Connector device and plug connector

Abstract

A connector device (C1) is provided with a plug connector (1) and a socket connector (2). A flat surface (16) is formed on an upper surface (10a) of a plug housing (10) provided in the plug connector (1), and a code protrusion (17) protruding upward is formed on the flat surface (16). In a case where a length (L1) of a first interval (D1) is longer than a length (L2) of a second interval (D2), a flat adsorption region is formed in a range between a front end surface (171) of the code protrusion (17) and a front end (161) of the flat surface (16) and between an inner side end (163) and an outer side end (164) in the flat surface (16). In a case where the length (L2) of the second interval (D2) is longer than the length (L1) of the first interval (D1), a flat adsorption region is formed in a range between a rear end surface (172) of the code protrusion (17) and a rear end (162) of the flat surface (16) and between the inner side end (163) and the outer side end (164) in the flat surface (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connector devices and plug connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector device, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, there is a known connector device comprising: a plug connector having a plug housing; and a socket connector having a socket housing capable of engaging the plug housing.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a guide recess is provided on the top wall of the plug housing, and a guide protrusion is provided on the inner side of the top wall of the socket housing. Furthermore, by simultaneously guiding the guide protrusion into the guide recess and inserting the plug housing into the socket housing, the plug connector is fitted into the socket connector.

[0004] These guide protrusions and guide recesses also function as key codes, enabling corresponding plug connectors to engage with socket connectors but preventing non-corresponding plug connectors from engaging with socket connectors. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector device with a key code structure.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 16 / 088308 Summary of the Invention

[0008] In Patent Document 1, a plug terminal is held in the plug housing, and the plug terminal held in the plug housing is electrically connected to the conductor of the connected component such as a cable, so that the plug connector is installed on the connected component.

[0009] Thus, when installing the plug connector onto the connected component, there is a possibility that a robotic arm or other installation equipment may be used to magnetically attach the plug connector to the connected component.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that even when the plug connector is configured with a key code structure, an adsorption area can be ensured on the plug housing.

[0011] A connector device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a plug connector; and a receptacle connector, which is movable relative to the plug connector along a front-rear axis for engaging with the plug connector. The plug connector includes: a plug housing having an upper surface and a lower surface respectively located above and below the front-rear axis; a plug terminal received within the internal space of the plug housing with a portion exposed from the rear of the front-rear axis; and a locking portion capable of restricting the movement of the plug connector relative to the receptacle connector along the front-rear axis when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are engaged. The receptacle connector includes: a receptacle housing having an object-side internal space capable of receiving the plug housing; a receptacle terminal capable of electrically connecting to the plug terminal; and a locking portion engaging with the locking portion. The plug housing includes: a flat surface formed on the upper surface; a coding protrusion projecting upward from the flat surface; and a locking region adjacent to the flat surface on the left-right axis and having the locking portion formed thereon. The receptacle housing includes a coding recess formed on the upper inner surface of the object-side internal space and capable of receiving the coding protrusion. The flat surface has a surrounding... The coding protrusion has a front end face located at the frontmost end, a rear end face located at a position further back than the front end, an inner end face adjacent to the locking area side on the left and right axes, and an outer end face opposite to the inner end face on the left and right axes and further away from the locking area than the inner end face. The coding protrusion has a front end face face located at the front end and a rear end face face located at the rear end. The length of the first interval between the front end face of the coding protrusion and the front end face of the flat surface and the length of the second interval between the rear end face of the coding protrusion and the rear end face of the flat surface are different. (1) When the length of the first interval is longer than the length of the first interval and the length of the second interval, a flat adsorption area is formed in the range between the front end face of the coding protrusion and the front end face of the flat surface and between the inner end face and the outer end face. Or, (2) When the length of the second interval is longer than the length of the first interval and the length of the second interval, a flat adsorption area is formed in the range between the rear end face of the coding protrusion and the rear end face of the flat surface and between the inner end face and the outer end face.

[0012] A plug connector according to one aspect of the present invention is used in the aforementioned connector device.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a connector device and a plug connector that can ensure the adsorption area on the plug housing even when configured with a keyed structure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 The figure shows a first example of a connector device, and is a perspective view showing a plug connector mounted on a cable and a socket connector mounted on a circuit board.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a first example of a connector device, and a perspective view showing the state in which a plug connector mounted on a cable and a socket connector mounted on a circuit board are engaged.

[0016] Figure 3A It is a diagram showing the plug terminals and socket terminals of the connector assembly, and a perspective view showing the state before the lower plug terminal and the lower socket terminal come into contact.

[0017] Figure 3B This is a diagram showing the plug terminals and socket terminals of the connector assembly, and a top view showing the contact state between the lower plug terminal and the lower socket terminal.

[0018] Figure 4A It is a diagram showing the plug terminals and socket terminals of the connector assembly, and a perspective view showing the state before the upper plug terminal and the upper socket terminal come into contact.

[0019] Figure 4B This is a diagram showing the plug terminals and socket terminals of the connector assembly, and a top view showing the contact state between the upper plug terminal and the upper socket terminal.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the plug connector of the connector device is installed before the cable.

[0021] Figure 6A This diagram illustrates the installation of the plug connector of the connector device onto a cable, and is a perspective view of the state before installation, taken from the back side.

[0022] Figure 6B This diagram illustrates the installation of the plug connector of the connector device onto a cable, and is a perspective view of the installed state from the back side.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the state in which the plug connector of the connector device is installed on the cable.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a bottom view showing the state in which the plug connector of the connector device is installed on the cable.

[0025] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing the plug connector of the connector device disassembled and displayed.

[0026] Figure 10A This is a top view showing the plug housing of the plug connector.

[0027] Figure 10B This is a bottom view showing the plug housing of the plug connector.

[0028] Figure 11A This is a front view showing the plug housing of the plug connector.

[0029] Figure 11B This is a rear view showing the plug housing of the plug connector.

[0030] Figure 11C This is a side view showing the plug housing of the plug connector.

[0031] Figure 11D This is a side sectional view showing the plug housing of the plug connector.

[0032] Figure 12A This is a perspective view showing the lower plug terminals of the plug connector.

[0033] Figure 12B This is a top view showing the lower plug terminals of the plug connector.

[0034] Figure 12C This is a side view showing the lower plug terminals of the plug connector.

[0035] Figure 12D This is a bottom view showing the lower plug terminals of the plug connector.

[0036] Figure 12E This is a front view showing the lower plug terminals of the plug connector.

[0037] Figure 12F This is a rear view showing the lower plug terminals of the plug connector.

[0038] Figure 13A This is a perspective view showing the upper plug terminal of the plug connector.

[0039] Figure 13B This is a top view showing the upper plug terminals of the plug connector.

[0040] Figure 13C This is a side view showing the upper plug terminal of the plug connector.

[0041] Figure 13D This is a bottom view showing the upper plug terminal of the plug connector.

[0042] Figure 13EThis is a front view showing the upper plug terminals of the plug connector.

[0043] Figure 13F This is a rear view showing the upper plug terminal of the plug connector.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the state of the socket connector of the connector device before it is installed on the circuit board.

[0045] Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing the disassembled socket connector of the connector device.

[0046] Figure 16A This is a top view showing the socket housing of the socket connector.

[0047] Figure 16B This is a bottom view showing the socket housing of the socket connector.

[0048] Figure 17A This is a front view showing the socket housing of the socket connector.

[0049] Figure 17B This is a rear view showing the socket housing of the socket connector.

[0050] Figure 17C This is a side view showing the socket housing of the socket connector.

[0051] Figure 17D This is a side sectional view showing the socket housing of the socket connector.

[0052] Figure 18A This is a perspective view showing the lower socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0053] Figure 18B This is a top view showing the lower socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0054] Figure 18C This is a side view showing the lower socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0055] Figure 18D This is a bottom view showing the lower socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0056] Figure 18E This is a front view showing the lower socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0057] Figure 18F This is a rear view showing the lower socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0058] Figure 19AThis is a perspective view showing the upper socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0059] Figure 19B This is a top view showing the upper socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0060] Figure 19C This is a side view showing the upper socket terminal of the socket connector.

[0061] Figure 19D This is a bottom view showing the upper socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0062] Figure 19E This is a front view showing the upper socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0063] Figure 19F This is a rear view showing the upper socket terminals of the socket connector.

[0064] Figure 20 The diagram shows the connector device as an example disassembled and presented, and is a perspective view obtained from the perspective of the plug connector installed on the cable and the socket connector in the state before being installed on the circuit board, viewed from the mutually mating side.

[0065] Figure 21 This is a top view showing the plug connector of the connector device shown as a first example.

[0066] Figure 22 This is a top view showing an enlarged view of the area around the coded protrusion of the plug connector of the connector device shown as a first example.

[0067] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing a second example of a connector device, and is a perspective view showing a plug connector mounted on a cable and a socket connector mounted on a circuit board.

[0068] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing a second example of a connector device, and a perspective view showing the state in which a plug connector mounted on a cable and a socket connector mounted on a circuit board are engaged.

[0069] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing the connector device as a second example, disassembled and presented. It is a perspective view obtained from the perspective of the plug connector installed on the cable and the socket connector in the state before being installed on the circuit board, viewed from the mutually mating side.

[0070] Figure 26 This is a top view showing the plug connector of the connector device shown as a second example.

[0071] Figure 27 This is a top view showing an enlarged view of the area around the coded protrusion of the plug connector in the connector device shown as a second example.

[0072] Figure 28 This is a third example of a connector device, and is a perspective view showing a plug connector mounted on a cable and a socket connector mounted on a circuit board.

[0073] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing a third example of a connector device, and a perspective view showing the state in which a plug connector mounted on a cable and a socket connector mounted on a circuit board are engaged.

[0074] Figure 30 This is a diagram showing the connector device as a third example, disassembled and presented. It is a perspective view obtained from the perspective of the plug connector installed on the cable and the socket connector in the state before being installed on the circuit board, viewed from the mutually mating side.

[0075] Figure 31 This is a top view showing the plug connector of the connector device shown as a third example.

[0076] Figure 32 This is a top view showing an enlarged view of the area around the coded protrusion of the plug connector in the connector device shown as a third example.

[0077] Figure 33 This is a top view showing an example of a mounting configuration for mounting a connector device onto a substrate.

[0078] Figure 34 This diagram illustrates the situation where a mismatched plug connector is fitted into a socket connector.

[0079] Figure 35 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the first example of the connector device, and is a perspective view showing a plug connector mounted on a cable and a socket connector mounted on a circuit board.

[0080] Figure 36 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the first example of the connector device, and a perspective view showing the state in which the plug connector mounted on the cable and the socket connector mounted on the circuit board are engaged.

[0081] Figure 37 The diagram shows an exploded view of the connector device shown as a modified example of the first example, and is a perspective view obtained from the perspective of the plug connector installed on the cable and the socket connector in the state before being installed on the circuit board, viewed from the mutually mating side.

[0082] Figure 38This is a top view showing the plug connector of the connector device shown as a modified example of the first example.

[0083] Figure 39 This is a top view showing an enlarged view of the area around the coded protrusion of the plug connector in the connector device shown as a modified example of the first example.

[0084] Figure 40 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the plug connector of the connector device shown as the first example has CPA function, decomposed and illustrated.

[0085] Figure 41A This is a perspective view of the sliding component of a connector device with CPA function, viewed from one side.

[0086] Figure 41B This is a perspective view of the sliding component of a connector device with CPA functionality, viewed from the other side.

[0087] Figure 42A This is a side view showing the sliding member of a connector device with CPA function.

[0088] Figure 42B This is a top view showing the sliding member of a connector device with CPA function.

[0089] Figure 42C This is a bottom view showing the sliding member of a connector device with CPA function.

[0090] Figure 42D This is a front view showing the sliding component of a connector device with CPA function.

[0091] Figure 42E This is a rear view showing the sliding member of a connector device with CPA function.

[0092] Figure 43 This diagram illustrates the situation where the plug connector and socket connector of a connector device with CPA function are locked using a sliding member, and is a perspective view showing the state before the plug connector and socket connector, which are temporarily held by the sliding member, are engaged.

[0093] Figure 44 This diagram illustrates the locking of the plug and socket connectors of a connector device with CPA function using a sliding member, and is a perspective view showing the state in which the plug and socket connectors, with the sliding member temporarily held in place, are engaged.

[0094] Figure 45This diagram illustrates the locking of the plug connector and socket connector of a connector device with CPA function using a sliding member, and is a perspective view showing the state in which the plug connector and socket connector are locked by the sliding member while being engaged.

[0095] Figure 46 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state in which the plug connector temporarily holds the sliding member in a connector device with CPA function.

[0096] Figure 47 This diagram illustrates the situation where the plug and socket connectors of a connector device with CPA function are locked using a sliding member, and is a side sectional view showing the state before the plug and socket connectors, which are temporarily held by the sliding member, are engaged.

[0097] Figure 48 This diagram illustrates the locking of the plug and socket connectors of a connector device with CPA function using a sliding member, and is a side sectional view showing the state in which the plug and socket connectors, temporarily held by the sliding member, are engaged.

[0098] Figure 49 This diagram illustrates the locking of the plug connector and socket connector of a connector device with CPA function using a sliding member, and is a side sectional view showing the state in which the plug connector and socket connector are locked by the sliding member while being engaged. Detailed Implementation

[0099] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes the necessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures may be omitted.

[0100] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the invention, and are not intended to utilize the subject matter described in these limited patented technical solutions.

[0101] Hereinafter, a plug connector 1 is illustrated as a connector that is mounted on a flexible sheet-like cable (connected member) 1A. In addition, a socket connector 2 is illustrated as a connector that is mounted on a rigid sheet-like circuit board (connected member on the object side) 2A, into which the plug connector 1 is fitted.

