Connector assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a connector assembly which can stably hold an auxiliary connector. The connector assembly includes: a frame having a plurality of accommodating portions; and a sub-connector having a locking protrusion. The housing portion has an elastic portion and a locking claw, the locking claw is deflected by the elastic portion to move to a deflection position where the locking claw is not engaged with the locking protrusion, and the locking claw is engaged with the locking protrusion to prevent the sub-connector from falling off from the housing portion when the locking claw is arranged at the normal position. The locking claws comprise a first locking claw and a second locking claw which are arranged between adjacent accommodating parts in a manner of facing each other, the first locking claw is arranged in a manner of preventing the second locking claw from moving to the bending position in a state of being positioned at the bending position and preventing the second locking claw from moving beyond the bending position in a state of being positioned at the normal position, and the second locking claw is arranged in a manner of preventing the second locking claw from moving beyond the bending position in a state of being positioned at the normal position. The elastic parts are arranged on the two sides of the locking claw.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connector assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, connector assemblies are known to include: a frame having multiple receptacles; and a sub-connector configured to be inserted into each of the multiple receptacles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This sub-connector has a locking protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting the insertion axis of insertion into the receptacles. Furthermore, each receptacle has an elastic portion and a locking claw. The locking claw flexes through the elastic portion, shifting from a normal position to a flexed position where it does not engage with the locking protrusion, thereby allowing the sub-connector to be inserted into the receptacles. Additionally, the locking claw, when positioned in the normal position in the fully inserted state of the sub-connector within the receptacles, engages with the locking protrusion to prevent the sub-connector from detaching from the receptacles. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-71806 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in connector assemblies like those described above, the elastic part is a flexible sheet that is connected to the locking claw and flexes by tilting when connected to a fulcrum. Therefore, even a small force can easily cause it to flex significantly. Consequently, the elastic part is prone to breakage, for example.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector assembly capable of stably holding the sub-connector. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The connector assembly disclosed herein comprises: a frame having a plurality of receptacles; and a sub-connector configured to be insertable into each of the plurality of receptacles along an insertion axis, and having a locking protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting the insertion axis. Each of the plurality of receptacles has an elastic portion and a locking claw. The locking claw flexes through the elastic portion to shift from a normal position to a flexed position that does not engage with the locking protrusion, and is configured in the normal position when the sub-connector is inserted into the receptacle, thereby engaging with the locking protrusion to prevent the sub-connector from dislodging from the receptacle. The locking claw includes a first locking claw and a second locking claw disposed opposite to each of the adjacent receptacles. The first locking claw is configured to prevent the second locking claw from shifting toward the flexed position when in the flexed position, and to prevent the second locking claw from shifting beyond the flexed position when in the normal position. The elastic portion is disposed on both sides of the locking claw. Invention Effects

[0007] According to the connector assembly disclosed herein, the sub-connector can be stably held. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector assembly in one embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly in one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a top view of the frame in one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a top view of a connector assembly in one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the storage section in one embodiment. Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line 6-6. Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line 7-7. Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 A sectional view along line 8-8. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the function of the elastic part and the locking claw. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view used to illustrate the function of the elastic part and the locking claw. Detailed Implementation

[0009] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] The embodiments of this disclosure are first described by listing them. The connector assembly disclosed herein [1] The device comprises: a frame having a plurality of storage portions; and a sub-connector configured to be insertable into each of the plurality of storage portions along an insertion axis, and having a locking protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting the insertion axis, each of the plurality of storage portions having an elastic portion and a locking claw, the locking claw being displaced from a normal position to a flexed position not engaging with the locking protrusion by flexing the elastic portion, and being configured in the normal position by engaging with the locking protrusion to prevent the sub-connector from falling out of the storage portion by the sub-connector being inserted into the storage portion in a formal insertion state, the locking claw including a first locking claw and a second locking claw disposed opposite to each of the adjacent storage portions, the first locking claw being configured to prevent the second locking claw from displacing to the flexed position in the flexed position state, and to prevent the second locking claw from displacing beyond the flexed position in the normal position state, the elastic portion being disposed on both sides of the locking claw.

