the first housing 3 at positions corresponding to the first arrangement portions 15 in which the second arrangement portion 27 not corresponding to the grooves 35 is not provided among the plurality of first arrangement portions 15.

[0047] When the plurality of second arrangement parts 27 are arranged in the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement parts 15, the second arrangement parts 27 not corresponding to the grooves 35 are arranged in the first arrangement parts 15 not corresponding to the protrusions 37. In addition, the second arrangement parts 27 corresponding to the grooves 35 are arranged in the first arrangement parts 15 corresponding to the protrusions 37. Therefore, the protrusions 37 can be inserted into the grooves 35, and thus the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 can be matched with each other. On the contrary, when the plurality of second arrangement parts 27 are not arranged in the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement parts 15, the second arrangement parts 27 not corresponding to the grooves 35 are arranged in the first arrangement parts 15 corresponding to the protrusions 37. Therefore, the protrusions 37 cannot be inserted into the grooves 35, and thus the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 cannot be matched with each other. Thus, whether the plurality of second arrangement parts 27 are arranged in the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement parts 15 can be detected according to whether the protrusions 37 can be inserted into the grooves 35 in the restriction part 33.

[0048] The groove 35 is open at the front side in the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 and is provided along the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5. The protrusion 37 is provided at the front side in the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5.

[0049] Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the protrusion 37 is inserted into the groove 35 at the initial stage of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. Since the groove 35 is arranged along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5, the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 can be guided to mate with each other in the state where the protrusion 37 is inserted into the groove 35.

[0050] Reference Figures 7 to 15 A second embodiment is described.

[0051] In the connector 101 according to the present embodiment, the grooves 103 are provided in the first housing 3 at positions corresponding to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15. The protrusions 105 are provided in the second housing 5 at positions corresponding to the second arrangement portions 27. The width W1 of the protrusion 105 corresponding to the second arrangement portion 27 and the width W2 of the groove 103 corresponding to the first arrangement portion 15 where the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged are set to be larger than the width W3 of the other grooves 103.

[0052] Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions of the configuration and functions will be omitted by referring to the description in the first embodiment. However, since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the effects obtained thereby are also the same.

[0053] like Figure 7, a state in which the second housing 5 is fitted to the left end of the first housing is shown, and in the following description, this state will be described as a state in which the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged at a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15 .

[0054] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig.11 As shown, between the support portions 21 and 21 respectively provided on a pair of side walls 11 and 11, the lower wall 9 of the first shell 3 is provided with a plurality of (six in this case) support portions 21 at predetermined intervals. The plurality of support portions 21 located between the support portions 21 and 21 on the pair of side walls 11 and 11 are formed by a component continuous with the lower wall 9 and the bottom wall 13, and protrude inwardly in a manner having the same protruding height as the support portions 21 on the side walls 11 and 11. In addition, like the support portions 21 on the side walls 11 and 11, the plurality of support portions 21 extend from the bottom wall 13 to the opening in the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. In the first shell 3, the plurality of support portions 21 are provided between the plurality of (seven in this case) first arrangement portions 15 or at positions corresponding to the outer sides in the arrangement direction. The space separated by the plurality of support portions 21 and the lower wall 9 forms a groove 103.

[0055] A plurality of (seven in this case) grooves 103 are provided in the first housing 3 at positions corresponding to all (seven in this case) of the plurality of first arrangement portions 15. The grooves 103 are provided along the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5. The grooves 103 are opened at the front side (opening side in the first housing 3) in the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 so that the protrusions 105 can be inserted when the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are mated with each other. Since the grooves 103 are provided along the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5, the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 can be guided to mate.

[0056] Among the plurality of first arrangement portions 15, the width W2 of at least one groove 103 of the plurality of (here, three) grooves 103 positioned corresponding to the first arrangement portion 15 where the plurality of (here, three) second arrangement portions 27 are arranged is set to be larger than the width W3 of the other grooves 103. Here, the width W2 of one groove 103 located at the left end is set to be larger than the other six grooves 103. Among the three grooves 103, all the grooves 103 may be set to the width W2, or two grooves 103 may be set to the width W2.

