Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly is disclosed. In a first connector, a plurality of types of first inner modules each have a first inner housing, each first inner housing having a first main portion of the same shape. In a second connector, a plurality of types of second inner modules each have a second inner housing, each second inner housing having a second main portion of the same shape. The types of the second inner modules correspond to the types of the first inner modules. The front ends of each second inner housing of each second inner module are positioned at the same position as each other in a mating direction. When each second inner module is mated with the first inner module corresponding to its type, a second key of the second inner housing is fitted with a first key of the first inner module corresponding to the type of the second inner module. When the types and positions of the terminal modules of one of the connectors are different from those of the other connector, the present invention reduces the possibility of the connectors being damaged by attempting to force the connectors to be mated with each other.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. JP2025-041581, filed on March 14, 2025, based on 35 USC §119, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and more specifically, to a connector assembly having a structure in which an outer housing holds a plurality of internal modules. Background Technology

[0003] A connector assembly having an outer housing that holds multiple internal modules is referred to as a connector assembly having a plug connector and a socket connector. For example, such a connector assembly is disclosed in US 2023 / 0246379 A1 (Patent Document 1).

[0004] like Figure 12 As shown, the connector assembly 90 disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an electrical connector 92 and a corresponding electrical connector 94. The electrical connector 92 has a plurality of terminal modules 921 and a frame 923 for holding each terminal module 921. The corresponding electrical connector 94 has a plurality of terminal modules 941 corresponding to each terminal module 921, and a frame 943 for holding each terminal module 941.

[0005] from Figure 12 To understand this, the terminal modules 921 of the electrical connector 92 are different from each other in type. Specifically, each terminal module has terminals, and the terminal modules differ from each other in the shape, number, and arrangement of the terminals. The terminal modules 941 of the corresponding electrical connector 94 correspond to the terminal modules 921 of the electrical connector 92, respectively.

[0006] from Figure 12 To understand this, the frame 923 of the electrical connector 92 is provided with module slots for receiving each terminal module 921 respectively. The module slots of the frame 923 have the same shape as each other. Each terminal module 921 has at least partially the same shape as each other, so that each of them can be received by any module slot of the frame 923. Similarly, the frame 943 of the corresponding electrical connector 94 is also provided with module slots for receiving each terminal module 941 respectively. The module slots of the frame 943 also have the same shape as each other. Each terminal module 941 has at least partially the same shape as each other, so that each of them can be received by any module slot of the frame 943.

[0007] The connector assembly 90 of Patent Document 1 allows the type and position of each terminal module 921 of the electrical connector 92 and the type and position of each terminal module 941 of the corresponding electrical connector 94 to be changed according to the intended use. However, this structure has the possibility that the terminal modules 921 of the electrical connector 92 and the terminal modules 941 of the corresponding electrical connector 94 may be used incorrectly in terms of type or position. When the type and position of each terminal module 921 of the electrical connector 92 does not correspond to the type and position of each terminal module 941 of the corresponding electrical connector 94, the electrical connector 92 cannot be mated with the corresponding electrical connector 94. Nevertheless, when the user forcibly attempts to mat the electrical connector 92 with the corresponding electrical connector 94, the electrical connector 92 and the corresponding electrical connector 94 may be damaged. In particular, when the push-assist mechanism for assisting mating by operating the mating lever 96 is configured in the connector assembly 90 of Patent Document 1, the possibility of damage to the electrical connector 92 and the corresponding electrical connector 94 will be significantly increased. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector assembly that reduces the likelihood of damage to each connector by attempting to force the connectors to match each other when the type and position of the terminal modules of one connector are different from those of the terminal modules of another connector.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector, the second connector mating with the first connector in a predetermined direction. The first connector includes a first outer housing and a plurality of first internal modules of various types. The first outer housing has a plurality of first slots. Each first internal module is received by a respective first slot. Each first internal module includes a first inner housing and a first terminal held by the first inner housing. The first inner housing has a first main portion and a first key. The first main portions of each first internal module have the same shape. Each first main portion is received by a respective first slot and held by the first outer housing. The second connector includes a second outer housing and a plurality of second internal modules of various types. The second outer housing has a plurality of second slots. The type of each second internal module corresponds to the type of each first internal module. When the first connector mates with the second connector, each second internal module mates with a first internal module of the type corresponding to it. Each second internal module is received by a respective second slot. Each second internal module includes a second inner housing and a second terminal held by the second inner housing. When each second internal module mates with a first internal module of the type corresponding to it, the second terminal of the second internal module connects to a first terminal of the first internal module having the type corresponding to the second internal module. The second inner housing has a second main portion and a second key. The second main portions of each second inner module have the same shape. Each second main portion is received by a second slot and held by a second outer housing. The front ends of the second inner housings of each second inner module are positioned at the same location in a predetermined direction. Each second key reaches the front end of the second inner housing. When each second inner module matches a first inner module of the same type, the second key of the second inner module mates with the first key of the first inner module having the same type as the second inner module.