[0010] According to this structure, the first locking claw, when in a flexed position, prevents the second locking claw from shifting to the flexed position. Therefore, for example, when the first locking claw is in the flexed position, it prevents the sub-connector from being inserted into the receiving portion having the second locking claw. Thus, for example, an operator can detect that the sub-connector is in a partially inserted state in the receiving portion having the first locking claw because the sub-connector cannot be inserted into the receiving portion having the second locking claw. Furthermore, since the first locking claw, when in its normal position, prevents the second locking claw from shifting beyond the flexed position, it can, for example, prevent the elastic part connected to the second locking claw from excessively flexing and breaking. Additionally, since the elastic parts are provided on both sides of the locking claw, compared to, for example, an elastic sheet connected to the locking claw and flexing in a tilting manner connected to a fulcrum, large-scale flexing due to small forces can be suppressed. Thus, for example, when the first locking claw is in its normal position, it can firmly prevent the second locking claw from shifting beyond the flexed position. Based on the above, the elastic parts are less prone to breakage, thereby stably holding the sub-connector.

[0011] [2] Based on [1] above, the elastic part may also include a pair of lateral elastic walls that extend from both sides of the locking claw in a direction that separates them from each other and are connected to a pair of opposing surfaces that constitute the inner surface of the storage part.

[0012] According to this structure, the elastic portion includes a pair of lateral elastic walls extending from both sides of the locking claw in a direction separating from each other and connected to a pair of opposing surfaces of the inner surface constituting the receiving portion. Therefore, it can suppress significant deflection due to small forces. That is, unlike a single elastic sheet connected to the locking claw and deflecting in a tilting manner connected to a fulcrum, the present invention, through the interaction of the pair of lateral elastic walls, is not easily deflected even if the elastic portion is thin. Thus, for example, it is possible to firmly prevent the second locking claw from shifting beyond the deflection position when the first locking claw is in its normal position. Based on the above, the elastic portion is less prone to breakage, thereby enabling more stable retention of the sub-connector.

[0013] [3] Based on [2] above, the elastic part may also include a pair of insertion axis elastic walls, which extend from both sides of the locking claw and the side elastic walls along the insertion axis. According to this structure, the elastic part includes a pair of insertion axis elastic walls extending along the insertion axis from both sides and the lateral elastic walls of the locking claw. Therefore, compared to structures that do not have insertion axis elastic walls, it is possible to further suppress large-scale deflection of the elastic part due to small forces.

[0014] [4] Based on any of the above [1] to [3], the locking claw may also be provided at the end of the receiving part on the side into which the sub-connector is inserted. According to this structure, since the locking claw is located at the end of the receiving section on the side for inserting the secondary connector, an operator can visually confirm whether the locking claw is in its normal position from the direction in which the secondary connector is inserted into the receiving section. Thus, after inserting the secondary connector into the receiving section, the operator can easily confirm whether the secondary connector is in a fully inserted or partially inserted state without flipping the connector assembly.

[0015] [5] Based on any of the above [1] to [4], the sub-connector may have an abutment portion in the middle part along the insertion axis, and the receiving portion may have a receiving portion for the abutment portion to abut in the formal insertion state of the sub-connector inserted into the receiving portion.

[0016] According to this structure, the sub-connector has an abutment portion in the middle section along the insertion axis, and the receiving portion has a receiving portion for the abutment portion to abut in the fully inserted state of the sub-connector. Therefore, the end of the sub-connector that is inserted into the receiving portion can be exposed. In other words, it can be configured such that the end of the sub-connector that is inserted into the receiving portion is not covered by the receiving portion. Thus, compared to a structure in which, for example, the end of the sub-connector that is inserted into the receiving portion is covered by the receiving portion, the effective contact amount between the terminal of the counterpart connector and the terminal held by the sub-connector can be increased. That is, in a structure in which the end of the sub-connector that is inserted into the receiving portion is covered by the receiving portion, it is difficult to increase the effective contact amount with the counterpart terminal because the terminal is located on the inner side, but the present invention can avoid this situation and increase the effective contact amount.

[0017] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates specific examples of the connector assembly of this disclosure. In the drawings, for ease of explanation, some parts of the structure are sometimes exaggerated or simplified. Additionally, the dimensional ratios of the various parts sometimes differ in the drawings.

