Connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector assembly capable of ensuring stable and normal assembly, comprising: a sub-connector (20) having a housing (21) and a terminal (22) held by the housing; and a frame (30) having a receiving portion (31) into which the sub-connector can be inserted. The housing (21) has a housing main body portion (23) capable of accommodating the terminal (22) and a holding piece (24) integrally formed with the housing main body portion (23), and the holding piece (24) is formed so as to be bendable from an open state extending obliquely with respect to the insertion direction of the sub-connector (20) to a closed state extending in the insertion direction, and allows the terminal to be inserted into the housing main body portion in the open state. In the closed state, the terminal accommodated in the housing main body part is clamped. The housing portion (31) has a stopper surface (35) at a position deeper in the insertion direction than the open end of the housing portion, and the stopper surface prevents the sub-connector from being inserted into the housing portion by engaging with the holding piece in the open state.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, connector assemblies include a sub-connector and a frame with a receiving portion, into which the sub-connector can be inserted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The sub-connector has a housing and terminals held within the housing. The housing has a housing body portion capable of receiving the terminals and a retaining piece integrally formed with the housing body portion. The retaining piece is formed to bend from an open state, extending obliquely relative to the insertion direction of the sub-connector, to a closed state, extending along the insertion direction, with its base end as a fulcrum. Furthermore, in the open state, the retaining piece allows the terminals to be inserted into the housing body portion, and in the closed state, it locks the terminals received within the housing body portion. Additionally, the frame has an engaging recess on its end face in the opening direction of the receiving portion, which engages with the retaining piece in the open state, thereby preventing the sub-connector from being inserted into the receiving portion. In such a connector assembly, the retaining piece prevents the sub-connector from being inserted into the receiving portion in the open state without locking the terminals. Therefore, improper assembly of the sub-connector and the frame can be prevented. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-252513 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in connector assemblies like those described above, if a strong insertion force is applied to the sub-connector while the retaining tab is engaged with the engagement recess, the retaining tab may bend outwards and potentially break. Consequently, it may be possible to assemble the sub-connector to the frame without the terminals properly engaging.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector assembly that can ensure stable and normal assembly. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The connector assembly of the present invention comprises: a connector having a housing and terminals held in the housing; and a counterpart component having a receiving portion, the connector being insertable into the receiving portion along an insertion axis, the housing having a housing body portion for receiving the terminals and a retaining piece integrally formed with the housing body portion, the retaining piece being formed to bend from an open state extending obliquely relative to the insertion direction of the connector with a base end as a fulcrum to a closed state extending along the insertion direction, the open state allowing the terminals to be inserted into the housing body portion, and the closed state locking the terminals received in the housing body portion, the receiving portion having a stop surface at a position deeper in the insertion direction than the open end of the receiving portion, the stop surface preventing the connector from being inserted into the receiving portion by engaging with the retaining piece in the open state. Invention Effects

[0007] The connector assembly according to the present invention ensures stable and normal assembly. 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 partially enlarged perspective view of the storage section in one embodiment. Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view along line 5-5. Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the housing and terminals in one embodiment. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a sub-connector in one embodiment. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly in the initial stage of assembly in one embodiment. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly during the intermediate stage of assembly in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0009] [Description of embodiments of the present invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. [1] The connector assembly of the present invention comprises: a connector having a housing and a terminal held in the housing; and a counterpart part having a receiving portion, the connector being insertable into the receiving portion along an insertion axis, the housing having a housing body portion for receiving the terminal and a retaining piece integrally formed with the housing body portion, the retaining piece being formed to bend from an open state extending obliquely relative to the insertion direction of the connector with a base end as a fulcrum to a closed state extending along the insertion direction, the terminal being allowed to be inserted into the housing body portion in the open state, and the terminal being held in the housing body portion in the closed state, the receiving portion having a stop surface at a position deeper in the insertion direction than the opening end of the receiving portion, the stop surface preventing the connector from being inserted into the receiving portion by engaging with the retaining piece in the open state.

