Connector

Abstract

A connector (1) is provided with a terminal (13) that can be electrically connected to counterpart-side terminals (23, 24), and a housing (10) that has internal spaces (S1, S2) that can accommodate the terminal (13). In addition, the terminal (13) has a terminal connection part (132) that can be electrically connected to the conductor (14A) of the member (1A) to be connected. In addition, the housing (10) has a first end (11b) of a first shaft from which the terminal connection part (132) protrudes in a state in which the terminal (13) is housed in the internal spaces (S1, S2), and a second end (11c) on the first shaft on the opposite side from the first end (11b). Furthermore, an opening (1121) through which the terminal connection part (132) can be viewed when the housing (10) is viewed from a position closer to the second end (11c) side than the first end (11b) is formed in the housing (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector, a connector including a housing and terminals housed in the housing and connected to a connected member such as a cable is known as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, by fitting the connector to which the connected member is connected with the other-side connector, the other-side terminals of the other-side connector and the conductors of the connected member are electrically connected via the terminals of the connector. At this time, the terminals are housed in the housing in a state where the terminal connection portions connected to the conductors of the connected member protrude outward from the housing. In this way, the connection state between the terminal connection portions and the conductors can be visually confirmed.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-110994 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In such a connector, it is preferable to achieve miniaturization in order to make the installation location versatile, etc.

[0008] However, if the connector is miniaturized, the amount of protrusion of the terminal connection portions from the housing becomes smaller, and it becomes difficult to confirm the connection state between the terminal connection portions and the conductors.

[0009] Therefore, it is considered to sufficiently ensure the amount of protrusion of the terminal connection portions by thinning the thickness of the housing so that the connection state between the terminal connection portions and the conductors can be more reliably visually confirmed. However, if the thickness of the housing is thinned, there is a problem that the strength of the housing decreases.

[0010] Therefore, when miniaturizing the connector, it is preferable to suppress a decrease in the strength of the housing and also improve the visual confirmability of the terminal connection portions.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a connector that can suppress a decrease in the strength of the housing and further improve the visual confirmability of the terminal connection portions when miniaturized.

[0012] The connector related to the present disclosure is configured to be able to engage with the mating connector by relatively moving along the first axis with respect to the mating connector, and to electrically connect the mating terminals provided in the mating connector and the conductors provided in the connected member by engaging with the mating connector and connecting the connected member. The connector includes: terminals that can be electrically connected to the mating terminals; and a housing having an internal space capable of accommodating the terminals. The terminals have terminal connection portions that can be electrically connected to the conductors of the connected member. The housing has a first end of the first axis where the terminal connection portions protrude in a state where the terminals are accommodated in the internal space, and a second end located on the side opposite to the first end on the first axis. An opening through which the terminal connection portions can be visually confirmed is formed in the housing when the housing is viewed from a position closer to the second end side than the first end.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, a connector can be obtained that can suppress a decrease in the strength of the housing and further improve the visual confirmability of the terminal connection portions when miniaturization is achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 FIG. is a view showing an example of a connector kit and a connector unit, and is a perspective view showing a plug connector mounted on a cable and a socket connector mounted on a circuit board disassembled.

[0015] Figure 2 FIG. is a view showing an example of a connector kit and a connector unit, and is a perspective view showing a state where a plug connector mounted on a cable and a socket connector mounted on a circuit board are engaged.

[0016] Figure 3 FIG. is a view showing the plug terminals and socket terminals of the connector kit. (a) is a perspective view showing a state before the plug terminals contact the upper socket terminals, and (b) is a top view showing the contact state between the plug terminals and the upper socket terminals.

[0017] Figure 4 FIG. is a view showing the plug terminals and socket terminals of the connector kit. (a) is a perspective view showing a state before the plug terminals contact the lower socket terminals, and (b) is a rear view showing the contact state between the plug terminals and the lower socket terminals.

[0018] Figure 5 FIG. is a view for explaining how to mount the plug connector on the cable. (a) is a perspective view of the state before mounting as viewed from the front side of the cable, and (b) is a perspective view of the state after mounting as viewed from the front side of the cable.

[0019] Figure 6It is a diagram showing the appearance of a plug connector installed on a cable. (a) is a perspective view of the state before installation observed from the back side of the cable, and (b) is a perspective view of the state after installation observed from the back side of the cable.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a front view showing the connector unit.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a rear view showing the connector unit.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing the plug connector included in the connector kit and the connector unit disassembled.

[0023] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the plug housing included in the plug connector. (a) is a top view, and (b) is a rear view.

[0024] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the plug housing included in the plug connector. (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side sectional view.

[0025] Figure 12 It is a diagram of the plug terminals included in the plug connector. (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0026] Figure 13 It is a perspective view showing the state before the socket connector included in the connector kit is installed on the circuit board.

[0027] Figure 14 It is a perspective view showing the socket connector included in the connector kit and the mating connector unit disassembled.

[0028] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the socket housing included in the socket connector. (a) is a top view, and (b) is a rear view.

[0029] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the socket housing included in the socket connector. (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side sectional view.

[0030] Figure 17 It is a diagram of the upper socket terminals included in the socket connector. (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.

[0031] Figure 18It is a diagram showing the lower socket terminals of a socket connector. (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a back view.

[0032] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing the plug connector of a connector kit and a connector unit. (a) is a perspective view of the plug connector observed from the back side, and (b) is a rear view of the plug connector.

[0033] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing the plug connector of a connector kit and a connector unit. (a) is a front view of the plug connector, and (b) is a front view showing a partial enlargement of the plug connector.

[0034] Figure 21 It is a perspective view of the cable of a connector unit observed from the front side.

[0035] Figure 22 It is a diagram showing a connector unit. (a) is a perspective view showing a partial cutaway of the connector unit, and (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the connector unit.

[0036] Figure 23 It is a diagram explaining the configuration relationship between the locking part of the plug connector and the cable. (a) is a rear view showing the locking part in the plug connector alone, and (b) is a rear view showing the locking part in the state where the cable is installed on the plug connector.

[0037] Figure 24 It is a diagram showing another example of a connector kit, which is a perspective view showing the state of being disassembled into the state where the plug connector installed on the cable and the socket connector installed on the circuit board are engaged, and a sliding member.

[0038] Figure 25 It is a diagram showing an example of a sliding member. (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a back view.

[0039] Figure 26 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state where the sliding member is temporarily held on the plug connector.

[0040] Figure 27 It is a diagram explaining the manner of locking the plug connector and the socket connector with a sliding member, which is a side cross-sectional view showing the state before the plug connector with the sliding member temporarily held is engaged with the socket connector.

[0041] Figure 28This is a diagram showing how a plug connector and a socket connector are locked with a sliding member, and is a side cross-sectional view showing the state after the plug connector temporarily holding the sliding member is engaged with the socket connector.

[0042] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing how a plug connector and a socket connector are locked with a sliding member, and is a side cross-sectional view showing the state where the plug connector is engaged with the socket connector and locked with the sliding member.

[0043] Figure 30 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the plug housing and the holding fitting provided in the plug connector. (a) is a perspective view of the periphery of the holding fitting observed from the front side, and (b) is a perspective view of the periphery of the holding fitting observed from the back side.

[0044] Figure 31 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the plug housing and the holding fitting provided in the plug connector. (a) is a front view showing the periphery of the holding fitting, and (b) is a rear view showing the periphery of the holding fitting.

[0045] Figure 32 This is a diagram showing another usage example of the connector kit, and is a perspective view showing the plug connector attached to the cable and the socket connector attached to the circuit board disassembled. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, hereinafter, as the connector, a plug connector 1 attached (connected) to a flexible sheet-like cable (member to be connected) 1A is exemplified. Further, as the connector on the mating side with which the plug connector 1 is engaged, a socket connector 2 attached (connected) to a rigid sheet-like circuit board (mating member to be connected) 2A is exemplified.

[0047] In addition, hereinafter, in a state where the plug housing 10 is arranged above the sheet-like cable (member to be connected) 1A, the vertical axis, the front-rear axis, and the width axis of the plug connector 1 are defined. These vertical axis, front-rear axis, and width axis are defined only for facilitating the description of each structure, and do not define the actual arrangement state of the plug connector 1. In addition, the vertical axis, the front-rear axis, and the width axis are imaginary structures, and do not mean that the plug connector 1 or the like actually has shaft portions such as the vertical axis.

[0048] In addition, in the present embodiment, the insertion direction of the terminals into the housing of each connector is the same on the front-rear axis, and the long side direction of the housing of each connector in a state of being observed along the front-rear axis coincides with the width axis of the connector. Moreover, the short side direction of the housing of each connector in a state of being observed along the front-rear axis coincides with the vertical axis of the connector.

[0049] In addition, in the present embodiment, the axis extending along the X-axis in the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinates serves as the front-rear axis (the first axis), the axis extending along the Z-axis serves as the up-down axis (the second axis), and the axis extending along the Y-axis serves as the width axis (the third axis). That is, the axis orthogonal to the front-rear axis (the first axis: the direction extending along the X-axis) serves as the up-down axis (the second axis: the direction extending along the Z-axis). Moreover, the axis orthogonal to the front-rear axis (the first axis: the direction extending along the X-axis) and the up-down axis (the second axis: the direction extending along the Z-axis) serves as the width axis (the third axis: the direction extending along the Y-axis).

[0050] Furthermore, the side that faces the other connector when the connectors are engaged with each other is defined as the front on the front-rear axis (the second side of the first axis), and the side opposite to the side that faces the other connector on the front-rear axis is defined as the rear on the front-rear axis (the first side of the first axis) for explanation. In addition, the upper side on the up-down axis is defined as the first side of the second axis, and the lower side on the up-down axis is defined as the second side of the second axis for explanation.

[0051] [Structural examples of the connector kit and the connector unit]

[0052] The plug connector (connector) 1 according to the present embodiment is used in Figure 1 and Figure 2 the connector kit C1 shown, etc.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 the connector kit C1 includes the above-mentioned plug connector 1 and a socket connector 2 that can be engaged with the plug connector 1.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the plug connector 1 is formed to be mountable (connectable) to a cable (a member to be connected) 1A such as an FPC or an FFC. Specifically, by mounting the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 of the plug terminal (terminal) 13 provided in the plug connector 1 on the conductor exposed portion 14aA of the cable 1A, the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 is electrically connected to the conductor portion (conductor) 14A, thereby mounting (connecting) the plug connector 1 to the cable 1A.

[0055] In this way, in the present embodiment, the connector unit U1 is formed by mounting (connecting) the cable 1A to the plug connector 1.

[0056] On the other hand, the socket connector 2 is configured to be mountable (connectable) to a circuit board (the mating connected member) 2A. Specifically, the socket connector 2 is mounted (connected) to the circuit board 2A by electrically connecting (mounting) the mounting pieces (the mating terminal connection portions) 232 and 242 of the socket terminals (the mating terminals) 23 and 24 provided in the socket connector 2 to the conductor portions (the mating conductors) 2bA of the circuit board 2A.

[0057] In this way, in the present embodiment, by mounting (connecting) the socket connector 2 to the circuit board 2A, the mating connector unit U2 is formed.

[0058] Moreover, the plug terminal 13 is held by the plug housing 10, and the plug connector 1 (connector unit U1) after mounting the mounting piece 132 to the cable 1A is engaged with the socket connector (the mating connector) 2. In this way, the plug terminal 13 is electrically connected to the socket terminals (the mating terminals) 23 and 24 provided in the socket connector 2.

[0059] In this way, the connector kit C1 engages the plug connector 1 with the socket connector 2 and electrically connects the plug terminal 13 and the socket terminals 23 and 24. Moreover, by electrically connecting the plug terminal 13 and the socket terminals 23 and 24, the cable 1A of the connector unit U1 and the circuit board 2A of the mating connector unit U2 are electrically connected (see Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0060] As described above, in the present embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 is configured to be able to engage with the socket connector (the mating connector) 2 by relatively moving along the front-rear axis (the first axis) with respect to the socket connector (the mating connector) 2. Further, the plug connector (connector) 1 is configured to be able to connect to a cable (the connected member) 1A. Moreover, the plug connector (connector) 1 can electrically connect the socket terminals (the mating terminals) 23 and 24 provided in the socket connector (the mating connector) 2 and the conductor portion (the conductor) 14A provided in the cable (the connected member) 1A.

[0061] [Structural example of the cable 1A]

[0062] Next, an example of the structure of the cable 1A to which the plug connector 1 is mounted will be described based on Figures 5 to 8 .

[0063] The cable 1A is in a sheet-like (flat plate-like) shape having a surface (one surface: the first sheet surface) 1aA and a back surface (the other surface: the second sheet surface) 1bA, and the plug connector 1 is mounted on the surface 1aA.