[0018] The term "cylindrical" as used in this specification includes not only shapes with a continuous circumferential wall, but also shapes formed by combining multiple components to form a cylindrical shape, or shapes with a slit in a portion of the circumference, such as a C-shape. The outer circumferential shape of a "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circles, ellipses, and polygons with sharp or rounded corners. "Cylindrical" refers to a shape having a through hole when viewed from above, including shapes whose outer circumferential shape is the same as the inner circumferential shape of the through hole, and shapes whose outer circumferential shape is different from the inner circumferential shape of the through hole. "Cylindrical" includes shapes extending a predetermined length along an axial direction extending through the center axis of the through hole, regardless of the magnitude of that length. "Opposite" in this specification means that surfaces or components are positioned facing each other, including not only positions where they are completely facing each other, but also positions where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this specification are only used to distinguish objects and do not constitute a ranking of objects. The invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0019] (Structure of connector assembly 10) like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the connector assembly 10 includes a plurality of sub-connectors 20 and a frame 30. The connector assembly 10 of this embodiment includes six sub-connectors 20. The connector assembly 10 is, for example, sandwiched in a path for electrically connecting vehicle-mounted devices installed on the vehicle to each other, and engages with a connector on the opposite side (not shown). Furthermore, in each figure, a first axis X, a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, and a third axis Z, orthogonal to both the first axis X and the second axis Y, serving as an insertion axis, are shown. Additionally, in the figures, an upper Z1 is shown as a direction along the third axis Z, and a lower Z2 is shown as the opposite direction to the upper Z1.

[0020] (Structure of sub-connector 20) Sub-connector 20 has connector housing 21 and multiple terminals 22 (see...) Figure 8 The connector housing 21 is formed in a cuboid shape. The connector housing 21 has a plurality of terminal receiving holes 23 extending along the third axis Z. (See attached image.) Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of terminals 22 extend along the third axis Z and are housed and held in terminal housing holes 23 in a state of connection with wires (not shown) extending upward Z1. Figure 2 In addition, the terminal 22 in this embodiment is, for example, a female terminal, which can be engaged with a rod-shaped male terminal (not shown) provided on the other side of the connector.

[0021] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the connector housing 21 has a locking protrusion 24. The locking protrusion 24 protrudes in a direction intersecting the third axis Z. Specifically, the locking protrusion 24 is disposed in the connector housing 21 at a position biased towards the upper Z1 along the third axis Z. In addition, the locking protrusion 24 is disposed on both sides of the first axis X, which is the long axis, in the connector housing 21. The locking protrusion 24 has an inclined surface 24a that gradually increases in the amount of protrusion as it protrudes from the lower Z2 end toward the upper Z1 (see...). Figure 8 ).

[0022] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the connector housing 21 has an abutment portion 25. The abutment portion 25 is provided in the connector housing 21 at the middle portion along the third axis Z. The abutment portion 25 is provided on both sides of the connector housing 21 along the second axis Y, which is a minor axis. The abutment portion 25 is formed by making the width of the lower Z2 portion of the connector housing 21 along the second axis Y smaller than that of the upper Z1 portion.

[0023] (Structure of frame 30) like Figures 2-4As shown, the frame 30 has multiple storage sections 31. The frame 30 of this embodiment has six storage sections 31. The storage sections 31 are arranged in a total of six, with three arranged along the first axis X and two arranged along the second axis Y. The storage sections 31 are configured to accommodate the sub-connector 20 (see...). Figure 2 It is inserted along the third axis Z. That is, the storage part 31 is formed into a square tube shape extending along the third axis Z. In addition, the frame 30 of this embodiment has a rod 30a, etc., used for attaching and detaching the connector assembly 10 relative to the other side connector.

[0024] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the storage section 31 has a secondary connector 20 (see...) Figure 2 In the formal insertion state, the receiving part 32 is abutted by the abutment part 25 when inserted into the storage section 31. That is, the sub-connector 20 is configured to be inserted into the storage section 31 until the formal insertion state is reached, where the abutment part 25 abuts against the receiving part 32. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, the sub-connector 20 is configured such that, in the formal insertion state, the end of the side into which it is inserted into the storage part 31, i.e., the lower Z2 end, is not covered by the storage part 31 but is exposed.