[0010] According to this structure, since the receiving part has a stop surface, the stop surface prevents the connector from being inserted into the receiving part by engaging with the retaining piece in the open state. Therefore, even when the retaining piece is not locking the terminal, the connector is prevented from being inserted into the receiving part. This prevents improper assembly of the connector and the opposite component. Furthermore, since the stop surface is located deeper in the insertion direction than the opening end of the receiving part, even if a strong insertion force is applied to the connector while the retaining piece is engaged with the stop surface, bending of the retaining piece outwards can be suppressed. That is, since the stop surface is located deeper in the insertion direction than the opening end of the receiving part, the inner wall surface of the receiving part faces the outer side of the retaining piece when the retaining piece is engaged with the stop surface. Therefore, even if the retaining piece attempts to bend outwards, bending is suppressed by contact between the retaining piece and the inner wall surface of the receiving part. Therefore, breakage of the retaining piece can be suppressed, ensuring stable and normal assembly.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the connector may also have a plurality of said terminals, and the retaining piece is formed to be able to lock the plurality of terminals with one. According to this structure, the retaining plate is formed so that multiple terminals can be locked with one piece. Therefore, for example, compared to a structure that can lock one terminal with one piece, the stress when force is applied can be distributed, making it less prone to breakage. Thus, more stable and normal assembly can be ensured.

[0012] [3] In [2] above, the housing may also be formed in a cuboid shape and the retaining piece may be formed to be locked with a single terminal that is arranged along the long axis of the housing.

[0013] According to this structure, the retaining plate is formed so that it can be locked with all the terminals arranged along the long axis of the housing. Therefore, compared with a structure that can be locked with a portion of the terminals arranged along the long axis, the stress under applied force can be distributed more effectively, making it less prone to breakage. Thus, more stable and normal assembly can be ensured.

[0014] [4] In any of the above [1] to [3], the retaining piece may have a protrusion at the top end in the insertion direction and the stop surface may be inclined so that when an insertion force is applied to the connector in the state where the protrusion is in contact with the stop surface, the retaining piece is guided in a more open direction.

[0015] According to this structure, the retaining piece has a protrusion at its tip in the insertion direction, and the stop surface is inclined so that when an insertion force is applied to the connector while the protrusion is in contact with the stop surface, the retaining piece is guided in a more open direction, thus making it easier for the retaining piece to be properly engaged. Therefore, it is less likely that the middle part of the retaining piece will bulge outward, or in other words, bend. Furthermore, it is less likely that the retaining piece will forcibly enter the insertion direction beyond the stop surface.

[0016] [5] In any of the above [1] to [4], the length from the opening end of the receiving part to the stop surface may be greater than the length of the retaining piece along the insertion axis.

[0017] According to this structure, since the length from the opening end of the receiving part to the stop surface is greater than the length of the retaining piece along the insertion axis, outward bulging can be suppressed even at the portion of the retaining piece near the base end. Therefore, bending of the retaining piece can be further suppressed.

[0018] [Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of the connector assembly of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of description, some parts of the structure are sometimes exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts may differ in the drawings.

[0019] 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, and shapes with a notch 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 pointed or rounded corners. "Cylindrical" refers to a shape having a through hole when viewed from above, including cylinders with the same outer circumferential shape and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole, or cylinders with different outer circumferential shapes and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole. "Cylindrical" includes cylinders having a predetermined length extending axially along a central axis passing through the center of the through hole, regardless of the length itself. The term "opposite" in this specification refers to a position where surfaces or components are directly opposite each other, including not only positions where they are completely opposite each other, but also positions where they are partially opposite each other. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this specification are only used to distinguish objects and do not order them. The invention is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims, as shown by the claims.

[0020] (Structure of connector assembly 10) like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector assembly 10 includes a plurality of sub-connectors 20 serving as connectors and a frame 30 serving as a counterpart component. The connector assembly 10 of this embodiment includes six sub-connectors 20. Furthermore, the six sub-connectors 20 of this embodiment include four sub-connectors 20A and two sub-connectors 20B of a different type from the sub-connectors 20A. In this embodiment, the sub-connectors 20A will be described in detail. The connector assembly 10, for example, is positioned between paths for electrical connections between vehicle-mounted devices installed in a vehicle, and engages with a counterpart connector (not shown). It should be noted that 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, which is a direction along the third axis Z, and a lower Z2, which is the opposite direction of the upper Z1 and is the insertion direction, are shown.