[0064] Further, the cable 1A has flexibility and can be bent (flexed) in the cable thickness direction. In addition, a plug connector 1 is mounted on a partial region of the surface 1aA of the flexible cable 1A, and the region of the cable 1A where the plug connector 1 is mounted becomes a connection region 11A for connection to the plug connector 1. Thus, in the present embodiment, the surface 1aA in the connection region 11A of the cable 1A becomes a mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA for mounting the plug connector 1. As such, in the present embodiment, the cable 1A has a connection region 11A for connection to the plug connector 1. Further, for wiring with other circuits, the cable 1A has an extension region 12A where the conductor portion 14A extends.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the cable 1A is formed such that the connection region 11A is located on one end side of the extension region 12A (above on the vertical axis: the first side of the second axis). Moreover, in a state where the plug connector 1 connected to the connection region 11A is fitted to the socket connector 2, the cable 1A is located on the opposite side of the socket connector 2, that is, at a position behind on the front-rear axis (the first side of the first axis) than the socket connector 2. At this time, the cable 1A is connected to the plug connector 1 with the extension region 12A being led out below on the vertical axis (the second side of the second axis).

[0066] As such, in the present embodiment, as the connector unit, a vertical type (a type in which the fitting direction of the connection surface 11aA of the connected member 1A and the connector kit C1 is substantially orthogonal) of connector unit U1 is exemplified. That is, in a state where the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the direction orthogonal to the plane including the mounting surface 11aA (the normal direction of the plane including the mounting surface 11aA) coincides with the front-rear axis (X axis) of the plug connector 1. At this time, in the present embodiment, the direction in which the plug terminals (terminals) 13 housed in the plug housing (housing) 10 of the plug connector 1 are arranged side by side becomes the width axis (Y axis).

[0067] Further, in the present embodiment, the cable 1A has a multi-layer structure, including a base material 1311A, a conductor portion 14A laminated on the base material 1311A, and a covering portion 1312A laminated on the base material 1311A to cover the conductor portion 14A. The base material 1311A and the covering portion 1312A include insulator films that cover the conductor portion 14A. On the other hand, the conductor portion 14A is a conductor film printed on the insulator film constituting the covering portion 1312A and forms a plurality of wiring patterns corresponding to a plurality of plug terminals 13 (terminals: the first terminal 14 and the second terminal 15) described later. Thus, in the present embodiment, the cable 1A includes a flexible sheet 131A having the base material 1311A and the covering portion 1312A, and a conductor portion 14A formed on the flexible sheet 131A. In addition, the flexible sheet 131A constitutes at least a part of the base 13A.

[0068] In addition, on the surface of the connection region 11A, a plurality of conductor exposed portions 14aA, which are the conductor portion 14A exposed from the covering portion 1312A, are formed. The plurality of conductor exposed portions 14aA are formed in two rows on the vertical axis (Z-axis), and the conductor exposed portions 14aA in each row are formed to be arranged at a given pitch in the width axis (the extending direction of the Y-axis). Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of conductor exposed portions 14aA are formed in a staggered shape in a front view (the state of observing the mounting surface 11aA along the normal direction of the mounting surface 11aA).

[0069] For example, such a structure can be formed by printing a plurality of conductor films on the base material 1311A to form the conductor portion 14A and covering the conductor portion 14A with the covering portion 1312A. At this time, if through-holes are provided in the covering portion 1312A so that the front end of the conductor portion 14A is not covered, a cable 1A in which the front end of the conductor portion 14A is exposed on one side (the front in the front-rear axis: the second side of the first axis) can be formed.

[0070] In addition, the method for forming the cable 1A is not limited to the above method, and it can be formed by various methods.

[0071] In addition, on the surface 1aA of the connection region 11A, a fixing portion 15A for fixing a holding fitting 16 (described later) of the plug connector 1 is formed. In the present embodiment, a pair of fixing portions 15A are formed at positions on the outer side in the width axis (both sides of the third axis) relative to the conductor exposed portions 14aA. The fixing portion 15A can be formed in the same manner as the conductor portion 14A, for example, in the printing process of the conductor portion 14A.

[0072] Further, in the present embodiment, the cable 1A includes a reinforcing plate (base) 132A. The reinforcing plate 132A is formed of epoxy glass resin, stainless steel, etc., and strengthens the connection region 11A of the cable 1A by sandwiching the connection region 11A of the cable 1A between it and the plug connector 1.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the reinforcing plate 132A has a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection region 11A of the cable 1A. That is, the contour shape of the reinforcing plate 132A in the front view (the state observed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 11aA) is substantially the same as the contour shape of the connection region 11A. Moreover, the reinforcing plate 132A is mounted (fixed) to the back surface 1bA side of the connection region 11A by an adhesive or the like.

[0074] At this time, in the front view (the state observed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 11aA), it is preferable that the entire conductor exposed portion 14aA overlaps with the reinforcing plate 132A. Thus, since the entire conductor exposed portion 14aA is supported by the reinforcing plate 132A, it is possible to suppress the conductor exposed portion 14aA from bending in the front-rear axis (front, rear: the extending direction of the X-axis) and deflecting in the width axis (right direction, left direction: the extending direction of the Y-axis).

[0075] Moreover, in the present embodiment, not only the flexible sheet 131A but also the reinforcing plate 132A constitutes a part of the base 13A. That is, in the present embodiment, the cable 1A includes a base 13A and a conductor portion (conductor) 14A formed on the base 13A. Moreover, the base 13A has a flexible sheet 131A on which the conductor portion (conductor) 14A is formed and which is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, and a reinforcing plate (base) 132A that is fixed to the flexible sheet 131A and suppresses the deformation of the flexible sheet 131A.

[0076] [Structural example of the plug connector 1]

[0077] Next, an example of the structure of the plug connector 1 will be described based on Figures 9 to 12 this.

[0078] As Figure 9 shown, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a plug housing (housing) 10 and plug terminals (terminals) 13 held by the plug housing 10. In addition, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a holding fitting 16 held by the plug housing 10.

[0079] Moreover, the plug terminal 13 held by the plug housing 10 is mounted (electrically connected) to the conductor exposed portion 14aA of the cable 1A disposed outside the plug housing 10. Thus, the plug connector 1 is mounted to the cable 1A as the member to be connected. In addition, the plug terminal 13 is mounted (electrically connected) to the conductor exposed portion 14aA by welding or the like. Further, the holding fitting 16 is fixed to the fixing portion 15A of the cable 1A by welding or the like while being held by the plug housing 10, thereby fixing the plug housing 10 to the cable 1A.

[0080] The plug housing 10 can be formed, for example, using an insulating resin material, and the plug housing 10 includes a housing body 11 having rigidity.

[0081] In addition, in the housing body 11, a locking portion 12 is formed for holding or releasing the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 of the socket connector 2 in an engaged state.

[0082] As such, in the present embodiment, the plug housing 10 includes the housing body 11 and the locking portion 12 formed in the housing body 11.

[0083] The housing body 11 includes a top wall 111, a bottom wall 112, and a pair of side walls 113 that are respectively connected to both ends of the width axis (the extending direction of the Y-axis) of the top wall 111 and the bottom wall 112. In addition, the housing body 11 includes a front wall 114 connected to the front ends of the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112, and the side walls 113, 113, and a rear wall 115 connected to the rear ends of the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112, and the side walls 113, 113.

[0084] In addition, the housing body 11 includes a partition wall 116 that is connected to the pair of side walls 113, the front wall 114, and the rear wall 115, and vertically divides the space defined by the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112, the side walls 113, 113, the front wall 114, and the rear wall 115.

[0085] Furthermore, the housing body 11 includes a plurality of upper partition walls 117 connected to the top wall 111, the partition wall 116, the front wall 114, and the rear wall 115. Through the upper partition walls 117, the upper space separated by the partition wall 116 is divided into a plurality of spaces. In addition, the housing body 11 includes a plurality of lower partition walls 118 connected to the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 116, the front wall 114, and the rear wall 115. Through the lower partition walls 118, the lower space separated by the partition wall 116 is divided into a plurality of spaces.

[0086] Moreover, a locking portion 12 is formed at the center of the width axis of the upper portion of the housing body 11. Specifically, top walls 111 are formed on both sides of the width axis, and intermediate walls 119 are connected and provided inside the width axis of each top wall 111. In this way, in the present embodiment, in a state of being observed along the insertion direction (front-rear axis; the extending direction of the X axis), the housing body 11 has a shape in which the central portion of the width axis is recessed. Moreover, the locking portion 12 is formed in the recess 11a formed at the center of the width axis of the housing body 11. In addition, in the present embodiment, the pair of intermediate walls 119 also function as upper side partition walls 117 that divide the upper side space into a plurality of spaces.

[0087] The locking portion 12 includes a rod portion 121 that is connected and provided at the front end of the partition wall 116 and extends rearward. The rear side of the rod portion 121 can move relative to the partition wall 116 (housing body 11) along the vertical axis. Moreover, at the rear end of the rod portion 121, an operation portion 121a for operating the rod portion 121 is formed, and at the central portion of the front-rear axis of the rod portion 121, an engaging protrusion 121b that engages with an engaging hole (engaging portion) 221a formed in the socket connector 2 is formed.

[0088] In the present embodiment, when the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 of the socket connector 2 are fitted together, the engaging protrusion 121b engages with the engaging hole 221a, so that the housings of the respective connectors can be locked to each other (maintained in a fitted state). Moreover, by pressing the operation portion 121a of the rod portion 121 to move the rod portion 121 downward, the engaging protrusion 121b also moves downward, and the engagement with the engaging hole 221a is released, and the fitting of the housings of the respective connectors can be released.

[0089] Furthermore, a movement space S6 that allows the downward movement of the rod portion 121 (relative movement with respect to the housing body 11) is formed below the rod portion 121 (between the rod portion 121 and the partition wall 116).

[0090] In this way, in the present embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a locking portion 12, and the locking portion 12 can restrict the relative movement of the plug connector (connector) 1 with respect to the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 along the front-rear axis (first axis) in a state where the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 are fitted together.

[0091] In addition, the locking portion 12 has an operation portion 121a, and the operation portion 121a can release the locking between the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 by moving from the upper side of the vertical axis (the first side of the second axis intersecting the front-rear axis) to the lower side of the vertical axis (the second side of the second axis intersecting the front-rear axis).

[0092] Moreover, in the plug housing (housing) 10, a movement space S6 is formed that allows the operation portion 121a to move downward (the second side of the second axis).

[0093] In addition, in the present embodiment, a through hole 114a is formed in the front wall 114 so as to communicate with a plurality of spaces partitioned by the partition wall 116, the upper partition wall 117, and the lower partition wall 118. Similarly, a through hole 115a is formed in the rear wall 115 so as to communicate with a plurality of spaces partitioned by the partition wall 116, the upper partition wall 117, and the lower partition wall 118.

[0094] In this way, in the present embodiment, a plurality of spaces penetrating along the front - rear axis are formed in the housing body 11. Moreover, the plug terminals 13 are respectively press - fitted (inserted) into the spaces penetrating along the front - rear axis. That is, in the present embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a plug housing (housing) 10, and the plug housing (housing) 10 has a housing body 11 in which an internal space capable of accommodating the plug terminals (terminals) 13 is formed.

[0095] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of spaces arranged side by side in the width axis (the extending direction of the Y - axis) in the housing body 11 are formed in two layers in the up - down axis (the extending direction of the Z - axis). Further, when observing the housing body 11 from the rear of the front - rear axis, the plurality of spaces are formed in a staggered shape. In this way, miniaturization of the width axis of the plug connector 1 is achieved.

[0096] Specifically, on the upper side of the housing body 11, a plurality of spaces partitioned by the top wall 111, the partition wall 116, and the upper partition wall 117 are arranged side by side in the width axis (the extending direction of the Y - axis). Moreover, the space formed on the upper side of the housing body 11 becomes the upper - side space (the first space: internal space) S1 into which the plug terminals 13 are press - fitted (inserted).

[0097] On the other hand, on the lower side of the housing body 11, a plurality of spaces partitioned by the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 116, and the lower partition wall 118 are arranged side by side in the width axis (the extending direction of the Y - axis). Moreover, the space formed on the lower side of the housing body 11 becomes the lower - side space (the second space: internal space) S2 into which the plug terminals 13 are press - fitted (inserted).

[0098] In the present embodiment, on the lower side of the housing main body 11, 14 lower side spaces (second spaces) S2 are arranged side by side on the width axis. On the other hand, on the upper side of the housing main body 11, 5 upper side spaces (first spaces) S1 are arranged side by side on one side of the width axis of the locking portion 12 (the right side in the left-right direction), and 5 upper side spaces (first spaces) S1 are arranged side by side on the other side of the width axis of the locking portion 12 (the left side in the left-right direction). That is, on the upper side of the housing main body 11, 10 spaces (upper side spaces S1) are arranged side by side on the width axis with the locking portion 12 interposed therebetween. Thus, miniaturization in the height direction of the housing main body 11 is achieved.