[0102] Furthermore, with the plug housing 10 positioned above the sheet-like cable (connected member) 1A, the upper and lower axes, front and rear axes, and left and right axes (width axes) of the plug connector 1 are defined. These axes are specified for ease of explanation and do not represent the actual configuration of the plug connector 1. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the insertion direction of the terminals into the housings of each connector is aligned with the front and rear axes, and when mounted on the connected member, the direction orthogonal to the plane including the mounting surface (the normal direction of the plane including the mounting surface) aligns with the upper and lower axes of the connector. In this case, the direction in which the terminals housed in the housings of each connector are arranged side-by-side becomes the left and right axis.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the axis extending along the Z-axis in a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system is called the upper and lower axis, the axis extending along the X-axis is called the front and back axis, and the axis extending along the Y-axis is called the left and right axis. That is, the axis orthogonal to the upper and lower axis (in the direction of extending along the Z-axis) is called the front and back axis (in the direction of extending along the X-axis), and the axis orthogonal to both the upper and lower axis (in the direction of extending along the Z-axis) and the front and back axis (in the direction of extending along the X-axis) is called the left and right axis (in the direction of extending along the Y-axis).

[0104] Furthermore, the side of the connector opposite to the object side when the connectors are mated together is defined as the front side on the front and rear axes.

[0105] It should be noted that the same constituent elements are included in the various types of connector devices shown below. Therefore, these same constituent elements will be given common reference numerals in the following drawings, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0106] [Example of connector device structure]

[0107] In this embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 is... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 It is used in the connector assembly (connector group) C1 shown.

[0108] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the connector device C1 includes the aforementioned plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2 into which the plug connector 1 is fitted.

[0109] In this embodiment, the plug connector 1 is configured to be mounted on a cable (connected component) 1A such as an FPC or FFC. Specifically, the first and second mounting pieces (mounting portions: connecting portions) 132 and 142 of the plug terminals (terminals) 13 and 14 of the plug connector 1 are electrically connected (mounted) to the conductor exposed portion 151bA of the cable 1A, thereby mounting the plug connector 1 on the cable 1A.

[0110] On the other hand, the socket connector 2 is configured to be mounted on the circuit board (the connected member on the object side) 2A. Specifically, the first and second mounting tabs (mounting portions on the object side: connecting portions on the object side) 23 and 24 of the socket terminals (terminals on the object side) 23 and 24 of the socket connector 2 are electrically connected (mounted) to the conductor portion 2bA of the circuit board 2A, thereby mounting the socket connector 2 on the circuit board 2A.

[0111] Furthermore, the plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10, and the plug connector 1, which mounts the first and second mounting pieces 132 and 142 to the cable 1A, is engaged with the socket connector (the connector on the object side) 2. In this way, the plug terminals 13 and 14 are electrically connected to the socket terminals (the terminals on the object side) 23 and 24 of the socket connector 2.

[0112] Thus, connector device C1 connects plug terminals 13 and 14 to socket terminals 23 and 24 by engaging plug connector 1 with socket connector 2, thereby electrically connecting cable 1A to circuit board 2A (see reference). Figure 2 (Figure 4).

[0113] [Example of cable 1A structure]

[0114] Next, based on Figures 5-8 An example of the structure of the cable 1A for mounting the plug connector 1 will be described.

[0115] The cable 1A is in the form of a sheet (flat plate) having a surface (front: one side) 1aA and a back side (rear: the other side) 1bA, with the surface 1aA serving as a mounting surface for mounting the plug connector 1. Furthermore, the cable 1A is flexible, allowing it to be bent in the thickness direction of the cable.

[0116] The cable 1A has a connection area 11A for connection with the plug connector 1 and an extension area 12A for the conductor portion 15bA to extend for wiring with other circuits.

[0117] In this embodiment, the cable 1A is formed such that the connection area 11A is located at one end of the extension area 12A. Furthermore, when the plug connector 1 with the connection area 11A connected to the socket connector 2 is engaged, the extension area 12A is located on the opposite side of the socket connector 2.

[0118] Furthermore, the cable 1A has a multi-layer structure and includes a substrate 15aA, a conductor portion 15bA stacked on the substrate 15aA, and a cover portion 15cA stacked on the substrate 15aA to cover the conductor portion 15bA. The substrate 15aA and the cover portion 15cA are made of insulating film and cover the conductor portion 15bA. On the other hand, the conductor portion 15bA is a conductor film printed on the insulating film constituting the cover portion 15cA, and forms multiple wiring patterns corresponding to the multiple plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) described later.

[0119] Furthermore, a plurality of conductor exposure portions 151bA are formed on the upper surface of the connection region 11A, serving as conductor portions 15bA exposed from the cover portion 15cA. The plurality of conductor exposure portions 151bA are formed in two rows along the front-rear axis, and the conductor exposure portions 151bA in each row are arranged at a predetermined interval along the left-right axis (the extension direction of the Y-axis). Moreover, in this embodiment, the plurality of conductor exposure portions 151bA are formed in an alternating pattern when viewed from above (as viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA).

[0120] This structure, for example, can be formed by printing multiple conductor films on a substrate 15aA to form a conductor portion 15bA, and then covering the conductor portion 15bA with a cover portion 15cA. In this case, if a through hole 151cA is provided in the cover portion 15cA so that the head end of the conductor portion 15bA is not covered, a cable 1A is formed in which the head end of the conductor portion 15bA is exposed on one side (above the upper and lower shafts).

[0121] It should be noted that the method of forming cable 1A is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and can be formed by various methods.

[0122] Additionally, a fixing portion 15dA is formed on the upper surface of the connection region 11A to secure the retaining accessory 15 (described later) to the plug connector 1. In this embodiment, a pair of fixing portions 15dA are formed on the outer side of the left-right axis (the extension direction of the Y-axis) and the front side of the front-rear axis (the extension direction of the X-axis) of the plurality of exposed conductor portions 151bA arranged side by side along the left-right axis (the extension direction of the Y-axis). The fixing portions 15dA can be formed, for example, in the same manner as the conductor portions 15bA during the printing process of the conductor portions 15bA.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, a slit 11aA that is elongated and opens forward along the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y axis) is formed in the connection area 11A of the cable 1A.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cable 1A includes a reinforcing plate (connecting plate) 14A. The reinforcing plate 14A is formed using glass epoxy resin, stainless steel, or the like, and the connecting area 11A of the cable 1A is reinforced by clamping it between the cable 1A and the plug connector 1.

[0125] In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 14A has a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection area 11A of the cable 1A. That is, the outline shape of the reinforcing plate 14A when viewed from above (observed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA) is approximately the same as the outline shape of the connection area 11A. Therefore, a slit 14aA that is elongated along the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y-axis) and opens forward is formed in the reinforcing plate 14A. Furthermore, the reinforcing plate 14A is mounted to the back side of the connection area 11A by means of adhesive or the like.

[0126] Preferably, when viewed from above (as seen along the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA), the entire exposed conductor portion 151bA coincides with the reinforcing plate 14A. In this way, the entire exposed conductor portion 151bA is supported by the reinforcing plate 14A, thus preventing the exposed conductor portion 151bA from bending along the vertical axis (the extension direction of the Z-axis) or deflecting along the horizontal axis (the extension direction of the Y-axis).

[0127] [Example of the structure of plug connector 1]

[0128] Next, based on Figures 9 to 13F An example of the structure of plug connector 1 will be described.

[0129] like Figure 9 As shown, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a plug housing (shell) 10 and plug terminals (terminals: lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) held in the plug housing 10. In addition, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a retaining accessory 15 held in the plug housing 10.

[0130] Furthermore, the plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) held in the plug housing 10 are mounted on the conductor exposed portion 151bA of the cable 1A, which is disposed on the outside of the plug housing 10. In this way, the plug connector 1 is mounted to the cable 1A, which is the connected component. It should be noted that the plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) are mounted to the conductor exposed portion 151bA by soldering or the like. Additionally, the retaining accessory 15 is used to fix the retaining portion 15dA of the cable 1A by soldering or the like while held in the plug housing 10, thereby fixing the plug housing 10 to the cable 1A.

[0131] The plug housing 10 has a rigid housing body 11, and the plug housing 10 can be formed, for example, using an insulating resin material.

[0132] Furthermore, a locking part 12 is formed in the housing body 11 to hold the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 of the socket connector 2 in an engaged state or to release the engaged state. That is, the locking part 12 is formed in the housing body 11 to restrict the relative movement of the plug connector 1 with respect to the socket connector 2 along the front-rear axis when the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2 are engaged.

[0133] Thus, in this embodiment, the plug housing 10 includes a housing body 11 and a locking portion 12 formed on the housing body 11. Therefore, the plug connector 1 includes: a plug housing 10 having a housing body 11; and a locking portion 12 formed on the housing body 11.

[0134] The housing body 11 includes: a top wall 111; a bottom wall 112; a pair of side walls 113, which respectively connect the two ends of the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y axis) of the top wall 111 and the bottom wall 112; and a front wall 114, which is connected to the front end of the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112 and the side walls 113.

[0135] In addition, the housing body 11 has a partition wall 115 that is connected to a pair of side walls 113 and a front wall 114 and divides the space divided by the top wall 111, bottom wall 112, side walls 113, and front wall 114 into vertical sections.

[0136] Furthermore, the main body 11 of the housing has multiple upper partitions 116 connected to the top wall 111, the partition wall 115, and the front wall 114, and the upper space separated by the partition wall 115 is divided into multiple spaces by the upper partitions 116. In addition, the main body 11 of the housing has multiple lower partitions 117 connected to the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 115, and the front wall 114, and the lower space separated by the partition wall 115 is divided into multiple spaces by the lower partitions 117.

[0137] Furthermore, a locking part 12 is formed at the center of the left and right axes at the upper part of the housing body 11.

[0138] Specifically, a pair of inner guide protrusions 1111 are formed on the inner side of the left and right axes of the top wall 111 in a state separated along the left and right axes, extending along the front and rear axes and protruding upward. The inner guide protrusions 1111 are inserted into the inner guide groove 211a of the socket housing 20, which will be described later.

[0139] Additionally, a pair of outer guide protrusions 1112 extending along the front-rear axis and protruding upward are formed at both ends of the left and right axes of the top wall 111. The outer guide protrusions 1112 are inserted into the outer guide groove 211b of the socket housing 20, which will be described later.

[0140] Furthermore, a rear side protrusion 1113 extending along the left-right axis and protruding upward is formed on the top wall 111 in such a way that the rear end of the inner guide protrusion 1111 and the rear end of the outer guide protrusion 1112 are connected. In this embodiment, a pair of rear side protrusions 1113 are formed, one of which connects the rear end of the inner guide protrusion 1111 on one side of the left-right axis to the rear end of the outer guide protrusion 1112, and the other of which connects the rear end of the inner guide protrusion 1111 on the other side of the left-right axis to the rear end of the outer guide protrusion 1112.

[0141] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the inner guide protrusion 1111, the outer guide protrusion 1112, and the rear protrusion 1113 are formed with approximately the same amount of protrusion (approximately the same height and position).

[0142] Thus, in this embodiment, a pair of inner guide protrusions 1111, a pair of outer guide protrusions 1112, and a pair of rear protrusions 1113 are formed on the top wall 111, thereby forming a recess 11a divided by the pair of inner guide protrusions 1111 and the pair of rear protrusions 1113 at the center of the left and right axes above the top wall 111.

[0143] Furthermore, a locking portion 12 is formed in the recess 11a at the center of the left and right axes of the housing body 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the recess 11a becomes the locking area where the locking portion 12 is formed.

[0144] The locking part 12 has a lever 121 that is connected to the front end of the top wall 111 and extends rearward. The lever 121 is movable relative to the top wall 111 (the housing body 11) along the vertical axis. Furthermore, an operating part 121a for operating the lever 121 is formed at the rear end of the lever 121, and an engaging protrusion 121b for engaging with the engaging recess (engaging part) 221a formed in the socket connector 2 is formed at the center of the lever 121 along the front-rear axis.

[0145] In this embodiment, when the plug housing 10 is engaged with the socket housing 20 of the socket connector 2, the engaging protrusion 121b engages with the engaging recess 221a to lock the housings of each connector together (maintaining them in an engaged state). Furthermore, pressing down the operating part 121a of the lever 121 moves the lever 121 downward, causing the engaging protrusion 121b to also move downward, releasing the engagement with the engaging recess 221a and thus disengaging the housings of each connector from each other.

[0146] Furthermore, insertion spaces S6 are formed on both sides of the left and right axes of the rod portion 121 in the recess 11a for inserting the sliding member 3, which will be described later. In addition, a deflection allowance space S7 is formed below the rod portion 121 in the recess 11a (between the rod portion 121 and the top wall 111) to allow the rod portion 121 to flex downward (relative movement relative to the housing body 11).

[0147] It should be noted that the insertion space S6 is formed by the protruding wall 1111a of the inner guide protrusion 1111 that divides the recess 11a in a manner that protrudes inward toward the inner side (recess 11a side) of the left and right axes, and is divided into a space for the lower arm 32 of the sliding member 3 to be inserted and a space for the upper arm 33 to be inserted.

[0148] Furthermore, a stepped portion 1111b is formed at the center of the protruding wall 1111a of the inner guide protrusion 1111 below the dividing recess 11a in the front-rear direction, and the space for the insertion of the lower arm portion 32 is formed to be wider at the front when viewed from above. Moreover, by having the locking protrusion 32a, which is formed at the head end (front end) of the lower arm portion 32 and protrudes outward to the left and right axes, engage with the stepped portion 1111b, the sliding member 3 is prevented from falling off the housing body 11.

[0149] Furthermore, a limiting protrusion (sliding limiting portion) 1114, which is approximately L-shaped when viewed from above, is formed at the rear of the top wall 111. The limiting protrusion 1114 restricts the sliding member 3 from sliding from the initial position to the sliding completed position when the plug housing 10 is not fully engaged with the socket housing 20. In this embodiment, the limiting protrusion 1114 extends upward from the inner ends of the left and right axes of each of the pair of rear protrusions 1113.