[0021] (Structure of sub-connector 20A) like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the sub-connector 20A has a housing 21 and a plurality of terminals 22 held in the housing 21. It should be noted that... Figure 6 Only a portion of the multiple terminals 22 is shown in the diagram. The housing 21 is formed in a cuboid shape.

[0022] The housing 21 has a housing body 23 that can accommodate the terminal 22 and a retaining piece 24 integrally formed with the housing body 23. The main body 23 of the housing has a plurality of terminal storage holes 23a extending along the third axis Z. In this embodiment, 13 terminal storage holes 23a are arranged along the first axis X, which is the long axis of the housing 21 (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 There are 26 terminal receiving holes arranged in a row, with two holes arranged along the second axis Y. The size of the terminal receiving hole 23a decreases at the lower end 23b. In addition, the terminal receiving hole 23a has a central opening 23c at the middle part along the third axis Z, which opens outward along the second axis Y. A locking protrusion 23d protruding downward Z2 is provided on the inner surface above the central opening 23c Z1.

[0023] Multiple terminals 22 extend along the third axis Z and are housed within terminal receiving holes 23a in connection with wires 25 extending upward Z1. It should be noted that the terminals 22 in this embodiment are, for example, female terminals, capable of engaging with a rod-shaped male terminal (not shown) provided on the opposite side connector. Each terminal 22 has a terminal recess 22a in the middle portion along the third axis Z. Furthermore, each terminal 22 has a spear-shaped portion 22b between the terminal recess 22a and its lower end. Figure 7 As shown, when the terminal 22 is inserted into the terminal receiving hole 23a and touches the lower end 23b of the terminal receiving hole 23a, the terminal recess 22a is positioned at the same position as the middle opening 23c, and the spear-shaped portion 22b prevents the terminal 22 from falling out of the terminal receiving hole 23a.

[0024] Retaining tabs 24 are provided on both sides of the housing body 23 along the second axis Y. The retaining tabs 24 extend downward Z2 from a portion Z1 above the intermediate opening 23c in the housing body 23 as their base end 24a. The retaining tabs 24 have locking claw portions 24b that protrude from the top side of the lower Z2 in a direction along the second axis Y and into the intermediate opening 23c. Furthermore, the retaining tabs 24 have a protrusion 24c on the top side of the lower Z2 that protrudes further downward Z2 than the locking claw portions 24b.

[0025] The retaining plate 24 is formed in an open state that allows it to extend obliquely outward from the lower Z2 with the base end 24a as a fulcrum (see reference). Figure 6 ) bends into a closed state extending downwards at Z2 (refer to) Figure 7 It should be noted that the retaining piece 24 in this embodiment is configured to be in the open state when no force is applied.

[0026] like Figure 6As shown, when the retaining piece 24 is in the open state, it allows the terminal 22 to be inserted into the terminal receiving hole 23a of the housing body 23. Specifically, when the retaining piece 24 is in the open state, the locking claw portion 24b is located outside the central opening 23c, thereby allowing the terminal 22 to be inserted into the terminal receiving hole 23a.

[0027] like Figure 7 As shown, when the retaining piece 24 is in the closed state, it locks the terminal 22 housed in the terminal receiving hole 23a of the housing body 23. Specifically, when the retaining piece 24 is in the closed state, the locking claw portion 24b penetrates the central opening 23c and engages with the terminal recess 22a, thereby preventing the terminal 22, which is inserted into its normal position in the terminal receiving hole 23a, from falling out. Furthermore, when the retaining piece 24 is in the closed state, it maintains the closed state by engaging the locking claw portion 24b with the locking protrusion 23d of the central opening 23c.