[0010] In the connector assembly described above, the front ends of the second inner housings of each second inner module are positioned identically in a predetermined direction. Using this structure, if the first inner module does not correspond to a second inner module, when the first connector attempts to mate with the second connector, the front end of the second inner housing is adjacent to the front end of the first inner housing, allowing the user to be aware of this. Furthermore, the first connector cannot mate with the second connector. As a result, damage to the first and second connectors due to forced mating can be avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first connector and the second connector are not mated with each other.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the connector assembly is shown. The first connector and the second connector are in a pre-matched state.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the connector assembly is shown. The first connector and the second connector mate with each other.

[0014] Figure 4 Is included Figure 1 A perspective view of the first connector in the connector assembly shown.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the first connector is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The front view of the first connector is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A top view of the first connector is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 Is included Figure 1 A perspective view of the second connector in the connector assembly shown.

[0019] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of the second connector is shown.

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 The rear view of the second connector is shown.

[0021] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A top view of the second connector is shown.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1. Detailed Implementation

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment of the invention includes a first connector 20 and a second connector 30. In this embodiment, the first connector 20 is a plug connector mounted on a circuit board 50. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second connector 30 is a socket connector attached to the end of a cable 55. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The first connector 20 may be configured to connect to a cable. Furthermore, the second connector 30 may be configured to be mounted on a circuit board.

[0024] from Figures 1 to 3To understand this, the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 are mated to each other along a predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the predetermined direction, or mating direction, is the front-back direction, or the Y direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positive Y direction points forward, while the negative Y direction points backward.

[0025] from Figure 1 and Figure 4 To understand this, in this embodiment, the first connector 20 is provided with a pair of rack blocks 211. Furthermore, the second connector 30 is provided with a mating rod 31 having pinion teeth 311 (see...). Figure 9 and Figure 10 The rack blocks 211 of the first connector 20 and the matching rods 31 of the second connector 30 serve as assisting mechanisms for matching the first connector 20 and the second connector 30. Specifically, by operating the matching rods 31, the rack blocks 211 and the matching rods 31... Figure 2 The temporary matching status shown is... Figure 3 The matching states shown facilitate state changes. Incidentally, the specific structure of the push-assist mechanism with rack block 211 and pinion teeth 311 is similar to, for example, the lever mechanism disclosed in JP 2008-41417 A. As described above, the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment is provided with a push-assist mechanism to assist the first connector 20 in matching with the second connector 30. However, in this invention, the push-assist mechanism is not necessary. Furthermore, the structure of the push-assist mechanism is not particularly limited, and another structure can be adopted, such as a structure using a slider.

[0026] from Figure 4 and Figure 5 To understand this, the first connector 20 includes a first outer housing 21 and various types of first internal modules 23. The first outer housing 21 has a plurality of first slots 213 for receiving each of the first internal modules 23. The first slots 213 of the first outer housing 21 are formed to have the same shape as each other. Each first internal module 23 is received by its respective first slot 213. In this embodiment, the first slots 213 of the first outer housing 21 are arranged in a straight line. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The first slots 213 may be arranged in two or more rows.

[0027] like Figure 5As shown, each first internal module 23 has a first internal housing 25 and one or more first terminals 27 held by the first internal housing 25. In this embodiment, each first terminal 27 is a male terminal. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each first terminal 27 of each first internal module 23 is held by a terminal holder 29, and indirectly by the first internal housing 25 via the terminal holder 29. The shape, number, and arrangement of each first terminal 27 of each first internal module 23 determine the type of the first internal module 23. In other words, first internal modules 23 of different types differ from each other in at least one aspect of the shape, number, and arrangement of their first terminals 27. In this embodiment, the number of types of each first internal module 23 is four. Specifically, in this embodiment, each first internal module 23 includes a power module 23A, a signal module 23B, a coaxial cable module 23C, and a differential signal module 23D. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The type and number of the first internal modules 23 can be determined according to the intended use of the connector assembly 10.