[0099] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the upper side partition wall 117 and the lower side partition wall 118 are formed at positions offset from each other on the width axis. That is, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are formed so as to partially overlap each other in a plan view. In other words, when the plug housing 10 is observed along the vertical axis (second axis) in a state where the plug terminal 13 is held in the plug housing 10, the first space S1 and the second space S2 overlap each other.

[0100] Moreover, it is assumed that the 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 serves as an 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 plug terminal 13 does not fall off. That is, the forward movement of the plug terminal 13 pressed (inserted) from the insertion port S1a is restricted by the front wall 114. Further, the opening on the front end side of the first space S1 serves as an introduction port S1b for introducing the contact portion 230a of the upper side socket terminal 23 of the socket connector 2 described later into the first space S1. The peripheral portion of the introduction port S1b is formed in a conical shape so as to easily introduce the contact portion 230a of the upper side socket terminal 23.

[0101] Similarly, it is assumed that the plug terminal 13 is pressed (inserted) forward from the opening on the rear end side of the second space S2, and the opening on the rear end side of the second space S2 serves as an 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 plug terminal 13 does not fall off. That is, the forward movement of the plug terminal 13 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 an introduction port S2b for introducing the contact portion 240a of the lower side socket terminal 24 of the socket connector 2 described later into the second space S2. The peripheral portion of the introduction port S2b is also formed in a conical shape so as to easily introduce the contact portion 240a of the lower side socket terminal 24.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the plug terminals 13 having the same shape are respectively inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2. At this time, as Figure 3 andFigure 4 As shown, the plug terminal 13 inserted into the first space S1 is inserted into the first space S1 in a state where it is turned upside down with respect to the plug terminal 13 inserted into the second space S2. That is, the plug terminal 13 in the state of being inserted into the second space S2 is set to a state where it is rotated 180 degrees about the front-rear axis, and while maintaining this state, it is relatively moved along the front-rear axis, whereby the plug terminal 13 is inserted into the first space S1.

[0103] In addition, a groove portion 116a that opens rearward and upward is formed in the upper part of the rear end of the partition wall 116 so as to communicate with the first space S1. In the present embodiment, the groove portion 116a is formed on both sides of the width axis of the first space S1, and the front end of the side wall 134 of the plug terminal 13 described later is inserted into the groove portion 116a. In the present embodiment, the groove portion 116a is formed such that the groove width (the length of the width axis) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 134.

[0104] Similarly, a groove portion 116b that opens rearward and downward is formed in the lower part of the rear end of the partition wall 116 so as to communicate with the second space S2. In the present embodiment, the groove portion 116b is also formed on both sides of the width axis of the second space S2, and the front end of the side wall 134 of the plug terminal 13 is also inserted into the groove portion 116b. In the present embodiment, the groove portion 116b is also formed such that the groove width (the length of the width axis) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 134.

[0105] In addition, on a pair of side walls 113, 113, holding member mounting portions 1131, 1131 for holding the holding member 16 are respectively formed.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the holding member mounting portion 1131 includes a recess 1131a that opens forward in the front-rear axis and outward in the width axis. In addition, the holding member mounting portions 1131 are respectively connected and provided on both sides of the upper and lower axes of the recess 1131a, and include a pair of slits 1131b, 1131b into which the side portions (ends of the upper and lower axes) of the main body portion (base portion) 161 of the holding member 16 are respectively inserted.

[0107] Moreover, in a state where the holding member 16 is held by the plug housing 10, a fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 connected to the lower end (rear end of the front-rear axis) of the main body portion 161 is fixed to the fixing portion 15A formed on the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable 1A, whereby the plug housing 10 is fixed to the cable 1A.

[0108] Specifically, the fixing piece 162 is formed at the lower end of the substantially flat plate-shaped main body portion 161 to protrude toward one side along the plate thickness of the main body portion 161. Further, by inserting the holding fitting 16 from the front of the front-rear axis into the holding fitting mounting portion 1131 (inserting the side portions of the main body portion 161 into a pair of slits 1131b, 1131b), the holding fitting 16 is held on the plug housing 10. At this time, in a state where the fixing piece 162 protrudes outward in the width axis direction on the rear side of the front-rear axis, the main body portion 161 is relatively moved rearward along the side surface 113a of the housing main body 11 in the front-rear axis direction. In this way, the main body portion 161 of the holding fitting 16 is configured to be along the side surface 113a of the housing main body 11, and the fixing piece 162 protrudes in a direction away from the side surface 113a of the housing main body 11.

[0109] As described above, in the present embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a holding fitting (fixed terminal) 16 that is held on the housing main body 11 and can be fixed to a cable (connected member) 1A. Further, the holding fitting (fixed terminal) 16 has a main body portion (base portion) 161 that is configured to be along the side surface 113a of the housing main body 11 in a state of being held on the housing main body 11. Further, the holding fitting (fixed terminal) 16 has a fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 that is connected to the main body portion (base portion) 161 so as to protrude in a direction away from the side surface 113a of the housing main body 11 (outer side in the width axis direction), and can be mounted (connected) to the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0110] Next, regarding the specific structure of the plug terminal (terminal), based on Figure 12 it will be described.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 includes: a main body portion 130 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the internal space (first space S1, second space S2) formed in the plug housing 10; and a mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 that extends from the main body portion 130 toward the mounting surface 1aA of the cable 1A in a state where the plug terminal 13 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, and can be mounted on the cable 1A. In the present embodiment, the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 is formed to protrude to a position outside the upper and lower axes relative to the rear wall 115 in a state of being held on the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0112] The plug terminal 13 has conductivity, and a plurality of them are arranged side by side in the width axis (extension direction of the Y axis) of the plug housing 10. In the present embodiment, as Figure 12As shown, the plug terminal 13 has a shape in which a single strip-shaped metal member is bent in the plate thickness direction, and has a substantially U-shape when viewed along the insertion direction (front-rear axis; extending direction of the X-axis) (refer to Figure 12 of (e), Figure 12 of (f)). Such a plug terminal 13 can be formed, for example, by subjecting a strip-shaped metal member of a given shape that has been blanked to a bending process.

[0113] The main body portion 130 includes a bottom wall 133 and side walls 134 connected to both end portions of the bottom wall 133 in the width axis direction (extending direction of the Y-axis).

[0114] The bottom wall 133 includes a bottom wall main body 135 to which the lower ends of the side walls 134 are connected, and a contact protection portion 136 connected to the front end of the bottom wall main body 135 and protruding forward. This contact protection portion 136 inhibits contact between the contact portion 130a of the plug terminal 13 and the housing main body 11 when the main body portion 130 is pressed (inserted) into the internal space (the first space S1, the second space S2).

[0115] In addition, on the bottom wall main body 135 and the contact protection portion 136, restriction pieces 135a and 136a are respectively formed that protrude outward from both ends in the width axis direction (extending direction of the Y-axis). Moreover, by these restriction pieces 135a and 136a, the situation where the main body portion 130 is pressed (inserted) obliquely when the main body portion 130 is pressed (inserted) into the internal space (the first space S1, the second space S2) is inhibited.

[0116] The side wall 134 includes a side wall main body 137 whose lower end is connected to the bottom wall main body 135, and a contact piece 138 that is elastically deformable and is connected to the front end of the side wall main body 137 and contacts the contact portion of the socket connector.

[0117] At the upper end of the side wall main body 137, a restriction protrusion 137a is formed, and by this restriction protrusion 137a, the floating of the main body portion 130 when the main body portion 130 is pressed (inserted) into the internal space (the first space S1, the second space S2) is inhibited.

[0118] In addition, the contact piece 138 includes an inner bending piece 138a connected to the front end of the side wall main body 137 so as to bend inward in the width axis, and an outer bending piece 138b connected to the front end of the inner bending piece 138a so as to bend outward in the width axis.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the contact pieces 138 are respectively connected to a pair of side wall main bodies 137, 137, and are formed to be substantially line-symmetric in a top view. That is, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 include inner bent pieces 138a, 138a having a shape that bends in a direction approaching each other as going forward, and outer bent pieces 138b, 138b having a shape that bends in a direction moving away from each other as going forward.

[0120] Moreover, at the portion where the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 are closest to each other (the connection portion of the inner bent piece 138a and the outer bent piece 138b), the contact portions 230a, 240a of the socket connector 2 are clamped (refer to Figure 3 of (b) and Figure 4 of (b)). In this way, in the present embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 function as the contact portion 130a of the plug terminal 13. Moreover, the pair of outer bent pieces 138b function as guiding portions for more smoothly guiding the contact portions 230a, 240a of the socket connector 2.

[0121] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a press-in protrusion 137b is formed at the upper end of the rear portion of one of the pair of side wall main bodies 137, 137. And by biting the press-in protrusion 137b into the housing main body 11, the main body portion 130 is pressed into the internal space (the first space S1, the second space S2).

[0122] In addition, in the present embodiment, the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 extends downward from the rear end portion of the bottom wall main body 135 (the side opposite to the side where the side wall 134 is extended).

[0123] In this way, in the present embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 has a contact portion 130a that can be electrically connected to the contact portions (opposite-side contact portions) 230a, 240a of the socket terminals (opposite-side terminals) 23, 24. Moreover, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 has a mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 that can be electrically connected to the conductor portion (conductor) 14A of the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0124] Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, the plug terminal 13 inserted into the first space S1 is inserted into the first space S1 in a state where it is upside down with respect to the plug terminal 13 inserted into the second space S2.

[0125] Specifically, the plug terminal 13 disposed on the upper side is pressed (inserted) into the upper space S1 from the insertion port S1a in a state where the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 is located on the rear side of the front-rear axis (the first side of the first axis) and the front end of the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 faces the upper side of the vertical axis (the first side of the second axis).

[0126] On the other hand, the plug terminal 13 disposed on the lower side is pressed (inserted) into the lower space S2 from the insertion port S2a in a state where the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 is located on the rear side of the front-rear axis (the first side of the first axis) and the front end of the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 faces the lower side of the vertical axis (the second side of the second axis).

[0127] At this time, the front end of the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 of the plug terminal 13 disposed on the upper side protrudes upward from the top surface (the surface on the first end side of the second axis) 111a of the top wall 111 of the housing main body 11.

[0128] Similarly, the front end of the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 of the plug terminal 13 disposed on the lower side protrudes downward from the bottom surface (the surface on the second end side of the second axis) 112a of the bottom wall 112 of the housing main body 11.

[0129] In this way, in the present embodiment, the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 of the plug terminal 13 disposed on the upper side becomes the first mounting piece (first terminal connection portion) 142 that protrudes upward from the upper end of the vertical axis of the plug housing (housing) 10 (protrudes outward from the first end of the second axis intersecting the first axis). Moreover, the plug terminal 13 disposed on the upper side becomes the first plug terminal (first terminal) 14 having the first mounting piece (first terminal connection portion) 142.

[0130] In addition, the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 of the plug terminal 13 disposed on the lower side becomes the second mounting piece (second terminal connection portion) 152 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the vertical axis of the plug housing (housing) 10 (protrudes outward from the second end of the second axis located on the side opposite to the first end on the second axis). Moreover, the plug terminal 13 disposed on the lower side becomes the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 having the second mounting piece (second terminal connection portion) 152.

[0131] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 has the first plug terminal (first terminal) 14, and the first plug terminal (first terminal) 14 has the first mounting piece (first terminal connection portion) 142 that protrudes upward from the upper end of the vertical axis of the plug housing (housing) 10 (protrudes outward from the first end of the second axis intersecting the first axis).

[0132] Moreover, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 has a second plug terminal (second terminal) 15, and the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 has a second mounting piece (second terminal connection part) 152 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the vertical axis of the plug housing (housing) 10 (protrudes outward from the second end of the second axis that intersects the first axis and is on the side opposite to the first end on the second axis).

[0133] [Structural example of socket connector 2]

[0134] Next, based on Figures 13 to 18 an example of the structure of the socket connector 2 will be described.

[0135] As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, the socket connector 2 includes a socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20. Further, the socket connector 2 includes socket terminals (opposite-side terminals: upper socket terminal 23 and lower socket terminal 24) held by the socket housing 20. In addition, the socket connector 2 includes a holding fitting (opposite-side holding fitting) 25 held by the socket housing 20.

