Connectors and connection modules

Abstract

To obtain connectors and connection modules that can further improve connection reliability. [Solution] The connector 1 comprises a housing 10 and a plurality of terminals 13 held in the housing 10. The plurality of terminals 13 are held in the housing 10 in a state in which they have at least one row of terminals 13B that are aligned in a first direction. The plurality of terminals 13 have contact portions 141a, 151a and a main body portion 141, 151 that extends in a second direction which intersects the first direction, a leg portion 142, 152 that extends from one end of the main body portion 141, 151 in the second direction in one of the first direction and a third direction which intersects the second direction, a curved portion 143, 153 that is connected to one end of the leg portion 142, 152 in the third direction so as to curve in the first direction, and a mounting portion 144, 154 that is connected to the curved portion 143, 153 and connected to the member to be connected 1A.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connection module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a connector including a housing and a plurality of terminals held by the housing is known. In this Patent Document 1, each of the plurality of terminals includes a main body portion housed in the housing, a leg portion extending from the main body portion and protruding outward from the housing, and a mounting portion connected to the leg portion. Then, by electrically connecting (mounting) the mounting portion of the terminal to a conductor portion formed on a connection member such as a cable, a connection module in which the connector is mounted on the connection member is formed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When forming such a connection module, it is preferable to be able to further improve the connection reliability between the connector and the connection member.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a connector and a connection module capable of further improving connection reliability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing and a plurality of terminals held in the housing, wherein the plurality of terminals are held in the housing having at least one row of terminals arranged in a first direction, and the plurality of terminals comprises a main body having a contact portion and extending in a second direction which intersects the first direction, a leg portion extending from one end of the main body in the second direction in one of the first direction and a third direction which intersects the second direction, a curved portion connected to one end of the leg portion in the third direction so as to curve in the first direction, and a mounting portion connected to the curved portion and connected to a member to be connected.

[0007] A connection module according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a connector and a member to be connected to the connector, wherein the member to be connected is a sheet-like cable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to obtain connectors and connection modules that can further improve connection reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of a connector device, and is a perspective view showing the plug connector mounted on the cable and the receptacle connector mounted on the connected component in an exploded view. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the plug terminal and receptacle terminal of a connector device, where (a) is a perspective view showing the state before the first plug terminal and the first receptacle terminal make contact, and (b) is a plan view showing the state of contact between the first plug terminal and the first receptacle terminal. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the plug terminal and receptacle terminal of a connector device, where (a) is a perspective view showing the state before the second plug terminal and the second receptacle terminal make contact, and (b) is a plan view showing the state of contact between the second plug terminal and the second receptacle terminal. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view showing the plug connector of the connector device before it is mounted onto the cable. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates how a plug connector from a connector device is mounted onto a cable. (a) is a perspective view of the device before mounting, seen from the back, and (b) is a perspective view of the device after mounting, also seen from the back. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing the plug connector of the connector device mounted on a cable. [Figure 7] This is a rear view showing the plug connector of the connector device mounted on the cable. [Figure 8] This is a rear view showing the plug connector of the connector device. [Figure 9] This is a rear view showing the plug connectors provided by the connector device. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a disassembled plug connector of a connector device. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the plug housing of a plug connector, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the plug housing of a plug connector, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side cross-sectional view. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the first plug terminal of a plug connector, where (a) is a perspective view from the front and (b) is a perspective view from the rear. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the first plug terminal of a plug connector, where (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a rear view. [Figure 15] This diagram shows the first plug terminal of a plug connector, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the second plug terminal of a plug connector, where (a) is a perspective view from the front and (b) is a perspective view from the rear. [Figure 17]A diagram showing the second plug terminal of a plug connector, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a rear view. [Figure 18] A diagram showing the second plug terminal of a plug connector, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 19] A rear view showing the receptacle connector of a connector device. [Figure 20] A perspective view showing the receptacle connector of a connector device disassembled. [Figure 21] A diagram showing the receptacle housing of a receptacle connector, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 22] A diagram showing the receptacle housing of a receptacle connector, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side cross-sectional view. [Figure 23] A diagram showing the first receptacle terminal of a receptacle connector, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view. [Figure 24] A diagram showing the second receptacle terminal of a receptacle connector, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view. [Figure 25] A diagram showing the laser welding trace formed when the plug terminal of a plug connector is laser welded to the conductor of a cable. [Figure 26] A diagram showing an example of a method for inspecting the connection state between the plug terminal of a plug connector and the conductor of a cable. [Figure 27] A diagram showing an enlarged view of the state where a cable is received on the receiving surface formed on the plug housing of a plug connector, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 28] A perspective view showing a modified example of the plug connector of a connector device. [Figure 29]This figure shows a modified example of a plug connector provided in a connector device, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 30] This figure shows a modified plug connector with a second plug terminal, where (a) is a perspective view from the front and (b) is a perspective view from the rear. [Figure 31] This figure shows a modified plug connector with a second plug terminal, where (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a rear view. [Figure 32] This figure shows a modified plug connector with a second plug terminal, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 33] This figure shows a modified example of a second plug terminal in a modified plug connector, where (a) is a perspective view from the front and (b) is a perspective view from the rear. [Figure 34] This figure shows a modified example of a second plug terminal in a modified plug connector, where (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a rear view. [Figure 35] This figure shows a modified example of a second plug terminal in a modified plug connector, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 36] This is a perspective view showing a modified example of a receptacle connector provided by a connector device, mounted on a component to be connected. [Figure 37] This is a front view showing a modified example of a receptacle connector provided in a connector device. [Figure 38] This is a rear view showing a modified example of a receptacle connector provided in a connector device. [Figure 39] This figure shows a first receptacle terminal of a modified receptacle connector, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view. [Figure 40]This figure shows a modified example of a receptacle connector, where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0011] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] In the following, a plug connector 1 mounted on a flexible sheet-like cable (connected component) 1A is given as an example of a connector. A receptacle connector 2 mounted on a mating connected component (circuit board, cable, etc.) 2A is given as an example of a mating connector to which the plug connector 1 fits.

[0013] Furthermore, as an example of a connector, a receptacle connector 2 mounted on a flexible sheet-like cable (connected member) 2A is provided.

[0014] Furthermore, each component of the connector device (connector set) C1 will be described with respect to the vertical, front-to-back, and left-to-right (width) directions, assuming that the plug housing 10 is positioned above the sheet-like cable (connected component) 1A. These vertical, front-to-back, and left-to-right directions are merely defined for convenience in describing each component and do not define the actual arrangement of the connector device (connector set) C1. Moreover, in this embodiment, when mating connectors together, the side facing the other connector is defined as the front in the front-to-back direction.

[0015] In this embodiment, the left-right direction (width direction) corresponds to the first direction, the front-back direction corresponds to the second direction, and the up-down direction corresponds to the third direction.

[0016] Therefore, with respect to the plug connector, the direction in which the plug terminals housed in the plug housing are arranged coincides with the left-right direction (first direction), and the direction in which the plug terminals are inserted into the plug housing coincides with the front-back direction (second direction). Furthermore, when mounted on the connected member, the direction perpendicular to the plane including the mounting surface (the normal direction of the plane including the mounting surface) coincides with the up-down direction (third direction) of the plug connector.

[0017] On the other hand, in the case of a receptacle connector, the direction in which the receptacle terminals housed in the receptacle housing are arranged coincides with the left-right direction (first direction), and the direction in which the terminals are inserted into the receptacle housing coincides with the front-back direction (second direction). In this embodiment, this front-back direction is the direction perpendicular to the plane including the mounting surface when mounted on the connected member (the normal direction of the plane including the mounting surface). The direction that intersects the left-right direction (first direction) and the front-back direction (second direction) is the up-down direction. Thus, the receptacle connector described below is a so-called vertical type receptacle connector in which the receptacle terminals are mounted on the mating member at the rear end of the receptacle housing in the front-back direction.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction extending along the Z-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is the vertical direction, the direction extending along the X-axis is the front-to-back direction, and the direction extending along the Y-axis is the left-to-right direction. That is, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (the direction extending along the Z-axis) is the front-to-back direction (the direction extending along the X-axis), and the direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction (the direction extending along the Z-axis) and the front-to-back direction (the direction extending along the X-axis) is the left-to-right direction (the direction extending along the Y-axis).

[0019] Note that the various types of connectors shown below contain similar components. Therefore, in the following, these similar components will be assigned a common code, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0020] [Example of connector device configuration] The plug connector (connector) 1 according to this embodiment is used in a connector device (connector set) C1 shown in Figure 1, etc.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the connector device C1 includes the plug connector 1 described above and a receptacle connector 2 into which the plug connector 1 is mated.

[0022] In this embodiment, the plug connector 1 is equipped with plug terminals 13 and is formed to be mountable on a cable (connected member) 1A such as an FPC or FFC. Specifically, the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A by electrically connecting (mounting) the first and second mounting pieces (mounting parts: connection parts) 144 and 154 of the first and second plug terminals (first and second terminals) 14 and 15 of the plug terminals 13 to the exposed conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A. By mounting the plug connector 1 on the cable 1A in this way, the plug-side connection module M1 is formed.

[0023] On the other hand, the receptacle connector 2 is equipped with a receptacle terminal (the mating terminal) 23 and is formed to be mountable on the mating component to be connected (circuit board, cable, etc.) 2A. Specifically, the receptacle connector 2 is mounted on the connected component 2A by electrically connecting (mounting) the first and second mounting pieces (the mating mounting part: the mating connection part) 244, 254 of the first and second receptacle terminals 24, 25 of the receptacle terminal 23 to the conductor part 2bA of the connected component 2A. In this way, the receptacle connector 2 is mounted on the connected component 2A, thereby forming the receptacle-side connection module M2.

[0024] The plug connector 1, which holds the first and second plug terminals 14 and 15 in the plug housing 10 and mounts the first and second mounting pieces 144 and 154 on the cable 1A, is then fitted into the receptacle connector (the other connector) 2 of the receptacle-side connection module M2. In this way, the first and second plug terminals 14 and 15 are electrically connected to the first and second receptacle terminals 24 and 25 of the receptacle connector 2 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0025] In this manner, the connector device C1 electrically connects the cable 1A and the connected member 2A by fitting the plug connector 1 into the receptacle connector 2 and electrically connecting the plug terminal 13 and the receptacle terminal 23.

[0026] [Example configuration for cable 1A] Next, an example of the configuration of cable 1A on which plug connector 1 is mounted will be explained based on Figures 4 to 7.

[0027] Cable 1A is a sheet-like (flat) shape with a front surface (front: one side) 1aA and a back surface (rear: other side) 1bA, with the front surface 1aA being the mounting surface on which the plug connector 1 is mounted. Furthermore, cable 1A is flexible and can be bent (curved) in the direction of the cable thickness.

[0028] This cable 1A includes a connecting region 11A used for connecting to a plug connector 1, and an extended region 12A in which the conductor portion 15bA extends for wiring to other circuits.

[0029] In this embodiment, the cable 1A is formed such that the connecting region 11A is located on one end of the extension region 12A. When the plug connector 1, to which the connecting region 11A is connected, is fitted into the receptacle connector 2, the extension region 12A is located on the outside of the receptacle connector 2.

[0030] Furthermore, the cable 1A has a multilayer structure and comprises a base material 15aA, a conductor portion 15bA laminated on the base material 15aA, and a covering portion 15cA laminated on the base material 15aA so as to cover the conductor portion 15bA. The base material 15aA and the covering portion 15cA consist of an 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 that constitutes the covering portion 15cA, and consists of multiple wiring patterns corresponding to the multiple plug terminals 13 (first plug terminal 14 and second plug terminal 15) which will be described later.

[0031] Furthermore, by forming multiple through holes 11bA in the area where the conductor portion 15bA is formed in the connecting region 11A, multiple exposed conductor portions 151bA, which are exposed conductor portions 15bA from the base material 15aA and the covering portion 15cA, are formed. The multiple exposed conductor portions 151bA are formed in two rows in the front-to-back direction, and the exposed conductor portions 151bA in each row are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the left-to-right direction (extension direction of the Y axis). Moreover, in this embodiment, the multiple exposed conductor portions 151bA are formed in a staggered pattern when viewed in plan (viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA).

[0032] Such a structure can be formed, for example, by printing multiple conductive films on a base material 15aA to form a conductive portion 15bA, and then covering this conductive portion 15bA with a covering portion 15cA. In this case, if through holes 11bA are provided in the connecting region 11A so that the tips of the conductive portions 15bA are not covered, a cable 1A is formed in which the tips of the conductive portions 15bA are exposed in the vertical direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the method for forming cable 1A is not limited to the method described above, and it can be formed in various ways.