[0028] from Figure 5 and Figure 6 To understand this, each first inner housing 25 has a first main portion 251 and a first key 253. The first main portion 251 has a tubular shape extending in the front-rear direction. The first main portion 251 forms a receiving portion 255 for partially receiving the second inner housing 37 described below. Therefore, each first inner housing 25 has a receiving portion 255 for partially receiving the second inner housing 37. The first main portions 251 of the first inner module 23 have the same shape as each other. However, each first main portion 251 may have portions that differ from the other first main portions 251, as long as it can be received by any of the first slots 213. In other words, the first main portions 251 should have substantially the same shape as each other, and these shapes may differ from each other.

[0029] from Figure 6 To understand this, in this embodiment, the first key 253 is composed of one or more elongated protrusions 253, which protrude from the inner wall of the first main portion 251 and extend in a front-rear direction. Each elongated protrusion 253 may or may not reach the front end of the first inner housing 25. In this embodiment, each elongated protrusion 253 does not reach the front end of the first inner housing 25. The combination of the position and number of each elongated protrusion 253 varies depending on the type of the first inner module 23. The dimensions of each elongated protrusion 253 can be set independently or collectively.

[0030] like Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, each power module 23A has two elongated protrusions 253, and the two elongated protrusions 253 protrude downward from the upper wall of the first main part 251. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positive Z direction points upward, while the negative Z direction points downward.

[0031] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, each signal module 23B has two elongated protrusions 253, and each elongated protrusion 253 protrudes inward from the two sidewalls of the first main part 251 in a transverse direction. In this embodiment, the transverse direction is the X direction.

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the coaxial cable module 23C has two elongated protrusions 253, and each elongated protrusion 253 protrudes inward at the boundary between the upper wall of the first main part 251 and each side wall of the first main part 251.

[0033] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, each differential signal module 23D has one elongated protrusion 253, and the elongated protrusion 253 protrudes downward from the upper wall of the first main part 251. The protrusion amount of the elongated protrusion 253 of the differential signal module 23D is greater than the protrusion amount of the elongated protrusion 253 of the power module 23A.

[0034] from Figure 4 and Figure 5 To understand this, each first main portion 251 of each first inner housing 25 is received by and held by each first slot 213 of the first outer housing 21. As described above, each first slot 213 has the same shape as the others, and each first main portion 251 has the same shape as the others. Therefore, regardless of the type of each first inner module 23, each first slot 213 can receive any one first inner module 23. Therefore, each first inner module 23 may be received by the first slot 213 in the wrong position. To prevent positioning errors of each first inner module 23, each first inner housing 25 can be color-coded according to the type of the first inner module 23. In other words, for each type of first inner module 23, a first inner housing 25 can be formed using resin of a different color.

[0035] from Figure 7To understand this, with each of the first internal modules 23 received by each of the first slots 213 of the first outer housing 21, the front ends of each of the first internal housings 25 are not visible when viewed from above. In other words, the front ends of each of the first internal housings 25 are located within the first outer housing 21. With this structure, the front ends of each of the first internal housings 25 are protected by the first outer housing 21. Therefore, even when each of the first internal housings 25 has a thin wall thickness, the possibility of damage to the first internal housing 25 can be reduced.

[0036] from Figure 8 and Figure 9 To understand this, the second connector 30 is provided with a second outer housing 33 and various types of second internal modules 35. In this embodiment, the second connector 30 is also provided with a mating rod 31 and a wire harness cover 41.

[0037] like Figure 9 As shown, the second outer housing 33 is provided with a plurality of second slots 331 for receiving each of the second internal modules 35. Each of the second internal modules 35 is received by a respective second slot 331. In this embodiment, the second slots 331 of the second outer housing 33 are arranged in a straight line to correspond to the first slots 213 of the first connector 20.

[0038] like Figure 9 As shown, each second internal module 35 is provided with a second internal housing 37 and one or more second terminals 39 held by the second internal housing 37. In this embodiment, each second terminal 39 is a female terminal. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each second terminal 39 is directly held by each second internal housing 37. The shape, number, and arrangement of each second terminal 39 determine the type of the second internal module 35. In other words, second internal modules 35 of different types differ from each other in at least one aspect of the shape, number, and arrangement of each second terminal 39.