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a through hole 114a is formed in the front wall 114 to communicate with multiple spaces separated by the partition wall 115, the upper partition wall 116, and the lower partition wall 117. Thus, in this embodiment, multiple spaces extending along the front-rear axis are formed in the housing body 11. And plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) are pressed (inserted) into the spaces extending along the front-rear axis.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple spaces are arranged side-by-side along the left-right axis (the extension direction of the Y-axis) and formed into two segments along the upper-lower axis (the extension direction of the Z-axis) in the housing body 11. Moreover, when viewed from the rear of the housing body 11 along the front-rear axis, the multiple spaces are formed in an interlaced manner. This achieves miniaturization of the left-right axis of the plug connector 1.

[0152] Specifically, on the lower side of the housing body 11 (mounting surface 1aA side), multiple spaces divided by the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 115, and the lower partition wall 117 are arranged side by side along the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y axis). Furthermore, the space formed on the lower side of the housing body 11 (mounting surface 1aA side) becomes a first space (lower space: internal space) S1 for the lower plug terminal 13 to be pressed (inserted).

[0153] On the other hand, on the upper side of the housing body 11 (at a position further away from the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1), a plurality of spaces divided by the top wall 111, the partition wall 115, and the upper partition wall 116 are arranged side by side along the left and right axis (the extension direction of the Y axis). Furthermore, the space formed on the upper side of the housing body 11 becomes a second space (upper space: internal space) S2 for the upper plug terminal 14 to be pressed (inserted).

[0154] In this embodiment, 16 spaces (first spaces S1) are arranged side by side along the left-right axis on the lower side of the housing body 11. On the other hand, 16 spaces (second spaces S2) are also arranged side by side along the left-right axis on the upper side of the housing body 11.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper partition 116 and the lower partition 117 are formed at a position offset along the left-right axis. That is, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are formed to partially overlap when viewed from above. In other words, when the plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) are held in the plug housing 10 and installed on the cable 1A, the first space S1 and the second space S2 overlap when viewed along the normal direction (upper-lower axis) of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0156] Furthermore, the lower plug terminal 13 is pressed forward from the opening on the rear end side of the first space S1, and the opening on the rear end side of the first space S1 becomes the insertion port S1a. Additionally, the opening on the front end side of the first space S1 is smaller than the insertion port S1a to prevent the lower plug terminal 13 from falling out. That is, the forward movement of the lower plug terminal 13 pressed (inserted) from the insertion port S1a is restricted by the front wall 114. It should be noted that the opening on the front end side of the first space S1 becomes the guide port S1b for guiding the contact portion 230a of the lower socket terminal 23 of the socket connector 2 (described later) into the first space S1. The periphery of the guide port S1b is formed in a tapered shape to facilitate the insertion of the contact portion 230a of the lower socket terminal 23.

[0157] Similarly, the upper plug terminal 14 is pressed 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 becomes the insertion port S2a. Furthermore, the opening on the front end side of the second space S2 is smaller than the insertion port S2a to prevent the upper plug terminal 14 from falling out. That is, the forward movement of the upper plug terminal 14 pressed (inserted) from the insertion port S2a is restricted by the front wall 114. It should be noted that the opening on the front end side of the second space S2 also becomes the guide port S2b for guiding the contact portion 240a of the upper socket terminal 24 of the socket connector 2 (described later) into the second space S2. The periphery of the guide port S2b is also formed in a tapered shape to facilitate the insertion of the contact portion 240a of the upper socket terminal 24.

[0158] Furthermore, a groove 1115 with rearward and downward openings is formed at the lower rear end of the top wall 111, communicating with the second space S2. In this embodiment, the groove 1115 is formed on both sides of the left and right axes of the second space S2, and the upper end of the side wall 144 into which the upper plug terminal 14 (described later) is inserted is located. In this embodiment, the groove 1115 is formed such that the groove width (length of the left and right axes) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 134.

[0159] Similarly, a rearward and downward opening groove 115a is formed at the lower rear end of the partition wall 115 in a manner communicating with the first space S1. In this embodiment, the groove 115a is formed on one side of the left and right axes of the first space S1. Figure 11B The upper end of the side wall 134 of the lower plug terminal 13 (described later) is inserted into the groove 115a. In this embodiment, the groove 115a is also formed such that the groove width (length of the left and right axes) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 134.

[0160] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rearwardly opening and vertically opening groove 115b is formed at the rear end of the partition wall 115, communicating with both the first space S1 and the second space S2. The groove 115b is formed opposite to the groove 1115 along the vertical axis, and the upper part of the second leg (leg) 141 into which the upper plug terminal 14 is inserted is inserted. In this embodiment, the groove 115b is formed such that the groove width (length along the left and right axes) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the second leg (leg) 141.

[0161] In this embodiment, the pair of sidewalls 113, 113 each have a sidewall body 1131 and an extension portion 1132 connected to the rear end of the sidewall body 1131. Furthermore, the bottom wall 112 has a bottom wall body 1121 connected to the lower end of the pair of sidewall bodies 1131, 1131, and a plurality of grooves 1121a extending along the front-rear axis are formed on the bottom wall body 1121 in a manner arranged along the left-right axis.

[0162] In this embodiment, a groove 1121c extending along the vertical axis and opening at its upper end toward the first space S1 is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121. Specifically, when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear of the front and rear axes, one side ( Figure 11B The slots 1115, 115b, and 1121c on the right side are arranged in a straight line along the upper and lower axes. The slot 1121c is for the lower part of the second leg (leg) 141 of the upper plug terminal 14 in the pressed-in (inserted) state to be inserted.

[0163] Furthermore, a groove 1121d is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121, extending along the vertical axis and opening into the first space S1. Specifically, the groove 1121d is formed opposite to the groove 115a, which is formed in a manner that communicates with a first space S1, on the vertical axis.

[0164] That is, such as Figure 11B As shown, when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear of the front and rear axes, the slots 115a and 1121d are arranged in a straight line along the upper and lower axes. The slot 1121d is for the first leg (leg) 131 of the lower plug terminal 13 in the pressed-in (inserted) state to be inserted.

[0165] Additionally, a recess 1121b is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121, which is connected to the groove 1121d and extends downward and rearward along the front-rear axis. The recess 1121b accommodates the first mounting piece 132 of the lower plug terminal 13 in the pressed-in (inserted) state.

[0166] In this embodiment, rearwardly extending extension portions 1132 and 1132 are formed on a pair of sidewall bodies 1131, 1131, respectively, and the pair of extension portions 1132 and 1132 are positioned opposite each other on the left and right axes. Furthermore, the areas opposite the pair of extension portions 1132 and 1132 become recesses 1133 for receiving the first and second mounting pieces 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14.

[0167] Thus, in this embodiment, the first and second mounting pieces 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are mounted on the conductor exposed portion 151bA of the cable 1A at a position forward of the rear end of the extension mounting portions 1132 and 1132. At this time, the connection area 11A of the cable 1A is clamped by the extension mounting portions 1132 and 1132 and the reinforcing plate 14A.

[0168] In this way, when cable 1A moves in a direction that causes it to separate from reinforcing plate 14A due to swaying, the adhesion between cable 1A and reinforcing plate 14A can be more reliably suppressed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first and second mounting pieces 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are located forward of the head (rear end) of the extension portions 1132 and 1132. This suppresses deformation of the first and second legs 131 and 141, and the first and second mounting pieces 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 due to swaying of cable 1A. That is, the connection portion between the plug terminals 13 and 14 and cable 1A can be protected from the effects of swaying of cable 1A.

[0169] In addition, retaining accessory mounting portions 1134 and 1134 for retaining retaining accessories 15 are formed at the front ends of a pair of sidewalls 113 and 113 respectively.

[0170] The retaining accessory mounting portion 1134 includes: a recess 1134a with openings to the outer sides of the upper and lower shafts and the left and right shafts; and slits 1134b and 1134b connected to the inner sides of the left and right shafts of the recess 1134a, for insertion into the front and rear ends of the main body portion 151 of the retaining accessory 15. Furthermore, while the retaining accessory 15 is held in the plug housing 10, a fixing piece 152 connected to the lower end of the main body portion 151 is fixed to the fixing portion 15dA of the cable 1A, thereby fixing the plug housing 10 to the cable 1A.

[0171] Furthermore, a protrusion 1122 is formed on the lower side (back side) of the bottom wall body 1121, protruding downwards. This protrusion 1122 is formed in the bottom wall body 1121, thereby forming a recess 1123 on the lower surface of the bottom wall body 1121. When the plug connector 1 is installed onto the cable 1A, the connection area 11A where the reinforcing plate 14A is installed is received in the recess 1123 (see reference). Figure 10B Thus, in this embodiment, the connecting region 11A on which the reinforcing plate 14A is installed becomes the connected portion 10A that is received and held in the recess 1123. Furthermore, the protrusion 1122 is formed on the bottom wall body 1121 such that the protrusion amount is greater than or equal to the thickness of the connected portion 10A (the sum of the thickness of the cable 1A and the thickness of the reinforcing plate 14A).

[0172] Thus, in this embodiment, the plug housing 10 has a pair of opposing walls (top wall 111 and bottom wall 112) along the housing thickness direction (vertical axis: the direction extending along the Z-axis), and has an upper surface 10a and a lower surface 10b located above and below the vertical axis, respectively. Furthermore, a recess 1123 is formed on the bottom wall 112 of one of the wall portions (top wall 111 and bottom wall 112) to receive the cable 1A (the connection area 11A where the reinforcing plate 14A is mounted). That is, the plug housing 10 has a receiving portion (recess 1123) for receiving the cable (connected member: mounted member) 1A on one side of the wall portion (bottom wall 112) in the housing thickness direction (vertical axis). In other words, the plug housing 10 has a receiving recess (recess 1123) for accommodating the cable (connected member) 1A at the lower end of the plug connector 1.

[0173] Furthermore, by adopting this structure, when the plug housing 10 is engaged with the socket housing 20, the lower end of the protrusion 1122 slides against the inner surface of the socket housing 20. That is, when the plug housing 10 is engaged with the socket housing 20, interference between the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A and the socket housing 20 can be suppressed.

[0174] In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 1122 is formed only on the periphery of the bottom wall 112, and not on the inner side of the bottom wall 112.

[0175] Specifically, the protrusion 1122 is formed by only a pair of elongated front protrusions 11221 formed along the left and right axes on both sides of the left and right axes of the bottom wall 112 and a pair of elongated rear protrusions 11222 formed along the front and rear axes on both sides of the left and right axes of the bottom wall 112.

[0176] A front protrusion 11221 and a rear protrusion 11222 are formed at the portion where the bottom wall 112 is connected to the side wall 113. Specifically, the front protrusion 11221 is formed along the front end edge of the plug housing 10 in front of the retaining fitting mounting portion 1134, and the rear protrusion 11222 is formed along the outer end edge of the extension portion 1132 on the outer side of the left and right axes of the extension portion 1132. Thus, in this embodiment, protrusions 1122 are formed only at the four corners of the bottom wall 112.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A is set such that a portion of the outline corresponds to the outline of the inner side of the protrusion 1122. Specifically, the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A is formed such that, when housed in the recess 1123, the front edges of both sides of the left and right shafts without notches 11aA and 14aA are along the outline of the inner side (rear side) of the front protrusion 11221, and the rear ends of both sides of the left and right shafts are along the outline of the inner side of the left and right shafts of the rear protrusion 11222. In this way, the forward displacement of the connected portion 10A is suppressed by the front protrusion 11221, and the displacement of the connected portion 10A to the left and right sides of the left and right shafts is suppressed by the rear protrusion 11222. It should be noted that the connected portion 10A can be any shape that is housed in the recess 1123, and various shapes are possible.

[0178] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, if protrusions 1122 are formed only at the four corners of the bottom wall 112, when the plug housing 10, which holds the plug terminals 13 and 14 in a manner arranged side by side along the left and right axes (Y-axis), is viewed along the front and rear axis (the direction in which the X-axis extends), the protrusions 1122 can be made not to overlap with the mounting pieces 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the extension portion 1132 is connected to the rear end of the sidewall body 1131 such that the end faces of the left and right axes are located on the outer side of the left and right axes compared to the end faces of the left and right axes of the sidewall body 1131. Therefore, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) is formed to be wider at the rear than at the front when viewed from above.

[0180] Furthermore, the narrower portion (the portion where the sidewall body 1131 is formed) that is closer to the front of the extension portion 1132 of the housing body 11 becomes the insertion portion 118 into the fitting space S5 of the socket housing 20. In addition, the portion (the wider portion) in the housing body 11 where the extension portion 1132 is formed becomes the exposed portion 119 that protrudes from the socket housing 20 when the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 are fitted together.

[0181] Furthermore, a latching protrusion (latching portion) 1132a is formed on the rear end side of the extension setting portion 1132 in such a way that it extends along the upper and lower axis (the direction of the Z-axis extension: the thickness direction of the housing body 11). It protrudes outward toward the left and right axis.

[0182] Furthermore, by providing this hooking protrusion 1132a in the exposed portion 119, the operator can hook their finger into the hooking protrusion 1132a when holding the plug connector 1 with their hand. In this way, it is easier to pull out the plug connector 1 that is engaged with the socket connector 2. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the side surface (exposed surface 119a) of the extended portion 1132 is formed as a flat surface with a generally rectangular shape.

[0183] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a latching protrusion 1132a protruding outward along the left and right axes is formed on the rear end side of the extension setting portion 1132 in a manner extending along the vertical axis. Therefore, even with a miniaturized connector device C1, the pull-out performance of the plug connector 1 from the socket connector 2 can be improved.

[0184] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the exposed portion 119 has a contact protrusion (contact portion) 1132b that can contact other plug housings 10 adjacent to it on the left and right axes (Y-axis) at a position near the insertion portion 118 (in front of the front and rear axes) of the hook protrusion 1132a. In this way, the pull-out performance from the socket connector 2 is improved, while the change in the posture of the plug housing 10 during handling by the component feeder can be suppressed.

