Connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly including a plug connector having plug terminals arranged in a staggered pattern and a receptacle connector having receptacle terminals arranged in a staggered pattern, which allows a user to obtain a clicking sensation when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are mated, and which enables a reduction in manufacturing costs.SOLUTION: A connector assembly includes a plug connector 100 and a receptacle connector that are able to fit each other. The plug connector 100 includes a plug insulator 200 and a row of plug terminals 400 held by the plug insulator 200. Each of the plug terminals 400 has a main contact portion 422, a support contact portion 442, an insertion end 410, a contact step 444, and an additional contact step 424. The main contact portion 422 of each plug terminal 400 is flush with the support contact portion 442 of the adjacent plug terminal 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly including a plug connector and a receptacle connector that are matable with each other. [Background technology]

[0002] 20, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector (connector assembly) 900 including a header (plug connector) 910 and a socket (receptacle connector) 920 that can be fitted together. The receptacle connector 920 includes a socket housing (receptacle insulator) 922 and a row of socket side terminals (receptacle terminals) 924 held by the receptacle insulator 922. The receptacle terminals 924 are arranged in a staggered manner. Each of the receptacle terminals 924 includes a socket side main contact portion (main contact) 9242, a side wall portion (support contact) 9244, an elastic portion 9246 that connects the main contact 9242 and the support contact 9244, and a socket side lock portion 9248. As shown in FIG. 21, the plug connector 910 includes a header housing (plug insulator) 912 and a row of header side terminals (plug terminals) 914 held by the plug insulator 912. The plug terminals 914 are arranged in a staggered manner. Each of the plug terminals 914 has a header side main contact portion (main contact portion) 9142, a header side contact portion (support contact portion) 9144, a coupling portion (insertion end portion) 9146, a header side lock portion (contact step portion) 9147, and an engagement recess 9148. With reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the receptacle terminals 924 correspond to the plug terminals 914, respectively. When the plug connector 910 is mated with the receptacle connector 920, the insertion end portion 9146 of each of the plug terminals 914 is inserted between the main contacts 9242 and the support contacts 9244 of the corresponding receptacle terminals 924. In a mated state in which the plug connector 910 and the receptacle connector 920 are mated with each other, the main contacts 9242 are in contact with the main contact portions 9142 , while the support contacts 9244 are in contact with the support contact portions 9144 .

[0003] 20, when the plug connector 910 is mated with the receptacle connector 920, the main contact 9242 of the receptacle terminal 924 snaps into the recess 9148 of the plug terminal 914, and the socket side locking portion 9248 of the receptacle terminal 924 snaps into the contact step 9147 of the plug terminal 914. This allows the plug connector 910 and the receptacle connector 920 to be snap-fitted together. That is, when the plug connector 910 and the receptacle connector 920 are mated, the user feels a clicking sensation and the mating of the plug connector 910 and the receptacle connector 920 is locked. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-8055 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for reducing the manufacturing costs of connector assemblies such as the connector assembly 900 of Patent Document 1.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly comprising a plug connector having plug terminals arranged in a staggered manner and a receptacle connector having receptacle terminals arranged in a staggered manner, which allows the user to obtain a clicking sensation when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are mated, and which enables reduction in manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a first connector assembly, A connector assembly comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector that are matable with each other, The receptacle connector includes a receptacle insulator and a row of receptacle terminals held by the receptacle insulator, The receptacle terminals are staggered, Each of the receptacle terminals has a main contact, a support contact, and an elastic portion connecting the main contact and the support contact, For each of the receptacle terminals, the main contact and the support contact are spaced apart from each other in a width direction; The plug connector includes a plug insulator and a row of plug terminals held by the plug insulator, The plug terminals are arranged in a staggered manner, Each of the plug terminals has a main contact portion, a support contact portion, an insertion end portion, a contact step, and an additional contact step; For each of the plug terminals, the main contact portion and the support contact portion are spaced apart from each other in a width direction, For each of the plug terminals, a portion of the insertion end is greater in the width direction than a minimum distance between the main contact portion and the support contact portion; the contact step is located at the interface between the insertion end and the support contact portion; the additional contact step is located at the interface between the insertion end and the main contact portion; The receptacle terminals correspond to the plug terminals, when the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector, the insertion end of each of the plug terminals is inserted between the main contact and the support contact of the corresponding receptacle terminal; When the plug connector and the receptacle connector are in a mated state, the main contacts are in contact with the main contact portions, while the support contacts are in contact with the support contact portions; The main contact portion of each of the plug terminals is flush with the support contact portion of the adjacent plug terminal. A connector assembly is provided.

[0008] The present invention also provides a second connector assembly comprising a first connector assembly, Each of the plug terminals has a bent portion as the contact step and another bent portion as the additional contact step. A connector assembly is provided.

[0009] The present invention also provides a third connector assembly, which is the first connector assembly, Each of the plug terminals has a prong that constitutes the contact step and another prong that constitutes the additional contact step. A connector assembly is provided.