[0136] Moreover, the socket terminals 23, 24 held by the socket housing 20 are mounted on the conductor portion 2bA of the circuit board 2A disposed outside the socket housing 20. Thus, the socket connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 2A as the opposite-side connected member. In addition, the socket terminals 23, 24 are also mounted on the conductor portion 2bA by soldering or the like. Further, the holding fitting 25 is fixed to the fixing portion 2cA of the circuit board 2A by soldering or the like while being held by the socket housing 20, thereby fixing the socket housing 20 to the circuit board 2A.

[0137] In addition, the circuit board 2A has a substantially rectangular plate shape and includes a board main body 2aA formed of a resin material or the like having rigidity and insulation. Moreover, the conductor portion 2bA and the fixing portion 2cA are formed so as to be exposed on the surface 21aA of the board main body 2aA. In this way, in the present embodiment, the surface 21aA of the board main body 2aA becomes the mounting surface.

[0138] The socket housing 20 includes a housing main body 21 having rigidity, and the socket housing 20 can be formed of an insulating resin material, for example.

[0139] In addition, a locking portion insertion portion 22 is formed in the upper portion of the housing main body 21, and the locking portion insertion portion 22 is for inserting the locking portion 12 that holds or releases the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 in an engaged state.

[0140] In this way, 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.

[0141] The housing main body 21 includes a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212, a pair of side walls 213 respectively connecting and provided at both ends in the width axis (extension direction of the Y axis) of the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212, and a rear wall 214 connecting and provided with the rear ends of the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212, and the side walls 213, 213.

[0142] Moreover, a locking portion insertion portion 22 is formed at the central portion of the width axis of the top wall 211. Specifically, the locking portion insertion portion 22 includes a receiving portion 221 formed below the central portion of the width axis of the top wall 211 and receiving the rod portion 121. At the central portion of the front-rear axis of the receiving portion 221, a locking hole (locking portion) 221a for engaging with the engaging protrusion 121b of the locking portion 12 is formed.

[0143] In addition, a plurality of spaces penetrating along the front-rear axis are formed in the rear wall 214. In the present embodiment, a plurality of spaces arranged side by side in the width axis (extension direction of the Y axis) form two layers in the up-down axis (extension direction of the Z axis). Further, when observing the housing main body 21 from the rear of the front-rear axis, the plurality of spaces are formed in a staggered shape. Thus, miniaturization of the width axis of the socket connector 2 is achieved.

[0144] Moreover, the upper socket terminal 23 and the lower socket terminal 24 are respectively press-fitted (inserted) into the spaces penetrating along the front-rear axis.

[0145] Specifically, the space formed in the upper side (the position away from the mounting surface 21aA) of the housing main body 21 becomes the first space S3 for press-fitting (inserting) the upper socket terminal 23.

[0146] On the other hand, the space formed in the lower side (the side closer to the mounting surface 21aA than the first space S3) of the housing main body 21 becomes the second space S4 for press-fitting (inserting) the lower socket terminal 24.

[0147] Moreover, the upper 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 becomes the insertion port S3a. Similarly, the lower 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 becomes the insertion port S4a.

[0148] In addition, in the housing main body 21, a fitting space S5 that opens forward (toward the plug connector 1) is formed. This fitting space S5 is a space for inserting and fitting the housing main body 11 of the plug housing 10, and is defined by a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212, a pair of side walls 213, 213, and a rear wall 214. Therefore, the first space S3 and the second space S4 are respectively formed to communicate with the fitting space S5. In addition, in the present embodiment, a part of the fitting space S5 is set as a housing portion 221 of the locking portion insertion portion 22.

[0149] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, at the rear end of the rear wall 214, a protrusion 214a that protrudes rearward is provided.

[0150] In addition, on the pair of side walls 213, 213, holding member mounting portions 213a, 213a for holding the holding member 25 are respectively formed.

[0151] In the present embodiment, the holding member mounting portion 213a includes a recess 213b that opens to the outside of the vertical axis and the width axis, and slits 213c, 213c that are connected to the inside of the width axis of the recess 213b and into which both ends of the front-rear axis of the main body portion 251 of the holding member 25 are inserted. Moreover, in a state where the holding member 25 is held on the socket housing 20, the fixing piece 252 connected to the lower end of the main body portion 251 is fixed to the fixing portion 2cA of the circuit board 2A, thereby fixing the socket housing 20 to the circuit board 2A.

[0152] In addition, in the present embodiment, the socket terminal includes a main body portion inserted into a space formed in the socket housing 20, a leg portion extending from the main body portion toward the mounting surface 21aA of the circuit board (connected member) 2A in a state where the socket terminal is mounted on the circuit board 2A, and a connection portion connected to the leg portion and capable of being mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0153] Specifically, the socket terminal includes an upper socket terminal 23 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the upper side of the first space S3 formed in the upper side (a position away from the mounting surface 21aA) of the housing main body 21. Furthermore, the socket terminal includes a lower socket terminal 24 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4 formed in the lower side (closer to the mounting surface 21aA side than the first space S3) of the housing main body 21.

[0154] In the present embodiment, the upper socket terminal 23 has conductivity, and a plurality of them are arranged side by side in the width axis (the extending direction of the Y axis) of the socket housing 20. As Figure 17As shown, the upper socket terminal 23 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is press-fitted (inserted) from the rear in a state where the plate thickness is substantially aligned with the width axis (the extending direction of the Y-axis) into the first space S3 formed in the housing main body 21. Such an upper socket terminal 23 can be formed, for example, by blanking a thin plate metal.

[0155] In addition, the upper socket terminal 23 includes a first main body portion (the other main body portion) 230 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3. Further, the upper socket terminal 23 includes a first leg portion (the other leg portion) 231 that extends from the first main body portion 230 toward the mounting surface 21aA in a state where the upper socket terminal 23 is mounted on the circuit board (the connected member) 2A. In addition, the upper socket terminal 23 includes a first mounting piece (the other connecting portion) 232 that is connected to the first leg portion 231 and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0156] Moreover, at the front end of the first main body portion 230, a substantially rod-shaped contact portion (the other contact portion) 230a is formed to protrude forward. In addition, at the upper end and the lower end of the first main body portion 230, press-fit protrusions 230b are formed, and the first main body portion 230 is press-fitted into the first space S3 by biting the press-fit protrusions 230b into the housing main body 21. Moreover, 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.

[0157] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first leg portion 231 extends downward (toward the circuit board 2A: the connected member) from the rear end portion of the first main body portion 230. Specifically, the first leg portion 231 extends substantially linearly downward (toward the circuit board 2A: the connected member) from the rear end portion of the first main body portion 230. In this way, in the present embodiment, the first leg portion 231 extends in the housing thickness direction (the vertical axis) from the first main body portion 230 in a state where it is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3. The length dimension of the first leg portion 231 in the vertical axis is longer than that of the second leg portion 241. And the first mounting piece 232 is connected to the lower end of the first leg portion 231.

[0158] On the other hand, the lower socket terminal 24 also has conductivity, and a plurality of them are arranged side by side in the width axis (the extending direction of the Y-axis) of the socket housing 20. As Figure 18 shown, the lower socket terminal 24 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is press-fitted (inserted) from the rear in a state where the plate thickness is substantially aligned with the width axis (the extending direction of the Y-axis) into the second space S4 formed in the housing main body 21. Such a lower socket terminal 24 can also be formed, for example, by blanking a thin plate metal.

[0159] In addition, the lower socket terminal 24 includes a second main body portion (the main body portion of the other party) 240 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4. Further, the lower socket terminal 24 includes a second leg portion (the leg portion of the other party) 241 that extends from the second main body portion 240 toward the mounting surface 21aA in a state where the lower socket terminal 24 is mounted on the circuit board (the member to be connected) 2A, and a second mounting piece (the connecting portion of the other party) 242 that is connected to the second leg portion 241 and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0160] Moreover, a substantially rod-shaped contact portion (the contact portion of the other party) 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, and the second main body portion 240 is press-fitted into the second space S4 by biting the press-fitting protrusions 240b into the housing main body 21. Moreover, 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.

[0161] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second leg portion 241 has a shape bent in a crank shape, and the lower end is located at a position more rearward than the second main body portion 240. Moreover, a first mounting piece 232 is connected and provided at the lower end of the first leg portion 231.

[0162] Moreover, in a state where a plurality of socket terminals are held by the socket housing 20, the connecting portions (the first mounting piece 232 and the second mounting piece 242) are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0163] If the above-described plug connector 1 is fitted to the socket connector 2 having such a 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.

[0164] At this time, the engaging protrusion 121b of the rod portion 121 is pressed downward with respect to the top wall 211 of the socket housing 20. If the engaging protrusion 121b is pressed downward with respect to the top wall 211 in this way, the rear end portion (the operating portion 121a) of the rod portion 121 is elastically deformed so as to move downward, and the engaging protrusion 121b can move to the depth side of the locking portion insertion portion 22.

[0165] Moreover, if the engaging protrusion 121b is moved to the depth side of the locking portion insertion portion 22, the pressing of the engaging protrusion 121b downward by the top wall 211 is released, and the engaging protrusion 121b moves upward by the elastic restoring force of the rod portion 121. Moreover, the engaging protrusion 121b moves upward to engage with the engaging hole 221a formed in the socket connector 2, so that the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2 are locked in the fitted state.

[0166] In addition, in the middle of fitting the plug connector 1 into the socket connector 2, the front end of the contact portion 230a of the upper socket terminal 23 is introduced from the introduction port S1b into the first space S1 formed in the plug housing 10 and contacts the contact portion 130a of the upper plug terminal 13 (the first plug terminal 14: the first terminal). Further, in the present embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 230a is inserted between the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 and clamped by the pair of contact pieces 138, 138, thereby electrically connecting the upper plug terminal 13 (the first plug terminal 14: the first terminal) and the upper socket terminal 23.

[0167] Similarly, the front end of the contact portion 240a of the lower socket terminal 24 is introduced from the introduction port S2b into the second space S2 formed in the plug housing 10 and contacts the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13 (the second plug terminal 15: the second terminal). Further, in the present embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 240a is inserted between the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 and clamped by the pair of contact pieces 138, 138, thereby electrically connecting the lower plug terminal 13 (the second plug terminal 15: the second terminal) and the lower socket terminal 24.

[0168] In this way, by fitting the plug connector 1 to the socket connector 2, the plug terminals 13, 13 and the socket terminals 23, 24 are electrically connected respectively, thereby forming a connector kit C1 that electrically connects the cable 1A and the circuit board 2A.

[0169] On the other hand, when removing the plug connector 1 from the socket connector 2, first, the operation portion 121a of the lever portion 121 is pressed to move the lever portion 121 downward. Thus, the engaging projection 121b also moves downward, and the engagement between the engaging projection 121b and the engaging hole 221a is released. Then, in a state where the engagement between the engaging projection 121b and the engaging hole 221a is released, if the plug connector 1 is pulled relative to the socket connector 2 in the pulling-out direction, the plug connector 1 relatively moves in the pulling-out direction relative to the socket connector 2. In this way, if the plug connector 1 relatively moves in the pulling-out direction relative to the socket connector 2, first, the electrical connection between the terminals is released, and then the engagement between the housings is released. Thus, the plug connector 1 is removed from the socket connector 2.

[0170] In this way, in the present embodiment, the plug housing (housing) 10 is configured to be detachably inserted and fitted into the socket housing (the other-side housing) 20 of the socket connector (the other-side connector) 2.

[0171] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the plug terminal 13 includes a first plug terminal 14, and the first plug terminal 14 has a first mounting piece 142 that protrudes upward from the upper end of the vertical axis of the plug housing 10 (protrudes outward from the first end of the second axis). Further, the plug terminal 13 includes a second plug terminal 15, and the second plug terminal 15 has a second mounting piece 152 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the vertical axis of the plug housing 10 (protrudes outward from the second end of the second axis).

[0172] In this way, in the present embodiment, the front ends (at least a part) of the first mounting piece 142 and the second mounting piece 152, which are the portions of the plug terminal 13 to be mounted (connected) to the cable 1A, protrude outward from the plug housing 10. Thus, even in a state where the cable 1A is mounted (connected) to the plug connector 1, the mounting pieces 132 (the first mounting piece 142 and the second mounting piece 152) of the plug terminal 13 can be visually confirmed. Thus, in a state where the cable 1A is mounted (connected) to the plug connector 1, the connection state (for example, the formation state of solder legs, etc.) between the mounting piece 132 (the first mounting piece 142 and the second mounting piece 152) and the conductor portion 14A of the cable 1A can be confirmed, and the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A can be further improved.

[0173] However, in recent years, in order to achieve versatility in installation locations and the like, the connector kit C1 (the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2) has been miniaturized. Moreover, if the connector kit C1 is miniaturized, the amount by which the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 protrudes from the plug housing (housing) 10 becomes smaller, and it becomes difficult to confirm the connection state between the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 and the conductor portion (conductor) 14A of the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0174] Therefore, it is considered to sufficiently ensure the protruding amount of the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 by thinning the thickness of the plug housing (housing) 10, so that the connection state between the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 and the conductor portion (conductor) 14A can be more reliably visually confirmed.