[0034] Furthermore, a fixing portion 15dA is formed on the upper surface of the connecting region 11A to which a retaining fitting 16 of the plug connector 1, described later, is fixed. In this embodiment, a pair of fixing portions 15dA are formed outside in the left-right direction (extending direction of the Y-axis) and in the front-rear direction (extending direction of the X-axis) of a plurality of conductor exposed portions 151bA arranged in the left-right direction (extending direction of the Y-axis). These fixing portions 15dA can be formed, for example, in the printing process of the conductor portion 15bA in the same way as the conductor portion 15bA. Furthermore, a reinforcing fixing portion 15eA is formed on the upper surface of the connecting region 11A to which an extension portion 1132 of the plug connector 1, described later, is fixed. In this embodiment, a pair of reinforcing fixing portions 15eA are formed outside in the left-right direction (extending direction of the Y-axis) and in the front-rear direction (extending direction of the X-axis) of a plurality of conductor exposed portions 151bA arranged in the left-right direction (extending direction of the Y-axis) and in the rear-rear direction (extending direction of the X-axis) of the fixing portion 15dA. This reinforcing fixing portion 15eA can also be formed, for example, in the printing process of the conductor portion 15bA, in the same way as the conductor portion 15bA.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting region 11A of the cable 1A has a notch 11aA that is elongated in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis) and opens forward.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cable 1A is equipped with a reinforcing plate (connecting plate) 14A. This reinforcing plate 14A is formed using glass epoxy resin, stainless steel, or the like, and reinforces the connecting region 11A of the cable 1A by sandwiching it between the plug connector 1 and the connecting region 11A of the cable 1A.

[0037] In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 14A has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the connection region 11A of the cable 1A. That is, the contour shape of the reinforcing plate 14A in plan view (viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA) is substantially the same as the contour shape of the connection region 11A. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 14A has a notch 14aA that is elongated in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis) and opens forward, and multiple through holes 14bA are formed in the parts corresponding to the multiple through holes 11bA. This reinforcing plate 14A is attached to the back side of the connection region 11A with an adhesive or the like.

[0038] In this case, it is preferable that, in a plan view (viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA), the entire exposed conductor portion 151bA overlaps with the region enclosed by the contour line of the reinforcing plate 14A. In this way, the entire region in which the exposed conductor portion 151bA is formed is supported by the reinforcing plate 14A, thereby preventing the exposed conductor portion 151bA from bending in the vertical direction (extending direction of the Z axis) or bending in the horizontal direction (extending direction of the Y axis).

[0039] [Example configuration of plug connector 1] Next, an example of the configuration of plug connector 1 will be explained based on Figures 8 to 18.

[0040] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the plug connector (connector) 1 comprises a plug housing (housing) 10 and a plug terminal (terminal) 13 held by the plug housing 10. The plug connector (connector) 1 also includes a retaining clip 16 held by the plug housing 10.

[0041] The plug terminals 13, held in the plug housing 10, are mounted on the exposed conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A, which is located outside the plug housing 10. In this way, the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, which is the component to be connected. In this embodiment, the plug terminals 13 are mounted on the exposed conductor portion 151bA by laser welding. The retaining bracket 16, while held in the plug housing 10, is fixed to the fixing portion 15dA of the cable 1A by soldering or the like, thereby fixing the plug housing 10 to the cable 1A.

[0042] The plug housing 10 can be formed, for example, using an insulating resin material, and this plug housing 10 comprises a rigid housing body 11.

[0043] Furthermore, the housing body 11 has a locking portion 12 that holds the plug housing 10 and the receptacle housing 20 of the receptacle connector 2 in a mated state, or releases the mated state. In other words, when the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 are mated together, the housing body 11 has a locking portion 12 that can restrict the relative movement of the plug connector 1 in the front-rear direction relative to the receptacle connector 2.

[0044] Thus, in this embodiment, the plug housing 10 comprises a housing body 11 and a locking portion 12 formed on the housing body 11. Therefore, the plug connector 1 comprises a plug housing 10 having a housing body 11 and a locking portion 12 formed on the housing body 11.

[0045] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the housing body 11 comprises a top wall 111, a bottom wall 112, a pair of side walls 113 connecting the left and right ends (extension direction of the Y axis) of the top wall 111 and the bottom wall 112, respectively, and a front wall 114 connected to the front ends of the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112, and the side walls 113, 113.

[0046] In this embodiment, a pair of outer guide protrusions 1112 are formed at both the left and right ends of the top wall 111, extending in the front-to-back direction and projecting upward. These outer guide protrusions 1112 are inserted into the outer guide grooves 211b of the receptacle housing 20, which will be described later.

[0047] Furthermore, the housing body 11 is connected to a pair of side walls 113 and a front wall 114, and includes a partition wall 115 that divides the space defined by the top wall 111, bottom wall 112, side walls 113, 113, and front wall 114 vertically.

[0048] Furthermore, the housing body 11 is equipped with multiple upper partition walls 116 connected to the top wall 111, partition wall 115, and front wall 114, and these upper partition walls 116 divide the upper space partitioned by the partition wall 115 into multiple spaces. In addition, the housing body 11 is equipped with multiple lower partition walls 117 connected to the bottom wall 112, partition wall 115, and front wall 114, and these lower partition walls 117 divide the lower space partitioned by the partition wall 115 into multiple spaces.

[0049] A locking portion 12 is formed in the center of the upper part of the housing body 11 in the left-right direction. Specifically, a recess 11a is formed on the left-right inner side of the top wall 111, defined by a pair of upper partition walls 116 and a partition wall 115. The locking portion 12 is formed in this recess 11a formed in the center of the housing body 11 in the left-right direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, this recess 11a is the locking area in which the locking portion 12 is formed.

[0050] The locking portion 12 includes a lever portion 121 that is connected to the upper end of the central part in the left-right direction of the front wall 114 and extends to the rear. The rear side of this lever portion 121 is designed to move relative to the partition wall 115 (housing body 11) in the vertical direction. An operating portion 121a for operating the lever portion 121 is formed at the rear end of the lever portion 121, and an engaging projection 121b that engages with an engaging recess (engaging portion) 221a formed in the receptacle connector 2 is formed at the central part in the front-rear direction of the lever portion 121.

[0051] In this embodiment, when the plug housing 10 and the receptacle housing 20 of the receptacle connector 2 are fitted together, the engaging projection 121b engages with the engaging recess 221a, locking (maintaining the fitted state) the housings of each connector together. Then, by pressing down the operating part 121a of the lever part 121 and moving the lever part 121 downward, the engaging projection 121b also moves downward, releasing the engagement with the engaging recess 221a, and allowing the housings of each connector to be released from fitting together.

[0052] In this embodiment, insertion spaces S6 into which sliding members are inserted are formed on both the left and right sides of the lever portion 121 in the recess 11a, and the connector device C1 is configured to have a connector position assurance (CPA) function.

[0053] Furthermore, a deflection-allowing space S7 is formed below the lever portion 121 in the recess 11a (between the lever portion 121 and the partition wall 115), which allows the lever portion 121 to deflect downward (relative movement with respect to the housing body 11).

[0054] The insertion space S6 is divided into a space into which the lower arm portion of the slide member is inserted and a space into which the upper arm portion is inserted, by a protruding wall 116a formed on the upper partition wall 116 that defines the recess 11a, so as to protrude inward in the left-right direction (towards the recess 11a).

[0055] Furthermore, a restricting projection (slide restricting portion) 1114, which is roughly L-shaped in plan view, is formed at the rear of the top wall 111. This restricting projection 1114 prevents the sliding member from sliding from the initial position to the completed sliding position when the plug housing 10 has not yet been fully fitted into the receptacle housing 20.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front wall 114 has through holes 114a formed so as to communicate with multiple spaces partitioned by partition walls 115, upper partition walls 116, and lower partition walls 117. Thus, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 has multiple spaces that penetrate in the front-to-back direction. The plug terminals 13 (first plug terminal 14 and second plug terminal 15) are press-fitted (inserted) into these spaces that penetrate in the front-to-back direction.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 is configured such that multiple spaces arranged side by side in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis) are formed in two stages in the up-down direction (extension direction of the Z-axis). When the housing body 11 is viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction, the multiple spaces are formed in a staggered pattern. This reduces the size of the plug connector 1 in the left-right direction.

[0058] Specifically, on the upper side of the housing body 11, multiple spaces defined by the top wall 111, partition wall 115, and upper bulkhead wall 116 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis). The space formed on the upper side of the housing body 11 is the first space (upper space: internal space) S1 into which the first plug terminal 14 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0059] On the other hand, on the lower side of the housing body 11 (on the mounting surface 1aA side: closer to the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1), multiple spaces defined by the bottom wall 112, partition wall 115, and lower partition wall 117 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (extending direction of the Y axis). The space formed on the lower side of the housing body 11 (on the mounting surface 1aA side) becomes the second space (lower space: internal space) S2 into which the second plug terminal 15 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0060] In this embodiment, 12 spaces (second spaces S2) are arranged in the width direction on the lower side of the housing body 11. On the other hand, on the upper side of the housing body 11, 4 spaces (first spaces S1) are arranged in the width direction on one side of the locking part 12 (right side in the left-right direction), and 4 spaces (first spaces S1) are arranged in the width direction on the other side of the locking part 12 (left side in the left-right direction). In other words, 8 spaces (first spaces S1) are arranged in the width direction on the upper side of the housing body 11, flanking the locking part 12. This prevents the locking part 12 from protruding upward, and allows for a reduction in the height of the housing body 11.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the first plug terminals 14 are press-fitted into each of the eight spaces (first space S1) formed on the upper side of the housing body 11, thereby forming a first terminal row 14B that is arranged in a left-right direction (first direction: width direction) on the upper side of the plug housing (housing) 10. In addition, the second plug terminals 15 are press-fitted into each of the twelve spaces (second space S2) formed on the lower side of the housing body 11, thereby forming a second terminal row 15B that is arranged in a left-right direction (first direction: width direction) on the lower side of the plug housing (housing) 10. Thus, in this embodiment, when multiple plug terminals 13 are held in the plug housing 10, two rows of terminal rows 13B are formed: the first terminal row 14B formed by the multiple first plug terminals 14 and the second terminal row 15B formed by the multiple second plug terminals 15. In other words, the multiple plug terminals (terminals) 13 are held in the plug housing (housing) 10 in a state where there are two rows (at least one row) of terminal rows 13B arranged in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction).

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper partition wall 116 and the lower partition wall 117 are formed in positions offset from each other in the left-right direction. That is, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are formed so that a portion of them overlap in a plan view. In other words, when the plug terminals 13 (first plug terminal 14 and second plug terminal 15) are held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, the first space S1 and the second space S2 overlap when the plug housing 10 is viewed along the direction normal to the mounting surface 1aA (vertical direction).

[0063] The first plug terminal 14 is press-fitted (inserted) forward from the rear end opening of the first space S1, and this rear end opening of the first space S1 is the insertion port S1a. The front end opening of the first space S1 is smaller than the insertion port S1a to prevent the first plug terminal 14 from falling out. In other words, the forward movement of the first plug terminal 14, which is press-fitted (inserted) from the insertion port S1a, is restricted by the front wall 114. The front end opening of the first space S1 is an inlet S1b for introducing the contact portion 241a of the first receptacle terminal 24 of the receptacle connector 2, which will be described later, into the first space S1. The periphery of this inlet S1b is tapered to facilitate the introduction of the contact portion 241a of the first receptacle terminal 24.

[0064] Similarly, the second plug terminal 15 is press-fitted (inserted) forward from the rear end opening of the second space S2, and this rear end opening of the second space S2 is the insertion port S2a. The front end opening of the second space S2 is smaller than the insertion port S2a to prevent the second plug terminal 15 from falling out. In other words, the forward movement of the second plug terminal 15, which is press-fitted (inserted) from the insertion port S2a, is restricted by the front wall 114. The front end opening of the second space S2 also serves as an inlet S2b for introducing the contact portion 251a of the second receptacle terminal 25 of the receptacle connector 2, which will be described later, into the second space S2. The periphery of this inlet S2b is also tapered to facilitate the introduction of the contact portion 251a of the second receptacle terminal 25.

[0065] Furthermore, a groove 1115 opening to the rear and downward is formed at the lower part of the rear end of the top wall 111, communicating with the first space S1. In this embodiment, the groove 1115 is formed on both sides in the left-right direction of the first space S1, and the upper end of the side wall 146 of the first plug terminal 14, which will be described later, is inserted into the groove 1115. In this embodiment, the groove 1115 is formed such that the groove width (length in the left-right direction) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 146.

[0066] Similarly, a groove 115a opening to the rear and downward is formed at the lower part of the rear end of the partition wall 115, communicating with the second space S2. In this embodiment, the groove 115a is formed on both sides in the left-right direction of the second space S2, and the upper end of the side wall 156 of the second plug terminal 15, which will be described later, is inserted into the groove 115a. In this embodiment, the groove 115a is also formed such that its width (length in the left-right direction) is slightly wider than the thickness of the side wall 156.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the pair of side walls 113, 113 comprises a side wall body 1131 and an extension 1132 connected to the rear end of the side wall body 1131. The bottom wall 112 comprises a bottom wall body 1121 connected to the lower ends of the pair of side wall bodies 1131, 1131, and multiple grooves 1121a extending in the front-rear direction are formed in this bottom wall body 1121 so as to be aligned in the left-right direction.

[0068] In this embodiment, a groove 1121d is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121, extending vertically and opening into the second space S2. Specifically, the groove 1121d is formed to face, in the vertical direction, the right-side groove 115a, which is formed to communicate with one of the second spaces S2.

[0069] In other words, as shown in Figure 12(b), when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear in the front-to-back direction, the groove 115a and groove 1121d located on the right side are arranged to be aligned in a straight line in the vertical direction. The second leg portion 152 of the second plug terminal 15 is inserted into this groove 1121d when the press-fitting (insertion) is complete.

[0070] Furthermore, a recess 1121b is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121, which opens downward and to the rear and extends in the front-rear direction, and is connected to the groove 1121d. This recess 1121b accommodates the lower end of the second leg portion 152 of the second plug terminal 15 when it is in the press-fit (insertion) completed state.