[0010] The present invention also provides a fourth connector assembly, which is the first connector assembly, In each of the plug terminals, both the main contact portion and the support contact portion are thinner than the insertion end portion. A connector assembly is provided.

[0011] The present invention also provides a fifth connector assembly, which is the first connector assembly, In each of the plug terminals, the main contact portion has a recess formed therein, while the support contact portion has another recess formed therein; The additional contact step is formed at the interface between the insertion end and the recess of the main contact part, while the contact step is formed at the interface between the insertion end and the recess of the support contact part. A connector assembly is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0012] In the connector assembly of the present invention, the main contact portion of each plug terminal is flush with the support contact portion of the adjacent plug terminal. This allows the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion and the support contact portion in the mold used to insert-mold the plug connector of the connector assembly of the present invention to be a simple flat surface, simplifying the shape of the mold. In other words, the connector assembly of the present invention can reduce manufacturing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the plug connector and the receptacle connector are in an unmated state; [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line AA. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line BB. [Figure 4] FIG 2 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly of FIG 1, in which the plug connector and the receptacle connector are in a mated state; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the connector assembly of FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 5 taken along line CC. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of FIG. 5 taken along line DD. [Figure 8] 5 is a perspective view showing a plug connector included in the connector assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion surrounded by a dashed line E of the plug connector in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a top view showing the plug connector of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the plug connector of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the plug connector of FIG. 8. [Figure 13]5 is a perspective view showing a receptacle connector included in the connector assembly of FIG. 4. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a top view showing the receptacle connector of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a side view showing the receptacle connector of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a bottom view showing the receptacle connector of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a plug connector included in a first modified example of the connector assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 18] 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a plug connector included in a second modified example of the connector assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 19] 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a plug connector included in a third modified example of the connector assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector of Patent Document 1. [Figure 21] 21 is a perspective view showing a header included in the connector of FIG. 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] 1, a connector assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plug connector 100 and a receptacle connector 800. As shown in FIG 4, the plug connector 100 and the receptacle connector 800 are capable of being mated with each other.

[0015] 15, receptacle connector 800 of the present embodiment is mounted on a substrate (not shown) having pads (not shown) on its surface. As shown in FIG 6, receptacle connector 800 of the present embodiment can be mated with plug connector 100 in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. Here, the upper side is the +Z direction and the lower side is the -Z direction.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 13, a receptacle connector 800 of the present embodiment includes a receptacle insulator 810 and a plurality of receptacle terminals 820.

[0017] 13, receptacle insulator 810 of the present embodiment is made of an insulator. Receptacle insulator 810 holds receptacle terminal 820. Receptacle insulator 810 has surrounding portion 811, wall portion accommodating portion 812, and island-shaped portion 814.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 13, surrounding portion 811 in this embodiment has a generally rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction. Surrounding portion 811 defines the outer end of receptacle insulator 810 in a width direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the width direction is the X direction. The width direction is also the front-rear direction. The front is the +X direction, and the rear is the -X direction. Surrounding portion 811 defines the outer end of receptacle insulator 810 in a pitch direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the width direction. In this embodiment, the pitch direction is the Y direction.

[0019] 14, wall accommodating portion 812 in this embodiment is surrounded by surrounding portion 811 in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. Wall accommodating portion 812 is a recess that is recessed downward in the up-down direction, and has a lower surface 8122. Lower surface 8122 defines the lower end of wall accommodating portion 812 in the up-down direction.

[0020] 14, island-shaped portion 814 in this embodiment protrudes upward in the vertical direction from lower surface 8122. Island-shaped portion 814 is surrounded by wall accommodating portion 812 in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0021] 2, receptacle terminals 820 of the present embodiment are made of metal. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, receptacle terminals 820 have the same shape. Receptacle terminals 820 are held in receptacle insulator 810. Specifically, receptacle terminals 820 are partially embedded and held in receptacle insulator 810 by insert molding. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and receptacle terminals 820 may be held in receptacle insulator 810 by a method other than insert molding.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 14, the receptacle terminals 820 are arranged in two rows, a front row and a rear row, in the width direction. Moreover, the receptacle terminals 820 in each row are arranged in the pitch direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the receptacle terminals 820 are arranged in a single row. That is, the receptacle connector 800 may have only one row of receptacle terminals 820. The receptacle terminals 820 in one of the two rows correspond to the receptacle terminals 820 in the remaining one of the two rows. The receptacle terminals 820 are arranged in a staggered manner. More specifically, in each row, the receptacle terminals 820 are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the receptacle terminals 820 of the present embodiment has a main contact 828, a support contact 824, and an elastic portion 826.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, the main contacts 828 of the present embodiment are connected to the elastic portion 826. The main contacts 828 are supported by the elastic portion 826. The main contacts 828 of one of the receptacle terminals 820 in the two rows and the main contacts 828 of the corresponding receptacle terminal 820 in the remaining one of the two rows are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, in two receptacle terminals 820 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the direction in which the main contacts 828 of one of the receptacle terminals 820 are oriented in the width direction is opposite to the direction in which the main contacts 828 of the remaining one of the receptacle terminals 820 are oriented in the width direction.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the support contacts 824 of the present embodiment are connected to the elastic portion 826. For each of the receptacle terminals 820, the main contacts 828 and the support contacts 824 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. For each of the receptacle terminals 820, the main contacts 828 and the support contacts 824 face each other in the width direction. The support contacts 824 of one of the receptacle terminals 820 in the two rows and the support contacts 824 of the corresponding receptacle terminals 820 in the remaining one of the two rows face in the same direction in the width direction. With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, for two receptacle terminals 820 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the orientation of the support contacts 824 of one of the receptacle terminals 820 in the width direction is opposite to the orientation of the support contacts 824 of the remaining one of the receptacle terminals 820 in the width direction.