[0175] However, if the thickness of the plug housing (housing) 10 is thinned, there is a problem that the strength of the plug housing (housing) 10 decreases.

[0176] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when miniaturizing the plug connector (connector) 1, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the plug housing (housing) 10 and further improve the visual confirmability of the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132.

[0177] Specifically, an opening that allows visual confirmation of the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 when observing the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) from the side closer to the second end than the first end of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) is formed in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10).

[0178] In the present embodiment, as Figure 19 shown, the rear end 11b of the front-rear axis (first axis) of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) becomes the first end of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10). Moreover, the front end 11c of the front-rear axis (first axis) of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) becomes the second end of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10).

[0179] In this way, in the present embodiment, the plug housing (housing) 10 has: a rear end (first end) 11b on the front-rear axis (first axis) where the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 protrudes in a state where the plug terminal (terminal) 13 is housed in the internal space (first space S1 and second space S2), and a front end (second end) 11c located on the side opposite to the rear end (first end) 11b on the front-rear axis (first axis).

[0180] Moreover, by providing the above-described opening in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), a wider range of the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 can be visually confirmed through this opening. In this way, even when the plug connector (connector) 1 is miniaturized, the connection state between the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 and the conductor part (conductor) 14A can be confirmed more easily. Also, by providing an opening in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), a wider range of the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 can be visually confirmed without thinning the entire plug housing (housing) 10. In this way, a decrease in the strength of the plug housing (housing) 10 can also be suppressed.

[0181] In this way, in the present embodiment, the housing strength of the plug housing (housing) 10 can be ensured, and the connection state between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A can be confirmed more easily.

[0182] Here, in the present embodiment, as Figure 19 and Figure 20 shown, the opening is formed in at least one of the top surface (the surface on the first end side of the second axis) 111a and the bottom surface (the surface on the second end side of the second axis) 112a in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), specifically, in the bottom surface 112a.

[0183] Thus, for example, even when it is necessary to reduce the protruding amount of the mounting piece (connection terminal portion) 132 from the plug housing (housing) on at least one side of the upper side (first end side) and the lower side (second end side) of the vertical axis (second axis), it is possible to more reliably visually confirm both the first mounting piece (first terminal connection portion) 142 and the second mounting piece (second terminal connection portion) 152 within a wider range. As a result, the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

[0184] In addition, in the present embodiment, the protruding amount of the second mounting piece (second terminal connection portion) 152 downward is smaller than the protruding amount of the first mounting piece (first terminal connection portion) 142 upward. Therefore, an opening is formed only in the bottom surface 112a among the top surface 111a and the bottom surface 112a of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing). However, even when the protruding amount of any one of the first mounting piece (first terminal connection portion) 142 and the second mounting piece (second terminal connection portion) 152 is smaller than that of the other mounting piece, openings can be provided in both the top surface 111a and the bottom surface 112a of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing).

[0185] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a groove 1121 extending along the front - rear axis (first axis) is formed in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), and this groove 1121 functions as an opening through which the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 can be visually confirmed.

[0186] In this way, it is possible to more easily and reliably visually confirm the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132).

[0187] In addition, in the present embodiment, the groove 1121 is formed so as to penetrate on the front - rear axis (first axis) from the rear end (first end) 11b to the front end (second end) 11c of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing).

[0188] In this way, it is possible to visually confirm the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132) by observing the connector unit U1 from the front (peering into the plug housing 10 along the front - rear axis from the front end 11c side).

[0189] Moreover, this groove 1121 also opens downward (to the outside of the vertical axis (second axis) intersecting the front - rear axis (first axis)).

[0190] Thus, it is also possible to visually confirm the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132) by obliquely peeking into the groove 1121 from the outer side in front of the connector unit U1, and it is possible to more easily and reliably visually confirm the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132). Further, it is possible to reduce the thickness dimension of the wall portion of the plug housing (housing) 10 in the up-down axis (second axis), and it is possible to achieve further miniaturization in the up-down axis (second axis) of the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0191] In this way, in the present embodiment, the groove 1121 is formed in a state of being open on three sides, i.e., front, back, and below, in the housing main body 11 (plug housing 10: housing). Specifically, the groove 1121 is defined by a depth plane 1121a which is a plane located inside the up-down axis and orthogonal to the up-down axis, and a pair of inner side planes 1121b which are planes respectively connecting the two ends of the width axis provided on the depth plane 1121a and orthogonal to the width axis (refer to Figure 20 (b) of the figure). Moreover, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 are housed in the internal space (first space S1 and second space S2) of the housing main body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) in a state where the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132) faces the lower opening of the groove 1121.

[0192] In this way, a wider range of the second mounting piece 152 is exposed from the housing main body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), and it is possible to visually confirm the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132) by observing the connector unit U1 from the front or observing the connector unit U1 obliquely from the outer side in front.

[0193] In addition, when the groove 1121 is open downward but not forward, for example, when visually confirming the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132), it is necessary to obliquely peek into the groove 1121 from the outer side in front of the connector unit U1.

[0194] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plug housing (housing) 10 is configured to be inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20 of the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2.

[0195] Moreover, the groove (opening) 1121 is formed to penetrate in the front-back axis (first axis) from the rear end (first end) 11b to the front end (second end) 11c of the housing main body 11 (plug housing 10: housing).

[0196] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20, at least a part of the groove (opening) 1121 is housed in the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20.

[0197] Moreover, the groove (opening) 1121 is formed to penetrate along the front-back axis (first axis), which is the axis along which the plug housing (housing) 10 moves relatively when the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20, as described above. Further, the groove (opening) 1121 is formed to open downward, and when the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20, the depth surface 1121a faces the inner surface (upper surface of the bottom wall 212) of the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20.

[0198] That is, the groove (opening) 1121 is formed to open on one side facing the inner depth surface (front surface of the rear wall 214) that divides the mating space S5 of the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20, and on the other side facing the inner surface (upper surface of the bottom wall 212) that divides the mating space S5 of the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20.

[0199] Therefore, a protrusion that is inserted into the groove (opening) 1121 when the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20 can be formed in the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20. In this way, the groove (opening) 1121 for visually confirming the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 can also be used as a guiding part for guiding the insertion and fitting of the plug housing (housing) 10 into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20, and the wobbling during the fitting of the plug housing (housing) 10 and the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20 can be suppressed.

[0200] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plug housing (housing) 10 has a convex wall 19 that extends to a position behind (outside) the rear end (first end) 11b where the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 protrudes, along the front-back axis (first axis).

[0201] Here, in the present embodiment, a pair of convex walls 19 are formed on both sides of the width axis of the plug housing (housing) 10, and the pair of convex walls 19 are formed to be located outside the width axis relative to the housing main body 11. Specifically, the pair of convex walls 19 are connected to the housing main body 11 via a protection wall 17 and a connection wall 18 described later, so that the pair of convex walls 19 are located outside the width axis relative to the housing main body 11. In this way, in the present embodiment, when observing the plug housing (housing) 10 along the front-back axis, the entire housing main body 11 is located between the pair of convex walls 19.

[0202] In addition, in the present embodiment, the housing main body 11 has a groove wall 1122 that forms a groove (opening) 1121, and a pair of convex walls 19 are formed to protrude downward from the groove wall 1122 in the direction of the vertical axis. That is, the pair of convex walls 19 are formed to protrude more downward than the entire bottom surface 112a of the housing main body 11. Moreover, the pair of convex walls 19 are formed to protrude more upward than the entire top surface 111a of the housing main body 11.

[0203] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 is viewed along the front-rear axis, the pair of convex walls 19 are formed to protrude more downward from the front end of the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132) in the direction of the vertical axis, and are formed to protrude more upward than the first mounting piece 142 (mounting piece 132).

[0204] In this way, in the present embodiment, in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 is viewed along the front-rear axis, a plurality of grooves (openings) 1121, a plurality of mounting pieces 132 (a plurality of first mounting pieces 142 and a plurality of second mounting pieces 152), and a plurality of internal spaces (a first space S1 and a second space S2) are located between the pair of convex walls 19.

[0205] Moreover, by setting the shape of the plug housing (housing) 10 to such a shape, a housing portion 191 is formed at the rear of the plug housing (housing) 10, which is partitioned by the inner surfaces of the pair of convex walls 19 in the width axis direction and the rear surface 115b of the housing main body 11. Thus, when the cable (connected member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, the portion of the cable (connected member) 1A that forms the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA is housed in the housing portion 191. In addition, in the present embodiment, in a state where the cable (connected member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, the rear surface 115b of the housing main body 11 becomes a mounting surface 10a that faces the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0206] In this way, in the present embodiment, by forming the housing portion 191 for housing the cable (connected member) 1A in the plug housing (housing) 10, when the cable (connected member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, the periphery of the cable (connected member) 1A can be protected by the convex walls 19.

[0207] In addition, in the present embodiment, in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20, the pair of convex walls 19 protrude from the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20.

[0208] Moreover, the pair of convex walls 19 can be used as handles to be held by hand. In this way, the fitting operation of the plug connector (connector) 1 into the socket connector (counterpart connector) 2 and the like can be performed more easily.

[0209] In addition, in the present embodiment, when observing the state in which the plug connector (connector) 1 is fitted to the socket connector (counterpart connector) 2 along the front-rear axis, the outer ends of the pair of convex walls 19 are located at positions outside the width axis of the socket housing (counterpart housing) 20. That is, when the plug connector (connector) 1 is fitted to the socket connector (counterpart connector) 2, both sides of the width axis of the plug housing (housing) 10 are located at positions outside the width axis of the socket housing (counterpart housing) 20. In this way, when the plug connector (connector) 1 is removed from the socket connector (counterpart connector) 2, the situation where the holding of the pair of convex walls 19 is obstructed by the socket housing (counterpart housing) 20 is suppressed. Moreover, when the plug connector (connector) 1 is removed from the socket connector (counterpart connector) 2 using a jig, the jig can be more reliably hooked on the convex wall 19, the protective wall 17, and the like.

[0210] In addition, as described above, in the present embodiment, as the connector unit, a vertical type (a type in which the fitting direction of the connection surface 11aA of the connected member 1A and the connector kit C1 is substantially orthogonal) of the connector unit U1 is exemplified.

[0211] Moreover, a recess 11a is formed at the center of the width axis of the housing body 11, and a locking portion 12 is formed in the recess 11a, thereby achieving the height reduction of the plug connector (connector) 1. In addition, the locking portion 12 has an operation portion 121a that can release the locking between the socket connector (counterpart connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 by moving from the upper side (first side) to the lower side (second side) of the vertical axis (second axis) that intersects the front-rear axis (first axis). Further, in the plug housing (housing) 10, a moving space S6 that allows the movement of the operation portion 121a to the lower side (second side) of the vertical axis (second axis) is formed.

[0212] In such a plug connector (connector) 1, when the cable (connected member) 1A is connected, if the locking portion 12 is covered by the cable (connected member) 1A from the rear, it is difficult to operate the lever portion 121 with a finger or the like when the plug connector (connector) 1 is removed from the socket connector (counterpart connector) 2.

[0213] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the locking between the socket connector (counterpart connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 can be released more easily. Further, in the present embodiment, the moving space S6 can be utilized more effectively.

[0214] Specifically, as Figure 21 shown, a base body 13A of a cable (a member to be connected) 1A forms a recess 13aA that penetrates in the front-rear axis (the first axis) and opens on the upper side (the first side) of the vertical axis (the second axis) in a state where the cable (the member to be connected) 1A is connected to a plug connector (a connector) 1. Moreover, as Figure 22 shown, in a state where the cable (the member to be connected) 1A is connected to the plug connector (the connector) 1, the recess 13aA communicates with a movement space S6 in the front-rear axis (the first axis).

[0215] In this way, even in a state where the cable (the member to be connected) 1A is connected to the plug connector (the connector) 1, when the operation part 121a is operated, it is possible to more reliably prevent an operator's finger from touching the cable (the member to be connected) 1A. In this way, it is possible to more easily release the lock between the socket connector (the other-side connector) 2 and the plug connector (the connector) 1.

[0216] Furthermore, by making the recess 13aA that penetrates in the front-rear axis (the first axis) communicate with the movement space S6 in the front-rear axis (the first axis), when the cable (the member to be connected) 1A is connected to the plug connector (the connector) 1, the movement space S6 will not be blocked by the cable (the member to be connected) 1A. In this way, it is possible to more effectively utilize the movement space S6 that allows movement to the lower side (the second side) of the vertical axis (the second axis) of the operation part 121a.