[0071] In this embodiment, each of the pair of side wall bodies 1131, 1131 has an extension portion 1132, 1132 that extends to the rear, and the pair of extension portions 1132, 1132 are formed to face each other in the left-right direction. The area where the pair of extension portions 1132, 1132 face each other forms a recess 1133 into which the first and second legs 142, 152 of the first and second plug terminals 14, 15 are housed. That is, the first and second mounting pieces 144, 154 of the first and second plug terminals 14, 15 are mounted on the exposed conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A in front of the rear ends of the extension portions 1132, 1132. At this time, the connecting region 11A of the cable 1A is sandwiched between the extension portions 1132, 1132 and the reinforcing plate 14A.

[0072] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the adhesive between cable 1A and reinforcing plate 14A from breaking when cable 1A is swayed and moves away from reinforcing plate 14A.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first and second mounting pieces 144 and 154 of the first and second plug terminals 14 and 15 are positioned in front of the tips (rear ends) of the extensions 1132 and 1132. This prevents deformation of the first and second legs 142 and 152 and the first and second mounting pieces 144 and 154 of the first and second plug terminals 14 and 15 due to the bending of the cable 1A. In other words, the connection portion between the first and second plug terminals 14 and 15 and the cable 1A is protected from bending of the cable 1A.

[0074] Furthermore, the front ends of the pair of side walls 113, 113 each have retaining bracket mounting portions 1134, 1134, which hold the retaining bracket 16.

[0075] The retaining bracket mounting portion 1134 includes a recess 1134a that opens outward in the vertical and horizontal directions, and slits 1134b, 1134b connected to the inside of the recess 1134a in the horizontal direction, into which both ends of the main body portion 161 of the retaining bracket 16 are inserted in the front-rear direction. With the retaining bracket 16 held in place by the plug housing 10, the plug housing 10 is fixed to the cable 1A by fixing the fixing piece 162 connected to the lower end of the main body portion 161 to the fixing portion 15dA of the cable 1A.

[0076] Furthermore, a projection 1122 is formed on the lower side (back side) of the bottom wall body 1121 so as to protrude downward. By forming such a projection 1122 on the bottom wall body 1121, a recess 1123 is formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall body 1121, so that when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the connecting region 11A to which the reinforcing plate 14A is attached is accommodated in this recess 1123 (see Figures 5 and 11(b)). Thus, in this embodiment, the connecting region 11A to which the reinforcing plate 14A is attached becomes the connected portion 10A that is accommodated and held in the recess 1123. The projection 1122 is formed on the bottom wall body 1121 such that the amount of protrusion 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).

[0077] Thus, in this embodiment, the plug housing 10 is provided with a pair of walls (top wall 111 and bottom wall 112) facing each other in the housing thickness direction (vertical direction: direction extending along the Z axis), and has an upper surface 10a and a lower surface 10b located above and below in the vertical direction, respectively. A recess 1123 is formed in the bottom wall 112, which is one of the pair of walls (top wall 111 and bottom wall 112), to accommodate the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A (connected region 11A to which the reinforcing plate 14A is attached). In other words, the plug housing 10 has a receiving portion (recess 1123) for receiving the cable (connected member: mounted member) 1A in one of the walls (bottom wall 112) in the housing thickness direction (vertical direction). To put it another way, the plug housing 10 has a receiving recess (recess 1123) at the lower end of the plug connector 1 in which the cable (connected member) 1A is positioned.

[0078] Furthermore, with this configuration, when the plug housing 10 is fitted into the receptacle housing 20, the lower end of the projection 1122 slides against the inner surface of the receptacle housing 20. In other words, when the plug housing 10 is fitted into the receptacle housing 20, interference between the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A and the receptacle housing 20 is suppressed.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusions 1122 are formed only on the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 112, and no protrusions 1122 are formed on the inside of the bottom wall 112.

[0080] Specifically, the protrusion 1122 is composed only of a pair of elongated front protrusions 11221 formed in the left-right direction at the front ends of both sides of the bottom wall 112, a pair of elongated front central protrusions 11222 formed in the front-rear direction at the center front end of the bottom wall 112 in the left-right direction, and a pair of semi-cylindrical rear protrusions (first protrusions) 11223 formed at both rear ends of both sides of the bottom wall 112.

[0081] In this embodiment, the front projection 11221 and the rear projection 11223 are formed in the portion where the side wall 113 of the bottom wall 112 is connected. Specifically, the front projection 11221 is formed in front of the retaining bracket mounting portion 1134, along the front edge of the plug housing 10, and the rear projection 11223 is formed on the left-right outer side of the extension portion 1132, along the outer edge of the extension portion 1132.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A is such that a part of its contour line corresponds to the inner contour line of the projection 1122. Specifically, when the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A is housed in the recess 1123, the front end edges on both sides in the left-right direction where the notches 11aA and 14aA are not formed are formed to follow the inner (rear) contour line of the front projection 11221. In this way, the front projection 11221 suppresses forward displacement of the connected portion 10A. Also, in this embodiment, the rear projection 11223 suppresses displacement of the connected portion 10A on both sides in the left-right direction. Note that the connected portion 10A can have various shapes as long as it is housed in the recess 1123.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the plug housing 10, in which the first and second plug terminals 14 and 15 are held side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis), is viewed along the front-back direction (direction in which the X-axis extends), the projection 1122 is made so as not to overlap with the first and second mounting pieces 144 and 154 of the first and second plug terminals 14 and 15.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the extension portion 1132 is connected to the rear end of the side wall body 1131 such that its left-right end face is located further outward in the left-right direction than the left-right end face of the side wall body 1131. Therefore, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) is formed so that, in a plan view, the rear is wider than the front.

[0085] Furthermore, the narrow portion of the housing body 11 in front of the extended portion 1132 (the portion where the side wall body 1131 is formed) becomes the insertion portion 118 that is inserted into the fitting space S5 of the receptacle housing 20. In addition, the portion of the housing body 11 where the extended portion 1132 is formed (the wider portion) becomes the exposed portion 119 that is exposed from the receptacle housing 20 when the plug housing 10 is fitted into the receptacle housing 20.

[0086] Furthermore, at the rear end of the extended portion 1132, a hooking projection (hooking portion) 1132a is formed that protrudes outward in the left-right direction and extends in the vertical direction (the direction in which the Z axis extends: the thickness direction of the housing body 11).

[0087] Furthermore, by providing such a hooking projection 1132a on the exposed portion 119, the operator can hook their fingers onto the hooking projection 1132a when gripping the plug connector 1 by hand. This makes it easier to pull out the plug connector 1 that has been fitted into the receptacle connector 2. In this embodiment, the side surface (exposed surface 119a) of the extended portion 1132 is formed to be a substantially rectangular flat surface.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a hook projection 1132a that protrudes outward in the left-right direction is formed on the rear end side of the extended portion 1132 so as to extend in the vertical direction. As a result, even with a miniaturized connector device C1, the ability to pull the plug connector 1 out of the receptacle connector 2 can be improved.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the exposed portion 119 is equipped with a contact projection (contact portion) 1132b that can contact other adjacent plug housings 10 in the left-right direction (Y-axis) on the insertion portion 118 side (forward in the front-rear direction) rather than the hook projection 1132a. This improves the pull-out performance from the receptacle connector 2 while suppressing changes in the orientation of the plug housing 10 during transport by the parts feeder.

[0090] Next, the specific configuration of the plug terminals (terminals) will be explained based on Figures 13 to 18.

[0091] In this embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 comprises a main body portion inserted into a space formed in the plug housing 10, a leg portion extending from the main body portion toward the mounting surface 1aA of the cable (connected member) 1A when the plug terminal is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, and a mounting portion (connection portion) connected to the leg portion and mountable on the cable 1A. That is, the plug terminal 13 has a mounting portion that can be connected to the cable (connected member) 1A below the plug housing 10.

[0092] Specifically, the plug terminal 13 includes a first plug terminal 14 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a first space S1 formed on the upper side of the housing body 11 (the side away from the mounting surface 1aA). Furthermore, the plug terminal 13 includes a second plug terminal 15 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a second space S2 formed on the lower side of the housing body 11 (closer to the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1).

[0093] Thus, in this embodiment, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and there are multiple first plug terminals (first terminals) 14, and there are multiple second plug terminals (second terminals) 15 located below (on one side) in the vertical direction (third direction) relative to the row of first plug terminals 14 (first terminal row 14B), and arranged in a row in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction).

[0094] This allows the plug housing (housing) 10 to be made smaller in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) while also allowing more plug terminals (terminals) 13 to be held in the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0095] In this embodiment, the first plug terminals 14 are conductive and are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis) of the plug housing 10. As shown in Figures 13 to 15, these first plug terminals 14 are shaped by bending a single strip-shaped metal member in the thickness direction, and are roughly U-shaped when viewed along the insertion direction (front-back direction; extension direction of the X-axis) (see Figure 15). Such first plug terminals 14 can be formed, for example, by bending a strip-shaped metal member that has been punched out to a predetermined shape.

[0096] The first plug terminal 14 includes a first main body portion 141 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S1. Furthermore, the first plug terminal 14 includes a first leg portion 142 that extends from the first main body portion 141 toward the mounting surface 1aA when the first plug terminal 14 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A. The first plug terminal 14 also includes a first curved portion 143 connected to the lower end 1421 of the first leg portion 142. The first plug terminal 14 also includes a first mounting piece (mounting portion: connection portion) 144 that is connected to the first curved portion 143 and can be mounted on the cable 1A. This first mounting piece (mounting portion: connection portion) 144 is formed to protrude rearward from the rear end 11b of the housing body 11 when held by the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0097] The first main body 141 comprises a bottom wall 145 and side walls 146 connected to both ends of the bottom wall 145 in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis).

[0098] The bottom wall 145 comprises a bottom wall body 1451 to which the lower end of the side wall 146 is connected, and a contact protection portion 1452 connected to the front end of the bottom wall body 1451 and protruding forward. This contact protection portion 1452 prevents the contact portion 141a of the first plug terminal 14 from coming into contact with the housing body 11 when the first main body portion 141 is pressed into (inserted) the first space S1.

[0099] Furthermore, the bottom wall body 1451 and the contact protection portion 1452 are each formed with restricting pieces 1451a and 1452a that protrude outward from both ends in the left-right direction (the direction of extension of the Y-axis). These restricting pieces 1451a and 1452a prevent the first main body portion 141 from being pressed (inserted) into the first space S1 at an angle.

[0100] The side wall 146 comprises a side wall body 1461 whose lower end is connected to the bottom wall body 1451, and a contact piece 1462 which is elastically deformable and connected to the front end of the side wall body 1461 and contacts the contact portion of the receptacle connector.

[0101] A regulating projection 1461a is formed at the upper end of the side wall body 1461, and this regulating projection 1461a prevents the first main body 141 from floating up when the first main body 141 is pressed into (inserted) the first space S1.

[0102] Furthermore, the contact piece 1462 includes an inner bending piece 1462a connected to the front end of the side wall body 1461 so as to bend inward in the left-right direction, and an outer bending piece 1462b connected to the front end of the inner bending piece 1462a so as to bend outward in the left-right direction.

[0103] In this embodiment, the contact piece 1462 is connected to each of the pair of side wall bodies 1461, 1461 and is formed to be substantially symmetrical in plan view. That is, the pair of contact pieces 1462, 1462 comprises inner bent pieces 1462a, 1462a that are bent in a direction that brings them closer together as they move forward, and outer bent pieces 1462b, 1462b that are bent in a direction that moves them apart as they move forward.

[0104] Then, the pair of contact pieces 1462, 1462 are positioned to clamp the contact portion 241a of the receptacle connector 2 at the point where they are closest together (the connecting portion between the inner bent piece 1462a and the outer bent piece 1462b) (see Figure 2(b)). In this embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 1462, 1462 function as the contact portion 141a of the first plug terminal 14. The pair of outer bent pieces 1462b function as guides to allow the contact portion 141a of the receptacle connector 2 to be introduced more smoothly.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an extended wall 1463 projecting backward is attached to the rear end of one of the pair of side wall bodies 1461, 1461, so that the first main body portion 141 has a shape in which one side protrudes backward.

[0106] A press-fit projection 1463a is formed at the upper end of the extension wall 1463, and by engaging this press-fit projection 1463a with the housing body 11, the first main body portion 141 is press-fitted into the first space S1.

[0107] In this embodiment, the upper end of the side wall 146 of the first plug terminal 14 is inserted into a groove 1115 that guides the press-fitting (insertion) of the first plug terminal 14 into the first space S1. Therefore, even when the first plug terminal 14 is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S1 by pressing one side wall 146 that protrudes from the rear of the main body 141, displacement of the first plug terminal 14 is suppressed. As a result, the first plug terminal 14 can be press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S1 more smoothly and accurately.

[0108] The first leg portion 142 extends downward (towards cable 1A: connected member) from the rear end of the extension wall 1463 (one end 146a in the front-rear direction of the first main body portion 141).

[0109] Thus, in this embodiment, the first main body (main body) 141 comprises a bottom wall 145, a first side wall 1464 connected to the right side (one side) of the bottom wall 145 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and a second side wall 1465 connected to the left side (the other side) of the bottom wall 145 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), with the first side wall 1464 having an extension wall 1463 projecting to the rear. The first leg (leg) 142 is connected to the first side wall 1464 having the extension wall 1463.