[0026] 2, the elastic portion 826 of the present embodiment is at least partially elastically deformable. The elastic portion 826 connects between the main contact 828 and the support contact 824. The elastic portion 826 extends from the main contact 828 to the support contact 824.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the receptacle terminals 820 has a held portion 822, a connecting portion 823, a mounting portion 825, a locking portion 827, and an auxiliary locking portion 829.

[0028] 2, held portion 822 in the present embodiment connects connecting portion 823 and mounting portion 825. Held portion 822 extends downward in the up-down direction from connecting portion 823. Held portion 822 extends upward in the up-down direction from mounting portion 825. Held portion 822 is held by receptacle insulator 810. Specifically, held portion 822 is embedded in receptacle insulator 810.

[0029] 2, the connection portion 823 of this embodiment connects the held portion 822 and the support contact 824. The connection portion 823 extends from the held portion 822 in a direction approaching the main contact 828 in the width direction, and then bends and extends downward in the up-down direction to the support contact 824.

[0030] 2, mounting portion 825 in the present embodiment bends from the lower end of held portion 822 and extends in a direction away from main contact 828 in the width direction. Mounting portion 825 defines one end of receptacle terminal 820 in the width direction. Mounting portion 825 defines the lower end of receptacle terminal 820 in the up-down direction. Mounting portion 825 is soldered to a pad on the board when receptacle connector 800 is mounted on the board.

[0031] 2, the locking portion 827 of the present embodiment is oblique to both the vertical and width directions. The locking portion 827 is located below the support contact 824 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 827 is located at the same position as the main contact 828 in the vertical direction.

[0032] 2, the auxiliary locking portion 829 of this embodiment is oblique in both the vertical direction and the width direction. The auxiliary locking portion 829 is located below the main contact 828 in the vertical direction. The auxiliary locking portion 829 is located below the support contact 824 in the vertical direction. The auxiliary locking portion 829 is located below the locking portion 827 in the vertical direction.

[0033] 11, plug connector 100 of the present embodiment is mounted on a substrate (not shown) having pads (not shown) on its surface. As shown in FIG 6, plug connector 100 of the present embodiment can be mated with receptacle connector 800 in the vertical direction.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 12, the plug connector 100 includes a plug insulator 200 and a plurality of plug terminals 400.

[0035] 12, the plug insulator 200 of this embodiment is made of an insulator. The plug insulator 200 holds a plug terminal 400. The plug insulator 200 has two long wall portions 220, two short wall portions 230, and an island-shaped portion accommodating portion 250. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of long wall portions 220 may be one.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 12, each of the long wall portions 220 in this embodiment defines an outer end in the width direction of the plug insulator 200. As shown in Fig. 8, each of the long wall portions 220 has a height in the up-down direction and extends in the pitch direction. Each of the long wall portions 220 connects two short wall portions 230 to each other in the pitch direction. The two long wall portions 220 are aligned in the width direction. When the plug connector 100 and the receptacle connector 800 are mated with each other, the long wall portion 220 is accommodated in the wall accommodating portion 812.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, the long wall portion 220 has a plurality of intervening portions 222 and a plurality of holes 224 .

[0038] As shown in Fig. 9, the intervening portions 222 of the present embodiment are aligned in the pitch direction. Each of the intervening portions 222 extends in the up-down direction. Each intervening portion 222 is located between two plug terminals 400 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, each of the intervening portions 222 has a first surface 2222 and a second surface 2224 in the width direction.

[0039] 11, the first surface 2222 in this embodiment faces outward in the width direction. The first surface 2222 defines the outer end of the interposed portion 222 in the width direction. The first surface 2222 intersects with the width direction. More specifically, the first surface 2222 is perpendicular to the width direction. The first surface 2222 extends in the up-down direction.