[0185] Next, based on Figures 12A to 13F The specific structure of the plug terminals (terminals) is described.

[0186] In this embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) includes: a main body portion that is inserted into the space formed in the plug housing 10; a leg portion that extends from the main body portion toward the mounting surface 1aA of the cable 1A when the plug terminal is mounted to the cable (connected member) 1A; and a mounting portion (connecting portion) that is connected to the leg portion and can be mounted to the cable 1A. That is, the plug terminal has a mounting portion that can be connected to the cable (connected member) 1A from below the plug housing 10.

[0187] Specifically, the plug terminal has a lower plug terminal 13 that is pressed (inserted) into a first space S1 formed on the lower side (mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing body 11. Moreover, the plug terminal has an upper plug terminal 14 that is pressed (inserted) into a second space S2 formed on the upper side (at a position further away from the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1) of the housing body 11.

[0188] In this embodiment, the lower plug terminals 13 are conductive, and multiple terminals are arranged side-by-side along the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y-axis) of the plug housing 10. The lower plug terminals 13 are as follows... Figures 12A to 12F As shown, it takes the shape of a sheet-like metal component bent along its thickness, and when viewed along the insertion direction (front-to-back axis; extension direction of the X-axis), it is roughly U-shaped (see reference). Figure 12E , Figure 12F This lower plug terminal 13 can be formed, for example, by bending a strip of metal that has been stamped into a predetermined shape.

[0189] Furthermore, the lower plug terminal 13 has a first main body portion (main body portion) 130 that is pressed into (inserted into) the first space S1. Moreover, the lower plug terminal 13 has a first leg portion (leg portion) 131 that extends from the first main body portion 130 toward the mounting surface 1aA when the lower plug terminal 13 is mounted to the cable (connected member) 1A. The lower plug terminal 13 also has a first mounting piece (connecting portion) 132 that is connected to the first leg portion 131 and can be mounted to the cable 1A. The first mounting piece (connecting portion) 132 is formed to protrude rearward from the rear end of the housing main body 11 when held in the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0190] The first main body 130 includes a bottom wall 133 and side walls 134 connected to both ends of the bottom wall 133 along the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y axis).

[0191] The bottom wall 133 includes a bottom wall body 135 for connection to the lower end of the side wall 134, and a contact protection portion 136 for connection to the front end of the bottom wall body 135 and protruding forward. The contact protection portion 136 prevents the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13 from contacting the housing body 11 when the first body portion 130 is pressed into (inserted) into the first space S1.

[0192] Furthermore, limiting pieces 135a and 136a protruding outward from both ends of the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y-axis) are formed on the bottom wall body 135 and the contact protection part 136, respectively. Moreover, the limiting pieces 135a and 136a prevent the first body part 130 from being pressed (inserted) obliquely into the first space S1.

[0193] The sidewall 134 includes: a sidewall body 137, the lower end of which is connected to the bottom wall body 135; and a contact piece 138, which is connected to the front end of the sidewall body 137 in an elastically deformable manner and contacts the contact portion of the socket connector.

[0194] A limiting protrusion 137a is formed at the upper end of the side wall body 137. The limiting protrusion 137a prevents the first body part 130 from floating when it is pressed into (inserted) into the first space S1.

[0195] In addition, the contact piece 138 includes: an inner folded piece 138a, which is connected to the front end of the sidewall body 137 in a manner that folds inward toward the left and right axis; and an outer folded piece 138b, which is connected to the front end of the inner folded piece 138a in a manner that folds outward toward the left and right axis.

[0196] In this embodiment, the contact piece 138 is connected to a pair of sidewall bodies 137, 137 respectively, and is formed to be approximately linearly symmetrical when viewed from above. That is, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 have inner bent pieces 138a, 138a that are bent toward each other in a direction that approaches forward, and outer bent pieces 138b, 138b that are bent toward each other in a direction that moves away from each other in a direction that approaches forward.

[0197] Furthermore, a pair of contact pieces 138, 138 clamp the contact portion 230a of the socket connector 2 at the closest point (the connection setting where the inner bent piece 138a and the outer bent piece 138b are connected) (see reference). Figure 3B Thus, in this embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 function as contact portions 130a of the lower plug terminal 13. Furthermore, the pair of outer folding pieces 138b function as guide portions for more smoothly inserting the contact portions 130a of the socket connector 2.

[0198] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an extended wall 139 protruding rearward is provided at the rear end of one of the pair of sidewall bodies 137, and the first body portion 130 has a shape that protrudes rearward on one side.

[0199] A pressing protrusion 139a is formed at the upper end of the extended wall 139, so that the pressing protrusion 139a bites into the housing body 11, thereby pressing the first body part 130 into the first space S1.

[0200] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a groove 115a is formed to guide the lower plug terminal 13 into the lower space S1 by inserting the upper end of the side wall 134 into it. Therefore, even when the lower plug terminal 13 is pressed into the lower space S1 by pressing the side wall 134 protruding towards the rear of the main body 130, the positional displacement of the lower plug terminal 13 is suppressed. As a result, the lower plug terminal 13 can be pressed into the lower space S1 more smoothly and accurately.

[0201] Furthermore, the first leg 131 extends downward from the rear end of the extending wall 139 (towards the cable 1A: the connected member). Thus, in this embodiment, the first leg 131 extends in the thickness direction of the housing from the first main body 130, which is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1. Additionally, a first mounting plate 132 is connected to the lower end of the first leg 131. In this embodiment, the flat lower end surface of the first mounting plate 132, which extends in a generally horizontal direction, becomes a first mounting surface (mounting surface) 132a that can be mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0202] At this time, the first leg 131 and the first mounting plate 132 are formed as thin plates, and the thickness direction of the plates is formed to be approximately the same as the thickness direction of the side wall body 137.

[0203] Therefore, when the first main body 130 is inserted into the first space S1 and the first mounting piece (connector) 132 is mounted to the cable (connected member) 1A, the thickness direction of the first leg 131 becomes the left-right axis (the extension direction of the Y-axis). That is, when the plug connector 1 is mounted to the cable 1A, the thickness direction of the first leg 131 becomes the direction that intersects the insertion direction of the first main body 130 into the first space S1 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0204] On the other hand, the upper plug terminals 14 are also conductive, and multiple terminals are arranged side-by-side along the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y-axis) of the plug housing 10. These upper plug terminals 14 are as follows... Figures 13A-13F As shown, it is shaped like a sheet of metal bent along its thickness, and when viewed along the insertion direction (front-to-back axis; extension of the X-axis), it is roughly U-shaped (see reference). Figure 13E , Figure 13F This upper plug terminal 14 can also be formed, for example, by bending a metal component that has been punched into a strip shape in a prescribed manner.

[0205] Furthermore, the upper plug terminal 14 has a second main body portion (main body portion) 140 that is pressed into (inserted into) the second space S2. Moreover, the upper plug terminal 14 has a second leg portion (leg portion) 141 that extends from the second main body portion 140 toward the mounting surface 1aA when the upper plug terminal 14 is mounted to the cable (connected member) 1A. The upper plug terminal 14 also has a second mounting piece (connecting portion) 142 that is connected to the second leg portion 141 and can be mounted to the cable 1A. The second mounting piece (connecting portion) 142 is also formed to protrude rearward from the rear end of the housing body 11 when held in the plug housing (housing) 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13, upper plug terminal 14) are housed in the internal spaces (first space S1, second space S2) of the plug housing (housing) 10 with a portion exposed from the rear of the front and rear shafts.

[0206] The second main body 140 includes a bottom wall 143 and side walls 144 connected to both ends of the bottom wall 143 along the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y axis).

[0207] The bottom wall 143 includes a bottom wall body 145 for connection to the lower end of the side wall 144, and a contact protection portion 146 for connection to the front end of the bottom wall body 145 and protruding forward. The contact protection portion 146 prevents the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14 from contacting the housing body 11 when the second body portion 140 is pressed into (inserted) into the second space S2.

[0208] Furthermore, limiting plates 145a and 146a protruding outward from both ends of the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y-axis) are formed on the bottom wall body 145 and the contact protection part 146, respectively. Moreover, the limiting plates 145a and 146a are used to prevent the second body part 140 from being pressed (inserted) obliquely into the second space S2 when the second body part 140 is pressed (inserted).

[0209] The sidewall 144 includes: a sidewall body 147, the lower end of which is connected to the bottom wall body 145; and a contact piece 148, which is connected to the front end of the sidewall body 147 in an elastically deformable manner and contacts the contact portion 240a of the socket connector 2.

[0210] A limiting protrusion 147a is formed at the upper end of the side wall body 147. The limiting protrusion 147a prevents the second body part 140 from floating when it is pressed into (inserted) into the second space S2.

[0211] In addition, the contact piece 148 includes: an inner folded piece 148a, which is connected to the front end of the side wall body 147 in a manner that folds inward toward the left and right axis; and an outer folded piece 148b, which is connected to the front end of the inner folded piece 148a in a manner that folds outward toward the left and right axis.

[0212] In this embodiment, the contact piece 148 is connected to a pair of sidewall bodies 147, 147 respectively, and is formed to be approximately linearly symmetrical when viewed from above. That is, the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 includes: inner folded pieces 148a, 148a, which are folded in a direction that approaches each other as they move forward; and outer folded pieces 148b, 148b, which are folded in a direction that moves away from each other as they move forward.

[0213] Furthermore, a pair of contact pieces 148, 148 clamp the contact portion 240a of the socket connector 2 at the closest point (the connection setting where the inner bent piece 148a and the outer bent piece 148b are connected) (see reference). Figure 4B Thus, in this embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 function as contact portions 140a of the upper plug terminal 14. Furthermore, the pair of outer folding pieces 148b function as guide portions for more smoothly inserting the contact portions 240a of the socket connector 2.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an extended wall 149 protruding rearward is provided at the rear end of one of the pair of sidewall bodies 147, and the second body portion 140 has a shape that protrudes rearward on one side.

[0215] A pressing protrusion 149a is formed at the upper end of the extended wall 149. By causing the pressing protrusion 149a to bite into the housing body 11, the second main body 140 is pressed into the second space S2.

[0216] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, a groove 1115 is formed to guide the upper plug terminal 14 to be pressed (inserted) into the upper space S2 by inserting the upper end of the side wall 144 of the upper plug terminal 14. Therefore, even when the upper plug terminal 14 is pressed (inserted) into the upper space S2 by pressing the side wall 144 protruding towards the rear of the main body 140, positional displacement of the upper plug terminal 14 is suppressed. As a result, the upper plug terminal 14 can be pressed (inserted) into the upper space S2 more smoothly and accurately.

[0217] Furthermore, the second leg 141 extends downward from the rear end of the extending wall 149 (towards the cable 1A: the connected member). The second leg 141 is longer in length along its vertical axis than the first leg 131. Thus, in this embodiment, the second leg 141 extends in the thickness direction of the housing from the second main body 140, which is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2. Additionally, a second mounting plate 142 is connected to the lower end of the second leg 141, protruding rearward. In this embodiment, the flat lower end surface of the second mounting plate 142, which extends in a generally horizontal direction, becomes a second mounting surface (mounting surface) 142a for mounting to the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0218] Furthermore, when the first leg 131 and the second leg 141 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2, their front and rear axle positions are approximately the same (see reference). Figure 7 , Figure 21 Furthermore, the first leg 131 and the second leg 141 are staggered by approximately half a distance on their left and right axes when the first main body 130 and the second main body 140 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the plurality of plug terminals 13 and 14 are held in the plug housing 10, the mounting portions (connecting portions: the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142) are arranged in an alternating manner.

[0219] Furthermore, the first mounting piece 132 is housed in the recess 1121b formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121 when the first main body 130 is inserted into the first space S1. On the other hand, the second mounting piece 142 is located at a position further rear of the insertion opening S2a of the second space S2 when the second main body 140 is inserted into the second space S2.

[0220] Therefore, in a top view with the multiple plug terminals 13, 14 held in the plug housing 10 and installed on the cable 1A, the first mounting piece 132 overlaps with the plug housing 10. On the other hand, in a top view with the multiple plug terminals 13, 14 held in the plug housing 10 and installed on the cable 1A, the second mounting piece 142 protrudes from the plug housing 10.

[0221] That is, when the plug connector 1 is installed on the cable 1A, when the plug housing 10 is viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA, the mounting piece (mounting part: connecting part) of either the first mounting piece 132 or the second mounting piece 142 coincides with the plug housing 10.

[0222] Thus, in this embodiment, with the multiple plug terminals 13 and 14 held in the plug housing 10, the mounting portions (connecting portions: the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142) are arranged in an alternating manner on both sides of the insertion port (rear end edge) of the clamping space.

[0223] In addition, the second leg 141 and the second mounting plate 142 are also formed as thin plates, and the thickness direction of the plates is formed to be approximately the same as the thickness direction of the side wall body 147.

[0224] Therefore, when the second main body 140 is inserted into the second space S2 and the second mounting piece (connector) 142 is mounted to the cable (connected member) 1A, the thickness direction of the second leg 141 becomes the left-right axis (the extension direction of the Y-axis). That is, when the plug connector 1 is mounted to the cable 1A, the thickness direction of the second leg 141 becomes the direction that intersects the insertion direction of the second main body 140 into the second space S2 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0225] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first and second main body portions 130 and 140 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are inserted into the first and second spaces S1 and S2, the insertion port S1a is divided into two regions by the second leg 141 when viewed from the rear of the front and rear axles. That is, when the plug connector 1 is installed on the cable 1A, when the plug housing 10 is viewed along the insertion direction of the first and second main body portions 130 and 140 into the first and second spaces S1 and S2, the insertion port S1a of the first space S1 is divided into two regions by the second leg 141.