[0028] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, if terminal 22 (refer to) Figure 9 If the left terminal 22 is not inserted into the normal position, the retaining piece 24 will not be inserted into the terminal recess 22a by the locking claw 24b, but will contact the terminal 22, thus becoming a closed state. It should be noted that in this case, the retaining piece 24 of this embodiment will remain in the position of contacting the terminal 22 by pressing the locking claw 24b against the locking protrusion 23d of the middle opening 23c, becoming a half-open state in the open state.

[0029] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the retaining piece 24 is formed to hold multiple terminals 22 in place. Specifically, the retaining piece 24 is elongated along the first axis X so that it can be held in place by a single device that receives multiple terminals 22 housed in multiple terminal receiving holes 23a arranged along the first axis X. In this embodiment, the retaining piece 24 is formed integrally along the first axis X, which is its longitudinal axis, of the housing 21 (see reference). Figure 2 ), and is configured to be locked in place by a single terminal 22 arranged along the first axis X. It should be noted that, in Figure 6 In the diagram, the multiple terminals 22 arranged along the first axis X are not shown; only representative terminals 22 are shown.

[0030] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the housing body 23 has a locking protrusion 23e. The locking protrusion 23e protrudes in a direction intersecting the third axis Z. The locking protrusion 23e is provided in the housing body 23 at a position near the upper Z1 along the third axis Z. Furthermore, the locking protrusion 23e is provided on both sides of the housing body 23 along the first axis X, which is its long axis. It should be noted that... Figure 2 In the diagram, only one of the locking protrusions 23e located on both sides along the first axis X is shown.

[0031] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the housing body 23 has contact ribs 23f. The contact ribs 23f are provided in the housing body 23 at a position above Z1 along the third axis Z. The contact ribs 23f protrude from both sides of the housing body 23 along the second axis Y, which is its minor axis. Multiple contact ribs 23f extend along the third axis Z and are arranged along the first axis X.

[0032] (Structure of frame 30) like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the frame 30 has multiple storage sections 31. The frame 30 of this embodiment has six storage sections 31. Three storage sections 31 are arranged along the first axis X, and two are arranged along the second axis Y, thus totaling six. The storage sections 31 are configured as sub-connectors 20A and 20B (see reference). Figure 2 It can be inserted along the third axis Z. That is, the storage part 31 is formed into a square tube extending along the third axis Z.

[0033] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the storage portion 31 has an elastic portion 32 and a locking claw 33. The elastic portion 32 and the locking claw 33 are provided on both sides along the first axis X in the storage portion 31. In addition, the locking claw 33 is provided at the upper Z1 end of the storage portion 31 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0034] In detail, elastic portions 32 are provided on both sides of the locking claw 33. A pair of elastic portions 32 are connected to a pair of opposing surfaces 34, which extend from both sides of the locking claw 33 in a direction separating them from each other and along the second axis Y to form the inner wall surface of the receiving portion 31. The elastic portions 32 are elastic because their wall thickness along the first axis X is thinner than that of the locking claw 33. As a result, the locking claw 33 can be displaced along the first axis X by flexing through the elastic portions 32.

[0035] During the insertion of the sub-connector 20A into the receiving part 31, the locking claw 33 is displaced by the flexure of the elastic part 32, causing the locking protrusion 23e (see reference) to... Figure 2 It can pass through. Furthermore, the locking claw 33 engages with the locking protrusion 23e to prevent the sub-connector 20A from falling out of the storage part 31 when the sub-connector 20A is inserted into the storage part 31.

[0036] In addition, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the receiving portion 31 has a stop surface 35. The stop surface 35 is located closer to the sub-connector 20A (see reference) than the opening end of the receiving portion 31. Figure 9The insertion direction is the depth of the lower Z2. Two stop surfaces 35 are provided in a receiving part 31. The two stop surfaces 35 extend from both sides along the second axis Y in a direction that approaches each other, i.e., inward.