[0040] 8, the second surface 2224 in this embodiment faces inward in the width direction. The second surface 2224 defines the inner end of the interposition portion 222 in the width direction. The second surface 2224 intersects with the width direction. More specifically, the second surface 2224 is perpendicular to the width direction. The second surface 2224 extends in the up-down direction.

[0041] 9, the holes 224 in this embodiment are aligned in the pitch direction. Each of the holes 224 penetrates the long wall portion 220 in the width direction. The holes 224 are located between two plug terminals 400 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction. The holes 224 are located above the intermediate portions 222 in the up-down direction. The holes 224 correspond to the intermediate portions 222, respectively. Each of the holes 224 is located above the corresponding intermediate portions 222 in the up-down direction.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 12, each of the short wall portions 230 in this embodiment defines an outer end in the pitch direction of the plug insulator 200. As shown in Fig. 8, each of the short wall portions 230 has a height in the up-down direction and extends in the width direction. Each of the short wall portions 230 connects two of the long wall portions 220 to each other in the width direction. When the plug connector 100 and the receptacle connector 800 are mated with each other, the short wall portion 230 is accommodated in the wall portion accommodating portion 812.

[0043] 12, island-shaped portion accommodating portion 250 in this embodiment is a recess that is recessed upward in the vertical direction, and has an upper surface 252. Upper surface 252 defines the upper end of island-shaped portion accommodating portion 250. When plug connector 100 and receptacle connector 800 are mated with each other, island-shaped portion accommodating portion 250 accommodates island-shaped portion 814.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 10, the plug insulator 200 has a hole 240 formed therein.

[0045] 10, the hole 240 of this embodiment penetrates the upper surface 252 of the island-shaped portion accommodating portion 250 in the up-down direction. The hole 240 is located at the upper end of the plug insulator 200 in the up-down direction.

[0046] 2 and 3, each of the plug terminals 400 in this embodiment is made of metal. The plug terminals 400 have the same shape. The plug terminals 400 are held by the plug insulator 200. The plug terminals 400 are held by being partially embedded in the plug insulator 200 by insert molding. The plug terminals 400 are held by the long wall portion 220. The plug terminals 400 are held by being partially embedded in the long wall portion 220. The two rows of the plug terminals 400 correspond to the two long wall portions 220, respectively. The plug terminals 400 in each row are held by the corresponding long wall portion 220. The plug terminals 400 in each row are held by being partially embedded in the corresponding long wall portion 220.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 12, the plug terminals 400 of this embodiment are aligned in the pitch direction. More specifically, the plug terminals 400 are aligned in two rows, a front row and a rear row, in the width direction. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the plug terminals 400 may be aligned in a single row. That is, the plug connector 100 may have only one row of plug terminals 400. One of the two rows of plug terminals 400 corresponds to the other of the two rows of plug terminals 400. The plug terminals 400 in each row are aligned in the pitch direction. The plug terminals 400 are arranged in a staggered manner. More specifically, in each row, the plug terminals 400 are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0048] 2 and 3, receptacle terminals 820 correspond to respective plug terminals 400. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in a mated state in which plug connector 100 is mated with receptacle connector 800, receptacle terminals 820 are in contact with respective plug terminals 400.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plug terminals 400 includes a main contact portion 422 , a support contact portion 442 , an insertion end 410 , a contact step 444 , and an additional contact step 424 .

[0050] As shown in Fig. 2, the main contact portions 422 of the present embodiment intersect with the width direction. More specifically, the main contact portions 422 are perpendicular to the width direction. The main contact portions 422 of one plug terminal 400 in the two rows and the main contact portions 422 of the corresponding plug terminal 400 in the remaining one of the two rows are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, in two plug terminals 400 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the orientation of one main contact portion 422 of the plug terminal 400 in the width direction is opposite to the orientation of the remaining main contact portion 422 of the plug terminal 400 in the width direction.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the support contact portion 442 of the present embodiment intersects with the width direction. More specifically, the support contact portion 442 is perpendicular to the width direction. For each of the plug terminals 400, the main contact portion 422 and the support contact portion 442 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. For each of the plug terminals 400, a portion of the insertion end portion 410 is greater than the minimum distance Dm between the main contact portion 422 and the support contact portion 442 in the width direction. The support contact portion 442 of one of the plug terminals 400 in the two rows and the support contact portion 442 of the corresponding plug terminal 400 in the remaining one of the two rows are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, for two plug terminals 400 adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the orientation of the support contact portion 442 of one of the plug terminals 400 in the width direction is opposite to the orientation of the support contact portion 442 of the remaining one of the plug terminals 400 in the width direction.

[0052] 6 and 7, when plug connector 100 is mated with receptacle connector 800, each insertion end 410 of plug terminal 400 is inserted between main contact 828 and support contact 824 of corresponding receptacle terminal 820. In a mated state in which plug connector 100 and receptacle connector 800 are mated with each other, main contact 828 contacts main contact portion 422, while support contact 824 contacts support contact portion 442.