[0039] from Figures 1 to 3To understand this, the types of each second internal module 35 of the second connector 30 correspond to the types of each first internal module 23 of the first connector 20. When the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 are mated, each second internal module 35 is mated with the first internal module 23 corresponding to its type. Furthermore, when each second internal module 35 is mated with the first internal module 23 corresponding to its type, the second internal housing 37 of the second internal module 35 is received by the receiving portion 255 of the corresponding first internal housing 25. Additionally, when each second internal module 35 is mated with the first internal module 23 corresponding to its type, each second terminal 39 of the second internal module 35 is connected to each first terminal 27 of the first internal module 23 corresponding to its type. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second internal module 35 includes a power module 35A, a signal module 35B, a coaxial cable module 35C, and a differential signal module 35D. The power module 35A, which is the second internal module 35, is mated with the power module 23A, which is the first internal module 23. Signal module 35B, which is the second internal module 35, is matched with signal module 23B, which is the first internal module 23. Coaxial cable module 35C, which is the second internal module 35, is matched with coaxial cable module 23C, which is the first internal module 23. Differential signal module 35D, which is the second internal module 35, is matched with differential signal module 23D, which is the first internal module 23.

[0040] from Figure 9 and Figure 10 To understand this, each second inner housing 37 has a second main portion 371 and a second key 373. The second main portion 371 is part of the second inner housing 37 or has a tubular outer peripheral wall portion extending in the front-rear direction. Each second main portion 371 of each second inner module 35 has the same shape as each other. However, each second main portion 371 can be different from the other second main portions 371, as long as it can be received by any of the second slots 331. In other words, each second main portion 371 should have a substantially the same shape as each other, and these shapes can be different from each other.

[0041] from Figure 10To understand this, in this embodiment, the second key 373 is formed by one or more grooves 373 formed in the outer surface of the second main portion 371 and extending in the front-rear direction. The grooves 373 extend from the front or rear end of the second main portion 371 or the second inner housing 37 toward the interior portion of the second main portion 371 or forward. In other words, the grooves 373 reach the front end of the second main portion 371 or the second inner housing 37. The combination of the position and number of grooves 373 varies depending on the type of the second inner module 35. When the type of the first inner module 23 corresponds to the type of the second inner module 35, the first key 253 of the first inner module 23 corresponds to the second key 373 of the second inner module 35. Specifically, the position and number of elongated protrusions 253 correspond to the position and number of grooves 373, and the size of the elongated protrusions 253 corresponds to the size of the grooves 373. In other words, each groove 373 has a size capable of receiving its corresponding elongated protrusion 253. Therefore, when each second internal module 35 matches a first internal module 23 of the same type, the second key 373 of the second internal module 35 matches the first key 253 of the first internal module 23 of the same type.

[0042] like Figure 9 As shown, each second inner housing 37 is provided with a locking part 375. When the second inner module 35 is received by the second slot 331 of the second outer housing 33, the locking part 375 engages with the locked part (not shown) of the second outer housing 33, preventing the second inner module 35 from being removed from the second slot 331. On the other hand, when the locking part 375 is operated, it allows the second inner module 35 to be removed from the second slot 331. Therefore, in this embodiment, each second inner module 35 is received by each second slot 331 so that it can be removed from the second slot 331.

[0043] from Figure 9 and Figure 10 To understand this, each second main portion 371 of each second inner housing 37 is received by and held by each second slot 331 of the second outer housing 33. Similar to the first connector 20, each second slot 331 can receive any second inner module 35, regardless of the type of each second inner module 35. Therefore, each second inner module 35 may be received by the second slot 331 in the wrong position. Therefore, similarly, for each second inner module 35, each second inner housing 37 can be color-coded according to the type of the second inner module 35. In this case, it is preferable that the color of the second inner housing 37 is the same as the color of the first inner housing 25 corresponding to its type.

[0044] like Figure 11As shown, when each of the second internal modules 35 is received by each of the second slots 331 of the second outer housing 33, the front or rear end of each second internal housing 37 protrudes from the second outer housing 33. Therefore, when viewed from above, the front end of each second internal housing 37 is visible. Furthermore, the front ends of each second internal housing 37 are positioned identically in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 mate, the front ends of all second internal housings 37 can be simultaneously received by each receiving portion 255 of each first internal housing 25. On the other hand, one or more second internal housings 37 will not be received by the receiving portion 255 of their corresponding first internal housing 25 until another second internal housing 37 is received by the receiving portion 255 of its corresponding first internal housing 25.