[0025] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, each of the multiple storage portions 31 has an elastic portion 33 and a locking claw 34. The elastic portion 33 and the locking claw 34 are provided on both sides along the first axis X in the storage portion 31. In addition, the locking claw 34 is provided at the end of the storage portion 31 into which the sub-connector 20 is inserted, i.e., the upper Z1 end (see Figure 1). Figure 7 The locking claw 34 is configured to be able to flex along the first axis X by means of the elastic part 33.

[0026] In detail, for example, during the partial insertion phase of the insertion of the sub-connector 20 into the receiving portion 31, the locking claw 34 flexes from its normal position to a flexed position where it does not engage with the locking protrusion 24 in the direction along the third axis Z (see [link]). Figure 9 The locking claw 34 on the left side is shifted. In addition, the normal position mentioned here refers to the position of the locking claw 34 in a no-load state where no external force is applied to the elastic part 33 and the locking claw 34.

[0027] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the locking claw 34 is configured in its normal position when the sub-connector 20 is inserted into the storage portion 31, thereby engaging with the locking protrusion 24 to prevent the sub-connector 20 from falling out of the storage portion 31.

[0028] In addition, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the locking claw 34 includes a first locking claw 34A and a second locking claw 34B disposed opposite to each other in the adjacent storage portions 31 along the first axis X. The terms "first" and "second" in "first locking claw 34A" and "second locking claw 34B" are additional designations for ease of distinction in later descriptions; the locking claw 34 can be referred to as either "first locking claw 34A" or "second locking claw 34B" depending on its state.

[0029] like Figure 9 As shown, the first locking claw 34A is configured to prevent the second locking claw 34B from shifting to the flexed position when it is in the flexed position. In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first locking pawl 34A is configured to prevent the second locking pawl 34B from shifting beyond its flexural position when it is in its normal position. Additionally, in Figure 10 In this configuration, a secondary connector 20 is inserted into the receiving portion 31 having the first locking claw 34A. However, even without the secondary connector 20 inserted, the first locking claw 34A prevents the second locking claw 34B from shifting beyond its flexural position. Furthermore, Figure 10 The figure shows a state in which the second locking claw 34B is displaced using a clamp (not shown) when the sub-connector 20 is pulled out of the storage section 31 for maintenance or the like.

[0030] That is, the first locking claw 34A and the second locking claw 34B, which are positioned opposite each other, are spaced apart in such a way that they contact each other according to the state to limit their displacement. Additionally, the locking claws 34, which are not opposite each other and are located at the ends along the first axis X (see...) Figure 8 The locking claw 34 at the left end does not function as the first locking claw 34A or the second locking claw 34B as described above.

[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, the elastic portion 33 is provided on both sides of the locking claw 34. In this embodiment, the elastic portion 33 includes a pair of lateral elastic walls 35 provided on both sides of the locking claw 34. Additionally, the elastic portion 33 in this embodiment includes a pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 provided on both sides of the locking claw 34.

[0032] A pair of lateral elastic walls 35 extend from both sides of the locking claw 34 in a direction separating them from each other and along the second axis Y, and connect with a pair of opposing surfaces 37 constituting the inner surface of the receiving portion 31. In this embodiment, the lateral elastic walls 35 are formed such that the wall thickness along the first axis X is thinner than the wall thickness of the locking claw 34.

[0033] Furthermore, a pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 extend from both sides of the locking claw 34 and the side elastic walls 35 downwards along the third axis Z, i.e., Z2. In this embodiment, the pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 have thick-walled elastic walls 36a extending downwards Z2 from both sides of the locking claw 34, and thin-walled elastic walls 36b extending downwards Z2 from the side elastic walls 35. Additionally, the lower Z2 ends of the pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 in this embodiment are connected by a connecting portion 38.

[0034] (Function of connector assembly 10) Next, the function of the connector assembly 10 configured as described above will be explained. The connector assembly 10, configured as described above, has a secondary connector 20 assembled within the frame 30. The secondary connector 20 is inserted into the receiving portion 31 by moving relative to the frame 30 downward along the third axis Z2. The secondary connector 20 is positioned in the fully inserted state by abutting with the receiving portion 32 via the abutting portion 25. The secondary connector 20, positioned in the fully inserted state, is prevented from falling out of the receiving portion 31 by engaging with the locking claw 34 via the locking protrusion 24.