[0053] 9, each main contact portion 422 of the plug terminal 400 is flush with the support contact portion 442 of the adjacent plug terminal 400. More specifically, in two plug terminals 400 adjacent in the pitch direction, one main contact portion 422 of the plug terminal 400 is flush with the remaining support contact portion 442 of the plug terminal 400, and the support contact portion 442 of the plug terminal 400 is flush with the remaining main contact portion 422 of the plug terminal 400. As a result, in a mold used for insert-molding the plug connector 100 of the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment, a surface for simultaneously pressing the main contact portion 422 and the support contact portion 442 can be made a simple flat surface, so that the shape of the mold can be simplified. That is, the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0054] 9, the insertion end 410 of the present embodiment is U-shaped. That is, when the plug terminal 400 is viewed along the pitch direction, the insertion end 410 has a U-shape. The insertion end 410 defines the lower end of the plug terminal 400 in the up-down direction.

[0055] 9, the contact step 444 in this embodiment is formed by bending. That is, each of the plug terminals 400 has a bent portion 444 as the contact step 444. The contact step 444 is located at the boundary between the insertion end 410 and the support contact portion 442. The contact step 444 is located above the insertion end 410 in the up-down direction. The support contact portion 442 is located above the contact step 444 in the up-down direction. The contact step 444 extends over the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal 400.

[0056] 2 and 6, when a user fits plug connector 100 into receptacle connector 800, each support contact 824 of receptacle terminal 820 of receptacle connector 800 moves upward, climbing over contact step 444 of corresponding plug terminal 400. This allows the user to feel a clicking sensation. That is, in connector assembly 10 of this embodiment, the user is able to feel a clicking sensation when fitting plug connector 100 and receptacle connector 800 together.

[0057] In particular, as described above, in plug terminal 400 of this embodiment, contact step 444 formed by bending is provided over the entire pitch direction. As a result, in connector assembly 10 of this embodiment, when plug connector 100 including plug terminal 400 having a small size in the pitch direction is mated with receptacle connector 800, even if plug terminal 400 is misaligned in the pitch direction with respect to corresponding receptacle terminal 820, support contact 824 of receptacle terminal 820 can reliably overcome contact step 444 of corresponding plug terminal 400, so that the user can reliably obtain a clicking sensation.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, when plug connector 100 and receptacle connector 800 are mated with each other, contact step 444 and locking portion 827 lock the mating.

[0059] 9, the additional contact step 424 in this embodiment is formed by bending. That is, each of the plug terminals 400 has another bent portion 424 as the additional contact step 424. The additional contact step 424 is located at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the main contact portion 422. The additional contact step 424 is located above the insertion end portion 410 in the up-down direction. The main contact portion 422 is located above the additional contact step 424 in the up-down direction. The additional contact step 424 extends over the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal 400.

[0060] As described above, the plug terminal 400 is provided with the contact step 444 for the purpose of generating a clicking sensation and locking the above-mentioned fitting. The plug terminal 400 is further provided with the additional contact step 424. This allows the main contact portion 422 located above the additional contact step 424 of each plug terminal 400 in each row of the staggered plug terminals 400 to be flush with the support contact portion 442 located above the contact step 444 of the adjacent plug terminal 400.

[0061] 2 and 6, when a user mates the plug connector 100 with the receptacle connector 800, the main contacts 828 of the receptacle terminals 820 of the receptacle connector 800 move upward over the additional contact step 424.

[0062] 2 and 6, when the plug connector 100 and the receptacle connector 800 are mated with each other, the additional contact step 424 and the auxiliary locking portion 829 provide an auxiliary lock for the mating.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the plug terminal 400 has a mounting portion 470 .

[0064] 2, the mounting portion 470 of the present embodiment extends from the support contact portion 442. Specifically, the mounting portion 470 is bent from the support contact portion 442 and extends in a direction away from the main contact portion 422 in the width direction. The mounting portion 470 defines one end of the plug terminal 400 in the width direction. The mounting portion 470 defines the upper end of the plug terminal 400 in the up-down direction. With reference to FIG. 11, the mounting portion 470 is soldered to a pad of the board when the plug connector 100 is mounted on the board.