[0226] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the position where the first main body 130 is fully inserted into the first space S1, the first leg 131 is held in a state where it is inserted into the groove 1121d and its movement along the left and right axes (Y-axis; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the groove 1121d formed in the bottom wall main body 1121 of the housing body 11 functions as a leg retainer for holding the first leg 131. Thus, the plug connector 1 has a leg retainer that connects to the plug housing 10 and retains the first leg 131. In this embodiment, the leg retainer is integrally formed in the plug housing 10. It should be noted that a component independent of the plug housing 10 may also be connected to the plug housing 10 to form the leg retainer.

[0227] Furthermore, at the position where the second main body 140 is fully inserted into the second space S2, the second leg 141 is held in a state where it is inserted into the grooves 115b and 1121c and its movement along the left and right axes (Y-axis; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the grooves 115b formed in the partition wall 115 of the housing body 11 and the grooves 1121c formed in the bottom wall body 1121 function as leg retainers for holding the second leg 141. Thus, the plug connector 1 has a leg retainer that connects to the plug housing 10 and retains the second leg 141. In this embodiment, the leg retainer is integrally formed on the plug housing 10, but it can also be formed independently.

[0228] In this way, when the first and second main bodies 130 and 140 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are pressed (inserted) into the first and second spaces S1 and S2, and when the plug terminals 13 and 14 are pressed (inserted) into the first and second spaces S1 and S2 to install the cable 1A, deformation of the first and second legs 131 and 141 is suppressed.

[0229] [Example of the structure of socket connector 2]

[0230] Next, based on Figures 14 to 19F An example of the structure of the socket connector 2 will be described.

[0231] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the socket connector 2 includes a socket housing (object-side housing) 20. Furthermore, the socket connector 2 includes socket terminals (object-side terminals: lower socket terminal 23 and upper socket terminal 24) that are held in the socket housing 20. Additionally, the socket connector 2 includes a retaining accessory (object-side retaining accessory) 25 that is held in the socket housing 20.

[0232] Furthermore, the socket terminals 23 and 24, which are held in the socket housing 20, are mounted on the conductor portion 2bA of the circuit board 2A, which is disposed on the outside of the socket housing 20. In this way, the socket connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 2A, which is the connected component on the object side. It should be noted that the socket terminals 23 and 24 are also mounted on the conductor portion 2bA by soldering or the like. Additionally, the retaining accessory 25 is used to fix the socket housing 20 to the fixing portion 2cA of the circuit board 2A by soldering or the like while it is held in the socket housing 20, thereby fixing the socket housing 20 to the circuit board 2A.

[0233] It should be noted that the circuit board 2A is generally rectangular in shape and includes a substrate body 2aA formed of a rigid and insulating resin material. Furthermore, a conductor portion 2bA and a fixing portion 2cA are formed exposed on the surface 21aA of the substrate body 2aA. Thus, in this embodiment, the surface 21aA of the substrate body 2aA serves as a mounting surface.

[0234] The socket housing 20 has a rigid housing body 21, and the socket housing 20 can be formed, for example, using an insulating resin material.

[0235] In addition, a locking part insertion part (locked part) 22 is formed on the upper part of the housing body 21 for inserting the locking part 12, which is used to hold the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 in an engaged state or to release the engaged state.

[0236] Thus, in this embodiment, the socket housing 20 includes a housing body 21 and a locking insertion portion 22 formed on the housing body 21.

[0237] The housing body 21 includes: a top wall 211; a bottom wall 212; a pair of side walls 213, which respectively connect the two ends of the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y axis) of the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212; and a rear wall 214, which is connected to the rear ends of the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212 and the side walls 213.

[0238] Furthermore, a locking insertion portion 22 is formed at the center of the left and right axes of the top wall 211. Specifically, the locking insertion portion 22 has a receiving portion 221 formed on the lower side of the center of the left and right axes of the top wall 211 and receiving the rod portion 121. A locking recess (locking portion) 221a is formed at the center of the front and rear axes of the receiving portion 221 for locking the locking protrusion 121b.

[0239] Furthermore, an inner guide groove 211a is formed on the inner side of the left and right axes of the top wall 211, and outer guide grooves 211b are formed on both sides of the left and right axes of the top wall 211. The inner guide groove 211a is formed to correspond to the inner guide protrusion 1111, and the outer guide groove 211b is formed to correspond to the outer guide protrusion 1112. When the plug housing 10 is engaged with the socket housing 20, the inner guide protrusion 1111 is inserted into the inner guide groove 211a, and the outer guide protrusion 1112 is inserted into the outer guide groove 211b. In this way, the left and right axes of the plug housing 10 are positioned.

[0240] Furthermore, insertion spaces S8 are formed on both sides of the left and right axes of the receiving portion 221 for the upper arm portion 33 of the sliding member 3 to be inserted. Additionally, a downwardly protruding protrusion (locking portion) 211c is formed on the top wall 211 in a manner disposed within the insertion spaces S8 when viewed along the insertion direction (front-rear axis; X-axis). The protrusion 211c causes the upper arm portion 33 to flex downwards or locks the engaging protrusion 33b formed at the head end of the upper arm portion 33. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the receiving portion 221, a pair of insertion spaces S8, and a pair of inner guide grooves 211a are formed in a space located at the upper center of the left and right axes of the housing body 21.

[0241] Furthermore, a positioning protrusion 212b protruding upward is formed at the center of the left and right axes of the bottom wall 212. The positioning protrusion 212b is formed to correspond to the notches 11aA and 14aA. When the plug housing 10 is fitted into the socket housing 20, the positioning protrusion 212b is inserted into the notches 11aA and 14aA, and the positioning protrusion 212b is used to position the left and right axes of the cable 1A.

[0242] Furthermore, multiple spaces extending along the front-rear axis are formed on the rear wall 214. In this embodiment, the multiple spaces arranged side by side along the left-right axis (the extension direction of the Y-axis) are formed into two segments along the upper-lower axis (the extension direction of the Z-axis). Moreover, when the housing body 21 is viewed from the rear of the front-rear axis, the multiple spaces are formed in an interlaced manner. In this way, the left-right axis of the socket connector 2 is miniaturized.

[0243] Furthermore, the lower socket terminal 23 and the upper socket terminal 24 are pressed (inserted) into the space that runs through the front and rear axes respectively.

[0244] Specifically, the space formed on the lower side (mounting surface 21aA side) of the housing body 21 becomes the first space S3 for the lower socket terminal 23 to be pressed (inserted).

[0245] On the other hand, the space formed on the upper side of the housing body 21 (at a position further away from the mounting surface 21aA than the first space S3) becomes the second space S4 for the upper socket terminal 24 to be pressed (inserted).

[0246] Furthermore, the lower socket terminal 23 is pressed forward from the opening at the rear end of the first space S3, and the opening at the rear end of the first space S3 becomes the insertion port S3a. Similarly, the upper socket terminal 24 is pressed forward from the opening at the rear end of the second space S4, and the opening at the rear end of the second space S4 becomes the insertion port S4a.

[0247] Furthermore, a fitting space S5 is formed in the housing body 21, having an opening S5a that opens forward (towards the plug connector 1 side). The fitting space S5 is a space for the housing body 11 of the plug housing 10 to be inserted and fitted, and is divided 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. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, a portion of the fitting space S5 is configured as a receiving portion 221 of the locking part insertion portion 22, an insertion space S8 for the upper arm portion 33 of the sliding member 3 to be inserted, and an inner guide groove 211a for the inner guide protrusion 1111 to be inserted.

[0248] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rearwardly protruding strip 214a is provided at the rear end of the rear wall 214.

[0249] Additionally, a recess 212a is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 212, opening downwards and rearwards and extending in the front-rear direction. The recess 212a accommodates the second mounting piece (mounting part on the object side) 242 of the upper socket terminal 24 in the pressed-in (inserted) completed state.

[0250] Additionally, retaining fitting mounting portions 213a and 213a are formed on a pair of sidewalls 213 and 213 respectively to hold the retaining fitting 25.

[0251] In this embodiment, the retaining accessory mounting portion 213a includes: a recess 213b that opens to the outer sides of the upper and lower shafts and the left and right shafts; and slits 213c, 213c connected to the inner sides of the left and right shafts of the recess 213b, for insertion into the two ends of the front and rear shafts of the main body portion 251 of the retaining accessory 25. Furthermore, while the retaining accessory 25 is held in the socket housing 20, a 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.

[0252] In addition, in this embodiment, the socket terminal includes: a main body that is inserted into the space formed in the socket housing 20; a leg that extends from the main body toward the mounting surface 21aA of the circuit board 2A when the socket terminal is mounted to the circuit board (connected member) 2A; and a mounting part (connecting part) that is connected to the leg and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0253] Specifically, the socket terminal has a lower socket terminal 23 that is pressed (inserted) into a first space S3 formed on the lower side (mounting surface 21aA side) of the housing body 21. Moreover, the socket terminal has an upper socket terminal 24 that is pressed (inserted) into a second space S4 formed on the upper side (at a position further away from the mounting surface 21aA than the first space S3) of the housing body 21.

[0254] In this embodiment, the lower socket terminals 23 are conductive, and multiple terminals are arranged side-by-side along the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y-axis) of the socket housing 20. Figures 18A to 18D As shown, the lower socket terminal 23 is formed as a thin plate and is pressed (inserted) from the rear into the first space S3 formed in the housing body 21 with the plate thickness direction approximately aligned with the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y-axis). This lower socket terminal 23 can be formed, for example, by stamping a thin sheet metal.

[0255] Furthermore, the lower socket terminal 23 has a first main body portion (object-side main body portion) 230 that is pressed into (inserted into) the first space S3. Moreover, the lower socket terminal 23 has: a first leg portion (object-side leg portion) 231, which extends from the first main body portion 230 toward the mounting surface 21aA when the lower socket terminal 23 is mounted to the circuit board (connected member) 2A; and a first mounting piece (object-side connecting portion) 232, which is connected to the first leg portion 231 and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0256] Furthermore, a generally rod-shaped contact portion (object-side contact portion) 230a is formed at the front end of the first main body portion 230, protruding forward. Additionally, push-in protrusions 230b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the first main body portion 230, which engage with the housing body 21, thereby pressing the first main body portion 230 into the first space S3. Furthermore, with the first main body portion 230 pressed (inserted) into the first space S3, the contact portion 230a is positioned within the fitting space S5.

[0257] In this embodiment, the first leg 231 extends downward from the rear end of the first main body 230 (circuit board 2A: the connected member). Specifically, the first leg 231 is folded into a crank shape, with its lower end located further rearward than the first main body 230. Thus, in this embodiment, the first leg 231 extends from the first main body 230, which is pressed (inserted) into the first space S3, in the direction of housing thickness (vertical axis). Furthermore, a first mounting plate 232 is connected to the lower end of the first leg 231.

[0258] On the other hand, the upper socket terminals 24 are also conductive, and multiple terminals are arranged side by side along the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y-axis) of the socket housing 20. For example... Figures 19A to 19F As shown, the upper socket terminal 24 is formed as a thin plate and is pressed (inserted) from the rear into the second space S4 formed in the housing body 21 with the plate thickness direction approximately aligned with the left and right axes (the extension direction of the Y-axis). This upper socket terminal 24 can also be formed, for example, by stamping a thin sheet of metal.

[0259] Furthermore, the upper socket terminal 24 has a second main body portion (object-side main body portion) 240 that is pressed into (inserted into) the second space S4. Moreover, the upper socket terminal 24 has a second leg portion (object-side leg) 241 that extends from the second main body portion 240 toward the mounting surface 21aA when the upper socket terminal 24 is mounted to the circuit board (connected member) 2A. Additionally, the upper socket terminal 24 has a second mounting piece (object-side connecting portion) 242 that is connected to the second leg portion 241 and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0260] Furthermore, a generally rod-shaped contact portion (object-side contact portion) 240a is formed at the front end of the second main body portion 240, protruding forward. Additionally, push-in protrusions 240b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the second main body portion 240, which engage with the housing body 21, thereby pressing the second main body portion 240 into the second space S4. With the second main body portion 240 pressed (inserted) into the second space S4, the contact portion 240a is positioned within the fitting space S5.

[0261] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second leg 241 extends downward from the rear end of the second main body 240 in a generally straight line (circuit board 2A: connected member: mounted member). Thus, in this embodiment, the second leg 241 extends from the second main body 240, which is pressed into the second space S4 state, in the direction of housing thickness (vertical axis). The second leg 241 is longer in length along its vertical axis than the first leg 231. Furthermore, a second mounting plate 242 is connected to the lower end of the second leg 241.

[0262] Thus, in this embodiment, the second mounting plate (mounting part) 242 is connected to the second leg 241 in such a way that it protrudes forward (to one side) along the front-rear axis (X-axis: the insertion direction into the space of the main body). In addition, the first mounting plate 232 is connected to the first leg 231 in such a way that it protrudes rearward (to the other side) along the front-rear axis (X-axis: the insertion direction into the space of the main body).

[0263] Furthermore, with the multiple socket terminals held in the socket housing 20, the mounting portions (connecting portions: the first mounting piece 232 and the second mounting piece 242) are arranged in an alternating manner.

[0264] Furthermore, the second mounting piece 242 is housed in the recess 212a formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 212 when the second main body 240 is inserted into the second space S4. On the other hand, the first mounting piece 232 is located at a position further rear of the insertion opening S3a of the first space S3 when the first main body 230 is inserted into the first space S3.

[0265] Therefore, in a top view with the multiple socket terminals 23, 24 held in the socket housing 20 and mounted to the circuit board 2A, the second mounting piece 242 overlaps with the socket housing 20. On the other hand, in a top view with the multiple socket terminals 23, 24 held in the socket housing 20 and mounted to the circuit board 2A, the first mounting piece 232 protrudes from the socket housing 20.

[0266] That is, when the socket connector 2 is installed on the circuit board 2A, when the socket housing 20 is viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 21aA, the mounting piece (mounting part) of either the first mounting piece 232 or the second mounting piece 242 coincides with the socket housing 20.