[0217] In addition, in the present embodiment, the base body 13A has a flexible sheet 131A formed with a conductor part (a conductor) 14A and connected to the plug connector (the connector) 1, and a reinforcing plate (a base) 132A fixed to the flexible sheet 131A and suppressing deformation of the flexible sheet 131A. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the recess 13aA is composed of a sheet-side recess 131aA formed in the flexible sheet 131A and a base-side recess 132aA formed in the reinforcing plate (the base) 132A (refer to Figure 21 ).

[0218] In this way, it is possible to further improve the connection reliability of the cable (the member to be connected) 1A to the plug connector (the connector) 1 by the reinforcing plate (the base) 132A, and it is possible to more easily release the lock between the socket connector (the other-side connector) 2 and the plug connector (the connector) 1.

[0219] Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the plug housing (housing) 10 has a placement surface 10a that faces the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connected member) 1A in a state where the cable (connected member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, and a pair of convex walls 19 protruding from the placement surface 10a. A housing portion 191 for housing the cable (connected member) 1A is defined by the pair of convex walls 19 and the placement surface 10a.

[0220] Moreover, in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 to which the cable (connected member) 1A is connected is viewed along the front - rear axis, the recess 13aA is located between the pair of convex walls 19.

[0221] In this way, the height position of the operation portion 121a can be further reduced, and thus, further height reduction of the plug connector (connector) 1 can be achieved.

[0222] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 arranged on the upper side of the housing main body 11 are arranged side - by - side with the movement space S6 along the width axis (third axis). Specifically, five plug terminals (terminals) 13 are arranged along the width axis (third axis) on one side of the width axis of the movement space S6 (the right side in the left - right direction). In addition, five plug terminals (terminals) 13 are arranged along the width axis (third axis) on the other side of the width axis of the movement space S6 (the left side in the left - right direction).

[0223] In this way, in the present embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 includes a first plug terminal (first terminal) 14 that is arranged side - by - side with the movement space S6 along the width axis (third axis) that intersects the front - rear axis (first axis) and the up - down axis (second axis).

[0224] In this way, the height position of the operation portion 121a can be further reduced, and thus, height reduction of the plug connector (connector) 1 can be achieved.

[0225] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 are arranged on both sides of the width axis of the movement space S6, but the first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 may be arranged only on one side of the width axis of the movement space S6. Moreover, when the first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 are arranged on both sides of the width axis of the movement space S6, the number of arrangements on one side and the other side of the width axis can also be made different.

[0226] In addition, in the present embodiment, the connector unit U1 can also have versatility. Specifically, the connector unit U1 can be configured such that the completion of the fitting between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the socket connector (opposite - side connector) 2 can be confirmed without replacing components.

[0227] That is, the plug connector (connector) 1 is configured to be able to slidably hold the sliding member 3 (see Figure 24 ).

[0228] The sliding member 3 is slidably mounted on the plug connector 1 such that the sliding movement from the initial position as the first position to the sliding completion position as the second position is restricted in a state where the fitting of the plug connector 1 to the socket connector 2 is not completed. In addition, the first position and the second position can be appropriately set. The specific positions in the present embodiment will be described later.

[0229] Moreover, the connector unit U1 is configured to allow the sliding member 3 to slide from the initial position to the sliding completion position in a state where the fitting of the plug connector 1 to the socket connector 2 is completed. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to confirm the completion of the fitting of the plug connector 1 to the socket connector 2 by the sliding of the sliding member 3 from the initial position to the sliding completion position.

[0230] In this way, in the present embodiment, the connector kit C1 can also have a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) function. At this time, the sliding member 3 functions as a CPA member.

[0231] Next, a structure for enabling the connector kit C1 to have a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) function will be described.

[0232] First, in the present embodiment, the movement space S6 formed in the plug housing (housing) 10 is formed directly below the operation portion 121a and has a deflection allowance space S61 that allows the downward deflection of the rod portion 121. In addition, the movement space S6 is formed on both outer sides of the width axis of the recess 11a (the portions located outside the width axis of the recess 11a and closer to the width axis than the rod portion 121 in the recess 11a), and has an insertion space S62 for inserting the sliding member 3. The insertion space S62 is formed to communicate with the deflection allowance space S61 on the width axis (the third axis).

[0233] Moreover, at the rear portion of the top wall 111, a restricting protrusion (sliding restricting portion) 111b that is substantially L-shaped in plan view is formed. The restricting protrusion 111b restricts the sliding of the sliding member 3 from the initial position to the sliding completion position when the plug housing 10 is not completely fitted to the socket housing 20.

[0234] Further, in the present embodiment, when observing the plug housing 10 along the width axis, the insertion space S62 and the second space S2 overlap with each other. Thus, the height of the plug housing 10 that holds the sliding member 3 can be suppressed to be low.

[0235] Moreover, in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 connected with the cable (connected member) 1A is observed from the rear along the front-rear axis, the entire or at least a part of the movement space S6 (flexure allowance space S61 and insertion space S62) communicates with the recess 13aA on the front-rear axis (first axis). That is, in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 connected with the cable (connected member) 1A is observed from the rear along the front-rear axis, the entire or at least a part of the movement space S6 (flexure allowance space S61 and insertion space S62) is exposed from the cable (connected member) 1A (see Figure 23 ). In addition, in the present embodiment, the pair of restricting protrusions 111b are also exposed from the cable (connected member) 1A in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 connected with the cable (connected member) 1A is observed from the rear along the front-rear axis.

[0236] Thus, a connector unit U1 can be configured such that even in a state where the cable (connected member) 1A is connected, the connector unit U1 can selectively hold the sliding member 3 on the plug housing (housing) 10, and thus the completion of the fitting of the plug connector (connector) and the socket connector (opposite-side connector) can be confirmed. That is, the connector unit U1 can be made universal.

[0237] [Structural example of the sliding member 3]

[0238] Next, based on Figure 25 an example of the structure of the sliding member 3 that is slidably held on the plug connector 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0239] In the present embodiment, the sliding member 3 includes 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.

[0240] In addition, a pair of lower arm portions 32 are connected and provided on both sides of the width axis in the lower portion of the main body portion 31 so as to extend forward in the front-rear axis. The pair of lower arm portions 32 are connected to the main body portion 31 in a cantilever state and are formed to be elastically deformable in the width axis. At the front end (front end) of the lower arm portion 32, a locking protrusion (anti-disengagement portion) 32a is formed so as to protrude outward in the width axis.

[0241] On the other hand, a pair of upper side arm portions 33 are connected and provided on both sides of the width axis in the upper part of the main body portion 31 so as to extend forward in the front-rear axis. The pair of upper side arm portions 33 are connected and provided to the main body portion 31 in a cantilever state and are formed to be elastically deformable on the vertical axis (an axis intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal). Further, in the sliding member 3 shown in the present embodiment, the pair of upper side arm portions 33 are formed to be wider on the root side (the side connected and provided to the main body portion 31). Moreover, at the front end (the leading end) of the upper side arm portion 33, an engaging protrusion (engaging portion) 33b is formed so as to protrude upward.

[0242] In addition, at a substantially central portion of the front-rear axis of the upper side arm portion 33, a protrusion 33a protruding upward is formed.

[0243] Moreover, a restricting protrusion (restricting portion) 31b extending forward and upward is formed at the lower part of the main body portion 31. Further, in the sliding member 3 shown in the present embodiment, the end portions of the width axis of the restricting protrusion (restricting portion) 31b are respectively connected and provided to the inner surfaces of the lower side arm portions 32.

[0244] In addition, in the present embodiment, in a state where the sliding member 3 is held in the plug housing 10, the main body portion 31 of the sliding member 3 is disposed near the operation portion 121a of the rod portion 121.

[0245] Therefore, there is a concern that when the rod portion 121 is elastically deformed downward by operating the operation portion 121a, the finger of the operator touches the main body portion 31, and the engagement between the rod portion 121 and the engagement hole (engaging portion) 221a cannot be easily released.

[0246] Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to more reliably suppress the situation where the operation of the rod portion 121 is obstructed by the sliding member 3.

[0247] Specifically, by forming a recess 31c in the main body portion 31 that is recessed in the operation direction of the operation portion 121a (downward in the vertical axis), it is possible to suppress the finger of the operator from touching the main body portion 31.

[0248] In addition, in the present embodiment, in a state where the sliding member 3 is held in one housing (the plug housing 10), when viewed along the front-rear axis (X axis: the sliding direction of the sliding member 3), a part of the main body portion 31 and the operation portion 121a of the rod portion 121 overlap each other. That is, the sliding member 3 is held in one housing (the plug housing 10) such that a part of the main body portion 31 and the operation portion 121a overlap each other when viewed along the front-rear axis.

[0249] Further, in the present embodiment, in a state where the sliding member 3 is held in one housing (the plug housing 10), when viewed along the front-rear axis (X-axis: the sliding direction of the sliding member 3), the main body portion 31 is arranged such that the handle 31a extends beyond the operation portion 121a.

[0250] In this way, in the present embodiment, a recess 31c is formed at the center of the width axis of the upper portion of the main body portion 31. In addition, the recess 31c is preferably formed to a size that allows the operator's finger to be inserted from above.

[0251] Specifically, the main body portion 31 is held in the plug housing 10 in a state where both ends of the width axis protrude more outward than the operation portion 121a of the lever portion 121. Moreover, a recess 31c is formed at the center of the width axis of the upper portion of the main body portion 31, and handles 31a are respectively formed on the upper parts on both sides of the width axis of the recess 31c. At this time, each of the pair of handles 31a protrudes more outward in the width axis than the operation portion 121a of the lever portion 121. In this way, the handle 31a near the operation portion 121a can be more reliably gripped by the finger, or the finger can be hooked on the handle 31a near the operation portion 121a.

[0252] In addition, the recess 31c is preferably formed to a depth (the amount of depression in the vertical axis) such that, in a state where the engagement between the engagement protrusion 121b and the engagement hole 221a is released by pressing the operation portion 121a, the operator's finger does not touch. In this way, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 121b and the engagement hole 221a can be more reliably released without being obstructed by the main body portion 31.

[0253] In addition, in the sliding member 3 shown in the present embodiment, on the lower side arm portion 32, a protrusion 32b protruding upward is formed along the extending direction of the lower side arm portion 32. Specifically, the protrusion 32b is formed to extend from the root side toward the front end side of the lower side arm portion 32 and is formed to be elongated in the extending direction of the lower side arm portion 32. And by forming such a protrusion 32b on the lower side arm portion 32, the gap between the lower side arm portion 32 and the upper side arm portion 33 becomes smaller. In addition, in the sliding member 3 shown in the present embodiment, directly below the portion of the upper side arm portion 33 where the engagement protrusion (engagement portion) 33b is formed, the protrusion 32b is not formed. That is, the protrusion 32b is formed such that the front end is located at a position closer to the front side (root side) than the engagement protrusion (engagement portion) 33b of the upper side arm portion 33. In this way, it is possible to suppress the case where the elastic deformation of the upper side arm portion 33 in the vertical axis is obstructed by the protrusion 32b.

[0254] Further, in the sliding member 3 shown in the present embodiment, the gap (the shortest distance in the vertical axis) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 at the portion where the protrusion 32b is formed is smaller than the thickness of the lower arm portion 32 in the vertical axis and the thickness of the upper arm portion 33 in the vertical axis.

[0255] In this way, in the sliding member 3 shown in the present embodiment, in the lower arm portion 32 which is at least one of the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33, the protrusion 32b that reduces the gap between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 is formed to extend from the root side toward the front end side. Moreover, the gap between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 at the portion where the protrusion 33b is formed is smaller than the thickness of the lower arm portion 32 and the thickness of the upper arm portion 33.

[0256] Further, in the sliding member 3 shown in the present embodiment, the width of the front end side of the lower arm portion 32 and the width of the front end side of the upper arm portion 33 are also larger than the gap (the shortest distance in the vertical axis) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 at the portion where the protrusion 32b is formed.

[0257] In this way, it is possible to suppress the situation where the lower arm portion 32 of another sliding member 3 is inserted into the gap between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 of the sliding member 3, and the upper arm portion 33, so that the arm portions are wound around each other. In this way, the sliding member 3 shown in the present embodiment is configured not to hinder the elastic deformation of the upper arm portion 33 in the vertical axis and to suppress the winding of the arm portions around each other.

[0258] In addition, in the present embodiment, the insertion space S62 is partitioned by the protruding wall 119a formed by the intermediate wall 119 that divides the concave portion 11a and protrudes along the width axis into a space for inserting the lower arm portion 32 of the sliding member 3 and a space for inserting the upper arm portion 33.