[0065] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0066] (First Modification) 17, a connector assembly (not shown) according to a first modified example includes a plug connector 100A and a receptacle connector (not shown). The receptacle connector of this modified example is similar to receptacle connector 800 of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] 17, a plug connector 100A of this modification includes a plug insulator 200A and a plug terminal 400A. The plug insulator 200A of this modification is similar to the plug insulator 200 of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] 17, each of plug terminals 400A of this modification has a main contact portion 422, a support contact portion 442, an insertion end portion 410, a contact step 444A, and an additional contact step 424A. The main contact portion 422, the support contact portion 442, and the insertion end portion 410 of this modification are similar to the main contact portion 422, the support contact portion 442, and the insertion end portion 410 of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 17, the contact step 444A of this modification is located at the boundary between the insertion end 410 and the support contact portion 442. The contact step 444A is located above the insertion end 410 in the up-down direction. The support contact portion 442 is located above the contact step 444A in the up-down direction. The contact step 444A is a dowel 444A protruding in the width direction. That is, in the plug terminal 400A of this modification, the contact step 444A is formed by providing the dowel 444A. In other words, each of the plug terminals 400A has a dowel 444A that constitutes the contact step 444A. As a result, in the connector assembly of this modification, similarly to the connector assembly 10 of the above-described embodiment, when plug connector 100A having plug terminals 400A with a small size in the pitch direction is mated with a receptacle connector, even if plug terminals 400A are misaligned in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminals (not shown), the support contacts (not shown) of the receptacle terminals can reliably overcome contact step 444A of the corresponding plug terminals 400A, so that the user can reliably obtain a clicking sensation. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and contact step 444A may be a protrusion protruding in the width direction.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 17, the additional contact step 424A of this modification is located at the boundary between the insertion end 410 and the main contact portion 422. The additional contact step 424A is located above the insertion end 410 in the vertical direction. The main contact portion 422 is located above the additional contact step 424A in the vertical direction. The additional contact step 424A is a dowel 424A protruding in the width direction. That is, in the plug terminal 400A of this modification, the additional contact step 424A is formed by providing the dowel 424A. In other words, each of the plug terminals 400A has another dowel 424A that constitutes the additional contact step 424A. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the additional contact step 424A may be a protrusion protruding in the width direction.

[0071] (Second Modification) 18, a connector assembly (not shown) according to a second modified example includes a plug connector 100B and a receptacle connector (not shown). The receptacle connector of this modified example is similar to receptacle connector 800 of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] 18, the plug connector 100B of this modification includes a plug insulator 200B and a plug terminal 400B. The plug insulator 200B of this modification is similar to the plug insulator 200 of the above-described embodiment except that it does not have the hole 224, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] 18, each of the plug terminals 400B of this modification has a main contact portion 422B, a support contact portion 442B, an insertion end portion 410, a contact step 444B, and an additional contact step 424B. The insertion end portion 410 of this modification is similar to the insertion end portion 410 of the above-described embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] 18, the main contact portions 422B of this modification intersect with the width direction. More specifically, the main contact portions 422B are perpendicular to the width direction. The main contact portions 422B of one plug terminal 400B in the two rows and the main contact portions 422B of the corresponding plug terminal 400B in the remaining one of the two rows are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals 400B adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the orientation of one main contact portion 422B of the plug terminal 400B in the width direction is opposite to the orientation of the remaining main contact portion 422B of the plug terminal 400B in the width direction.

[0075] With reference to FIG. 18, the support contact portion 442B of this modified example intersects with the width direction. More specifically, the support contact portion 442B is perpendicular to the width direction. For each of the plug terminals 400B, the main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. For each of the plug terminals 400B, a part of the insertion end portion 410 is greater than the minimum distance between the main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B in the width direction. The support contact portion 442B of one of the plug terminals 400B in the two rows and the support contact portion 442B of the corresponding plug terminal 400B in the remaining one of the two rows are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. For two plug terminals 400B adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the orientation of one of the support contact portions 442B of the plug terminal 400B in the width direction is opposite to the orientation of the remaining support contact portion 442B of the plug terminal 400B in the width direction.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 18, each main contact portion 422B of the plug terminal 400B is flush with the support contact portion 442B of the adjacent plug terminal 400B. More specifically, in two plug terminals 400B adjacent in the pitch direction, one main contact portion 422B of the plug terminal 400B is flush with the remaining support contact portion 442B of the plug terminal 400B, and the support contact portion 442B of the plug terminal 400B is flush with the remaining main contact portion 422B of the plug terminal 400B. As a result, as in the connector assembly 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment, in the mold used when insert-molding the plug connector 100B of the connector assembly of this modification, the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B can be a simple flat surface, so that the shape of the mold can be simplified. That is, the manufacturing cost can be reduced in the connector assembly of this modification.

[0077] 18, each of the main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B of this modification is formed by coining. That is, in each of the plug terminals 400B, both the main contact portion 422B and the support contact portion 442B are thinner than the insertion end portion 410.

[0078] 18, the contact step 444B of this modification is formed in association with the formation of the support contact portion 442B by coining. The contact step 444B is located at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the support contact portion 442B. The contact step 444B is located above the insertion end portion 410 in the up-down direction. The support contact portion 442B is located above the contact step 444B in the up-down direction. The contact step 444B extends over the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal 400B. As a result, similarly to the connector assembly 10 of the above-described embodiment, in the connector assembly of this modified example, when plug connector 100B having plug terminals 400B with a small pitch size is mated with a receptacle connector, even if plug terminals 400B are misaligned in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminals (not shown), the support contacts (not shown) of the receptacle terminals can reliably overcome contact step 444B of the corresponding plug terminals 400B, ensuring that the user can obtain a clicking sensation.