[0267] Thus, in this embodiment, with the multiple socket terminals 23 and 24 held in the socket housing 20, the mounting portions (connecting portions: the first mounting piece 232 and the second mounting piece 242) are arranged in an alternating manner on both sides of the insertion port (rear end edge) of the clamping space.

[0268] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the position where the first main body 230 is pressed (inserted) into the first space S3, the first leg 231 is held between the protrusions 214a in a state where its movement along the left and right axes (Y-axis; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the protrusions 214a formed on the rear wall 214 of the housing body 21 function as leg retainers for holding the first leg 231. Thus, the socket connector 2 has a leg retainer that connects to the socket housing 20 and retains the first leg 231. In this embodiment, the leg retainer is integrally formed on the socket housing 20. It should be noted that the leg retainer can also be formed by connecting a component separate from the socket housing 20 to the socket housing 20.

[0269] Furthermore, at the position where the second main body 240 is pressed (inserted) into the second space S4, the second leg 241 is held between the protrusions 214a in a state where its movement along the left and right axes (Y-axis; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the protrusions 214a formed on the rear wall 214 of the housing body 21 also function as leg retainers for holding the second leg 241. Thus, the socket connector 2 has a leg retainer that connects to the socket housing 20 and holds the second leg 241. In this embodiment, the leg retainer is also integrally formed on the socket housing 20, but it can also be formed independently.

[0270] In this way, when the first and second main body portions 230 and 240 of the socket terminals 23 and 24 are pressed (inserted) into the first and second spaces S3 and S4, deformation of the first and second legs 231 and 241 is suppressed.

[0271] As described above, in this embodiment, the socket connector 2 includes: a socket housing 20 having an object-side internal space (fitting space S5) capable of accommodating the plug housing 10; socket terminals (lower socket terminal 23, upper socket terminal 24) capable of being electrically connected to the plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13, upper plug terminal 14); and a locking insertion portion (locked portion) 22 that engages with the locking portion 12.

[0272] Furthermore, when the socket connector 2 with this structure is fitted with the plug connector 1 by moving the plug connector 1 relative to the socket connector 2 along the front and rear axes, the locking part 12 of the plug housing 10 is inserted into the locking part insertion part 22 of the socket housing 20, and the housing body 11 is inserted into the fitting space S5.

[0273] At this time, the engaging protrusion 121b of the lever 121 is pressed downward by the top wall 211 of the socket housing 20. Thus, when the engaging protrusion 121b is pressed downward by the top wall 211, the rear end of the lever 121 (operating part 121a) elastically deforms downward, allowing the engaging protrusion 121b to move to the inside of the locking part insertion part 22.

[0274] Furthermore, when the engaging protrusion 121b is moved to the inside of the locking insertion portion 22, the downward pressure exerted by the top wall 211 on the engaging protrusion 121b is released, and the engaging protrusion 121b moves upward under the elastic restoring force of the rod portion 121. As the engaging protrusion 121b moves upward, it engages with the engaging recess 221a formed in the socket connector 2, and the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2 are locked in a mating state.

[0275] Furthermore, during the engagement of the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2, the head end of the contact portion 230a of the lower socket terminal 23 is introduced from the inlet S1b into the first space S1 formed in the plug housing 10 and contacts the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the generally rod-shaped contact portion 230a is inserted between a pair of contact pieces 138, 138 and is held by the pair of contact pieces 138, 138, thereby making the lower plug terminal 13 and the lower socket terminal 23 electrically connected.

[0276] Similarly, the tip of the contact portion 240a of the upper socket terminal 24 is inserted from the inlet S2b into the second space S2 formed in the plug housing 10 and contacts the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the generally rod-shaped contact portion 240a is inserted between a pair of contact pieces 148, 148 and is held by the pair of contact pieces 148, 148, thereby making the upper plug terminal 14 and the upper socket terminal 24 electrically connected.

[0277] Thus, by fitting the plug connector 1 with the socket connector 2, the plug terminals 13 and 14 are respectively connected to the socket terminals 23 and 24, thereby forming a connector device C1 that electrically connects the cable 1A to the circuit board 2A.

[0278] On the other hand, when removing the plug connector 1 from the socket connector 2, firstly, the operating part 121a of the lever 121 is pressed down, causing the lever 121 to move downward. This causes the engaging protrusion 121b to also move downward, releasing the engagement between the engaging protrusion 121b and the engaging recess 221a. Furthermore, with the engagement between the engaging protrusion 121b and the engaging recess 221a released, when the plug connector 1 is pulled relative to the socket connector 2 in the removal direction, the plug connector 1 moves relative to the socket connector 2 in the removal direction. Thus, when the plug connector 1 moves relative to the socket connector 2 in the removal direction, firstly, the conductive connection between the terminals is released, and then the engagement between the housings is released. In this way, the plug connector 1 is removed from the socket connector 2.

[0279] Here, in this embodiment, the connector device C1 has a key structure that enables corresponding plug connectors to engage with receptacle connectors, but prevents non-corresponding plug connectors from engaging with receptacle connectors.

[0280] Specifically, such as Figure 20 As shown, the plug housing 10 of the plug connector 1 has a coding protrusion 17, and the socket housing 20 of the socket connector 2 has a coding recess S9 that can accommodate the coding protrusion 17. It should be noted that the coding recess S9 that can accommodate the coding protrusion 17 is formed in the upper inner surface S5b of the fitting space (object-side internal space) S5 at the portion corresponding to the coding protrusion 17.

[0281] Furthermore, even when configured with this keyed structure, sufficient adsorption area can be ensured on the plug housing 10 for adsorption by mounting equipment such as robotic arms.

[0282] Specifically, a flat surface 16 extending in a generally horizontal direction is formed on the upper surface 10a of the plug housing 10. Furthermore, a coding protrusion 17 is formed on the flat surface 16 in an upwardly projecting manner.

[0283] In this embodiment, the inner sides of the left and right axes of the flat surface 16 are divided by the inner guide protrusions 1111, and the outer sides of the left and right axes of the flat surface 16 are divided by the outer guide protrusions 1112. Furthermore, the rear side of the front and rear axes of the flat surface 16 is divided by the rear protrusion 1113. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the flat surface 16 is formed to be open in front of the front and rear axes. That is, the three sides of the flat surface 16 are divided by the inner guide protrusions 1111, the outer guide protrusions 1112, and the rear protrusion 1113, and it has a roughly quadrilateral shape when viewed from above (see reference). Figure 21 as well as Figure 22 ).

[0284] Furthermore, the inner guide protrusion 1111, the outer guide protrusion 1112, and the rear protrusion 1113 sandwich the locking area (recess 11a) forming the locking part 12, and one is formed on each side of the left and right shafts. Therefore, in this embodiment, a pair of flat surfaces 16 sandwich the locking area (recess 11a) and are respectively formed on both sides of the left and right shafts.

[0285] Thus, in this embodiment, a pair of flat surfaces 16 adjacent to the locking region (recess 11a) on the left-right axis are formed on the upper surface 10a of the plug housing 10. Each flat surface 16 has the following around its perimeter: a front end 161, which is located at the frontmost end; a rear end 162, which is located further back than the front end 161 and is divided by a rear protrusion 1113; an inner end 163, which is located on the locking region side on the left-right axis and is divided by an inner guide protrusion 1111; and an outer end 164, which is located further outward on the left-right axis than the inner end 163 and is divided by an outer guide protrusion 1112.

[0286] Furthermore, a coding protrusion 17 is formed on each of the flat surfaces 16. In this embodiment, the coding protrusions 17, which are generally rectangular parallelepipeds, are formed on each of the flat surfaces 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, each coding protrusion 17 has a front end face 171 located at the front, a rear end face 172 located at the rear, an inner end face 173 located inside the left and right axes, and an outer end face 174 located outside the left and right axes.

[0287] In this embodiment, the coding protrusion 17 is formed such that the area to be attracted by the mounting device such as a robotic arm is formed on the flat surface 16. Specifically, the flat surface 16 exists at least in front of or behind the coding protrusion 17.

[0288] In this embodiment, the coding protrusion 17 is formed such that there are flat surfaces 16 on both the front and rear sides. That is, the length L1 of the first interval D1 between the front end surface 171 of the coding protrusion 17 and the front end 161 of the flat surface 16 is greater than zero, and the length L2 of the second interval D2 between the rear end surface 172 of the coding protrusion 17 and the rear end 162 of the flat surface 16 is also greater than zero.

[0289] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the coding protrusion 17 is formed at the center of the left and right axes of the flat surface 16, and the flat surface 16 also exists on both sides of the left and right axes of the coding protrusion 17.

[0290] Furthermore, the length L1 of the first gap D1 between the front end face 171 of the coding protrusion 17 and the front end face 161 of the flat surface 16 is different from the length L2 of the second gap D2 between the rear end face 172 of the coding protrusion 17 and the rear end face 162 of the flat surface 16. Specifically, the length L1 of the first gap D1 between the front end face 171 of the coding protrusion 17 and the front end face 161 of the flat surface 16 is shorter than the length L2 of the second gap D2 between the rear end face 172 of the coding protrusion 17 and the rear end face 162 of the flat surface 16.

[0291] Thus, in this embodiment, the connector device C1 has a key structure that enables corresponding plug connectors 1 and socket connectors 2 to engage, but prevents non-corresponding plug connectors 1 and socket connectors 2 from engaging.

[0292] Furthermore, a flat surface 16 is provided on the upper surface 10a of the plug housing 10, and an encoding protrusion 17 is provided on the flat surface 16 at a position offset from the front and rear axis.

[0293] In this way, the entire adsorption region R1 formed between the inner end 163 and the outer end 164 on the longer side of the second interval D2 (behind the coding protrusion 17) in the first interval D1 and the second interval D2 in the flat surface 16 becomes a flat adsorption region. For example, in Figure 21 In the illustrated embodiment, the length L2 of the second interval D2 is longer than the length L1 of the first interval D1. Therefore, a flat adsorption area is formed in the region between the rear end face 172 of the coding protrusion 17 in the flat surface 16 and the rear end 162 of the flat surface 16, and between the inner end 163 and the outer end 164. In this way, a relatively large adsorption area R1 can be provided around the coding protrusion 17, and the adsorption area R1 can be ensured on the plug housing 10 even when the structure is configured with a key code.

[0294] In particular, when miniaturization of the connector device C1 is achieved, it is difficult to ensure an adsorption area on the plug housing 10. However, if the connector device C1 shown in this embodiment is used, even if the connector device C1 is miniaturized and has a key structure, an adsorption area R1 can be ensured on the plug housing 10.

[0295] Furthermore, if the length L1 of the first interval D1 is shorter than the length L2 of the second interval D2, it is possible to determine whether the corresponding plug connector 1 and socket connector 2 are engaged at the initial stage of insertion of the plug housing 1 into the socket housing 2. As a result, the engagement of the plug connector 1 and socket connector 2 is smoother, and the operational efficiency of the engagement is improved. Moreover, if it is possible to determine whether the corresponding plug connector 1 and socket connector 2 are engaged at the initial stage of insertion of the plug housing 1 into the socket housing 2, it is easier to design the connector device C1 to prevent the plug terminals from making contact with the socket terminals when it is known that a non-corresponding plug connector 1 is being inserted into the socket connector 2. This more reliably suppresses wear on the plug terminals and socket terminals, and more reliably improves the connection reliability of the terminals.

[0296] Furthermore, if the length L1 of the first interval D1 is set to be greater than zero, it is possible to determine whether the corresponding plug connector 1 and socket connector 2 are engaged while the head end of the plug housing 10 is inserted into the socket housing 20. In this way, it is not necessary to simultaneously determine whether the plug housing 10 can be inserted into the socket housing 20 and whether the corresponding plug connector 1 and socket connector 2 are engaged.

[0297] For example, when the length L1 of the first interval D1 is set to zero, it becomes a situation where it is simultaneously determined whether the plug housing 10 can be inserted into the socket housing 20 and whether the corresponding plug connector 1 and socket connector 2 are engaged.

[0298] In this situation, it is difficult to determine whether the incorrect plug connector 1 was selected but cannot be fitted with the socket connector 2 due to misalignment or other reasons, or whether the incorrect plug connector 1 was selected. Therefore, there is a risk that the incorrect plug connector 1 may have been selected, but the user mistakenly believes the correct plug connector 1 has been selected, resulting in the inability to insert it smoothly. Furthermore, in the event of such a misunderstanding, there is a risk that forcibly pressing the plug housing 10 into the socket housing 20 may damage both the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20.

[0299] In contrast, as in this embodiment, if the correct plug connector 1 is selected when the plug housing 10 is inserted into the socket housing 20, a situation will not occur where the correct plug connector 1 is selected but cannot be engaged with the socket connector 2 due to positional misalignment or other reasons. As a result, damage to the plug housing 10 and socket housing 20 due to forcibly pressing the plug housing 10 into the socket housing 20 can be more reliably prevented. This makes the engagement of the plug connector 1 and socket connector 2 smoother and improves the operability of the engagement of the plug connector 1 and socket connector 2.

[0300] It should be noted that this technique (the length L1 of the first gap D1 is greater than zero) is particularly effective in situations where miniaturization of the connector device C1 makes it difficult to insert the plug housing 10 into the socket housing 20.

[0301] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, a pair of flat surfaces 16 are formed on both sides of the left and right axes, sandwiching the locking region (recess 11a), and a coding protrusion 17 is formed on each flat surface 16. Additionally, an adsorption region R1, which is flat as a whole, is formed behind each coding protrusion 17 between the inner end 163 and the outer end 164. Therefore, in this embodiment, the adsorption region R1 has a first adsorption region R11 formed on one side of the left and right axes relative to the locking region (recess 11a), and a second adsorption region R12 formed on the other side of the left and right axes relative to the locking region (recess 11a).