[0035] Connector assembly 10 engages with the counterpart connector by moving relative to the counterpart connector (not shown) downward along the third axis Z2. Thus, the terminals 22 of each sub-connector 20 are engaged with and electrically connected to the counterpart terminals (not shown) in the counterpart connector.

[0036] (Effects of this implementation method) Next, the effects of the above-described embodiments will be described. (1) The first locking pawl 34A, while in the flexed position, prevents the second locking pawl 34B from shifting to the flexed position (see...). Figure 9 Thus, for example, when the first locking claw 34A is in a flexed position, the sub-connector 20 is prevented from being inserted into the receiving portion 31 having the second locking claw 34B. Thus, for example, an operator can detect that the sub-connector 20 is in a half-inserted state in the receiving portion 31 having the first locking claw 34A because the sub-connector 20 cannot be inserted into the receiving portion 31 having the second locking claw 34B.

[0037] Additionally, the first locking pawl 34A, in its normal position, prevents the second locking pawl 34B from shifting beyond its flexed position (see [reference]). Figure 10 This prevents damage, for example, due to excessive bending of the elastic portion 33 connected to the second locking claw 34B. In particular, when the sub-connector 20 is pulled out of the storage portion 31 for maintenance or the like, a large force may sometimes be applied to the second locking claw 34B by the clamp, and even in such cases, excessive bending of the elastic portion 33 connected to the second locking claw 34B can be prevented.

[0038] Furthermore, since the elastic portions 33 are provided on both sides of the locking claw 34, compared to a single elastic sheet connected to the locking claw 34 and flexing in a tilting manner connected to a fulcrum, large-scale flexing due to small forces can be suppressed. Thus, for example, the second locking claw 34B can be firmly prevented from shifting beyond its flexed position when the first locking claw 34A is in its normal position. Based on the above, the elastic portions 33 are less prone to breakage, thereby stably holding the sub-connector 20 in place.

[0039] (2) The elastic portion 33 includes a pair of lateral elastic walls 35 extending from both sides of the locking claw 34 in a direction separating from each other and connected to a pair of opposing surfaces 37 constituting the inner surface of the receiving portion 31. Therefore, it can suppress large-scale deflection due to small forces. That is, unlike an elastic sheet connected to the locking claw 34 and deflecting in a way that tilts when connected to a fulcrum, for example, the pair of lateral elastic walls 35 interact with each other and are designed to be thin while being difficult to deflect. Thus, for example, it is possible to firmly prevent the second locking claw 34B from shifting beyond the deflection position when the first locking claw 34A is in the normal position. Based on the above, the elastic portion 33 is less prone to breakage, and thus the sub-connector 20 can be held more stably.

[0040] (3) The elastic part 33 includes a pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 extending along the third axis Z from both sides and the side elastic walls 35 of the locking claw 34. Therefore, compared with a structure that does not have insertion axis elastic walls 36, it can further suppress large deflection due to small forces.

[0041] (4) The locking claw 34 is provided at the end of the receiving section 31 on the side into which the secondary connector 20 is inserted. Therefore, for example, an operator can visually confirm whether the locking claw 34 is in the normal position from the direction in which the secondary connector 20 is inserted into the receiving section 31. Thus, for example, after inserting the secondary connector 20 into the receiving section 31, the operator can easily confirm whether the secondary connector 20 is in the fully inserted state or the partially inserted state without flipping the connector assembly 10.

[0042] (5) The sub-connector 20 has an abutment portion 25 at the middle portion along the third axis Z, and the receiving portion 31 has a receiving portion 32 for the abutment portion 25 to abut in the formal insertion state of the sub-connector 20. This allows the end of the sub-connector 20 that is inserted into the receiving portion 31, i.e., the lower Z2 end, to be exposed. In other words, it can be configured such that the lower Z2 end of the sub-connector 20 is not covered by the receiving portion 31. Therefore, compared to a structure where, for example, the lower Z2 end of the sub-connector 20 is covered by the receiving portion 31, the effective contact amount between the counterpart terminal of the counterpart connector and the terminal 22 held by the sub-connector 20 can be increased. That is, in a structure where the lower Z2 end of the sub-connector 20 is covered by the receiving portion 31, it is difficult to increase the effective contact amount with the counterpart terminal because the terminal 22 is located on the inner side, but the present invention avoids this situation and increases the effective contact amount.