[0110] This prevents the first plug terminal (terminal) 14 from shifting position when it is inserted into the plug housing (housing) 10, and allows the first plug terminal (terminal) 14 to be held in the plug housing (housing) 10 in a more stable position. This makes it possible to position multiple first plug terminals (terminals) 14 at predetermined positions on the cable (connected member) 1A with greater precision, thus enabling more reliable connection of multiple first plug terminals (terminals) 14 to the cable (connected member) 1A. Furthermore, by pressing the second side wall 1465, where the first leg portion 142 is not formed, the first main body portion 141 of the first plug terminal (terminal) 14 can be inserted into the plug housing (housing) 10 more easily.

[0111] In this embodiment, the first leg portion 142 extends in the thickness direction of the housing from the first main body portion 141, which is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S1. A first mounting piece 144 is attached to the lower end 1421 of the first leg portion 142 so as to protrude rearward. The flat lower end surface of the first mounting piece 144, which extends in a substantially horizontal direction, becomes the first opposing surface (opposing surface) 144a that faces the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0112] In this case, the first leg portion 142 is formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and its thickness direction is approximately the same as the thickness direction of the side wall body 1461. On the other hand, the first mounting piece 144 is formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and its thickness direction is approximately the same as the thickness direction of the housing.

[0113] Therefore, when the first main body portion 141 is inserted into the first space S1 and the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, the thickness direction of the first leg portion 142 is in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y axis). In other words, when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the thickness direction of the first leg portion 142 is in a direction that intersects the insertion direction of the first main body portion 141 into the first space S1 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0114] On the other hand, when the first main body 141 is inserted into the first space S1 and the first mounting piece (mounting part) 144 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, the thickness direction of the first mounting piece (mounting part) 144 is in the vertical direction (extension direction of the Z axis). That is, when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the thickness direction of the first mounting piece (mounting part) 144 is in the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0115] Furthermore, the second plug terminals 15 are also conductive and are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis) of the plug housing 10. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, these second plug terminals 15 are shaped by bending a single strip-shaped metal member in the thickness direction, and are roughly U-shaped when viewed along the insertion direction (front-back direction; extension direction of the X-axis) (see Figure 18). Such second plug terminals 15 can also be formed, for example, by bending a strip-shaped metal member that has been punched out to a predetermined shape.

[0116] Furthermore, the second plug terminal 15 includes a second main body portion 151 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S2. In addition, the second plug terminal 15 includes a second leg portion 152 that extends from the second main body portion 151 toward the mounting surface 1aA when the second plug terminal 15 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A. The second plug terminal 15 also includes a second curved portion 153 connected to the lower end 1521 of the second leg portion 152. The second plug terminal 15 also includes a second mounting piece (mounting portion: connection portion) 154 that is connected to the second curved portion 153 and can be mounted on the cable 1A. This second mounting piece (mounting portion: connection portion) 154 is also formed to protrude rearward from the rear end 11b of the housing body 11 when held by the plug housing (housing) 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the plug terminals 13 (first plug terminal 14, second plug terminal 15) are housed in the internal space (first space S1, second space S2) of the plug housing (housing) 10, with a portion of them exposed from the rear in the front-rear direction.

[0117] The second main body 151 comprises a bottom wall 155 and side walls 156 connected to both ends of the bottom wall 155 in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis).

[0118] The bottom wall 155 comprises a bottom wall body 1551 to which the lower end of the side wall 156 is connected, and a contact protection portion 1552 connected to the front end of the bottom wall body 1551 and protruding forward. This contact protection portion 1552 prevents the contact portion 151a of the second plug terminal 15 from coming into contact with the housing body 11 when the second main body 151 is pressed into (inserted) the second space S2.

[0119] Furthermore, the bottom wall body 1551 and the contact protection portion 1552 are each formed with restricting pieces 1551a and 1552a that protrude outward from both ends in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis). These restricting pieces 1551a and 1552a prevent the second main body portion 151 from being pressed (inserted) into the second space S2 at an angle.

[0120] The side wall 156 comprises a side wall body 1561 whose lower end is connected to the bottom wall body 1551, and a contact piece 1562 which is elastically deformable and connected to the front end of the side wall body 1561 and contacts the contact portion 251a of the receptacle connector 2.

[0121] A regulating projection 1561a is formed at the upper end of the side wall body 1561, and this regulating projection 1561a prevents the second main body 151 from floating up when it is pressed (inserted) into the second space S2.

[0122] Furthermore, the contact piece 1562 includes an inner bending piece 1562a connected to the front end of the side wall body 1561 so as to bend inward in the left-right direction, and an outer bending piece 1562b connected to the front end of the inner bending piece 1562a so as to bend outward in the left-right direction.

[0123] In this embodiment, the contact piece 1562 is connected to each of the pair of side wall bodies 1561, 1561 and is formed to be substantially symmetrical in plan view. That is, the pair of contact pieces 1562, 1562 comprises inner bent pieces 1562a, 1562a that are bent in a direction that brings them closer together as they move forward, and outer bent pieces 1562b, 1562b that are bent in a direction that moves them apart as they move forward.

[0124] Then, the pair of contact pieces 1562, 1562 are positioned to clamp the contact portion 251a of the receptacle connector 2 at the point where they are closest together (the connecting portion between the inner bent piece 1562a and the outer bent piece 1562b) (see Figure 3(b)). In this embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 1562, 1562 function as the contact portion 151a of the second plug terminal 15. The pair of outer bent pieces 1562b function as guides to allow the contact portion 251a of the receptacle connector 2 to be introduced more smoothly.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an extended wall 1563 projecting backward is attached to the rear end of one of the pair of side wall bodies 1561, 1561, and the second main body 151 has a shape in which one side protrudes backward.

[0126] A press-fit projection 1563a is formed at the upper end of the extension wall 1563, and by engaging this press-fit projection 1563a with the housing body 11, the second main body portion 151 is press-fitted into the second space S2.

[0127] In this embodiment, the upper end of the side wall 156 of the second plug terminal 15 is inserted into a groove 115a that guides the press-fitting (insertion) of the second plug terminal 15 into the second space S2. Therefore, even when the second plug terminal 15 is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S2 by pressing one side wall 156 that protrudes from the rear of the main body 151, displacement of the second plug terminal 15 is suppressed. As a result, the second plug terminal 15 can be press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S2 more smoothly and accurately.

[0128] The second leg portion 152 extends downward (towards cable 1A: connected member) from the rear end of the extension wall 1563 (one end 156a in the front-rear direction of the second main body portion 151).

[0129] Thus, in this embodiment, the second main body (main body) 151 comprises a bottom wall 155, a first side wall 1564 connected to the right side (one side) of the bottom wall 155 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and a second side wall 1565 connected to the left side (the other side) of the bottom wall 155 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), with the first side wall 1564 having an extension wall 1563 projecting to the rear. The second leg (leg) 152 is connected to the first side wall 1564 having the extension wall 1563.

[0130] This prevents the second plug terminal (terminal) 15 from shifting position when it is inserted into the plug housing (housing) 10, and allows the second plug terminal (terminal) 15 to be held in the plug housing (housing) 10 in a more stable position. This makes it possible to position multiple second plug terminals (terminals) 15 at predetermined positions on the cable (connected member) 1A with greater precision, thus enabling more reliable connection of multiple second plug terminals (terminals) 15 to the cable (connected member) 1A. Furthermore, by pressing the second side wall 1565 where the second leg portion 152 is not formed, the second main body portion 151 of the second plug terminal (terminal) 15 can be inserted into the plug housing (housing) 10 more easily.

[0131] In this embodiment, the second leg portion 152 extends in the thickness direction of the housing from the second main body portion 151, which is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S2. In this embodiment, the vertical length of the second leg portion 152 is shorter than that of the first leg portion 142. A second mounting piece 154 is attached to the lower end 1521 of the second leg portion 152 so as to protrude forward. In this embodiment, the flat lower end surface of the second mounting piece 154, which extends in a substantially horizontal direction, becomes the second opposing surface (opposing surface) 154a that faces the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0132] Furthermore, the first leg portion 142 is positioned behind the second leg portion 152 when the first main body portion 141 and the second main body portion 151 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2 (see Figures 6 and 8). The first leg portion 142 and the second leg portion 152 are positioned so that their left-right positions are offset by approximately half a pitch when the first main body portion 141 and the second main body portion 151 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2. Therefore, in this embodiment, with multiple plug terminals 13 held in the plug housing 10, the mounting portions (connecting portions: first mounting piece 144 and second mounting piece 154) are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0133] In this way, the second mounting piece (mounting part) 154 of at least one of the multiple second plug terminals (second terminals) 15 is positioned between adjacent first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) when viewed from a plan view (viewed from the third direction, which is the up-down direction) in the state where the multiple plug terminals 13 are held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, thereby making the plug housing (housing) 10 smaller.

[0134] Furthermore, with the second main body 151 inserted into the second space S2, the lower end 1521 of the second leg 152 is accommodated in the recess 1121b formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121. On the other hand, with the first main body 141 inserted into the first space S1, the first leg 142 is positioned behind the insertion opening S1a of the first space S1. In this way, in a plan view with the multiple plug terminals 13 held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, the second mounting piece 154 overlaps with the plug housing 10. On the other hand, in a plan view with the multiple plug terminals 13 held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, the first mounting piece 144 is exposed from the plug housing 10.

[0135] In other words, when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, and the plug housing 10 is viewed along the direction normal to the mounting surface 1aA, one of the mounting pieces (mounting portion: connection portion) of the first mounting piece 144 and the second mounting piece 154 is positioned to overlap with the plug housing 10.

[0136] Thus, in this embodiment, with multiple plug terminals 13 held in the plug housing 10, the mounting portions (connecting portions: first mounting piece 144 and second mounting piece 154) are arranged in a staggered pattern on both sides of the insertion opening of the space (rear end 11b of the housing body 11).

[0137] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second leg portion 152 is formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and its thickness direction is substantially the same as the thickness direction of the side wall body 1561. On the other hand, the second mounting piece 154 is formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and its thickness direction is substantially the same as the thickness direction of the housing.

[0138] Therefore, when the second main body 151 is inserted into the second space S2 and the second mounting piece (mounting part) 154 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, the thickness direction of the second leg portion 152 is in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y axis). In other words, when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the thickness direction of the second leg portion 152 is in a direction that intersects the insertion direction of the second main body 151 into the second space S2 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0139] On the other hand, when the second main body 151 is inserted into the second space S2 and the second mounting piece (mounting part) 154 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, the thickness direction of the second mounting piece (mounting part) 154 is in the vertical direction (extension direction of the Z axis). That is, when the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the thickness direction of the second mounting piece (mounting part) 154 is in the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0140] [Example configuration of receptacle connector 2] Next, an example of the configuration of the receptacle connector 2 will be explained based on Figures 19 to 24.

[0141] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the receptacle connector 2 includes a receptacle housing (the mating housing) 20. Furthermore, the receptacle connector 2 includes a receptacle terminal (the mating terminal) 23 held by the receptacle housing 20. The receptacle connector 2 also includes a retaining clip (the mating retaining clip) 26 held by the receptacle housing 20.

[0142] The receptacle terminal 23, held by the receptacle housing 20, is mounted on the conductor portion 2bA of the connected member 2A, which is located outside the receptacle housing 20. In this way, the receptacle connector 2 is mounted on the mating connected member 2A. The receptacle terminal 23 is mounted on the conductor portion 2bA by soldering or the like. The retaining bracket 26, while held by the receptacle housing 20, is fixed to the fixing portion 2cA of the connected member 2A by soldering or the like, thereby fixing the receptacle housing 20 to the connected member 2A.

[0143] In this embodiment, the connected member 2A includes a substrate body 2aA, and the conductor portion 2bA and the fixing portion 2cA are formed so as to be exposed on the surface 21aA of the substrate body 2aA. Thus, in this embodiment, the surface 21aA of the substrate body 2aA is the mounting surface.

[0144] The receptacle housing 20 can be formed, for example, using an insulating resin material, and this receptacle housing 20 comprises a rigid housing body 21.

[0145] Furthermore, a locking part insertion part (locked part) 22 is formed on the upper part of the housing body 21, into which a locking part 12 is inserted to hold the plug housing 10 and the receptacle housing 20 in a fitted state or to release the fitted state.

[0146] Thus, in this embodiment, the receptacle housing 20 comprises a housing body 21 and a locking portion insertion portion 22 formed in the housing body 21.

[0147] The housing body 21 comprises a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212, a pair of side walls 213 connecting the left and right ends (extension direction of the Y axis) of the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212, respectively, and a rear wall 214 connected to the rear ends of the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212, and the side walls 213, 213.

[0148] Furthermore, a locking part insertion section 22 is formed in the left-right central part of the top wall 211. Specifically, the locking part insertion section 22 is formed on the lower side of the left-right central part of the top wall 211 and includes a housing section 221 for housing the lever section 121. In the front-rear central part of this housing section 221, an engagement recess (engagement section) 221a is formed, into which the engagement projection 121b of the locking part 12 engages.

[0149] Furthermore, outer guide grooves 211b are formed on both the left and right sides of the top wall 211, corresponding to the outer guide projections 1112. When fitting the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20, the outer guide projections 1112 are inserted into the outer guide grooves 211b. This ensures that the plug housing 10 is positioned in the left and right direction.