[0079] 18, the additional contact step 424B of this modification is formed in association with the formation of the main contact portion 422B by coining. The additional contact step 424B is located at the boundary between the insertion end portion 410 and the main contact portion 422B. The additional contact step 424B is located above the insertion end portion 410 in the up-down direction. The main contact portion 422B is located above the additional contact step 424B in the up-down direction. The additional contact step 424B extends over the entire pitch direction of the plug terminal 400B.

[0080] (Third Modification) 19, a connector assembly (not shown) according to a third modified example includes a plug connector 100C and a receptacle connector (not shown). The receptacle connector of this modified example is similar to receptacle connector 800 of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] 19, a plug connector 100C of this modification includes a plug insulator 200C and a plug terminal 400C. The plug insulator 200C of this modification is similar to the plug insulator 200 of the above-described embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] 19, each of the plug terminals 400C of this modification has a main contact portion 422C, a support contact portion 442C, an insertion end portion 410, a contact step 444C, and an additional contact step 424C. The insertion end portion 410 of this modification is similar to the insertion end portion 410 of the above-described embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] 19, in each of the plug terminals 400C of this modification, a recess 426 is formed in the main contact portion 422C. That is, the plug terminals 400C of this modification have a main contact portion 422C that is partially recessed.

[0084] 19, the recesses 426 of this modification are formed by coining. The recesses 426 are recessed in a direction approaching the support contact portion 442C in the width direction. The recesses 426 of one plug terminal 400C in the two rows and the recesses 426 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C in the remaining one of the two rows are recessed in the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals 400C adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the recessed direction in the width direction of one of the recesses 426 of the plug terminal 400C is opposite to the recessed direction in the width direction of the remaining recess 426 of the plug terminal 400C.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 19, the primary contact portion 422C has an outermost major surface 427 adjacent the recess 426.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 19, the outermost main surface 427 of this modified example surrounds the corresponding recess 426. The outermost main surface 427 intersects with the width direction. More specifically, the outermost main surface 427 is perpendicular to the width direction. The outermost main surface 427 of one of the two rows of plug terminals 400C and the outermost main surface 427 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C of the remaining one of the two rows are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals 400C adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the orientation of one of the outermost main surfaces 427 of the plug terminal 400C in the width direction is opposite to the orientation of the remaining outermost main surface 427 of the plug terminal 400C in the width direction.

[0087] 19, in each of the plug terminals 400C of this modification, another recess 446 is formed in the support contact portion 442C. That is, the plug terminals 400C of this modification have a support contact portion 442C that is partially recessed.

[0088] 19, the recesses 446 of this modification are formed by coining. The recesses 446 are recessed in a direction approaching the main contact portion 422C in the width direction. The recesses 446 of one plug terminal 400C in the two rows and the recesses 446 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C in the remaining one of the two rows are recessed in the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals 400C adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the direction in which the recesses 446 of one plug terminal 400C are recessed in the width direction is opposite to the direction in which the recesses 446 of the remaining plug terminal 400C are recessed in the width direction.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 19, the support contact portion 442C has an outermost support surface 447 adjacent the recess 446.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 19, the outermost support surface 447 of this modified example surrounds the corresponding recess 446. The outermost support surface 447 intersects with the width direction. More specifically, the outermost support surface 447 is perpendicular to the width direction. The outermost support surface 447 of one of the two rows of plug terminals 400C and the outermost support surface 447 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C of the remaining one of the two rows are oriented in the same direction in the width direction. In two plug terminals 400C adjacent to each other in the pitch direction, the orientation of the outermost support surface 447 of one of the plug terminals 400C in the width direction is opposite to the orientation of the outermost support surface 447 of the remaining one of the plug terminals 400C in the width direction.

[0091] 19, the outermost main surface 427 of each plug terminal 400C is flush with the outermost support surface 447 of the adjacent plug terminal 400C. More specifically, in two plug terminals 400C adjacent in the pitch direction, one outermost main surface 427 of the plug terminal 400C is flush with the remaining outermost support surface 447 of the plug terminal 400C, and the one outermost support surface 447 of the plug terminal 400C is flush with the remaining outermost main surface 427 of the plug terminal 400C. That is, each main contact portion 422C of the plug terminal 400C is flush with the support contact portion 442C of the adjacent plug terminal 400C. As a result, in the same manner as in the connector assembly 10 of the above-described embodiment, in the mold used for insert molding the plug connector 100C of the connector assembly of this modification, the surface that simultaneously presses the main contact portion 422C and the support contact portion 442C can be made a simple flat surface, so that the shape of the mold can be simplified. In other words, the manufacturing cost can be reduced in the connector assembly of this modification as well.

[0092] 19, the contact step 444C of this modified example is formed in conjunction with the coining of the recess 446. The contact step 444C is formed at the boundary between the insertion end 410 and the recess 446 of the support contact portion 442C.