[0057] like Figure 7 and Figures 9 to 11As shown, the lower wall 23 positioned corresponding to each (here three) second arrangement portion 27 of the second shell 5 is provided with a protrusion 105 extending downward from the outer surface at a position corresponding to the first arrangement portion 15 (the hole in the bottom wall 29). Therefore, a plurality of (here three) protrusions 105 are provided in the second shell 5 at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of (here three) second arrangement portions 27. The protrusion height of the protrusion 105 is set to be equal to or slightly less than the depth of the groove 103. The protrusion 105 extends along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 to be divided into two or more (here two) between the bottom wall 29 and the opening on the rear side in the mating direction of the first shell 3. The protrusion 105 can extend continuously along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 without being divided. At least a part of the protrusion 105 is arranged on the front side (the bottom wall 29 side of the second shell 5) in the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. Since the protrusion 105 is arranged at the front side in the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5, it is possible to detect whether the protrusion 105 is inserted into the groove 103 at the initial stage of the mating of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. By extending the protrusion 105 along the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5, the engagement range of the groove 103 and the protrusion 105 can be expanded, so that the mating state of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 can be stably maintained.

[0058] Among the plurality of second arrangement portions 27, the width W1 of the protrusion 105 (here, the protrusion 105 at the left end) corresponding to the second arrangement portion 27 arranged in the first arrangement portion 15 corresponding to the wide groove 103 is set to be larger than the width W4 of the other protrusions 105. The portion of the protrusion 105 used as the width W1 is provided only on the front side (bottom wall 29 side) in the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. Since the width W1 of the protrusion 105 is provided only on the front side in the mating direction of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5, it is possible to detect whether the protrusion 105 is inserted into the groove 103 at the initial stage of the mating of the first shell 3 and the second shell 5. In addition, the amount of material used for the protrusion 105 can be reduced, thereby reducing weight and cost. The width W1 of the protrusion 105 is set to be equal to or slightly smaller than the width W2 of the groove 103, and is set to be larger than the width W3 of the groove 103. The width W4 of the protrusion 105 is set to be equal to or slightly smaller than the width W3 of the groove 103. Therefore, the protrusion 105 having a width of W1 can be inserted into the groove 103 having a width of W2, but cannot be inserted into the groove 103 having a width of W3. The protrusion 105 having a width of W4 can be inserted into both the groove 103 having a width of W2 and the groove 103 having a width of W3. The protrusion 105 having a width of W1 can be provided corresponding to the second arrangement portion 27 arranged in the first arrangement portion 15 located corresponding to the groove 103 having a width of W2.

[0059] When the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 are matched with each other, the restriction portion 33 having the groove 103 and the protrusion 105 can detect whether the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 can be matched with each other according to whether the protrusion 105 can be inserted into the groove 103. When the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged at a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15 (see Figure 7 ), the position of the protrusion 105 with a width of W1 coincides with the position of the groove 103 with a width of W2, so that the protrusion 105 can be inserted into the groove 103. At this time, the position of the protrusion 105 with a width of W4 also coincides with the position of the groove 103 with a width of W3, so that the protrusion 105 can be inserted into the groove 103. Therefore, the first shell 3 and the second shell 5 can cooperate with each other, and the regular first terminal and the regular second terminal can be electrically connected to each other, and thus the desired circuit can be obtained. On the contrary, when the second arrangement portion 27 is not arranged at the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15 (see Fig.11 ), the protrusion 105 having a width W1 is arranged in the groove 103 having a narrow width W3, and thus the protrusion 105 cannot be inserted into the groove 103. Therefore, the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 cannot be matched with each other, and thus different first terminals and different second terminals are not electrically connected to each other.

[0060] Here, if Fig.12 As shown, the second housing 5 is formed by processing (such as cutting or fusing) the second housing 5 having a plurality of (seven in this case) second arrangement portions 27 arranged continuously according to the circuit to be applied. Fig.12 Among the protrusions 105 provided in the second housing 5, all (seven in this case) protrusions 105 are formed in such a manner that the width of the protrusion 105 on the front side (bottom wall 29 side) in the mating direction between the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 is W1. According to the circuit to be applied, by removing a part of the width W1 of the protrusion 105 other than the protrusion 105 whose width should be W1 from among the plurality of protrusions 105 of the divided second housing 5, the width of the protrusion 105 can be made W4. Since the second housing 5 is formed in such a manner, only one mold for molding the second housing 5 needs to be manufactured, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the second housing 5.