[0037] like Figure 9 As shown, the stop surface 35 prevents the sub-connector 20A from being further inserted into the receiving portion 31 by engaging with the retaining piece 24 in the open state. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the sub-connector 20A is inserted into the receiving portion 31, the stop surface 35 engages with the retaining piece 24 (see reference 24) which is in a partially open state in the open state. Figure 9 The left retaining piece 24) engages with the retaining piece 24c, thereby preventing further insertion of the sub-connector 20A. Furthermore, the stop surface 35 of this embodiment engages with the protrusion 24c of the retaining piece 24, thereby preventing further insertion of the sub-connector 20A into the receiving portion 31. Additionally, the stop surface 35 of this embodiment is inclined so that when an insertion force is applied to the sub-connector 20A while the protrusion 24c is in contact with the stop surface 35, the retaining piece 24 is guided in a more open direction. That is, the two stop surfaces 35 provided in one receiving portion 31 of this embodiment are inclined upwards Z1 towards each other.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, the length (i.e., depth) L1 from the opening end of the storage portion 31 to the stop surface 35 is set to be greater than the length L2 of the retaining piece 24 along the third axis Z.

[0039] In addition, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the frame 30 has an initial engagement recess 36 on its upper Z1 end face in the opening direction of the storage section 31. In this embodiment, the initial engagement recess 36 is provided on the upper Z1 end face between the storage sections 31 arranged along the second axis Y. Figure 8 As shown, the protrusion 24c of the retaining piece 24 in the open state enters and engages with the initial engagement recess 36, thereby preventing the sub-connector 20A from being inserted into the receiving portion 31. Specifically, in the initial stage of the sub-connector 20A being inserted into the receiving portion 31, the retaining piece 24 is in the fully open state (see reference 24c). Figure 8 The protrusion 24c of the left retaining piece 24) enters and engages with the initial engagement recess 36. Thus, the initial engagement recess 36 prevents further insertion of the sub-connector 20A. It should be noted that... Figure 8 In the diagram, the left retaining piece 24 is shown in the example where the operator has not set the retaining piece 24 to the closed state (see reference). Figure 7 In the case of terminal 22 being inserted into the normal position in terminal receiving hole 23a, retaining piece 24 remains in the fully open state.

[0040] (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 sub-connector 20A assembled on the frame 30. The sub-connector 20A is housed in the housing 31 by moving relative to the frame 30 downward along the third axis Z2.

[0041] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the retaining piece 24 is in the fully open position, during the initial stage of insertion of the sub-connector 20A into the receiving portion 31, the protrusion 24c of the retaining piece 24 enters the initial engagement recess 36 and engages. Therefore, for example, when the retaining piece 24 is in the fully open position, during the initial stage of insertion of the sub-connector 20A into the receiving portion 31, further insertion of the sub-connector 20A is prevented, thus preventing abnormal assembly.

[0042] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 9 As shown, when the retaining piece 24 is in the half-open state of the open state, the protrusion 24c of the retaining piece 24 engages with the stop surface 35 during the intermediate stage of the insertion of the sub-connector 20A into the receiving part 31. Therefore, for example, when the retaining piece 24 is in the half-open state of the open state, further insertion of the sub-connector 20A into the receiving part 31 is prevented, thus preventing abnormal assembly.

[0043] Furthermore, when plate 24 is kept in the closed state (refer to...) Figure 7 When the sub-connector 20A is inserted into the receiving portion 31, it continues until the contact rib 23f abuts against the stop surface 35. Then, the sub-connector 20A is engaged by the locking protrusion 23e ( Figure 2 (Refer to) and locking claw 33 (Refer to) Figure 4 The locking mechanism prevents the item from falling out of the storage section 31.

[0044] The 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 held in each sub-connector 20 engage with and are electrically connected to the counterpart terminals (not shown) in the counterpart connector.