[0093] 19, the additional contact step 424C of this modified example is formed in conjunction with the coining of the recess 426. The additional contact step 424C is formed at the boundary between the insertion end 410 and the recess 426 of the main contact portion 422C.

[0094] In the connector assembly of this modification, as the size of plug terminal 400C in the pitch direction decreases, the size of recess 446 in the pitch direction also decreases, and therefore the size of contact step 444C in the pitch direction also decreases. Therefore, when plug terminal 400C of this modification is mated with a receptacle connector, if plug terminal 400C is misaligned in the pitch direction with respect to the corresponding receptacle terminal (not shown), there is a possibility that the support contact (not shown) of the receptacle terminal will not fit into recess 446 of the corresponding plug terminal 400C. That is, in this case, there is a concern that the support contact of the receptacle terminal will not overcome contact step 444C and a clicking sensation will not be generated.

[0095] On the other hand, the above-mentioned concern does not arise in the connector assembly 10 including the plug terminals 400, 400A, 400B having the contact steps 444, 444A, 444B of the above-mentioned embodiment and the first and second modified examples. That is, in the connector assembly 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment and the first and second modified examples, when the plug connectors 100, 100A, 100B including the plug terminals 400, 400A, 400B having a small size in the pitch direction are fitted to the receptacle connector 800, even if the plug terminals 400, 400A, 400B are shifted in the pitch direction relative to the corresponding receptacle terminals 820, the support contacts 824 of the receptacle terminals 820 can reliably overcome the contact steps 444, 444A, 444B of the corresponding plug terminals 400, 400A, 400B, so that the user can reliably obtain a clicking sensation. Therefore, the connector assemblies 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment and the first and second modified examples are more preferable.

[0096] Although the present invention has been specifically described above with reference to the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10 Connector assembly 100 Plug Connector 200, 200A, 200B, 200C Plug insulator 220 Long wall section 222 Interposition part 2222 1st page 2224 2nd page 224 holes 230 Short wall section 240 holes 250 Island-shaped part storage section 252 Top surface 400, 400A, 400B, 400C plug terminal 410 Insertion end 422,422B,422C Main contact part 424 Additional contact step (bend) 424A Additional contact step (dowel) 424B, 424C Additional contact step 426 Recess 427 Re-outer principal surface 442, 442B, 442C Support contact part 444 Contact step (bend) 444A Contact step (dowel) 444B, 444C Contact gap 446 Recess 447 Outer support surface 470 Mounting section 800 Receptacle Connector 810 Receptacle insulator 811 Encirclement 812 Wall storage section 8122 Bottom surface 814 Island 820 Receptacle Terminal 822 Holding part 823 Connection 824 Support Contacts 825 Mounting section 826 Elastic part 827 Rock Club 828 Main contact 829 Auxiliary locking part Dm minimum distance

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector that are matable with each other, The receptacle connector includes a receptacle insulator and a row of receptacle terminals held by the receptacle insulator, The receptacle terminals are staggered, Each of the receptacle terminals has a main contact, a support contact, and an elastic portion connecting the main contact and the support contact, For each of the receptacle terminals, the main contact and the support contact are spaced apart from each other in a width direction; The plug connector includes a plug insulator and a row of plug terminals held by the plug insulator, The plug terminals are arranged in a staggered manner, Each of the plug terminals has a main contact portion, a support contact portion, an insertion end portion, a contact step, and an additional contact step; For each of the plug terminals, the main contact portion and the support contact portion are spaced apart from each other in a width direction, For each of the plug terminals, a portion of the insertion end is greater in the width direction than a minimum distance between the main contact portion and the support contact portion; the contact step is located at the interface between the insertion end and the support contact portion; the additional contact step is located at the interface between the insertion end and the main contact portion; The receptacle terminals correspond to the plug terminals, when the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector, the insertion end of each of the plug terminals is inserted between the main contact and the support contact of the corresponding receptacle terminal; When the plug connector and the receptacle connector are in a mated state, the main contacts are in contact with the main contact portions, while the support contacts are in contact with the support contact portions; The main contact portion of each of the plug terminals is flush with the support contact portion of the adjacent plug terminal. Connector assembly.

2. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, Each of the plug terminals has a bent portion as the contact step and another bent portion as the additional contact step. Connector assembly.

3. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, Each of the plug terminals has a prong that constitutes the contact step and another prong that constitutes the additional contact step. Connector assembly.

4. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, In each of the plug terminals, both the main contact portion and the support contact portion are thinner than the insertion end portion. Connector assembly.

5. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, In each of the plug terminals, the main contact portion has a recess formed therein, while the support contact portion has another recess formed therein; The additional contact step is formed at the interface between the insertion end and the recess of the main contact part, while the contact step is formed at the interface between the insertion end and the recess of the support contact part. Connector assembly.

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