[0150] Furthermore, insertion spaces S8 are formed on both the left and right sides of the housing section 221 into which the upper arm portion of the sliding member is inserted. The top wall 211 is formed so as to be positioned in the insertion space S8 when viewed along the insertion direction (front-to-back direction; X-axis) with a downward-projecting projection (locking portion) 211c. This projection 211c is used to bend the upper arm portion downward or to lock the engaging projection formed at the tip of the upper arm portion. In this embodiment, the housing section 221 and the pair of insertion spaces S8 are formed in a single space located in the upper center in the left-to-right direction of the housing body 21.

[0151] Furthermore, a positioning projection 212b is formed in the center of the bottom wall 212 in the left-right direction, and when fitting the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20, this positioning projection 212b is used to position the cable 1A in the left-right direction.

[0152] Furthermore, multiple spaces are formed in the rear wall 214 that penetrate in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, multiple spaces arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis) are formed in two stages in the up-to-down direction (extension direction of the Z-axis). In addition, when the housing body 21 is viewed from the rear in the front-to-back direction, multiple spaces are formed in a staggered pattern. This reduces the size of the receptacle connector 2 in the left-to-right direction.

[0153] The first receptacle terminal 24 and the second receptacle terminal 25 are then press-fitted (inserted) into the space that extends through the front-to-back direction.

[0154] Specifically, the space formed on the upper side of the housing body 21 is the first space S3 into which the first receptacle terminal 24 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0155] On the other hand, the space formed on the lower side of the housing body 21 is the second space S4 into which the second receptacle terminal 25 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0156] The first receptacle terminal 24 is press-fitted (inserted) forward from the rear end opening of the first space S3, and this rear end opening of the first space S3 is the insertion port S3a. Similarly, the second receptacle terminal 25 is press-fitted (inserted) forward from the rear end opening of the second space S4, and this rear end opening of the second space S4 is the insertion port S4a.

[0157] Therefore, when the first receptacle terminals 24 are press-fitted into each of the first spaces S3 formed on the upper side of the housing body 21, a first terminal row 24B is formed on the upper side of the receptacle housing (housing) 20, arranged in a left-right direction (first direction: width direction). Similarly, when the second receptacle terminals 25 are press-fitted into each of the second spaces S4 formed on the lower side of the housing body 21, a second terminal row 25B is formed on the lower side of the receptacle housing (housing) 20, arranged in a left-right direction (first direction: width direction). Thus, in this embodiment, when multiple receptacle terminals 23 are held in the receptacle housing 20, two rows of terminal rows 23B are formed: a first terminal row 24B formed by multiple first receptacle terminals 24 and a second terminal row 25B formed by multiple second receptacle terminals 25. In other words, the multiple receptacle terminals (terminals) 23 are held in the receptacle housing (housing) 20 in a state where there are two rows (at least one row) of terminal rows 23B arranged in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction).

[0158] Furthermore, the housing body 21 has a fitting space S5 having an opening S5a that opens forward (towards the plug connector 1 side). This fitting space S5 is the space into which the housing body 11 of the plug housing 10 is inserted and fitted, and is defined 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 formed to communicate with the fitting space S5, respectively. In this embodiment, a part of the fitting space S5 is used as an insertion space S8 into which the housing portion 221 of the lock portion insertion portion 22 and the upper arm portion of the slide member are inserted.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear end of the rear wall 214 is provided with a projection 214a that protrudes rearward.

[0160] Furthermore, the pair of side walls 213, 213 each have retaining bracket mounting portions 213a, 213a formed therein, where the retaining bracket 26 is held.

[0161] In this embodiment, the retaining bracket mounting portion 213a includes a recess 213b that opens outward in the front-rear and left-right directions, and slits 213c, 213c connected to the inside of the recess 213b in the left-right direction, into which both ends of the main body portion 261 of the retaining bracket 26 are inserted in the front-rear direction. With the retaining bracket 26 held in the receptacle housing 20, the receptacle housing 20 is fixed to the connected member 2A by fixing the fixing piece 262 connected to the rear end of the main body portion 261 to the fixing portion 2cA of the connected member 2A.

[0162] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the receptacle terminal 23 comprises a main body portion inserted into a space formed in the receptacle housing 20, a leg portion extending from the main body portion toward the mounting surface 21aA of the connected member 2A when the receptacle terminal 23 is mounted on the connected member 2A, and a mounting portion (connection portion) connected to the leg portion and capable of being mounted on the connected member 2A.

[0163] Specifically, the receptacle terminal 23 includes a first receptacle terminal 24 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a first space S3 formed on the upper side of the housing body 21. Furthermore, the receptacle terminal 23 includes a second receptacle terminal 25 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a second space S4 formed on the lower side of the housing body 21.

[0164] Thus, in this embodiment, the receptacle terminals (terminals) 23 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and there are multiple first receptacle terminals (first terminals) 24, and multiple second receptacle terminals (second terminals) 25 located below (on one side) in the vertical direction (third direction) relative to the row of first receptacle terminals 24 (first terminal row 24B), and arranged in a row in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction).

[0165] This allows the receptacle housing (housing) 20 to be miniaturized in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) while also enabling it to hold more receptacle terminals (terminals) 23.

[0166] In this embodiment, the first receptacle terminals 24 are conductive and are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis) of the receptacle housing 20. As shown in Figure 23, these first receptacle terminals 24 are formed in the shape of a thin plate and are press-fitted (inserted) from the rear into the first space S3 formed in the housing body 21 with the plate thickness direction substantially aligned with the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis). Such first receptacle terminals 24 can be formed, for example, by punching out a thin sheet of metal.

[0167] Furthermore, the first receptacle terminal 24 includes a first main body portion (the mating main body portion) 241 which is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3. In addition, the first receptacle terminal 24 includes a first leg portion (the mating leg portion) 242 which extends substantially linearly upward from the first main body portion 241 when the first receptacle terminal 24 is mounted on the member to be connected 2A, and a first mounting piece (the mating mounting portion) 244 which is connected to the upper end of the first leg portion 242 and faces the member to be connected 2A.

[0168] Furthermore, a roughly rod-shaped contact portion (the mating contact portion) 241a is formed at the front end of the first main body portion 241 so as to protrude forward. In addition, press-fitting protrusions 241b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the first main body portion 241, and by engaging these press-fitting protrusions 241b with the housing body 21, the first main body portion 241 is press-fitted into the first space S3. With the first main body portion 241 press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3, the contact portion 241a is positioned within the fitting space S5.

[0169] On the other hand, the second receptacle terminals 25 are also conductive and are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis) of the receptacle housing 20. As shown in Figure 24, these second receptacle terminals 25 are formed in the shape of a thin plate and are press-fitted (inserted) from the rear into the second space S4 formed in the housing body 21 with the plate thickness direction substantially aligned with the left-right direction (extension direction of the Y-axis). Such second receptacle terminals 25 can also be formed, for example, by punching out a thin sheet of metal.

[0170] Furthermore, the second receptacle terminal 25 includes a second main body portion (the mating main body portion) 251 which is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4. In addition, the second receptacle terminal 25 includes a second leg portion (the mating leg portion) 252 which extends substantially linearly downward from the second main body portion 251 when the second receptacle terminal 25 is mounted on the member to be connected 2A, and a second mounting piece (the mating mounting portion) 254 which is connected to the lower end of the second leg portion 252 and faces the member to be connected 2A.

[0171] Furthermore, a roughly rod-shaped contact portion (the mating contact portion) 251a is formed at the front end of the second main body portion 251 so as to protrude forward. In addition, press-fitting protrusions 251b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the second main body portion 251, and the second main body portion 251 is press-fitted into the second space S4 by engaging these press-fitting protrusions 251b with the housing body 21. With the second main body portion 251 press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4, the contact portion 251a is positioned within the fitting space S5.

[0172] As described above, in this embodiment, the first and second mounting pieces (mounting parts) 244 and 254 are connected to the first and second leg parts 242 and 252 so as to protrude rearward in the front-to-back direction (X-axis: direction of insertion of the main body into space). At this time, with multiple receptacle terminals 23 held in the receptacle housing 20, the mounting parts (connecting parts: first mounting piece 244 and second mounting piece 254) are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0173] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a partition wall 214b is formed in the center of the rear wall 214 in the vertical direction, projecting left-right and rearward, so that the first leg portion 242 and the second leg portion 252 are separated by this partition wall 214b.

[0174] As described above, in this embodiment, the receptacle connector 2 comprises a receptacle housing 20 having a mating internal space (mating space S5) capable of accommodating the plug housing 10, receptacle terminals (first receptacle terminal 24, second receptacle terminal 25) that can be electrically connected to plug terminals (first plug terminal 14, second plug terminal 15), and a locking part insertion part (locked part) 22 that engages with the locking part 12.

[0175] Then, when the plug connector 1 described above is fitted to the receptacle connector 2 configured in this way by moving it relative to the receptacle connector 2 in the front-rear direction, the locking portion 12 of the plug housing 10 is inserted into the locking portion insertion portion 22 of the receptacle housing 20, and the housing body 11 is inserted into the fitting space S5.

[0176] At this time, the engaging projection 121b of the lever portion 121 is pressed downward by the top wall 211 of the receptacle housing 20. When the engaging projection 121b is pressed downward by the top wall 211 in this way, the rear end (operating portion 121a) of the lever portion 121 elastically deforms to move downward, allowing the engaging projection 121b to move to the back side of the lock portion insertion portion 22.

[0177] Then, when the engaging projection 121b is moved to the back of the locking insertion portion 22, the downward pressure on the engaging projection 121b by the top wall 211 is released, and the engaging projection 121b moves upward due to the elastic restoring force of the lever portion 121. As the engaging projection 121b moves upward, it engages with the engaging recess 221a formed in the receptacle connector 2, and the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 are locked in a mated state.

[0178] Furthermore, during the process of mating the plug connector 1 with the receptacle connector 2, the tip of the contact portion 241a of the first receptacle terminal 24 is introduced from the inlet S1b into the first space S1 formed in the plug housing 10 and comes into contact with the contact portion 141a of the first plug terminal 14. In this embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 241a is inserted between a pair of contact pieces 1462, 1462 and is held between the pair of contact pieces 1462, 1462, thereby electrically connecting the first plug terminal 14 and the first receptacle terminal 24.

[0179] Similarly, the tip of the contact portion 251a of the second receptacle terminal 25 is introduced from the inlet S2b into the second space S2 formed in the plug housing 10 and contacts the contact portion 151a of the second plug terminal 15. In this embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 251a is inserted between a pair of contact pieces 1562, 1562 and is held between the pair of contact pieces 1562, 1562, thereby electrically connecting the second plug terminal 15 and the second receptacle terminal 25.

[0180] In this way, a connector device C1 is formed that electrically connects the cable 1A and the connected member 2A by fitting the plug connector 1 into the receptacle connector 2 and electrically connecting the plug terminal 13 and the receptacle terminal 23, respectively.

[0181] On the other hand, when removing the plug connector 1 from the receptacle connector 2, first, the operating part 121a of the lever part 121 is pressed down to move the lever part 121 downward. This also moves the engaging projection 121b downward, releasing the engagement between the engaging projection 121b and the engaging recess 221a. Then, with the engagement between the engaging projection 121b and the engaging recess 221a released, the plug connector 1 is pulled in the removal direction relative to the receptacle connector 2, causing the plug connector 1 to move relative to the receptacle connector 2 in the removal direction. When the plug connector 1 is moved relative to the receptacle connector 2 in the removal direction in this way, first the electrical connection between the terminals is released, and then the mating between the housings is released. In this way, the plug connector 1 is removed from the receptacle connector 2.

[0182] In this embodiment, the connection reliability between the connector and the connected member can be further improved.

[0183] Specifically, as shown in Figures 13 to 15, each of the multiple first plug terminals (terminals) 14 comprises a first main body (body part) 141 having a contact portion 141a and extending in the front-rear direction (second direction), and a first leg portion (leg part) 142 extending downward (on one side) in the up-down direction (third direction) from the rear end (one end) 146a of the first main body (body part) 141 in the front-rear direction (second direction). Furthermore, each of the multiple first plug terminals (terminals) 14 comprises a first curved portion (curved part) 143 connected to the first leg portion (leg part) 1421 so as to curve in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and a first mounting piece (mounting part) 144 connected to the first curved portion (curved part) 143 and connected to the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0184] As described above, in this embodiment, the first leg portion (leg portion) 142 and the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 are connected via a first curved portion (curved portion) 143 that curves in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). In this way, the width of the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) is made larger than the width of the first leg portion (leg portion) 142 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). This makes it possible to increase the connection area between the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 and the cable (connected member) 1A, and makes it possible to connect the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 and the cable (connected member) 1A more reliably.

[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 16 to 18, each of the multiple second plug terminals (terminals) 15 comprises a second main body portion (body portion) 151 having a contact portion 151a and extending in the front-rear direction (second direction), and a second leg portion (leg portion) 152 extending downward (on one side) in the up-down direction (third direction) from the rear end (one end) 156a of the second main body portion (body portion) 151 in the front-rear direction (second direction). In addition, each of the multiple second plug terminals (terminals) 15 comprises a second curved portion (curved portion) 153 connected to the second leg portion (leg portion) 1521 so as to curve in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and a second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 connected to the second curved portion (curved portion) 153 and connected to the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0186] In other words, the second leg portion (leg portion) 152 and the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 are connected via a second curved portion (curved portion) 153 that curves in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). This ensures that the width of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) is greater than the width of the second leg portion (leg portion) 152 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). This increases the connection area between the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 and the cable (connected member) 1A, making it possible to connect the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 and the cable (connected member) 1A more reliably.