[0045] (Effects of this implementation method) Next, the effects of the above-described embodiments will be described. (1) The receiving portion 31 has a stop surface 35, which prevents the sub-connector 20A from being inserted into the receiving portion 31 by engaging with the retaining piece 24 in the open state. Therefore, the sub-connector 20A is prevented from being inserted into the receiving portion 31 when the retaining piece 24 is not holding the terminal 22 in place. Thus, abnormal assembly of the sub-connector 20A and the frame 30 is prevented. In addition, the stop surface 35 is located deeper than the open end of the receiving portion 31 in the downward Z2 direction of insertion. Therefore, for example, even if a strong insertion force is applied to the sub-connector 20A when the retaining piece 24 is engaged with the stop surface 35, the retaining piece 24 can be prevented from bending outward.

[0046] That is, since the stop surface 35 is located deeper than the opening end of the storage portion 31 in the insertion direction (Z2), when the retaining piece 24 is engaged with the stop surface 35, the opposing surface 34 (refer to the inner wall surface of the storage portion 31) is... Figure 9 The retaining piece 24 is positioned opposite the outer side of the receiving portion 31. Therefore, even if the retaining piece 24 attempts to bend outwards, bending is suppressed by the contact between the retaining piece 24 and the opposing surface 34 of the receiving portion 31. Thus, damage to the retaining piece 24 can be suppressed, ensuring stable and normal assembly.

[0047] (2) The retaining piece 24 is formed so that it can hold multiple terminals 22 in place. Therefore, compared to a structure that can hold one terminal 22 in place, the stress when force is applied can be distributed, making it less prone to breakage. Therefore, more stable and normal assembly can be ensured.

[0048] (3) The retaining piece 24 is formed so that all the terminals 22 arranged along the first axis X, which is the long axis of the housing 21, can be locked in place. Therefore, compared to a structure that can be locked in place by a portion of the terminals 22 arranged along the first axis X, the stress when force is applied can be distributed more effectively, making it less prone to breakage. As a result, more stable and normal assembly can be ensured.

[0049] (4) The retaining piece 24 has a protrusion 24c at its top end in the lower Z2 direction of insertion, and the stop surface 35 is inclined so that when an insertion force is applied to the sub-connector 20A with the protrusion 24c in contact with the stop surface 35, the retaining piece 24 is guided in a more open direction. Therefore, the retaining piece 24 can easily and properly engage. Therefore, for example, it is not easy for the middle part of the retaining piece 24 to bulge outward, or in other words, to be bent. In addition, for example, it is not easy for the retaining piece 24 to forcibly enter the lower Z2 direction of insertion by passing over the stop surface 35.

[0050] (5) The length L1 from the opening end of the storage section 31 to the stop surface 35 is greater than the length L2 of the retaining piece 24 along the third axis Z, which is the insertion axis. Therefore, when the retaining piece 24 is engaged with the stop surface 35, the opposing surface 34 of the storage section 31 (see reference) Figure 9 It also faces the portion of the retaining piece 24 near the base end 24a. Therefore, even at the portion of the retaining piece 24 near the base end 24a, outward bulging can be suppressed. Thus, bending of the retaining piece 24 can be further suppressed.

[0051] (6) The frame 30 has an initial engagement recess 36 on the upper Z1 end face of the receiving portion 31 in the opening direction. The protrusion 24c of the retaining piece 24 in the open state enters and engages with the initial engagement recess 36, thereby preventing the sub-connector 20A from being inserted into the receiving portion 31. Therefore, abnormal assembly of the sub-connector 20A and the frame 30 can be prevented in the initial stage of assembly. For example, abnormal assembly of the retaining piece 24 in the fully open state in the open state can be prevented early. In addition, since the protrusion 24c of the retaining piece 24 enters and engages with the initial engagement recess 36, for example, it can prevent the retaining piece 24 from opening too far outward and easily tighten properly.

[0052] (Modified Example) The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following variations can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the retaining piece 24 is formed to be able to be locked with a single piece that holds all the terminals 22 arranged along the long axis of the housing 21, i.e., the first axis X, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] For example, although not mentioned in the above embodiments, but such as Figure 2 As shown, the retaining pieces 40 and 41 in the sub-connector 20B are arranged in two types along the direction of the first axis X. That is, the sub-connector 20B retains two types of terminals (not shown) along the direction of the first axis X, and the retaining pieces 40 and 41 are arranged in an independently bent manner according to the different types of terminals.

