Connector device, receptacle connector and plug-side connection module used in the connector device

Abstract

The objective is to obtain a connector device, receptacle connector, and plug-side connection module that can improve the flexibility of wiring arrangement on cables while suppressing the need for larger devices. [Solution] The connector device C1 comprises a plug-side connection module M1 having a plug connector 1 and a cable 1A, and a receptacle connector 2 having a receptacle housing 20, the plug connector 1 having a plug housing 10. The receptacle housing 20 also has a regulating projection 2122 that restricts the position of the plug housing 10. The entire regulating projection 2122 is formed to be located inside the opening S5a of the receiving recess S5 formed in the receptacle housing 20, so that a gap S5b is formed between the end faces 2128a, 2128c of the regulating projection 2122 and the opening S5a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector device, a receptacle connector used in the connector device, and a plug-side connection module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a connector device including a plug connector, a cable connected to the plug connector, and a receptacle connector into which the plug connector is fitted is known.

[0003] In this Patent Document 1, a plug-side connection module is formed by connecting a cable to a plug connector. Specifically, the plug connector includes a plug housing and plug terminals held by the plug housing, and the cable includes a bendable flexible portion and wiring formed in the flexible portion and connected to the plug terminals. Then, the plug-side connection module is formed by fixing the cable to the plug housing with the wiring connected to the plug terminals.

[0004] On the other hand, the receptacle connector includes a receptacle housing and receptacle terminals held by the receptacle housing, and a housing recess for accommodating at least a part of the plug-side connection module is formed in the receptacle housing.

[0005] Then, by inserting and fitting at least a part of the plug-side connection module into the housing recess formed in the receptacle housing, the plug terminals connected to the wiring of the cable and the receptacle terminals held by the receptacle housing are conductively connected.

[0006] In this configuration, a regulating projection is formed in the receiving recess of the receptacle housing, so that when at least a portion of the plug-side connection module is housed in the receiving recess, the plug housing rests on this regulating projection. In this way, the position of the plug housing in the thickness direction housed in the receiving recess is restricted by the regulating projection. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 241118 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In a connector device with such a configuration, it is preferable to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the wiring formed on the flexible part of the cable while suppressing an increase in the size of the device.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a connector device, a receptacle connector used in the connector device, and a plug-side connection module that can improve the degree of freedom in arranging the wiring formed on the cable while suppressing the increase in the size of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A connector device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plug-side connection module having a plug connector and a cable connected to the plug connector, and a receptacle connector into which the plug-side connection module is inserted and fitted, wherein the plug connector comprises a plug housing and a plurality of plug terminals held in the plug housing, the cable comprises a bendable flexible portion and a plurality of wires formed in the flexible portion and connected to the plurality of plug terminals respectively, and the receptacle connector has an opening that opens in a first direction and has a housing recess formed therein in which at least a part of the plug-side connection module is housed. The receptacle housing comprises a septacle housing and a plurality of receptacle terminals held by the receptacle housing and electrically connected to each of the plurality of plug terminals, wherein the receptacle housing comprises an opposing surface that defines the housing recess and faces the cable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a regulating projection formed to protrude from the opposing surface in the second direction and to regulate the position of the plug housing in the second direction, wherein a gap is formed between the end face of the regulating projection on the opening side in the first direction and the opening, and the gap is formed from one end to the other in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions on the end face.

[0011] A receptacle connector according to one aspect of this disclosure is used in the above-mentioned connector device.