[0061] like Fig.13 As shown, the second housing 5 may be formed by processing (such as cutting or fusing) the second housing 5 having a plurality of (seven, here) second arrangement portions 27 disposed continuously in accordance with a circuit to be applied. Fig.13 The protrusions 105 provided on the second housing 5 are formed so that all (seven in this case) protrusions 105 have a width W1 in the entire length direction along the mating direction of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5. Fig.14 and Fig.15As shown, the second housing 5 having a plurality of (here three) protrusions 105 is divided according to the circuit to be applied. Fig.13 The second shell 5 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by removing a portion of the width W1 of the protrusions 105 other than the protrusions 105 whose width should be W1 from among the plurality of protrusions 105 of the divided second shell 5, so that the width of the protrusion 105 can be made W4. Since the second shell 5 is formed in this way, only one mold for molding the second shell 5 needs to be manufactured, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the second shell 5. By the way, Fig.12 The second housing 5 shown has fewer parts to be removed when the protrusion 105 is removed, and thus the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0062] In such a connector 101, the grooves 103 are provided in the first housing 3 at positions corresponding to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15. The protrusions 105 are provided in the second housing 5 at positions corresponding to the second arrangement portions 27. The width W1 of the protrusion 105 corresponding to the second arrangement portion 27 and the width W2 of the groove 103 corresponding to the first arrangement portion 15 where the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged are set to be larger than the width W3 of the other grooves 103.

[0063] When the second arrangement portion 27 is arranged at the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15, the position of the protrusion 105 having the width W1 and the position of the groove 103 having the width W2 coincide with each other, thereby enabling the protrusion 105 to be inserted into the groove 103. In contrast, when the second arrangement portion 27 is not arranged at the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15, the protrusion 105 having the width W1 is arranged in the groove 103 having the narrow width W3, and thus the protrusion 105 cannot be inserted into the groove 103. Therefore, whether the plurality of second arrangement portions 27 are arranged at the regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions 15 can be detected based on whether the protrusion 105 can be inserted into the groove 103 in the restriction portion 33.

[0064] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to the above description, and various modifications can be made within the gist of the present embodiment.

[0065] For example, in the connector according to the first embodiment, the protrusion is provided in the first housing and the groove is provided in the second housing; however, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the groove may be provided in the first housing and the protrusion may be provided in the second housing. In this case, for example, a protrusion can be provided on the outer surface of the second housing, and a groove can be provided in the inner surface of the first housing, and when the second arrangement portion is arranged in a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions, the protrusion can be inserted into the groove.

[0066] In addition, although the number of the first arrangement parts provided in the first shell is seven, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the first arrangement parts may be six or less, or eight or more. In addition, although the number of the second arrangement parts provided in the second shell is three, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the second arrangement parts may be two or less, or four or more. In this case, the number of the second arrangement parts provided in the second shell may be less than the number of the first arrangement parts.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of components can be replaced with any configuration having the same function as long as it is within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: A first housing, the first housing being provided with a plurality of first arrangement portions, in which a plurality of first terminals are arranged; as well as a second housing fitted to the first housing and provided with second arrangement portions, the second arrangement portions being provided in a number less than the number of the plurality of first arrangement portions, in which second terminals electrically connected to the first terminals are arranged, wherein: The first housing and the second housing are provided with a restriction portion that enables the first housing to be mated with the second housing in a state in which the second arrangement portion is arranged at a regular position relative to the plurality of first arrangement portions.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The limiting portion has a groove provided in one of the first shell and the second shell and a protrusion provided in the other of the first shell and the second shell, and the protrusion can be inserted into the groove when the second arrangement portion is arranged in a regular position relative to a plurality of the first arrangement portions.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The second housing is provided with a plurality of the second arrangement parts, The groove is provided in the second housing at a position corresponding to the second arrangement portion other than at least one of the plurality of second arrangement portions, and The protrusion is provided in the first housing at a position corresponding to the first arrangement portion among the plurality of first arrangement portions where the second arrangement portion not corresponding to the groove is not arranged.

4. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The grooves are provided in the first housing at positions corresponding to the plurality of the first arrangement portions, The protrusion is provided in the second housing at a position corresponding to the second arrangement portion, and The width of the protrusion corresponding to the second arrangement portion and the width of the groove corresponding to the first arrangement portion where the second arrangement portion is arranged are set to be larger than the widths of the other grooves.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The groove opens at the front side in the mating direction between the first shell and the second shell, and is arranged along the mating direction between the first shell and the second shell, and The protrusion is disposed on the front side in the mating direction of the first shell and the second shell.

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