[0187] In this embodiment, the plug connector 1, as a connector, has multiple plug terminals (terminals) 13, each comprising a main body, legs, a curved portion, and a mounting portion. The legs and the mounting portion are connected via a curved portion that curves in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), so that the mounting portion is formed at a position offset from the legs in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and the width of the mounting portion in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) is greater than the width of the legs in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). This makes it possible to increase the connection area between the mounting portion and the member to be connected, thereby enabling a more reliable connection between the mounting portion and the member to be connected.

[0188] In this embodiment, the connection area between the mounting part and the connected member is increased, thereby enabling a more reliable connection between the mounting part and the connected member. This improves the connection reliability between the plug connector 1, which acts as a connector, and the cable 1A, which acts as the connected member.

[0189] Furthermore, multiple plug terminals (terminals) 13 have a terminal group 13C in which the curved portion is curved to the same side in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, all plug terminals (terminals) 13 form the terminal group 13C.

[0190] Specifically, the first curved portion (curved part) 143 is curved so that the shape of all first plug terminals (terminals) 14 is convex to the right (one side) in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and the first mounting piece (mounting part) 144 is shifted to the left (the other side) in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) relative to the first leg portion (leg portion) 142. In this way, the shape of all first plug terminals (terminals) 14 is made identical.

[0191] Similarly, the second curved portion (curved part) 153 is curved so that the shape of all second plug terminals (terminals) 15 is convex to the right (one side) in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and the second mounting piece (mounting part) 154 is shifted to the left (the other side) in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) relative to the second leg portion (leg portion) 152. In this way, the shape of all second plug terminals (terminals) 15 is made identical.

[0192] Thus, by having a group of terminals 13C in which multiple plug terminals 13 have curved portions that are curved to the same side in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), it becomes possible to form a plug connector 1 using plug terminals 13 of the same shape. This simplifies the manufacturing process while further improving the connection reliability between the plug connector 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0193] Furthermore, it is possible to make the curvature direction of the first curved portion 143 of the first plug terminal (terminal) 14 different from the curvature direction of the second curved portion 153 of the second plug terminal (terminal) 15. Also, multiple first plug terminals (terminals) 14 may have first plug terminals (terminals) 14 that have first curved portions (curved portions) 143 with different curvature directions, or multiple second plug terminals (terminals) 15 may have second plug terminals (terminals) 15 that have second curved portions (curved portions) 153 with different curvature directions. In other words, it is possible to have multiple plug terminals (terminals) 13 that have plug terminals (terminals) 13 that have curved portions with different curvature directions.

[0194] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the curved portion has an outer surface that is curved in at least a portion, connecting one side of the leg portion in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the opposing surface of the mounting portion that faces the cable (connected member) 1A, and an inner surface that is curved in at least a portion, connecting the other side of the leg portion in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the surface of the mounting portion opposite to the opposing surface.

[0195] Specifically, the first curved portion (curved portion) 143 connects the first right side surface (one side surface) 142a of the first leg portion (leg portion) 142 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the first opposing surface (opposing surface) 144a of the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144, and has an outer surface 143a that is curved in at least a part. In addition, the first curved portion (curved portion) 143 connects the first left side surface (the other side surface) 142b of the first leg portion (leg portion) 142 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the upper surface 144b of the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144, and has an inner surface 143b that is curved in at least a part.

[0196] In this embodiment, the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 is formed by bending the lower end of the plate-shaped first leg portion (leg portion) 142 to the left. This makes it easier to manufacture the first plug terminal (terminal) 14.

[0197] Similarly, the second curved portion (curved portion) 153 connects the second right side surface (one side surface) 152a of the second leg portion (leg portion) 152 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the second opposing surface (opposing surface) 154a of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154, and has an outer surface 153a that is curved in at least a part. In addition, the second curved portion (curved portion) 153 connects the second left side surface (the other side surface) 152b of the second leg portion (leg portion) 152 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the upper surface 154b of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154, and has an inner surface 153b that is curved in at least a part.

[0198] By doing so, the lower end of the plate-shaped second leg portion (leg portion) 152 is bent to the left to form the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154, making it easier to manufacture the second plug terminal (terminal) 15.

[0199] In this embodiment, the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 and the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 are placed on the exposed conductor portion 151bA that is exposed from the through hole 11bA and the through hole 14bA, and a laser is shone from below to laser weld the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 and the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 to the exposed conductor portion 151bA (conductor portion 15bA).

[0200] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first opposing surface (opposing surface) 144a of the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 is a first laser surface (laser surface) 144aa that is laser-welded to the cable (connected member) 1A, and the second opposing surface (opposing surface) 154a of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 is a second laser surface (laser surface) 154aa that is laser-welded to the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0201] Therefore, as shown in Figure 25, when the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 and the exposed conductor portion 151bA (conductor portion 15bA) are laser-welded, a laser welding mark M1b will be formed at the joint portion M1a between the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 and the cable (connected member) 1A. Similarly, when the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 and the exposed conductor portion 151bA (conductor portion 15bA) are laser-welded, a laser welding mark M2b will be formed at the joint portion M2a between the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 and the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0202] As described above, in this embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A are connected by laser welding, thereby enabling a stronger connection between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when laser welding the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A, the laser is directed to relatively large opposing surfaces (first opposing surface 144a and second opposing surface 154a), thereby enabling more reliable laser welding of the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A. This makes it possible to further improve the reliability of the connection between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0203] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mounting portion has a protruding portion that extends in the front-rear direction (second direction) beyond the curved connecting portion connected to the curved portion.

[0204] Specifically, the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 of each of the multiple first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 has a first protruding portion (protruding portion) 1442 that protrudes to the rear (one side) in the front-to-back direction (second direction) from a curved connecting portion 1441 that connects to a first curved portion (curved portion) 143 in the left-to-right direction (first direction: width direction) of each first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144.

[0205] Furthermore, each of the multiple second plug terminals (second terminals) 15 has a second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 that protrudes forward (on the other side) in the front-to-back direction (second direction) from a curved connecting portion 1541 that connects to a second curved portion (curved portion) 153 in the left-to-right direction (first direction: width direction) of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154.

[0206] This ensures an insulating distance between the first plug terminal (first terminal) 14 and the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15, while also increasing the connection area between the mounting portion (first mounting piece 144 and second mounting piece 154) and the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0207] Furthermore, in a plan view (viewed from the third direction, which is the vertical direction) with the multiple plug terminals 13 held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, the first protrusion (protrusion) 1442 is made so as not to overlap with the plug housing (housing) 10, while the second protrusion (protrusion) 1542 overlaps with the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0208] This ensures that the insulation distance between the first plug terminal (first terminal) 14 and the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 is maintained while also enabling miniaturization of the plug connector (connector) 1.

[0209] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the multiple plug terminals (terminals) 13 has an arm portion formed on the main body that protrudes away from the plug housing (housing) 10 relative to the leg portion (rearward in the front-rear direction).

[0210] Specifically, the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 has a second projection (projection) 1542 formed on its second body portion 151, which overlaps with the plug housing (housing) 10, and an arm portion 1511 is formed on the second body portion 151 of the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15.

[0211] In this way, when the multiple plug terminals 13 are held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, the arm portion 1511 is exposed at the rear of the plug housing (housing) in a plan view (viewed from the third direction, which is the vertical direction).

[0212] In this way, when the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A are laser-welded, the probe P1 can be brought into contact with the arm portion 1511 that is exposed to the outside of the plug housing (housing) 10, thereby enabling connection testing between the second plug terminal (terminal) 15 and the cable (connected member) 1A (see Figure 26). In other words, the connection testing between the second plug terminal (terminal) 15 and the cable (connected member) 1A can be performed using the arm portion 1511 that is exposed to the outside of the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0213] Thus, in this embodiment, by providing the arm portion 1511, even when the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A are laser-welded while forming the second protrusion (protrusion) 1542 so as to overlap with the plug housing (housing) 10, the connection inspection between the second plug terminal (terminal) 15 and the cable (connected member) 1A can be performed using the arm portion 1511 that is exposed to the outside of the plug housing (housing) 10. In this way, even when the plug connector (connector) 1 is miniaturized, the connection inspection during laser welding between the plug terminal (terminal) 13 and the cable (connected member) 1A can be performed more easily.

[0214] Furthermore, when connecting the plug terminal (terminal) 13 and the cable (connected component) 1A by laser welding, it is necessary to improve the positional accuracy of the plug terminal (terminal) 13 and the cable (connected component) 1A compared to the connection by soldering.

[0215] Therefore, in this embodiment, the positional accuracy of the plug terminal (terminal) 13 and the cable (connected member) 1A when connecting them by laser welding is improved.

[0216] Specifically, the plug housing (housing) 10 has a recess 1123 configured to accommodate a cable (connected member) 1A, and a projection 1122 that protrudes downward (on one side) in the vertical direction (third direction) from the back surface 11231 of the recess 1123 and defines the recess 1123.

[0217] Furthermore, the projection 1122 has a pair of rear projections (first projections) 11223 that protrude downward (on one side) in the vertical direction (third direction) from the back surface 11231 of the recess 1123 at the rear end (one end) 10c of the plug housing (housing) 10 in the front-rear direction (second direction), and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction).

[0218] Furthermore, the pair of rear projections (first projections) 11223 have circumferential surfaces 11224 that are curved so as to be convex in directions opposite to each other.

[0219] In this embodiment, the pair of rear projections (first projections) 11223 are semi-cylindrical in shape with their axial direction being vertical (third direction), and are formed at both ends in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) of the rear end (one end) 10c of the plug housing (housing) 10 in the front-rear direction (second direction), such that the inside of the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) is curved.

[0220] In this way, when the plug connector (connector) 1 is placed on the cable (connected member) 1A, even if the cable (connected member) 1A is misaligned in the direction along the XY plane from its normal position, the pair of semi-cylindrical rear projections (first projections) 11223 will guide it back to its normal position. This makes it possible to further improve the positional accuracy between the plug terminal (terminal) 13 and the cable (connected member) 1A when connecting them by laser welding.

[0221] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple plug terminals (terminals) 13 protrude to the rear (one side) in the front-to-back direction (second direction) beyond the rear end (one end) 11b of the housing body (housing) 11 in the front-to-back direction (second direction). Therefore, if the flexible cable (connected member) 1A is blown upward, the joint portions (joint portions M1a, M2a) between the plug terminals (terminals) 13 and the cable (connected member) 1A may be damaged, potentially reducing the reliability of the connection between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0222] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably suppress a decrease in the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0223] Specifically, the plug housing (housing) 10 is formed so as to be adjacent to a pair of rear projections (first projections) 11223 on the rear (one side) in the front-rear direction (second direction), and has a receiving surface (plane) 1124 that is flush with the back surface 11231 of the recess 1123. This allows the cable (connected member) 1A to be supported by the receiving surface (plane) 1124 that is flush with the back surface 11231 of the recess 1123 when the cable (connected member) 1A is tilted upward (the other side) in the vertical direction (third direction) (see Figure 27). This more reliably prevents deformation of the legs and mounting portion of the plug terminal (terminal) 13 due to the cable (connected member) 1A being tilted upward (the other side) in the vertical direction (third direction).

[0224] The plug connector (connector) 1 can also have the shape shown in Figures 28 and 29.

[0225] The plug connector (connector) 1 shown in Figures 28 and 29 also has a configuration that is substantially the same as the plug connector (connector) 1 shown in the above embodiment.

[0226] In other words, the plug connector (connector) 1 shown in Figures 28 and 29 also comprises a plug housing (housing) 10 and a plug terminal (terminal) 13, and is formed to be mountable on a cable (connected component) 1A such as an FPC or FFC. The plug terminal 13 is mounted on the cable (connected component) 1A by laser welding.

[0227] Furthermore, the plug terminal 13 includes a first plug terminal 14 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a first space S1 formed on the upper side of the housing body 11 (the side away from the mounting surface 1aA). In addition, the plug terminal 13 includes a second plug terminal 15 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a second space S2 formed on the lower side of the housing body 11 (closer to the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1).

[0228] Furthermore, the plug connector (connector) 1 shown in Figures 28 and 29 is designed to further improve the reliability of the connection between the connector and the connected component.

[0229] Specifically, each of the multiple first plug terminals (terminals) 14 includes a first main body (body part) 141 having a contact portion 141a and extending in the front-rear direction (second direction), and a first leg portion (leg part) 142 extending downward (on one side) in the up-down direction (third direction) from the rear end (one end) 146a of the first main body (body part) 141 in the front-rear direction (second direction). Furthermore, each of the multiple first plug terminals (terminals) 14 includes a first curved portion (curved part) 143 connected to the first leg portion (leg part) 1421 in the up-down direction (third direction) so as to curve in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and a first mounting piece (mounting part) 144 connected to the first curved portion (curved part) 143 and connected to the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0230] Similarly, each of the multiple second plug terminals (terminals) 15 includes a second main body (body part) 151 having a contact portion 151a and extending in the front-rear direction (second direction), and a second leg portion (leg part) 152 extending downward (on one side) in the up-down direction (third direction) from the rear end (one end) 156a of the second main body (body part) 151 in the front-rear direction (second direction). Furthermore, each of the multiple second plug terminals (terminals) 15 includes a second curved portion (curved part) 153 connected to the second leg portion (leg part) 1521 in the up-down direction (third direction) so as to curve in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and a second mounting piece (mounting part) 154 connected to the second curved portion (curved part) 153 and connected to the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0231] Furthermore, all plug terminals (terminals) 13 form a group of terminals 13C in which the curved portion is curved to the same side in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction).