[0055] Alternatively, for example, the retaining piece 24 can also be configured to lock one terminal 22 in place. In other words, the retaining piece 24 can also be configured to be bent independently for each terminal 22.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the stop surface 35 is inclined so that when an insertion force is applied to the sub-connector 20A while the protrusion 24c of the retaining piece 24 is in contact with the stop surface 35, the retaining piece 24 is guided in a more open direction, but is not limited thereto. That is, the stop surface 35 may also be a surface orthogonal to the insertion axis of the sub-connector 20A, i.e., the third axis Z.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the length L1 from the opening end of the receiving portion 31 to the stop surface 35 is greater than the length L2 of the retaining piece 24 along the third axis Z, but it is not limited thereto. That is, the length L1 from the opening end of the receiving portion 31 to the stop surface 35 may also be less than or equal to the length L2 of the retaining piece 24 along the third axis Z. It should be noted that the length L1 from the opening end of the receiving portion 31 to the stop surface 35 is preferably greater than half of the length L2 of the retaining piece 24 along the third axis Z.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the frame 30 has an initial engagement recess 36 on the end face of the upper Z1 in the opening direction of the storage portion 31, but it is not limited to this and may also be configured not to have an initial engagement recess 36.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the frame 30 has six storage sections 31, but is not limited to this. The number of storage sections 31 of the frame 30 can also be changed to other numbers. In addition, of course, the number of sub-connectors 20A and 20B of the connector assembly 10 can also be changed.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the housing body 23 of the sub-connector 20A has 26 terminal receiving holes 23a, but is not limited to this. The number of terminal receiving holes 23a in the housing body 23 can also be changed to other numbers. In addition, of course, the number of terminals 22 held by the housing 21 can also be changed.

[0061] In the above embodiments, it is specifically embodied as a connector assembly 10 having multiple sub-connectors 20 and a frame 30, but it can also be embodied as a connector assembly having connectors other than sub-connectors 20 or other connector components other than the frame 30.

[0062] 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

[0063] 10 Connector Assembly 20-sub-connector (connector) 20A Sub-connector 20B sub-connector 21. Shell 22 terminals 22a Terminal recess 22b Spear-shaped part 23. Main body of the shell 23a Terminal storage hole 23b Lower end 23c Middle opening 23d locking protrusion 23e locking protrusion 23f Touch Rib 24-pack 24a base end 24b Locking claw part 24c protrusion 25 wires 30 Frame (Counterpart Components) 31 Storage Department 32 Elastic part 33 Locking claws 34 Opposite surfaces 35 Stop surface 36 Initial engagement recess 40 Retention Tablets 41. Hold tablets L1 length L2 length X Axis 1 Y-axis 2 Z Third Axis Z1 Above Z2 below

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising: A connector having a housing and terminals retained in the housing; and The opposite-side component has a receiving portion, and the connector can be inserted into the receiving portion along the insertion axis, wherein... The housing has a main body portion capable of housing the terminals and a retaining piece integrally formed with the main body portion of the housing. The retaining tab is configured to bend from an open state, extending obliquely relative to the insertion direction of the connector, with its base end as a fulcrum, to a closed state, extending along the insertion direction. In the open state, the terminal is allowed to be inserted into the housing body, and in the closed state, the terminal housed in the housing body is locked in place. The receiving portion has a stop surface located deeper in the insertion direction than the opening end of the receiving portion. The stop surface prevents the connector from being inserted into the receiving portion by engaging with the retaining piece in the open state.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector has a plurality of the terminals. The retaining tab is configured to hold the plurality of terminals in place.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The shell is formed in a cuboid shape. The retaining tab is formed to be locked in place by a single terminal that is arranged along the long axis of the housing.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining piece has a protrusion at its tip in the insertion direction. The stop surface is inclined so that when an insertion force is applied to the connector while the protrusion is in contact with the stop surface, the retaining piece is guided in a more open direction.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The length from the opening end of the storage section to the stop surface is greater than the length of the retaining piece along the insertion axis.

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