[0302] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the center of gravity G of the plug connector 1 is located between the first adsorption region R11 and the second adsorption region R12 when viewed from above.

[0303] In this way, the plug connector 1 can be moved more stably using installation equipment such as robotic arms, and the installation workability of the plug connector 1 to the cable (connected component) 1A can be further improved.

[0304] Furthermore, connector devices with this key structure can be configured in multiple ways, for example, by deforming the shape of the coding protrusion 17 or changing the position of the coding protrusion 17.

[0305] For example, by changing the position of the coding protrusion 17, it can be obtained differently from the connector device C1. Figures 23-27 The connector device C2 shown.

[0306] Connector device C2 also has plug connector 1 and socket connector 2, but the position of the coding protrusion 17 and the position of the coding recess S9 are different from those of connector device C1. Otherwise, the structure is the same as that of connector device C1.

[0307] exist Figures 23-27 In the connector device C2 shown, the coding protrusion 17 is formed at a position offset inward from the left and right axes. Specifically, the coding protrusion 17 is formed to connect with the inner end 163 of the flat surface 16. In this way, a side region R2 is formed on the flat surface 16 that is connected to the adsorption region R1 and is integrally flat between the coding protrusion 17 and the outer end 164.

[0308] This ensures a larger adsorption area (adsorption area R1 and side area R2) on the plug housing 10, improving the ease of installation of the plug connector 1 onto the cable (connected component) 1A. Furthermore, it allows for easy visual inspection to confirm the selection of the correct plug connector 1, thus more reliably preventing the selection of the wrong plug connector 1.

[0309] Additionally, by changing the position of the coding protrusion 17, it is possible to obtain a result different from that of connector device C1 and connector device C2. Figures 28-32 The connector device C3 shown.

[0310] Connector device C3 also has plug connector 1 and socket connector 2, but the position of the coding protrusion 17 and the position of the coding recess S9 are different from those of connector device C1. Otherwise, the structure is the same as that of connector device C1.

[0311] exist Figures 28-32 In the connector device C3 shown, the coding protrusion 17 is formed at a position offset to the outside of the left and right axes. Specifically, the coding protrusion 17 is formed to connect with the outer end 164 of the flat surface 16. In this way, a side region R2 is formed on the flat surface 16 that is connected to the adsorption region R1 and is integrally flat between the coding protrusion 17 and the inner end 163.

[0312] This also ensures a larger adsorption area (adsorption area R1 and side area R2) on the plug housing 10, which further improves the ease of installation of the plug connector 1 to the cable (connected component) 1A. In addition, it is easy to confirm by visual inspection whether the correct plug connector 1 has been selected, thus more reliably preventing the selection of the wrong plug connector 1.

[0313] Furthermore, if multiple types of connector devices with the same coded protrusions 17 formed at different locations are prepared, it is possible to prevent a certain type of socket connector 2 from being fitted with a different type of plug connector 1 (non-corresponding plug connector 1). That is, it is possible to make each connector device have a key code structure that is different from each other.

[0314] Therefore, for example, it is preferable to mount connector devices with different key codes on a substrate 2A when using two or more connector devices with the same number of cores on a substrate 2A, thereby preventing misfitting.

[0315] For example, such as Figure 33As shown, when the mounting structure K1 for mounting the connector device to the substrate is configured to mount two connector devices on a substrate 2A, one connector device can be designated as connector device C1, and the other connector device can be designated as connector device C2. It should be noted that the two connector devices mounted on a substrate 2A can also be connector device C1 and connector device C3, or connector device C2 and connector device C3.

[0316] Thus, if the two connector devices mounted on a substrate 2A are connector devices with different key code structures (connector device C1 and connector device C2), then as follows Figure 34 As shown, when the plug connector 1 of connector device C1 is engaged with the socket connector 2 of connector device C2, the coding protrusion 17 interferes with the socket housing 20, preventing the plug connector 1 from moving further inward.

[0317] Therefore, it is easier to determine that the wrong plug connector 1 has been selected.

[0318] It should be noted that when the coding protrusion 17 is formed, the length L1 of the first interval D1 and the length L2 of the second interval D2 formed on the flat surface 16 can be appropriately set.

[0319] For example, such as Figures 35-39 As shown, it is also possible to configure a connector device C4 with coded protrusions 17 formed in such a way that the length L1 of the first interval D1 is zero.

[0320] Connector device C4 also has a plug connector 1 and a socket connector 2, except that the position of the front and rear shafts of the coding protrusion 17 is different from that of connector device C1, and the structure is the same as that of connector device C1.

[0321] It should be noted that, in Figures 35-39 The example shows a structure in which the coding protrusion 17 of the plug connector 1 used in connector assembly C1 is moved parallel to the front end along the front-rear axis, but it is also possible to set a structure in which the coding protrusion 17 of the plug connector 1 used in connector assemblies C2 and C3 is moved parallel to the front end along the front-rear axis.

[0322] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the locking regions (recesses 11a) formed in the connector devices C1 to C4 have an insertion space S6 for inserting a sliding member 3 that is held in the plug connector 1 in a manner that allows it to slide along the front and rear axes, thereby confirming the completion of the engagement between the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2. That is, the plug connector 1 holds the sliding member 3 in a way that allows it to slide.

[0323] The sliding member 3 is slidably mounted on the plug connector 1 in such a way that its sliding movement from the initial position (first position) to the sliding completion position (second position) is restricted when the engagement of the plug connector 1 with the socket connector 2 is not yet complete. It should be noted that the first position and the second position can be appropriately set.

[0324] Furthermore, the device is configured to allow sliding movement from the initial position to the sliding completion position when the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2 are fully engaged. With this configuration, the completion of the engagement between the plug connector 1 and the socket connector 2 can be confirmed by the sliding of the sliding member 3 from the initial position to the sliding completion position.

[0325] Therefore, the mounting structure K1 for mounting the connector device to the substrate has a connector position assurance (CPA) function, and can also have a connector device C5 that enables the sliding member 3 to function as a CPA member.

[0326] It should be noted that, in Figures 40-49 The example shows a structure in which the sliding member 3 can be slidably held in the plug connector 1 used in the connector assembly C1, but the plug connector 1 used in the connector assemblies C2 to C4 can also slidably hold the sliding member 3 in the same way.

[0327] [Structural example of sliding member 3]

[0328] Next, based on Figures 41A to 42E An example of the structure of sliding member 3 will be described.

[0329] The sliding member 3 has a main body 31 that is generally rectangular in shape, and a handle 31a is formed on the upper part of the main body 31.

[0330] Furthermore, a pair of lower arms 32 are connected to the lower part of the main body 31 on both sides of the left and right axes, extending forward towards the rear axis. The pair of lower arms 32 are connected to the main body 31 in a cantilevered manner and are configured to be elastically deformable along the left and right axes. At the head end (front end) of the lower arms 32, a locking protrusion (anti-detachment part) 32a is formed in a manner that protrudes outward towards the left and right axes.

[0331] On the other hand, a pair of upper arms 33 are connected to the upper part of the main body 31 on both sides of the left and right axes, extending forward along the front of the rear axis. The pair of upper arms 33 are connected to the main body 31 in a cantilevered manner and are formed to be elastically deformable along the upper and lower axes (the direction intersecting the insertion direction of the terminal). In this embodiment, the pair of upper arms 33 are formed with a wider width on the root side (the side connected to the main body 31). Furthermore, a locking protrusion (locking portion) 33b is formed at the head end (front end) of the upper arm 33 in an upward protruding manner.

[0332] In addition, a protrusion 33a protruding upward is formed approximately at the center of the front and rear axles of the upper arm 33.

[0333] Furthermore, a limiting protrusion (limiting portion) 31b extending forward and upward is formed at the center of the left and right axes in the lower part of the main body 31.

[0334] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an upwardly protruding protrusion 32b is formed at the head end (front end) of the lower arm portion 32, and the thickness of the upper and lower axes of the head end of the lower arm portion 32 is greater than the gap (maximum distance between the upper and lower axes) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33. That is, in the sliding member 3 of this embodiment, a protrusion 32b is formed at the head end of the lower arm portion 32. Also, the thickness of the lower arm portion 32 at the location where the protrusion 32b is formed is greater than the gap (maximum distance between the upper and lower axes) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33. Additionally, a downwardly protruding protrusion 33c is formed at the head end (front end) of the upper arm portion 33, and the thickness of the upper and lower axes of the head end of the upper arm portion 33 is greater than the gap (maximum distance between the upper and lower axes) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33. That is, in the sliding member 3 of this embodiment, a protrusion 33c is formed at the head end of the upper arm portion 33. Furthermore, the thickness of the upper arm portion 33 at the location where the protrusion 33c is formed is greater than the gap (maximum distance between the upper and lower axes) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33. At this time, the lower arm portion 32 is formed such that its head protrudes forward more than the head of the upper arm portion 33, so that the protrusion 33c and the protrusion 32b do not interfere when the upper arm portion 33 is elastically deformed along the upper and lower axes.

[0335] Furthermore, the width of the head end of the lower arm portion 32 protruding forward is also greater than the gap (maximum distance between the upper and lower axes) between the lower arm portion 32 and the upper arm portion 33.

[0336] In this way, it is possible to prevent the lower arm 32 and upper arm 33 of other sliding members 3 from being inserted into the gap between the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 33 of the sliding member 3, thus preventing the arms from becoming entangled with each other. In this way, the sliding member 3 of this embodiment is configured so as not to hinder the elastic deformation of the upper arm 33 along the vertical axis, and the entanglement of the arms with each other can be suppressed.

[0337] Next, based on Figures 43-49 An example of the operation of sliding member 3 will be explained.

[0338] As described above, in this 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 its sliding movement from the initial position (first position) to the sliding completed position (first position) is restricted when the plug housing 10 is not fully engaged with the socket housing 20. Furthermore, it is configured to allow sliding movement from the initial position to the sliding completed position when the plug housing 10 is fully engaged with the socket housing 20.

[0339] Specifically, the sliding member 3 is inserted into the insertion space S6 with the head end of the lower arm 32 bent inward toward the left and right axes. At this time, the head end of the upper arm 33 is also inserted into the insertion space S6.

[0340] Furthermore, when the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 33 are inserted into the insertion space S6, and the sliding member 3 is moved forward (inserted) by a predetermined amount, the head of the lower arm 32 moves forward relative to the step 1111b formed by the guide protrusion 1111 inside the dividing recess 11a. Thus, when the head of the lower arm 32 moves forward relative to the step 1111b, the lower arm 32 moves in an opening direction (outer side of the left and right axes) under the action of an elastic restoring force, and the locking protrusion 32a of the lower arm 32 locks into the step 1111b. In this way, the sliding member 3 can be slidably held (temporarily held) in the plug housing 10 (see reference 10) while being prevented from detaching from the housing body 11. Figure 46 ).

[0341] It should be noted that, when the locking protrusion 32a of the lower arm 32 is locked into the step 1111b, the upper arm 33 is configured such that the protrusion 33a is positioned behind the limiting protrusion (sliding limiting part) 1114 and opposite to it (see reference). Figure 47 ).

[0342] Therefore, when the sliding member 3 is temporarily held in the plug housing 10 which is not engaged with the socket housing 20, and the sliding member 3 is slid forward, the protrusion 33a of the upper arm 33 abuts against the limiting protrusion 1114, thus limiting the further forward movement of the sliding member 3.

[0343] In this embodiment, by setting the structure in this way, the sliding member 3 cannot slide from the initial position to the sliding completion position when the plug housing 10 is not fully engaged with the socket housing 20. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the initial position of the sliding member 3 is defined as the state in which the locking protrusion 32a of the lower arm portion 32 is locked to the step portion 1111b.

[0344] Furthermore, when the plug housing 10, which temporarily holds 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 arm 33 abuts against the protrusion 211c of the top wall 211 and is pressed downward. Furthermore, when the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 are fully engaged, the head end of the engaging protrusion 33b abuts against the lower surface of the protrusion 211c, and the upper arm 33 flexes downward. At this time, the protrusion 33a of the upper arm 33 also moves downward and is positioned below the limiting protrusion (sliding limiting part) 1114 (see reference). Figure 48 ).

[0345] Therefore, when the plug housing 10 is engaged with the socket housing 20, the restriction on the forward movement of the protrusion 33a by the limiting protrusion 1114 is released, thus allowing the sliding member 3 to slide forward. In this embodiment, the upper arm 33, which is capable of elastic deformation up and down, and the protrusion 33a formed on the upper arm 33 in a manner that allows it to abut against the limiting protrusion 1114, function as a sliding locking mechanism.

[0346] Furthermore, by sliding the sliding member 3 forward, the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper arm 33 is engaged with the front end of the protrusion 211c of the top wall 211, thereby locking the plug housing 10 and the socket housing 20 in a mating state using the sliding member 3 (see reference). Figure 49 It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the state in which the engaging protrusion 33b of the upper arm 33 is engaged with the front end of the protrusion 211c of the top wall 211 is defined as the sliding completion position of the sliding member 3 (completion position: second position).

[0347] In this way, the connector device C5 is doubly locked by the rod 121 and the sliding member 3.

[0348] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the sliding member 3 is slid to the sliding completion position (completed position), the limiting protrusion (limiting part) 31b is inserted into the deflection allowable space S7. The limiting protrusion 31b inserted into the deflection allowable space S7 then limits the downward movement of the rod 121. Preferably, the upward protrusion of the limiting protrusion 31b is set such that even when the rod 121 abuts against the limiting protrusion 31b, the engaging protrusion 121b engages with the engaging recess 221a. This ensures that the lock performed by the rod 121 is not released unless the lock performed by the sliding member 3 is released, thus maintaining the locked state more reliably.

[0349] It should be noted that when the connector device C5, which is doubly locked by the rod 121 and the sliding member 3, is released, the sliding member 3, which is in the completed sliding position, is first slid back to the initial position. In this embodiment, the sliding member 3 is forcefully pulled backward (to the initial position side), thereby releasing the locking of the engaging protrusion 33b and the protrusion 211c. Therefore, for example, if an operator or the like holds the handle 31a and forcefully pulls the sliding member 3 backward, the sliding member 3 will slide back to the initial position.