[0045] from Figures 1 to 3 To understand this, when the types of each second internal module 35 of the second connector 30 correspond to the types of each first internal module 23 of the first connector 20, the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 can be matched with each other, wherein the first internal module 23 is positioned at its corresponding position. On the other hand, even if only one type of the second internal module 35 of the second connector 30 does not correspond to the type of the first internal module 23 positioned at its corresponding position in the first connector 20, the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 cannot be matched with each other. This is because of the function of each first key 253 of each first internal housing 25 and each second key 373 of each second internal housing 37. In this case, even if only one pair of first internal housings 25 and second internal housings 37 do not correspond to each other in type, the front end of each second internal housing 37 cannot be fully inserted into each receiving part 255 of each first internal housing 25. Therefore, the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 cannot be matched with each other. This is because the front ends of all second internal housings 37 are positioned at the same position in the front-rear direction. This structure prevents some of the front ends based on the second inner housing 37 from being received by the receiving portions 255 of each of the first inner housings 25, thus preventing the user from mistakenly determining that the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 are compatible. As a result, by forcibly mating the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 with each other, damage to the connector assembly 10 is prevented. This is particularly effective for connector assemblies equipped with a push-assist mechanism, such as the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment.

[0046] Although the invention has been specifically explained above with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although in the above embodiments the first key 253 is composed of an elongated protrusion and the second key 373 is composed of a groove, the invention is not limited thereto. In one example, the front portions of each second main portion 371 may have the same shape so as to be held by each second slot 331, while the rear portions of the second main portions 371 may have different types of shapes. In this case, the receiving portion 255 of each first key 253 may have different shapes depending on the type.

[0047] Although the first connector 20 is a right-angle connector with its mating direction parallel to its circuit board 50, it can also be a straight connector with its mating direction perpendicular to its circuit board 50. When the first connector 20 is a straight connector, the first internal modules 23 of the first connector 20 can be arranged in a matrix of two or more rows. In this case, the second connector 30 should be formed to correspond to the first connector 20.

[0048] Although in the above embodiment, the first connector 20 mounted on the circuit board 50 is a plug connector and the second connector 30 connected to the cable 55 is a socket connector, the first connector 20 mounted on the circuit board 50 can be formed as a socket connector and the second connector 30 connected to the cable 55 can be formed as a plug connector.

[0049] The above description describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles applied thereto. For those skilled in the art, any obvious changes such as equivalent transformations or simple substitutions based on the technical solutions of the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector, the second connector being matable with the first connector in a predetermined direction, characterized in that: The first connector includes a first outer housing and multiple types of first internal modules; The first outer housing is provided with a plurality of first slots; Each of the first internal modules is received by each of the first slots; Each of the first internal modules includes a first internal housing and a first terminal held by the first internal housing; The first inner housing has a first main part and a first key; Each of the first main parts of each of the first internal modules has the same shape as each other; Each of the first main parts is received by each of the first slots and held by the first outer housing; The second connector includes a second outer housing and multiple types of second internal modules; The second outer housing is provided with a plurality of second slots; The type of each second internal module corresponds to the type of each first internal module; When the first connector is matched with the second connector, each second internal module is matched with the first internal module corresponding to its type; Each of the second internal modules is received by each of the second slots; Each of the second internal modules includes a second internal housing and a second terminal held by the second internal housing; When each of the second internal modules matches the first internal module of the same type, the second terminal of the second internal module is connected to the first terminal of the first internal module having the type corresponding to the second internal module. The second inner housing has a second main part and a second key; Each of the second main parts of each of the second internal modules has the same shape as each other; Each of the second main parts is received by each of the second slots and held by the second outer housing; The front ends of each of the second internal housings of each of the second internal modules are positioned at the same location as each other in the predetermined direction; The second key reaches the front end of the second inner housing; as well as When each of the second internal modules matches the first internal module of the same type, the second key of the second internal module matches the first key of the first internal module of the same type as the second internal module.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In at least one of a set of first internal modules and a set of second internal modules, each of the first internal modules or each of the second internal modules is color-coded by the type.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first keys differs depending on the type of each of the first internal modules.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first key includes at least one elongated protrusion and has a combination of the number of the at least one elongated protrusion and the position of the at least one elongated protrusion, the combination being different from the type of each of the first internal modules; The second key includes at least one groove, which is capable of receiving the corresponding first key; as well as The at least one groove extends from the front end of the second inner housing toward the inner portion of the second inner housing.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector assembly further includes a push-assist mechanism that assists in the mating of the first connector and the second connector.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the second internal modules is received by each of the second slots so that it can be removed from each of the second slots.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first inner housing has a receiving part; The front end of the second inner housing protrudes from the second outer housing and is visible when viewed from above; as well as When each of the second internal modules matches the first internal module of the same type, the second internal housing of the second internal module is received by the receiving part of the first internal housing corresponding to the second internal housing.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the first inner housing is located within the first outer housing.

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