[0259] In addition, a step portion 119b is formed at the position of the central portion in the front-rear axis of the intermediate wall 119 that divides the concave portion 11a and is lower than the protruding wall 119a. When viewed from above, the space for inserting the lower arm portion 32 is wider in the front side (refer to Figure 26 ). Moreover, by engaging the locking protrusion 32a formed to protrude outward in the width axis at the front end (front end) of the lower arm portion 32 with the step portion 119b, the detachment of the sliding member 3 from the housing main body 11 is suppressed.

[0260] Next, based on Figures 26 to 29 an example of the operation of the sliding member 3 will be described.

[0261] 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 such that the sliding movement from the initial position (the first position) to the sliding completion position (the second position) is restricted in a state where the plug housing 10 is not fully inserted into the socket housing 20. Further, it is configured such that when the plug housing 10 is fully inserted into the socket housing 20, the sliding movement from the initial position to the sliding completion position is permitted.

[0262] Specifically, the sliding member 3 is inserted into the insertion space S62 in a state where the front end of the lower arm portion 32 is deflected inward in the width direction. At this time, the front end of the upper arm portion 33 is also inserted into the insertion space S62.

[0263] Moreover, in a state where the front ends of the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33 are inserted into the insertion space S62, when the sliding member 3 is moved forward (inserted) by a given amount, the front end of the lower arm portion 32 moves to a position in front of the stepped portion 119b of the intermediate wall 119 that divides the recess 11a. In this way, when the front end of the lower arm portion 32 moves to a position in front of the stepped portion 119b, the lower arm portion 32 moves in a direction of opening away from each other (outward in the width direction) due to the elastic restoring force, and the locking projection 32a of the lower arm portion 32 engages with the stepped portion 119b. In this manner, the sliding member 3 is slidably held (temporarily held) on the plug housing 10 in a state where detachment from the housing body 11 is restricted (see Figure 26 ).

[0264] In addition, in a state where the locking projection 32a of the lower arm portion 32 is engaged with the stepped portion 119b, 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 27 ).

[0265] Therefore, in a state where the sliding member 3 is temporarily held on the plug housing 10 that is not inserted into the socket housing 20, if the sliding member 3 is to be slid 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.

[0266] In the present embodiment, with such a structure, in a state where the plug housing 10 is not fully inserted into the socket housing 20, the sliding member 3 cannot be slid from the initial position to the sliding completion position. Further, in the present embodiment, the state where the locking projection 32a of the lower arm portion 32 is engaged with the stepped portion 119b is set as the initial position of the sliding member 3.

[0267] Moreover, when the plug housing 10 temporarily holding the sliding member 3 is engaged with the socket housing 20, during the period from the start of engagement to the completion of engagement, the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper side arm portion 33 abuts against the protrusion 211c of the top wall 211 and is pressed downward. Further, in the state where the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 are completely engaged, the front end of the engaging protrusion 33b abuts against the lower surface of the protrusion 211c, and the upper side arm portion 33 is in a state of being deflected 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 28 ).

[0268] Therefore, when the plug housing 10 is engaged with the socket housing 20, the restriction of the forward movement of the protrusion 33a by the restricting protrusion 111b is released, and thus the sliding member 3 can slide forward. In this way, in the present embodiment, the upper side arm portion 33 that can be elastically deformed up and down and the protrusion 33a formed on the upper side arm portion 33 that can abut against the restricting protrusion 111b function as a sliding locking mechanism.

[0269] Moreover, the sliding member 3 is slid forward to engage the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper side arm portion 33 with the engaging hole 211d formed at the rear end (the end portion on the depth side) of the protrusion 211c formed on the top wall 211. In this way, the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 can also be locked in the engaged state by the sliding member 3 (see Figure 29 ). In addition, in the present embodiment, the state where the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper side arm portion 33 is engaged with the engaging hole 211d formed at the rear end of the protrusion 211c formed on the top wall 211 is set as the sliding completion position (completion position: second position) of the sliding member 3.

[0270] In this way, the connector kit C1 is doubly locked by the rod portion 121 and the sliding member 3.

[0271] Furthermore, 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 deflection allowance space S61. And by the restricting protrusion 31b inserted into the deflection allowance space S61, the downward movement of the rod portion 121 is restricted.

[0272] At this time, it is preferable to set the upward protruding amount of the restricting protrusion 31b such that the engaging protrusion 121b and the engaging hole 221a are engaged even in the state where the rod portion 121 abuts against the restricting protrusion 31b. In this way, as long as the locking by the sliding member 3 is not released, the locking by the rod portion 121 can be prevented from being released, and the locking state can be maintained more reliably.

[0273] In addition, when disengaging the fitting of the connector kit C1 that is double-locked by the rod portion 121 and the sliding member 3, first, the sliding member 3 in the sliding completion position is slid to the initial position. In the present embodiment, by pulling the sliding member 3 forcefully rearward (toward the initial position side), the engagement between the engaging protrusion 33b and the protrusion 211c is released. Therefore, for example, if 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.

[0274] In this way, by sliding the sliding member 3 to the initial position, the restriction on the downward movement of the rod portion 121 is released, and thus the locking based on the rod portion 121 can be released.

[0275] At this time, in the present embodiment, a recess 31c is formed at the upper end of the main body portion 31 of the sliding member 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator's finger from colliding with the main body portion 31 (sliding member 3) when moving downward along the rod portion 121, and the locking based on the rod portion 121 can be released more reliably.

[0276] Moreover, by performing the above-described operation of removing the plug connector 1 from the socket connector 2, the plug connector 1 is removed from the socket connector 2.

[0277] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the connection reliability with the cable (connected member) 1A can be further improved.

[0278] Specifically, the entire exposed portion 14aA of the conductor of the cable 1A connected to the mounting piece (connection terminal portion) 132 of the plug terminal 13 is supported by the reinforcing plate 132A.

[0279] In this way, it is possible to prevent the mounting piece (connection terminal portion) 132 of the plug terminal 13 from deforming and the connection between the mounting piece (connection terminal portion) 132 and the exposed portion 14aA of the conductor from deteriorating when the cable 1A swings and moves in a direction away from the reinforcing plate 132A. That is, it is possible to protect the mounting portion of the plug terminal 13 and the cable 1A from the influence of the swing of the cable 1A.

[0280] In addition, in the present embodiment, as Figure 30 and Figure 31 shown, when observing the plug housing (housing) 10 along the width axis (the direction in which the connection fixing portion 162 protrudes), the housing main body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) has a protective wall 17 formed to cover at least a part of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162.

[0281] Thus, when performing an operation of fitting the plug connector (connector) 1 connected to the cable (member to be connected) 1A with the socket connector (opposite - side connector) 2 or detaching it from the socket connector (opposite - side connector) 2, the protective wall 17 can inhibit fingers or the like from touching the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 and the connection portion between the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 and the cable (member to be connected) 1A.

[0282] In this way, in the present embodiment, the protective wall 17 can inhibit fingers or the like from touching the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 and the connection portion between the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 and the cable (member to be connected) 1A. Thus, it is possible to inhibit the deterioration of the connection state between the cable (member to be connected) 1A and the plug connector (connector) 1, and thereby further improve the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (member to be connected) 1A.

[0283] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the protective wall 17 has an outer end 171 in the direction in which the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 protrudes (the outer side of the width axis). In addition, the cable (member to be connected) 1A has an outer end 1cA of the width axis in the direction in which the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 protrudes at the portion where the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 is connected. Moreover, the outer end 171 of the protective wall 17 is located at a position more outside than the outer end 1cA of the cable (member to be connected) 1A (see Figure 31 )

[0284] Thus, when performing an operation of fitting the plug connector (connector) 1 connected to the cable (member to be connected) 1A with the socket connector (opposite - side connector) 2 or detaching it from the socket connector (opposite - side connector) 2, it is possible to more reliably inhibit fingers or the like from touching the cable (member to be connected) 1A. That is, it is possible to perform the fitting operation of the plug connector (connector) 1 with the socket connector (opposite - side connector) 2 without touching the cable (member to be connected) 1A.

[0285] In this way, in the present embodiment, when performing the fitting operation of the plug connector (connector) 1 with the socket connector (opposite - side connector) 2 or the like, fingers or the like do not touch the cable (member to be connected) 1A. Thus, it is possible to inhibit a decrease in connection strength, deterioration of electrical connection, etc. caused by contact of fingers or the like with the cable (member to be connected) 1A. In addition, it is also possible to inhibit the occurrence of connection errors caused by the disconnection of the connection between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (member to be connected) 1A.

[0286] In addition, in the present embodiment, in a state where the holding fitting (fixed terminal) 16 is held by the housing main body 11, the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 protrudes outward in the width axis direction. That is, the holding fitting (fixed terminal) 16 is held by the housing main body 11 in a state where the plate thickness of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 is substantially aligned with the front-rear axis. Further, by mounting (connecting) the lower surface (rear surface in a state where the fixed terminal 16 is held by the housing main body 11) 162a of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 to the fixing portion 15A, the housing main body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) is fixed to the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0287] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lower surface 162a of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 becomes the first surface facing the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connected member) 1A. Further, the upper surface (front surface in a state where the fixed terminal 16 is held by the housing main body 11) 162b of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 becomes the second surface facing the lower surface (first surface) 162a on the side opposite to the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA.

[0288] As described above, in the present embodiment, the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 has a lower surface (first surface) 162a facing the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connected member) 1A, and an upper surface (second surface) 162b facing the lower surface (first surface) 162a on the side opposite to the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA.

[0289] Here, in the present embodiment, a portion of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 that spans from one end to the other end of the vertical axis at the front end thereof is opposed to the protection wall 17 in the width axis direction. Specifically, when viewed along the front-rear axis, the entire front end of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 is located between one end and the other end of the vertical axis in the protection wall 17 in a state of being spaced apart from the protection wall 17 in the width axis direction.

[0290] In addition, in the present embodiment, in a state of being viewed along the front-rear axis, the protection wall 17 is in a rod shape that extends long in the vertical axis direction, and is arranged such that the inner surface in the width axis direction is opposed to the side surface of the front end of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 in the width axis direction. Further, the protection wall 17 is connected to the side surface 113a of the housing main body 11 by a connecting wall 18.

[0291] As described above, in the present embodiment, the protection wall 17 and the housing main body 11 are integrated. In this way, miniaturization of the plug connector (connector) 1 can be achieved, and the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A can be further improved.

[0292] Specifically, one end of the vertical axis of the protection wall 17 is connected to one end of the vertical axis in the side surface 113a of the housing main body 11 through a connecting wall 18 extending in the width axis. In addition, the other end of the vertical axis of the protection wall 17 is connected to the other end of the vertical axis in the side surface 113a of the housing main body 11 through another connecting wall 18 extending in the width axis. At this time, one end of the vertical axis of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 is opposed to the connecting wall 18 in the vertical axis in a state separated along the vertical axis, and the other end of the vertical axis of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 is opposed to the other connecting wall 18 in the vertical axis in a state separated along the vertical axis. In this way, a substantially rectangular through hole 10b is formed in the plug housing (housing) 10. The through hole 10b is defined by the side surface 113a of the housing main body 11, the inner surface of the width axis of the protection wall 17, and the inner surfaces of the vertical axes of the pair of connecting walls 18, and penetrates in the front-rear axis. Moreover, in a state where the holding fitting (fixed terminal) 16 is held on the housing main body 11, the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 is disposed in the through hole 10b.

[0293] In this way, in the present embodiment, in a state where the plug connector (connector) 1 is not connected to the cable (member to be connected) 1A, the lower surface (first surface) 162a of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 can be visually confirmed from the rear of the front-rear axis (the first surface 162a side in the direction in which the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the connection fixing portion 162 face).

[0294] In this way, it is possible to more reliably confirm whether the holding fitting (fixed terminal) 16 is firmly held on the housing main body 11.

[0295] Moreover, the holding fitting (fixed terminal) 16 is held on the housing main body 11 in a state where at least a part of the periphery 1621 of the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 can be visually confirmed when viewed from the front of the front-rear axis (the second surface side of the connection fixing portion 162).

[0296] In this way, even when the cable (member to be connected) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1 from the rear of the front-rear axis (the first surface side of the connection fixing portion 162), the connection state (for example, the formation state of the solder legs, etc.) between the fixing piece (connection fixing portion) 162 and the cable (member to be connected) 1A can be confirmed. In this way, it is possible to easily confirm whether the plug connector (connector) and the cable (member to be connected) 1A are reliably connected, and thus it is possible to further improve the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (member to be connected) 1A.

[0297] In addition, in the present embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a pair of holding fittings (fixed terminals) 16 respectively held on the side surfaces 113a of the housing main body 11 that face each other in the width axis. Further, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a pair of protective walls 17 respectively disposed outside the width axis of the fixing pieces (connection fixing portions) 162 of the pair of holding fittings (fixed terminals) 16.