[0350] Thus, by sliding the sliding member 3 to the initial position, the restriction on the downward movement of the rod 121 is released, and the lock imposed by the rod 121 can be released.

[0351] Furthermore, by performing the aforementioned operation of removing the plug connector 1 from the socket connector 2, the plug connector 1 is removed from the socket connector 2.

[0352] It is also possible to ensure an adsorption area on the plug housing 10 by configuring such a connector device C5, while in the case of a structure with a key code structure.

[0353] (Postscript)

[0354] Based on the description of the above embodiments, the following technology is disclosed.

[0355] (Technology 1) A connector device comprising: a plug connector; and a receptacle connector capable of relative movement along a front-rear axis to engage with the plug connector, the plug connector comprising: a plug housing having an upper surface and a lower surface respectively located above and below the front-rear axis; a plug terminal received within an internal space of the plug housing with a portion exposed from the rear of the front-rear axis; and a locking portion capable of restricting the movement of the plug connector relative to the receptacle connector along the front-rear axis when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are engaged. The receptacle connector includes: a receptacle housing having an object-side internal space capable of receiving the plug housing; a receptacle terminal capable of electrically connecting to the plug terminal; and a locking portion engaging with the locking portion. The plug housing includes: a flat surface formed on the upper surface; an coded protrusion projecting upward from the flat surface; and a locking region adjacent to the flat surface on the left-right axis and having the locking portion formed thereon. The receptacle housing has an coded recess formed on the upper inner surface of the object-side internal space capable of receiving the coded protrusion. The flat surface has, around its perimeter: A front end, located at the very front; a rear end, located further back than the front end; an inner end, adjacent to the locking area on the left-right axis; and an outer end, opposite the inner end on the left-right axis and further away from the locking area than the inner end. The coding protrusion has a front face at the front and a rear face at the rear. The length of a first interval between the front face of the coding protrusion and the front end of the flat surface and the length of a second interval between the rear face of the coding protrusion and the rear end of the flat surface are different. (1) The length of the first interval and the length of the second interval are different. When the length of the first interval is longer than the length of the second interval, a flat adsorption region is formed in the range between the front end face of the coding protrusion in the flat surface and the front end of the flat surface, and between the inner end and the outer end; or (2) when the length of the second interval is longer than the length of the first interval and the length of the second interval, a flat adsorption region is formed in the range between the rear end face of the coding protrusion in the flat surface and the rear end of the flat surface, and between the inner end and the outer end.

[0356] Thus, the connector device of technology 1 is a device having a key structure that enables corresponding plug connectors to engage with socket connectors, but prevents non-corresponding plug connectors from engaging with socket connectors.

[0357] Furthermore, a flat surface is provided on the upper surface of the plug housing, and a coding protrusion is provided on the side of this flat surface that is offset towards the front-rear axis. In this way, a relatively large adsorption area can be provided around the coding protrusion.

[0358] Therefore, if the connector device is configured as in Technology 1, even if it is configured with a key code structure, an adsorption area can be ensured on the plug housing.

[0359] In particular, it is difficult to ensure an adsorption area on the plug housing when miniaturizing the connector device, but if the connector device of Technology 1 is adopted, an adsorption area can be ensured on the plug housing even when the connector device is miniaturized and has a key structure.

[0360] (Technology 2) The connector device according to Technology 1, wherein,

[0361] The length of the first interval is shorter than the length of the second interval.

[0362] In this way, it is possible to determine whether the corresponding plug and socket connectors are engaging during the initial stage of insertion of the plug housing into the socket housing. As a result, the engagement of the plug and socket connectors is smoother, and the operability of the plug and socket connectors is improved.

[0363] (Technology 3) The connector device according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein,

[0364] The adsorption area has a first adsorption area formed on one side of the left and right axes relative to the locking area and a second adsorption area formed on the other side of the left and right axes relative to the locking area, and the center of gravity of the plug connector is located between the first adsorption area and the second adsorption area when viewed from above.

[0365] This allows for more stable movement of the plug connector using installation equipment such as robotic arms. As a result, it significantly improves the ease of installation of the plug connector onto the connected components.

[0366] (Technology 4) A connector device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein,

[0367] The length of the first interval is greater than zero.

[0368] In this way, while the head of the plug housing is inserted into the socket housing, it is determined whether the corresponding plug connector and socket connector are engaged. Therefore, it is not necessary to simultaneously determine whether the plug housing can be inserted into the socket housing and whether the corresponding plug connector and socket connector are engaged.

[0369] For example, when the length of the first interval is set to zero, it is simultaneously determined whether the plug housing can be inserted into the socket housing and whether the corresponding plug connector and socket connector are engaged.

[0370] In this situation, it's difficult to determine whether the inability to engage the socket connector is due to selecting the correct plug connector but failing due to misalignment, or due to selecting the wrong plug connector. Therefore, there is a risk of mistakenly believing the correct plug connector has been selected when the wrong one has been chosen, resulting in the inability to insert it properly. Furthermore, in such a misunderstanding, there is a risk of damaging both the plug and socket housings by forcibly pressing them into the socket.

[0371] In contrast, as with technology 4, if the correct plug connector is selected while the plug housing is inserted into the socket housing, the situation where the correct plug connector is selected but the socket connector cannot be engaged due to positional misalignment or other reasons will not occur. As a result, damage to the plug and socket housings caused by forcibly pressing the plug housing into the socket housing can be more reliably prevented. This allows for smoother engagement of the plug and socket connectors, and improves their operational reliability.

[0372] It should be noted that this technology (designated as technology 4) is particularly effective in situations where miniaturization of the connector device is difficult and it is challenging to insert the plug housing into the socket housing.

[0373] (Technology 5) A connector device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 4, wherein,

[0374] The coding protrusion is formed to connect with the inner end or the outer end of the flat surface, and a flat lateral region is formed on the flat surface that is connected to the adsorption region and is formed within the range between the coding protrusion and the outer end or between the coding protrusion and the inner end.

[0375] This ensures a larger adsorption area on the plug housing, improving the ease of installation of the plug connector onto the connected component. Furthermore, visual inspection makes it easy to confirm whether the correct plug connector has been selected, thus more reliably preventing the selection of the wrong connector.

[0376] (Technology 6) A connector device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein,

[0377] The plug terminal has a mounting portion that can be connected to the connected member at the bottom of the plug housing, and the plug housing has a receiving recess for accommodating the connected member at the lower end of the plug connector.

[0378] In this way, even when the so-called horizontal type plug connector has a keyed construction, it is possible to ensure an adsorption area on the plug housing.

[0379] (Technology 7) A connector device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 6, wherein,

[0380] The locking area has an insertion space for a sliding member to be inserted into, the sliding member being held in the plug connector in a manner that allows it to slide along the front and rear axes, thereby confirming the completion of the engagement between the plug connector and the socket connector.

[0381] In this way, even when the connector device with Connector Position Assurance (CPA) has a keyed construction, the adsorption area on the plug housing can be ensured.

[0382] (Technology 8) A plug connector, wherein,

[0383] The plug connector is used in a connector device described in any one of the technologies 1 to 7.

[0384] In this way, even when the plug connector is designed with a key code structure, an adsorption area can be ensured on the plug housing.

[0385] [other]

[0386] The connector device and plug connector of the present invention have been described above, but are not limited to these descriptions. Various modifications and improvements will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0387] For example, the present invention can be applied to embodiments that modify, replace, add to, or omit the structures shown in the above embodiments and their variations. Furthermore, new embodiments can be created by combining the constituent elements described in the above embodiments and their variations.

[0388] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and their variations, a structure in which multiple terminals are configured as two segments, one above the other, is shown. However, it is also possible to configure multiple terminals as three or more segments in a connector.

[0389] Alternatively, the coding protrusions can be set on a flat surface with the first interval being longer than the second interval.

[0390] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and their variations, two types of connector devices are shown being mounted on a single substrate, but it is also possible to mount three or more types of connector devices on a single substrate. In this case, it is preferable to prepare (design) more than one type of connector device to be mounted on a single substrate.

[0391] In addition, the mounting structure for mounting the connector device to the substrate can also be configured to mount connector devices with CPA function and connector devices without CPA function on the same substrate.

[0392] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and their variations, it is illustrated that a connector device having an insertion space for inserting a sliding member, i.e. a connector device capable of having CPA function, is used as a connector device without CPA function. However, as a connector device without CPA function, a connector device without an insertion space for inserting a sliding member, i.e. a connector device that cannot have CPA function, can also be used.

[0393] In addition, an example is shown of a connector in which the shapes of the terminals arranged in the same segment are the same, but it is also possible to set it as a connector in which multiple types of terminals are arranged in the same segment.

[0394] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and their variations, a so-called horizontal type socket connector is shown, but it is also possible to provide a so-called vertical type socket connector in which the socket terminals are mounted on the target side substrate at the rear end of the front and rear shafts of the socket housing.

[0395] Alternatively, the present invention can also be applied to connectors (plug connectors, socket connectors) that electrically connect substrates to each other or cables to each other. Additionally, the present invention can also be applied to connectors (plug connectors, socket connectors) that electrically connect wires to substrates.

[0396] In addition, the specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) of the housing (plug housing, socket housing), terminals (plug terminals, socket terminals), and other details can also be changed appropriately.

[0397] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0398] 1. Plug connector

[0399] 10. Plug housing

[0400] 10a Upper surface

[0401] 10b Lower surface

[0402] 11a Recess (Locking Area)

[0403] 1123 recess (containment recess)

[0404] 12 Locking section

[0405] 13. Lower plug terminal (plug terminal)

[0406] 14. Upper plug terminal (plug terminal)

[0407] 16 Flat surfaces

[0408] 161 Frontend

[0409] 162 Backend

[0410] 163 Inner end

[0411] 164 Outer end

[0412] 17. Encoding protrusions

[0413] 171 Front end

[0414] 172 Back end face

[0415] 1A cable (connected component)

[0416] 2. Socket connector

[0417] 20 Socket housing

[0418] 22 Locking part insertion part (locked part)

[0419] 23. Lower socket terminal (socket terminal)

[0420] 24. Upper socket terminal (socket terminal)

[0421] 3 Sliding components

[0422] C1 Connector Device

[0423] C2 connector device

[0424] C3 Connector Device

[0425] C4 connector device

[0426] C5 connector device

[0427] D1 First Interval (Front Side)

[0428] D2 Second Interval (Rear Side)

[0429] Center of gravity of G-type plug connector

[0430] L1 Length of the first interval

[0431] L2 Length of the second interval

[0432] R1 adsorption region

[0433] R11 First Adsorption Region

[0434] R12 Second Adsorption Region

[0435] R2 lateral area

[0436] S1 First Space (Internal Space)

[0437] S2 Second Space (Internal Space)

[0438] S5 Fitting Space (Object-side Internal Space)

[0439] S6 Insert Space

[0440] S9 coding recess.

Claims

1. A connector device, wherein, The connector device includes: Plug connector; as well as A socket connector that is movable relative to the plug connector along a front-rear axis to engage with the plug connector. The plug connector includes: The plug housing has an upper surface and a lower surface located above and below the upper and lower shafts, respectively; The plug terminal is housed within the internal space of the plug housing, with a portion of it exposed from the rear of the front and rear axles; and A locking part, which, when the plug connector and the socket connector are engaged, restricts the relative movement of the plug connector relative to the socket connector along the front and rear axes. The socket connector includes: A socket housing having an object-side internal space capable of accommodating the plug housing; A socket terminal that is electrically connected to the plug terminal; and The locked part engages with the locking part. The plug housing includes: A flat surface, which is formed on the upper surface; Encoding protrusions that project upwards from the flat surface; and A locking region, which is adjacent to the flat surface on the left and right axes, and has the locking portion formed thereon. The socket housing has a coding recess formed on the upper inner surface of the object-side interior space and capable of accommodating the coding protrusion. The flat surface has a front end located at the very front, a rear end located behind the front end, an inner end adjacent to the locking area on the left and right axes, and an outer end on the left and right axes opposite to the inner end and farther away from the locking area than the inner end. The coding protrusion has a front face at the front and a rear face at the rear. The length of the first gap between the front end face of the coding protrusion and the front end face of the flat surface is different from the length of the second gap between the rear end face of the coding protrusion and the rear end face of the flat surface. (1) When the length of the first interval is longer than the length of the second interval, a flat adsorption region is formed in the area between the front end face of the coding protrusion in the flat surface and the front end of the flat surface, and between the inner end and the outer end. or, (2) When the length of the second interval is longer than the length of the first interval, a flat adsorption region is formed in the range between the rear end face of the coding protrusion in the flat surface and the rear end of the flat surface and between the inner end and the outer end.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the first interval is shorter than the length of the second interval.

3. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The adsorption region has a first adsorption region formed on one side of the left and right axes relative to the locking region, and a second adsorption region formed on the other side of the left and right axes relative to the locking region. The center of gravity of the plug connector, when viewed from above, is located between the first adsorption area and the second adsorption area.

4. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The length of the first interval is greater than zero.

5. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The coding protrusion is formed to connect to the inner end or the outer end of the flat surface. A flat lateral region is formed on the flat surface, which is connected to the adsorption area and is flat within the range between the coding protrusion and the outer end or between the coding protrusion and the inner end.

6. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plug terminal has a mounting portion that can be connected to the connected component from below the plug housing. The plug housing has a receiving recess at the lower end of the plug connector for accommodating the connected member.

7. The connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The locking area has an insertion space for a sliding member to be inserted into, the sliding member being held in the plug connector in a manner that allows it to slide along the front and rear axes, thereby confirming the completion of the engagement between the plug connector and the socket connector.

8. A plug connector, wherein, The plug connector is used in the connector device according to claim 1 or 2.

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