[0043] (Modified Example) The above-described embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to implement them within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the elastic portion 33 includes a pair of lateral elastic walls 35 extending from both sides of the locking claw 34 in a direction separating from each other and connected to a pair of opposing surfaces 37 constituting the inner surface of the receiving portion 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the elastic portion 33 may also be other elastic portions 33 extending in a direction different from the lateral elastic walls 35 and connected to other parts.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the elastic portion 33 includes a pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 extending along the third axis Z from both sides of the locking claw 34 and the side elastic walls 35, but is not limited thereto; for example, it may be configured without the insertion axis elastic walls 36. Furthermore, the insertion axis elastic walls 36 have thick-walled elastic walls 36a extending downward Z2 from both sides of the locking claw 34 and thin-walled elastic walls 36b extending downward Z2 from the side elastic walls 35, but is not limited thereto; for example, their thickness may be varied.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the locking claw 34 is provided at the end of the storage section 31 on the side where the secondary connector 20 is inserted, i.e., the upper Z1 end, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may also be provided at the lower Z2 end of the storage section 31.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the sub-connector 20 has an abutment portion 25 at the middle portion along the third axis Z, but it is not limited to this. For example, the sub-connector 20 may also be configured such that the lower Z2 end abuts against the receiving portion 31. That is, it may also be configured such that the lower Z2 end of the sub-connector 20 is covered by the receiving portion 31.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the frame 30 has six storage sections 31, but it is not limited to this. The number of storage sections 31 in the frame 30 can be changed to other numbers as long as there are multiple sections. In addition, the number of sub-connectors 20 provided in the connector assembly 10 can also be changed.

[0049] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the invention is not limited to these illustrative examples. That is, the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0050] 10 Connector Assembly 20 pairs of connectors 21 Connector Housing 22 terminals 23 Terminal storage holes 24. Locking protrusion 24a Inclined surface 25 Butt 30 frames 30a rod 31 Storage Department 32. Contracting Department 33 Elastic part 34 Locking claws 34A First Locking Claw 34B Second Locking Claw 35 Lateral elastic wall 36 Insert the elastic wall along the axis 36a Thick-walled elastic wall 36b Thin-walled elastic wall 37 Opposite surfaces 38 Connecting parts X Axis 1 Y-axis 2 Z Third Axis Z1 Upward Z2 Downward

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising: The frame has multiple storage sections; and The secondary connector is configured to be insertable into each of the plurality of receiving portions along the insertion axis, and has a locking protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting the insertion axis. Each of the plurality of storage sections has an elastic portion and a locking claw. The locking claw flexes through the elastic portion, shifting from its normal position to a flexed position where it does not engage with the locking protrusion. Furthermore, by being positioned in the normal position when the sub-connector is fully inserted into the storage portion, it engages with the locking protrusion, preventing the sub-connector from detaching from the storage portion. The locking claws include a first locking claw and a second locking claw disposed opposite to each of the adjacent storage portions. The first locking pawl is configured to prevent the second locking pawl from shifting towards the flexed position when it is in the flexed position, and to prevent the second locking pawl from shifting beyond the flexed position when it is in the normal position. The elastic portion is disposed on both sides of the locking claw.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic portion includes a pair of lateral elastic walls that extend from both sides of the locking claw in a direction separating from each other and connect with a pair of opposing surfaces of the inner surface constituting the storage portion.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The elastic portion includes a pair of insertion axis elastic walls that extend along the insertion axis from both sides of the locking claw and the side elastic walls.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The locking claw is located at the end of the side of the storage section where the secondary connector is inserted.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The secondary connector has an abutment portion in the middle section along the insertion axis. The storage section has a receiving section that allows the abutting section to abut in the formal insertion state where the sub-connector is inserted into the storage section.

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