[0232] Furthermore, the first curved portion (curved portion) 143 connects the first right side surface (one side surface) 142a of the first leg portion (leg portion) 142 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the first opposing surface (opposing surface) 144a of the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144, and has an outer surface 143a that is curved in at least a part. Furthermore, the first curved portion (curved portion) 143 connects the first left side surface (the other side surface) 142b of the first leg portion (leg portion) 142 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the upper surface 144b of the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144, and has an inner surface 143b that is curved in at least a part.

[0233] Similarly, the second curved portion (curved portion) 153 connects the second right side surface (one side surface) 152a of the second leg portion (leg portion) 152 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the second opposing surface (opposing surface) 154a of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154, and has an outer surface 153a that is curved in at least a part. In addition, the second curved portion (curved portion) 153 connects the second left side surface (the other side surface) 142b of the second leg portion (leg portion) 152 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the upper surface 154b of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154, and has an inner surface 153b that is curved in at least a part.

[0234] Furthermore, in the plug connector (connector) 1 shown in Figures 28 and 29, the mounting portion has a protruding portion that extends in the front-rear direction (second direction) beyond the curved connecting portion that is connected to the curved portion.

[0235] In the plug connector (connector) 1 shown in Figures 28 and 29, the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144 of each of the multiple first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 has a first protruding portion (protrusion) 1442 that protrudes to the rear (one side) in the front-to-back direction (second direction) from a curved connecting portion 1441 that connects to a first curved portion (curved portion) 143 in the left-to-right direction (first direction: width direction) of each first mounting piece (mounting portion) 144.

[0236] Furthermore, each of the multiple second plug terminals (second terminals) 15 has a second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 that protrudes to the rear (one side) in the front-to-back direction (second direction) from a curved connecting portion 1541 that connects to a second curved portion (curved portion) 153 in the left-to-right direction (first direction: width direction) of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 (see Figures 30 to 32).

[0237] Thus, in the plug connector (connector) 1 shown in Figures 28 and 29, when the multiple plug terminals 13 are held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, in a plan view (viewed from the third direction, which is the vertical direction), the first protrusion (protrusion) 1442 is made so as not to overlap with the plug housing (housing) 10, and the second protrusion (protrusion) 1542 is also made so as not to overlap with the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0238] Furthermore, the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 can also have the shape shown in Figures 33 to 35.

[0239] Furthermore, in the plug connector (connector) 1 using the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 shown in Figures 33 to 35, the reliability of the connection between the connector and the connected member can be further improved.

[0240] Specifically, each of the multiple second plug terminals (second terminals) 15 has a second mounting piece (mounting portion) 154 that protrudes to the rear (one side) in the front-to-back direction (second direction) and a second mounting piece (mounting portion) 1545 that protrudes to the front (the other side) in the front-to-back direction (second direction).

[0241] In this case, the protruding length of the first protrusion (protrusion) 1544 that protrudes to the rear (one side) in the front-rear direction (second direction) relative to the curved connecting portion 1543 can be made smaller than the protruding length of the first protrusion (protrusion) 1542 formed on the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 shown in Figures 30 to 32. Also, the protruding length of the second protrusion (protrusion) 1545 that protrudes to the front (the other side) in the front-rear direction (second direction) relative to the curved connecting portion 1543 can be made smaller than the protruding length of the second protrusion (protrusion) 1542 formed on the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 shown in Figures 16 to 18.

[0242] This allows for a larger connection area between the mounting section (first mounting piece 144 and second mounting piece 154) and the cable (connected member) 1A, while ensuring sufficient insulation distance between the first plug terminal (first terminal) 14 and the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15.

[0243] Furthermore, it becomes possible to miniaturize the plug connector (connector) 1 while ensuring the insulation distance between the first plug terminal (first terminal) 14 and the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15.

[0244] Even if the second protrusion (protrusion) 1542 and the first protrusion 1544 are exposed to the rear of the plug housing (housing) 10, the amount of rearward protrusion of the first leg (leg) 142 does not increase significantly when miniaturizing the plug connector (connector) 1. For this reason, in the plug connector (connector) 1 shown in Figures 28 and 29, and the plug connector (connector) 1 using the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15 shown in Figures 33 to 35, the arm portion 1511 is formed on the second main body portion 151 of the second plug terminal (second terminal) 15.

[0245] This makes it easier to perform connection testing between the second plug terminal (terminal) 15 and the cable (connected component) 1A.

[0246] Thus, even when the second protrusion (protrusion) 1542 and the first protrusion 1544 do not overlap with the plug housing (housing) 10, it is preferable to provide the arm portion 1511 when the amount of rearward protrusion of the first leg portion (leg portion) 142 is not very large.

[0247] Furthermore, the receptacle connector (connector) 2 can also be shaped as shown in Figures 36 to 38.

[0248] The receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38 has a configuration that is almost the same as the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in the above embodiment.

[0249] In other words, the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38 also includes a receptacle housing (housing) 20 and a receptacle terminal (terminal) 23.

[0250] Specifically, the receptacle terminal 23 includes a first receptacle terminal 24 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a first space S3 formed on the upper side of the housing body 21. Furthermore, the receptacle terminal 23 includes a second receptacle terminal 25 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a second space S4 formed on the lower side of the housing body 21.

[0251] Here, the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38 is formed to be mountable on a cable (connected component) 2A such as an FPC or FFC, and the receptacle terminals 23 (first receptacle terminal 24 and second receptacle terminal 25) are mounted on the cable (connected component) 2A by laser welding.

[0252] Furthermore, the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38 is designed to further improve the connection reliability between the receptacle connector (connector) 2 and the cable (connected component) 2A.

[0253] Specifically, as shown in Figure 39, each of the multiple first receptacle terminals (terminals) 24 comprises a first main body (body portion) 241 having a contact portion 241a and extending in the front-rear direction (second direction), and a first leg portion (leg portion) 242 extending downward (on one side) in the up-down direction (third direction) from the rear end (one end) 241c of the first main body (body portion) 241c in the front-rear direction (second direction). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 40, each of the multiple first receptacle terminals (terminals) 24 comprises a first curved portion (curved portion) 243 connected to the first leg portion (leg portion) 2421 in the up-down direction (third direction) so as to curve in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and a first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244 connected to the first curved portion (curved portion) 243 and connected to the cable (connected member) 2A.

[0254] As described above, in the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38, the first leg portion (leg portion) 242 and the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244 are connected via a first curved portion (curved portion) 243 that curves in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). In this way, the width of the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) is made larger than the width of the first leg portion (leg portion) 242 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). This makes it possible to increase the connection area between the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244 and the cable (connected member) 2A, and makes it possible to connect the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244 and the cable (connected member) 2A more reliably.

[0255] Furthermore, in the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38, each of the multiple second receptacle terminals (terminals) 25 comprises a second main body (body portion) 251 having a contact portion 251a and extending in the front-rear direction (second direction), and a second leg portion (leg portion) 252 extending downward (on one side) in the up-down direction (third direction) from the rear end (one end) 251c of the second main body (body portion) 251 in the front-rear direction (second direction). Furthermore, the device includes a second curved portion (curved section) 253 connected to a second leg portion (leg portion) 252 so as to curve from the lower end (one end) 2521 in the vertical direction (third direction) to the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and a second mounting piece (mounting section) 254 connected to the second curved portion (curved section) 253 and connected to the cable (connected member) 2A.

[0256] In other words, the second leg portion (leg portion) 252 and the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 254 are connected via a second curved portion (curved portion) 253 that curves in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). This ensures that the width of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 254 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) is greater than the width of the second leg portion (leg portion) 252 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). This increases the connection area between the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 254 and the cable (connected member) 2A, making it possible to connect the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 254 and the cable (connected member) 2A more reliably.

[0257] As described above, in the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38, the multiple receptacle terminals (terminals) 23 provided by the receptacle connector 2 as a connector are provided with a main body, legs, a curved part, and a mounting part. The legs and the mounting part are connected via a curved part that curves in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), so that the mounting part is formed at a position offset from the legs in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and the width of the mounting part in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) is larger than the width of the legs in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction). This makes it possible to increase the connection area between the mounting part and the member to be connected, and to connect the mounting part and the member to be connected more reliably.

[0258] Thus, in the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38, the connection reliability between the receptacle connector 2 as a connector and the cable 2A as the connected member can be further improved.

[0259] Furthermore, multiple receptacle terminals (terminals) 23 have a group of terminals 13C in which the curved portion is curved to the same side in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction).

[0260] Specifically, as shown in Figure 38, the first curved portion (curved part) 243 is curved so that the shape of all first receptacle terminals (terminals) 24 is convex to the right in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and the first mounting piece (mounting part) 244 is shifted to the left in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) relative to the first leg portion (leg portion) 242. In this way, the shape of all first receptacle terminals (terminals) 24 is made identical.

[0261] On the other hand, the second curved portion (curved part) 253 is curved so that the shape of all second receptacle terminals (terminals) 25 is convex to the left in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), and the second mounting piece (mounting part) 254 is shifted to the right in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) relative to the second leg portion (leg portion) 252. In this way, the shape of all second receptacle terminals (terminals) 25 is made identical.

[0262] Thus, in the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38, with respect to the first receptacle terminal (terminal) 24, the right side corresponds to one of the left-right directions (first direction: width direction), and the left side corresponds to the other of the left-right directions (first direction: width direction). Similarly, with respect to the second receptacle terminal (terminal) 25, the left side corresponds to one of the left-right directions (first direction: width direction), and the right side corresponds to the other of the left-right directions (first direction: width direction).

[0263] Furthermore, if multiple receptacle terminals (terminals) 23 have a group of terminals 13C in which the curved portion is curved to the same side in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction), it becomes possible to form a receptacle connector (connector) 2 using receptacle terminals (terminals) 23 of the same shape. This simplifies the manufacturing process while further improving the reliability of the connection between the receptacle connector (connector) 2 and the cable (connected member) 2A.

[0264] It is also possible to make the bending direction of the first bending portion (bending portion) 243 of the first receptacle terminal (terminal) 24 the same as the bending direction of the second bending portion 253 of the second receptacle terminal (terminal) 25. Also, a plurality of first receptacle terminals (terminals) 24 may have a first receptacle terminal (terminal) 24 with a first bending portion (bending portion) 243 having different bending directions, or a plurality of second receptacle terminals (terminals) 25 may have a second receptacle terminal (terminal) 25 with a second bending portion (bending portion) 253 having different bending directions.

[0265] Also, in the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in FIGS. 36 to 38, the bending portion connects one side surface in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) of the leg portion and the opposing surface facing the cable (connected member) 1A in the mounting portion, and has an outer surface that is at least partially curved, and connects the other side surface in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) of the leg portion and the surface on the opposite side of the opposing surface in the mounting portion, and has an inner surface that is at least partially curved.

[0266] Specifically, the first bending portion (bending portion) 243 connects the first right side surface (one side surface) 242a in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) of the first leg portion (leg portion) 242 and the first opposing surface (opposing surface) 244a of the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244, and has an outer surface 243a that is at least partially curved. Also, the first bending portion (bending portion) 243 connects the first left side surface (the other side surface) 242b in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) of the first leg portion (leg portion) 242 and the front surface 244b of the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244, and has an inner surface 243b that is at least partially curved.

[0267] In this way, in the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in FIGS. 36 to 38, the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244 is formed by bending the upper end of the plate-like first leg portion (leg portion) 242 to the left. By doing so, it becomes possible to manufacture the first receptacle terminal (terminal) 24 more easily.

[0268] On the other hand, the second curved portion (curved part) 253 connects the second left side surface (one side surface) 252a of the second leg portion (leg portion) 252 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the second opposing surface (opposing surface) 254a of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 254, and has an outer surface 253a that is curved in at least a part. Furthermore, the second curved portion (curved part) 253 connects the second right side surface (the other side surface) 252b of the second leg portion (leg portion) 252 in the left-right direction (first direction: width direction) and the front surface 254b of the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 254, and has an inner surface 253b that is curved in at least a part.

[0269] By doing so, the lower end of the plate-shaped second leg portion (leg portion) 252 is bent to the right to form the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 254, making it easier to manufacture the second receptacle terminal (terminal) 25.

[0270] In the receptacle connector (connector) 2 shown in Figures 36 to 38, the first opposing surface (opposing surface) 244a of the first mounting piece (mounting part) 244 is the first laser surface (laser surface) 244aa which is laser-welded to the cable (connected member) 2A, and the second opposing surface (opposing surface) 254a of the second mounting piece (mounting part) 254 is the second laser surface (laser surface) 254aa which is laser-welded to the cable (connected member) 2A.

[0271] Therefore, although not shown in the diagram, when the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244 and the conductor portion 2bA are laser-welded, a laser welding mark will be formed at the joint between the first mounting piece (mounting portion) 244 and the cable (connected member) 2A, and when the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 254 and the conductor portion 2bA are laser-welded, a laser welding mark will be formed at the joint between the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 254 and the cable (connected member) 2A.

[0272] As described above, in this embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A are connected by laser welding, thereby enabling a stronger connection between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when laser welding the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A, the laser is directed to relatively large opposing surfaces (first opposing surface 144a and second opposing surface 154a), thereby enabling more reliable laser welding of the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A. This makes it possible to further improve the reliability of the connection between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connected member) 1A.

[0273] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technologies.