[0298] Moreover, in a state where the plug connector (connector) 1 is viewed from the rear of the front-rear axis (the first surface 162a side of the connection fixing portion 162), the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 exists between the pair of protective walls 17.

[0299] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 is configured to be received in the internal space (the first space S1 and the second space S2) by being inserted through the insertion openings (terminal opening portions) S1a, S2a formed in the internal space (the first space S1 and the second space S2). Moreover, in a state where the plug connector (connector) 1 is viewed from the rear of the front-rear axis (the first surface 162a side of the connection fixing portion 162), the insertion openings (terminal opening portions) S1a, S2a exist between the pair of protective walls 17.

[0300] In this way, it is possible to achieve a lower profile of the plug connector (connector), and further improve the connection strength between the plug connector (connector) and the cable (connected member).

[0301] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the plug housing (housing) 10 has a convex wall 19 that extends further to the rear side (outer side) of the front-rear axis (the first axis) than the rear end (the first end) 11b that protrudes more than the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132. Moreover, the convex wall 19 is connected to the rear end of the protective wall 17. In this way, the convex wall 19 is connected to the housing main body 11 via the protective wall 17 and the connecting wall 18, and the convex wall 19 is formed at a position outside the width axis of the housing main body 11.

[0302] That is, in the present embodiment, when the plug housing (housing) 10 is viewed along the up-down axis, it has a shape such that the rear end of the protective wall 17 further protrudes rearward, and the portion that protrudes more rearward than the protective wall 17 becomes the convex wall 19.

[0303] In addition, in the present embodiment, convex walls 19 are respectively connected and provided on a pair of protective walls 17. Moreover, a placement surface 10a that faces the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (member to be connected) 1A in a state where the cable (member to be connected) 1A and the plug connector (connector) 1 are connected, and a pair of convex walls 19 that protrude rearward from the placement surface 10a define a housing portion 191 for housing the cable (member to be connected) 1A. Further, by grasping the pair of convex walls 19 that protrude more outward in the width axis direction and rearward in the front-rear axis direction than the cable (member to be connected) 1A in a state where the cable (member to be connected) 1A is housed in the housing portion 191, the connector unit U1 can be grasped without touching the cable (member to be connected) 1A.

[0304] As described above, in the present embodiment, by integrating the convex walls 19 that define the housing portion 191 with the protective walls 17, miniaturization of the plug connector (connector) 1 can be achieved, and the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (member to be connected) 1A can be improved.

[0305] In addition, the plug connector (connector) 1 and the connector unit U1 according to the present embodiment can also be used as Figure 32 a part of the connector kit C1 shown. That is, the plug connector (connector) 1 and the connector unit U1 can also be fitted with Figure 32 the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 shown.

[0306] In Figure 32 , the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 is mounted (connected) to the circuit board (opposite-side member to be connected) 2A in a state where the fitting space S5 is open in the normal direction of the surface (mounting surface) 21aA of the substrate main body 2aA. Moreover, the plug connector (connector) 1 and the connector unit U1 are fitted with the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 by relatively moving the plug connector (connector) 1 and the connector unit U1 along the normal direction of the surface (mounting surface) 21aA of the substrate main body 2aA.

[0307] As described above, in the above embodiment, as the connector unit, a vertical type (a type in which the connection surface 11aA of the member to be connected 1A is substantially orthogonal to the fitting direction of the connector kit C1) of the connector unit U1 is exemplified. That is, it is exemplified that the plug housing (housing) 10 is configured to include a placement surface 10a that faces the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA in a state where the cable (member to be connected) 1A is connected, and the plug housing (housing) 10 is fitted with the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 by moving along the normal line of the placement surface 10a.

[0308] [Function / Effect]

[0309] (Technology 1) The plug connector (connector) 1 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to engage with the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 by relatively moving along the front-rear axis (first axis: the direction extending along the X axis) with respect to the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2. Further, the plug connector (connector) 1 is configured to be able to connect a cable (member to be connected) 1A. Moreover, the plug connector (connector) 1 can electrically connect the socket terminals (opposite-side terminals) 23 and 24 provided in the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 and the conductor portions (conductors) 14A provided in the cable (member to be connected) 1A.

[0310] Here, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes plug terminals (terminals) 13 that can be electrically connected to the socket terminals (opposite-side terminals) 23 and 24, and a plug housing (housing) 10 having an internal space (first space S1 and second space S2) that can accommodate the plug terminals (terminals) 13.

[0311] In addition, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 has a mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 that can be electrically connected to the conductor portion (conductor) 14A of the cable (member to be connected) 1A. The plug housing (housing) 10 has a rear end (first end) 11b of the front-rear axis (first axis) where the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 protrudes in a state where the plug terminal (terminal) 13 is accommodated in the internal space (first space S1 and second space S2), and a front end (second end) 11c located on the side opposite to the rear end (first end) 11b on the front-rear axis (first axis).

[0312] Moreover, in the plug housing (housing) 10, an opening (groove 1121) is formed through which the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 can be visually confirmed when observing the plug housing (housing) 10 from a position closer to the front end (second end) 11c than the rear end (first end) 11b.

[0313] In this way, if an opening (groove 1121) is provided in the plug housing (housing) 10 and a wider range of the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 can be visually confirmed through this opening (groove 1121), then even when the plug connector (connector) 1 is miniaturized, it is possible to more easily confirm the connection state between the mounting piece (terminal connection portion) 132 and the conductor portion (conductor) 14A. Further, if an opening (groove 1121) is provided in the plug housing (housing) 10, it is not necessary to thin the entire plug housing (housing) 10, so it is also possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the plug housing (housing).

[0314] In this way, if the plug connector (connector) 1 according to the present embodiment is set, the housing strength of the plug housing (housing) 10 can be ensured, and the connection state between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A can be confirmed more easily.

[0315] (Technique 2) In addition, in the above (Technique 1), the opening may also be a groove 1121 extending along the front-rear axis (first axis).

[0316] In this way, the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 can be visually confirmed more easily and reliably, and the connection state between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A can be confirmed more easily.

[0317] (Technique 3) In addition, in the above (Technique 2), the groove 1121 may also be formed to penetrate on the front-rear axis (first axis) across from the rear end (first end) 11b to the front end (second end) 11c of the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0318] In this way, the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 can be visually confirmed by peeping into the plug housing (housing) 10 along the front-rear axis (first axis) from the front (second end 11c side), so the connection state between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A can be confirmed more easily and reliably.

[0319] (Technique 4) In addition, in the above (Technique 2) or (Technique 3), the groove 1121 may also be formed to open on the up-down axis (second axis) intersecting the front-rear axis (first axis).

[0320] In this way, on the basis of being able to visually confirm the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 more reliably, the thickness dimension of the wall part of the plug housing (housing) 10 on the up-down axis (second axis) can be reduced, so further miniaturization of the plug housing (housing) 10 on the up-down axis (second axis) can be achieved.

[0321] (Technology 5) In addition, in any of the technologies (Technology 1) to (Technology 4) described above, it is also possible that the plug housing (housing) 10 is configured to be inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20 of the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2, and in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20, at least a part of the opening (groove 1121) is housed in the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20. Further, the plug housing (housing) 10 may also have a convex wall 19 that extends further to the rear side (outer side) of the longitudinal axis (first axis) than the rear end (first end) 11b that the mounting piece (terminal connection part) 132 protrudes, and in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20, the convex wall 19 protrudes from the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20.

[0322] In this way, a housing part 191 for housing the cable (connected member) 1A can be formed in the plug housing (housing) 10. As a result, when the cable (connected member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, the periphery of the cable (connected member) 1A can be protected by the convex wall 19. Further, if the convex wall 19 protrudes from the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20 in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the socket housing (opposite-side housing) 20, the convex wall 19 can be used as a handle to be held by hand. As a result, the fitting operation of the plug connector (connector) 1 to the socket connector (opposite-side connector) 2 and the like can be performed more easily.

[0323] (Technology 6) In addition, in any of the technologies (Technology 1) to (Technology 5) described above, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 may also have: a first plug terminal (first terminal) 14 having a first mounting piece (first terminal connection part) 142 that protrudes upward (outward) from the upper end (first end) of the vertical axis (second axis) that intersects the longitudinal axis (first axis) of the plug housing (housing) 10; and a second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 having a second mounting piece (second terminal connection part) 152 that protrudes downward (outward) from the lower end (second end) of the vertical axis (second axis) of the plug housing (housing) 10 on the side opposite to the upper end (first end) on the vertical axis (second axis). Further, an opening (groove 1121) may be formed in at least one of the top surface (the surface on the first end side of the second axis) 111a and the bottom surface (the surface on the second end side of the second axis) 112a of the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0324] Thus, for example, even when it is necessary to reduce the protruding amount of the mounting piece (connection terminal portion) 132 from the plug housing (housing) 10 on at least one side of the upper side (first end side) and the lower side (second end side) of the vertical axis (second axis), it is possible to more reliably visually confirm both the first mounting piece (first terminal connection portion) 142 and the second mounting piece (second terminal connection portion) 152 over a wider range, and the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

[0325] [Other]

[0326] 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.

[0327] For example, in the above-described embodiments and their modified examples, it is exemplified that a plurality of terminals are arranged in two layers vertically, but it can also be a connector in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in only one layer, or a connector in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in three or more layers.

[0328] In addition, it is exemplified that the connectors in which the shapes of the terminals arranged in multiple layers are the same shape, but it can also be a connector in which a plurality of types of terminals are arranged in each layer. In addition, without making the shapes of the terminals arranged in the same layer the same shape, it can also be a connector in which a plurality of types of terminals are arranged in the same layer.

[0329] 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 and a substrate, and connectors (plug connectors, socket connectors) that electrically connect a wire and a cable.

[0330] In addition, the specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) of the housing, terminals, and other details can be appropriately changed.

[0331] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-188704 filed on November 25, 2022, and the entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0332] Industrial Applicability

[0333] According to the present disclosure, a connector can be obtained that can suppress a decrease in the strength of the housing and further improve the visual confirmability of the terminal connection portion when miniaturization is achieved.

[0334] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0335] 1 Plug connector (connector)

[0336] 10 Plug housing (housing)

[0337] 11b Rear end (first end)

[0338] 11c Front end (second end)

[0339] 111a Top surface (surface on the first end side of the second axis)

[0340] 112a Bottom surface (surface on the second end side of the second axis)

[0341] 1121 Groove (opening)

[0342] 13 Plug terminal (terminal)

[0343] 132 Mounting piece (terminal connection part)

[0344] 14 First plug terminal (first terminal)

[0345] 142 First mounting piece (first terminal connection part)

[0346] 15 Second plug terminal (second terminal)

[0347] 152 Second mounting piece (second terminal connection part)

[0348] 19 Convex wall

[0349] 191 Receiving part

[0350] 1A Cable (member to be connected)

[0351] 14A Conductor part (conductor)

[0352] 2 Socket connector (opposite - side connector)

[0353] 20 Socket housing (opposite - side housing)

[0354] S1 Upper - side space (internal space)

[0355] S2 Lower - side space (internal space).

Claims

1. A connector configured to be able to engage with the mating connector by relatively moving along a first axis with respect to the mating connector, and configured to be able to connect a connected member, and capable of electrically connecting a mating terminal provided in the mating connector and a conductor provided in the connected member. The connector includes: Terminals capable of electrically connecting with the mating terminals; and A housing having an internal space capable of accommodating the terminals. The terminals have terminal connection portions capable of electrically connecting with the conductors of the connected members. The housing has: a first end of the first axis where the terminal connection portions protrude in a state where the terminals are accommodated in the internal space, and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end on the first axis. In the housing, an opening through which the terminal connection portions can be visually confirmed is formed when the housing is observed from a position closer to the second end side than the first end.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The opening is a groove extending along the first axis.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The groove is formed to penetrate along the first axis across from the first end to the second end of the housing.

4. The connector according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The groove is formed to open along a second axis intersecting the first axis.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The housing is configured to be inserted and fitted into the mating housing of the mating connector. In a state where the housing is inserted and fitted into the mating housing, at least a part of the opening is received in the mating housing. The housing has a convex wall that extends further outward from the first axis than the first end where the terminal connection portion protrudes, and the convex wall protrudes from the mating housing in a state where the housing is inserted and fitted into the mating housing.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The terminal has: a first terminal having a first terminal connection portion protruding outward from the first end of the second axis intersecting the first axis of the housing; and a second terminal having a second terminal connection portion protruding outward from the second end of the second axis of the housing on the side opposite to the first end on the second axis. The opening is formed in at least one of the surface on the first end side of the second axis and the surface on the second end side of the second axis in the housing.

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