[0274] (Technical 1) A connector comprising a housing and a plurality of terminals held in the housing, wherein the plurality of terminals are held in the housing having at least one row of terminals arranged in a first direction, and the plurality of terminals have a contact portion and a main body portion extending in a second direction which intersects the first direction, a leg portion extending from one end of the main body portion in the second direction in one of the first direction and a third direction which intersects the second direction, a curved portion connected to one end of the leg portion in the third direction so as to curve in the first direction, and a mounting portion connected to the curved portion and connected to a member to be connected.

[0275] Thus, in the connector of Technology 1, the legs and the mounting portion are connected via a curved portion that curves in a first direction. This makes it possible to increase the contact area between the mounting portion and the connected member, thereby enabling a more reliable connection between the mounting portion and the connected member. As a result, the reliability of the connection between the connector and the connected member can be further improved.

[0276] Therefore, using the connector of Technology 1 will further improve the reliability of the connection with the connected component.

[0277] (Technical 2) The connector according to Technical 1, wherein the curved portion has an outer surface that is curved in at least a portion and connects one side surface of the leg portion in the first direction to the opposing surface of the mounting portion facing the connected member, and an inner surface that is curved in at least a portion and connects the other side surface of the leg portion in the first direction to the surface of the mounting portion opposite to the opposing surface.

[0278] This allows for the formation of the mounting section by bending one end of the plate-shaped leg, making it easier to manufacture connectors that offer improved connection reliability with the connected components.

[0279] (Technical 3) The connector according to Technical 2, wherein the opposing surface is a laser surface that is laser-welded to the member to be connected.

[0280] This method allows the laser to be directed onto a relatively large area of ​​opposing surfaces when laser welding the connector and the connected component, thus enabling more reliable laser welding. Furthermore, connecting the connector and the connected component by laser welding results in a stronger connection, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the connector and the connected component.

[0281] (Technology 4) The connector according to any one of the technologies 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of terminals have a group of terminals in which the curved portion is curved to the same side in the first direction.

[0282] This makes it possible to form connectors using terminals of the same shape, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while further improving the reliability of the connection between the connector and the connected component.

[0283] (Technique 5) The mounting portion has a protruding portion that protrudes in the second direction more than the curved connecting portion connected to the curved portion, and is the connector according to any one of Techniques 1 to 4.

[0284] By doing so, it becomes possible to make the connection area between the mounting portion and the connected member larger, so that it becomes possible to more reliably connect the mounting portion and the connected member, and the connection reliability between the connector and the connected member can be further improved.

[0285] (Technique 6) The plurality of terminals have terminals in which arm portions protruding in a direction away from the housing with respect to the leg portions are formed in the main body portion, and are the connector according to any one of Techniques 1 to 5.

[0286] By doing so, even when the connector and the connected member are laser welded in a state where the mounting portion overlaps the housing when viewed from the third direction, the connection inspection between the terminal and the connected member can be performed using the arm portion exposed outside the housing. Therefore, even when the connector is miniaturized, the connection inspection between the terminal and the connected member can be performed more easily.

[0287] (Technique 7) The main body portion includes a bottom wall, a first side wall continuously provided on one side of the bottom wall in the first direction, and a second side wall continuously provided on the other side of the bottom wall in the first direction, and the leg portion is continuously provided on the first side wall, and is the connector according to any one of Techniques 1 to 6.

[0288] This prevents the terminal from shifting position when it is inserted into the housing, and allows the terminal to be held in the housing in a more stable position. As a result, multiple terminals can be positioned more precisely at the predetermined locations on the connected member, making it possible to connect multiple terminals to the connected member more reliably. In addition, the main body of the terminal can be inserted into the housing while pressing against the second side wall, which does not have legs, making it easier to insert the main body of the terminal into the housing.

[0289] (Technology 8) A connector according to any one of the technologies 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of terminals comprises a plurality of first terminals arranged in a row in the first direction, and a plurality of second terminals located in one of the third directions relative to the row of first terminals, and arranged in a row in the first direction.

[0290] This allows for miniaturization of the housing in the first direction while enabling the housing to accommodate more terminals.

[0291] (Technical 9) The connector according to Technical 8, wherein the mounting portion of at least one of the plurality of second terminals is positioned between adjacent first terminals in the first direction when viewed from the third direction.

[0292] This allows for a smaller housing.

[0293] (Technical 10) The connector according to Technical 8 or Technical 9, wherein each mounting portion of the plurality of first terminals has a first projection that protrudes in one direction in the second direction relative to a curved connecting portion that connects to a curved portion in the respective mounting portion, and each mounting portion of the plurality of second terminals has a second projection that protrudes in the other direction in the second direction relative to a curved connecting portion that connects to a curved portion in the respective mounting portion.

[0294] This allows for miniaturization of the housing while ensuring sufficient insulation distance between the first and second terminals.

[0295] (Technical 11) The connector according to Technical 10, wherein the second protrusion overlaps with the housing when viewed from the third direction.

[0296] This will allow for miniaturization of the connector.

[0297] (Technical 12) The connector according to Technical 10 or Technical 11, wherein the mounting portion of the plurality of second terminals has a first protrusion that protrudes in one direction in the second direction and a second protrusion that protrudes in the other direction relative to a curved connecting portion that connects to a curved portion in each mounting portion.

[0298] This allows for miniaturization of the housing while ensuring sufficient insulation distance between the first and second terminals.

[0299] (Technical 13) The connector according to any one of the technicals 1 to 12, wherein the housing has a recess configured to accommodate the member to be connected, and a projection that protrudes from the back surface of the recess in one of the third directions and defines the recess, the plurality of terminals protrude from the housing in one of the second directions, the projection has a pair of first projections at one end of the housing in the second direction that protrude from the back surface of the recess in one of the third directions and are arranged side by side in the first direction, the pair of first projections have circumferential surfaces that are curved so as to be convex in opposite directions, and the housing has a plane formed adjacent to the pair of first projections in one of the second directions and is flush with the back surface of the recess.

[0300] This improves the positional accuracy between the connected component and the connector, thereby enhancing the reliability of the connection between the connector and the connected component. Furthermore, when a cable is used as the connected component, if the cable is swayed to the other side in the third direction, it can be supported by a plane that is flush with the back surface of the recess, thus more reliably preventing deformation of the terminal legs or mounting part due to cable sway.

[0301] (Technology 14) A connection module comprising a connector described in any one of the technologies 1 to 13, and a member to be connected to the connector, wherein the member to be connected is a sheet-shaped cable.

[0302] This will allow us to obtain a connection module that can further improve connection reliability.

[0303] (Technical 15) The connection module according to Technical 14, wherein a laser welding mark is formed at the joint between the mounting part and the connected member.

[0304] This makes it possible to obtain a connection module that more firmly connects the connector and the connected component.

[0305] [others] The connectors and connection modules described herein have been explained above, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they are not limited to these descriptions and that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0306] For example, this disclosure can be applied to embodiments in which the configurations shown in the above embodiments and their variations are modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments and their variations to create new embodiments.

[0307] Furthermore, while the above embodiment and its modifications illustrate a configuration in which multiple terminals are arranged in two rows, upper and lower, it is also possible to use a connector in which multiple terminals are arranged in three or more rows.

[0308] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and their modifications, examples were given in which a connector device having an insertion space into which a slide member is inserted, that is, a connector device capable of having a CPA function, was used as a connector device without a CPA function. However, it is also possible to use a connector device that does not have an insertion space into which a slide member is inserted, that is, a connector device that cannot have a CPA function, as a connector device without a CPA function.

[0309] Furthermore, while the example shown uses connectors with identical terminal shapes on the same row, it is also possible to use connectors with multiple types of terminals on the same row.

[0310] Furthermore, while the above embodiments and their modifications illustrate so-called vertical type receptacle connectors, it is also possible to use so-called horizontal type receptacle connectors, in which the receptacle terminals are mounted on the mating member at the lower end of the receptacle housing in the vertical direction.

[0311] Furthermore, this disclosure may be applied to connectors (plug connectors and receptacle connectors) that electrically connect circuit boards to each other or cables to each other. Also, this disclosure may be applied to connectors (plug connectors and receptacle connectors) that electrically connect electric wires to circuit boards.

[0312] Furthermore, the housing (plug housing and receptacle housing), terminals (plug terminals and receptacle terminals), and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can be changed as needed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0313] M1 Connection Module M1a junction site M1b laser welding marks M1c junction site M1d laser welding marks M2 Connection Module 1A Cable (Connected component) 1. Plug connector (connector) 10 Plug housing (housing) 13. Plug terminals (terminals) 13B Terminal row 13C terminal group 14. First plug terminal (first terminal) 141 First main body (main body) 141a Contact part 142 1st leg (leg) 143 First curved section (curved section) 143a Exterior 143b Inside 144 First implementation piece (implementation section) 144a First opposing surface (opposing surface) 144aa laser surface 144b Top surface (the surface opposite to the opposing surface) 1441 Curved connection section 1442 First protrusion (protrusion) 145 Bottom wall 1464 First side wall 1465 Second side wall 15. Second plug terminal (second terminal) 151 Second main body (main body) 151a Contact part 1511 Arm 152 Second leg (leg) 153 Second curved section (curved section) 153a Exterior 153b Inside 154 Second implementation piece (implementation section) 154a 2nd opposing surface (opposing surface) 154aa laser surface 154b Top surface (the surface opposite to the opposing surface) 1541 Curved joint section 1542 Second protrusion (protrusion) 155 Bottom wall 1564 First side wall 1565 Second side wall 2A Connected member 2 Receptacle Connectors (Connectors) 20 Receptacle Housing (Housing) 23 Receptacle terminals (terminals) 23B terminal row 23C terminal group 24. First receptacle terminal (first terminal) 241 First main body (main body) 241a Contact part 242 1st leg (leg) 243 First curved section (curved section) 243a Exterior 243b Inside 244 First implementation piece (implementation section) 244a First opposing surface (opposing surface) 25. Second receptacle terminal (second terminal) 251 Second main body (main body) 252 Second leg (leg) 253 Second curved section (curved section) 253a Exterior 253b Inner surface 254 Second implementation piece (implementation section) 254a 2nd opposing surface (opposing surface)

Claims

1. Housing and Multiple terminals held in the housing, Equipped with, The plurality of terminals are held in the housing in such a state that they have at least one row of terminals arranged in a first direction. Multiple of the aforementioned terminals are A main body having a contact portion and extending in a second direction which intersects the first direction, A leg portion extending from one end of the main body in the second direction in one of the first direction and the third direction which intersects the second direction, A curved portion is provided in the leg portion so as to curve in the first direction from one end in the third direction, A mounting portion connected to the curved portion and connected to the member to be connected, Equipped with, connector.

2. The curved portion is, Connecting one side surface in the first direction of the leg portion and the opposing surface of the mounting portion facing the connected member, the outer surface is curved in at least a portion of it, The other side of the leg portion in the first direction and the surface of the mounting portion opposite to the opposing surface are connected, and the inner surface is curved in at least a portion of it, Having, The connector according to claim 1.

3. The opposing surface is a laser surface that is laser-welded to the member to be connected. The connector according to claim 2.

4. The plurality of terminals include a group of terminals in which the curved portion is curved to the same side in the first direction. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The mounting portion has a protruding portion that protrudes in the second direction from the curved connecting portion connected to the curved portion. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The plurality of terminals have an arm portion formed on the main body portion that protrudes from the leg portion in a direction away from the housing, The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The main body is, The bottom wall and, A first side wall connected to one of the first directions in the bottom wall, A second side wall is provided on the other side of the bottom wall in the first direction, Equipped with, The legs are connected to the first side wall. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The aforementioned multiple terminals are, A plurality of first terminals arranged in a row in the first direction, A plurality of second terminals are located in one of the third directions with respect to the row of the plurality of first terminals, and are arranged in a row in the first direction, Having, The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The mounting portion of at least one of the plurality of second terminals is positioned between adjacent first terminals in the first direction when viewed from the third direction. The connector according to claim 8.

10. Each of the mounting portions of the plurality of first terminals has a first projection that protrudes in one of the second directions relative to a curved connecting portion that connects to a curved portion in each mounting portion. Each mounting portion of the plurality of second terminals has a second projection that protrudes in the other direction in the second direction relative to a curved connecting portion that connects to a curved portion in each mounting portion. The connector according to claim 8.

11. When viewed from the third direction, the second protrusion overlaps with the housing. The connector according to claim 10.

12. Each mounting portion of the plurality of second terminals has a first protrusion that protrudes in one direction in the second direction and a second protrusion that protrudes in the other direction relative to a curved connecting portion that connects to a curved portion in the mounting portion. The connector according to claim 10.

13. The aforementioned housing is A recess configured to accommodate the connected member, A projection that protrudes from the inner surface of the recess in one of the third directions and defines the recess, It has, The plurality of terminals protrude from the housing in one of the second directions. The projection has a pair of first projections that protrude from the back surface of the recess in one of the third directions at one end of the housing in the second direction and are arranged side by side in the first direction. The pair of first projections have circumferential surfaces that are curved so as to be convex in directions opposite to each other. The housing is formed so as to be adjacent to the pair of first protrusions in one of the second directions and has a plane that is flush with the back surface of the recess, The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The member to be connected to the connector, Equipped with, The connected member is a sheet-shaped cable. Connection module.

15. A laser welding mark is formed at the joint between the mounting portion and the connected member. The connection module according to claim 14.

Images