[0012] A plug-side connection module according to one aspect of this disclosure is used in the above-mentioned connector device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to obtain a connector device, a receptacle connector used in the connector device, and a plug-side connection module that can improve the degree of freedom in arranging the wiring formed on the cable while suppressing the increase in the size of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows a first 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 circuit board in an exploded view. [Figure 2] This figure shows a first example of a connector device, and is a perspective view showing a plug connector mounted on a cable and a receptacle connector mounted on a circuit board in a mated state. [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 lower plug terminal and the lower receptacle terminal make contact, and (b) is a plan view showing the state of contact between the lower plug terminal and the lower receptacle terminal. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the plug terminal and receptacle terminal of a connector device, where (a) is a perspective view showing the state before the upper plug terminal and the upper receptacle terminal make contact, and (b) is a plan view showing the state of contact between the upper plug terminal and the upper receptacle terminal. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the plug connector of the connector device before it is mounted onto the cable. [Figure 6] 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 7] This is a plan view showing the plug connector of the connector device mounted on a cable. [Figure 8] This is a rear view showing the plug connector of the connector device mounted on the cable. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a disassembled plug connector of a connector device. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the plug housing of a plug connector, where (a) is a top view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 11]A diagram showing 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 12] A diagram showing the lower plug terminals of a plug 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 13] A diagram showing the upper plug terminals of a plug 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 14] A perspective view showing the state of a receptacle connector of a connector device before being mounted on a circuit board. [Figure 15] A perspective view showing the receptacle connector of a connector device disassembled. [Figure 16] A diagram showing the receptacle housing of a receptacle connector, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a rear view. [Figure 17] 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 18] A diagram showing the lower receptacle terminals 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 19] A diagram showing the upper receptacle terminals 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 20] A diagram showing a first example of a connector device, which is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the state before fitting a plug-side connection module to a receptacle connector. [Figure 21]This figure shows a first example of a connector device, and is a perspective view showing the plug-side connection module mated to the receptacle connector, broken in the horizontal plane. [Figure 22] This figure shows a first example of a connector device, and is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the plug-side connection module mated to the receptacle connector. [Figure 23] This figure shows a first example of a connector device, and is a perspective view showing the plug-side connection module mated to the receptacle connector, broken in a vertical plane. [Figure 24] This figure shows a first example of a connector device, and is a side cross-sectional view showing the plug-side connection module mated to the receptacle connector. [Figure 25] This figure shows a second 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 circuit board in an exploded view. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing a disassembled connector device as the second example, and is a perspective view of the plug connector mounted on the cable and the receptacle connector before it is mounted on the circuit board, viewed from the side where they mate together. [Figure 27] This figure shows a second example of a connector device, and is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the plug-side connection module mated to the receptacle connector. [Figure 28] This figure shows a third 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 circuit board in an exploded view. [Figure 29] This is a diagram showing a disassembled connector device as the third example, and is a perspective view of the plug connector mounted on the cable and the receptacle connector before it is mounted on the circuit board, viewed from the side where they mate together. [Figure 30] This figure shows a third example of a connector device, and is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the plug-side connection module mated to the receptacle connector. [Figure 31] This is a plan view showing an example of the mounting structure of a connector device onto a circuit board. [Figure 32] This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing an example of the mounting structure of a connector device onto a circuit board. [Figure 33] This is a plan view showing an incompatible plug connector mated to a receptacle connector. [Figure 34] This is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing an incompatible plug connector mated to a receptacle connector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] In the following, a plug connector 1 is provided as an example, which is mounted on a flexible sheet-like cable (connected component) 1A. A receptacle connector 2 is provided as an example, which is mounted on a rigid sheet-like circuit board (connected component) 2A, which is the mating connector to which the plug connector 1 fits.

[0018] Furthermore, the vertical axis, front-to-back axis, and left-to-right axis (width axis) of the plug connector 1 are defined with the plug housing 10 positioned above the sheet-like cable (connected member) 1A. These vertical axis, front-to-back axis, and left-to-right axis are merely defined for convenience in explaining each configuration and do not define the actual arrangement of the plug connector 1. In this embodiment, the insertion direction of the terminals into the housing of each connector coincides with the front-to-back axis (first direction), and the direction perpendicular to the plane including the mounting surface (normal direction of the plane including the mounting surface) when mounted on the connected member coincides with the vertical axis (second direction) of each connector. At this time, the direction in which the terminals housed in the housing of each connector are arranged side by side is the left-to-right axis (third direction).

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the axis extending along the Z-axis in the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is the vertical axis, the axis extending along the X-axis is the front-to-back axis, and the axis extending along the Y-axis is the left-to-right axis. That is, the axis perpendicular to the vertical axis (the direction extending along the Z-axis) is the front-to-back axis (the direction extending along the X-axis), and the axis perpendicular to both the vertical axis (the direction extending along the Z-axis) and the front-to-back axis (the direction extending along the X-axis) is the left-to-right axis (the direction extending along the Y-axis).

[0020] Furthermore, when mating connectors together, the side facing the other connector is defined as the front on the front-to-back axis.

[0021] Note that the various types of connector devices shown below contain similar components. Therefore, in the following, these similar components will be assigned a common designation, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0022] [Example of connector device configuration] The plug connector (connector) 1 according to this embodiment is used in the connector device (connector set) C1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector device C1 includes the plug connector 1 described above and a receptacle connector 2 into which the plug connector 1 is mated.

[0024] In this embodiment, the plug connector 1 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) 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 of the plug connector 1 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.

[0025] On the other hand, the receptacle connector 2 is formed to be mountable on the circuit board (the mating component) 2A. Specifically, the receptacle connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 2A by electrically connecting (mounting) the first and second mounting pieces (mating components: mating connection components) 232, 242 of the receptacle terminals (mating terminals) 23, 24 of the receptacle connector 2 to the conductor portion 2bA of the circuit board 2A. In this way, the receptacle-side connection module M2 is formed by mounting the receptacle connector 2 on the circuit board (the mating component) 2A.

[0026] The plug connector 1, i.e., the plug-side connection module M1, which holds the plug terminals 13 and 14 in the plug housing 10 and mounts the first and second mounting pieces 132 and 142 on the cable 1A, is then mated with the receptacle connector (the other connector) 2 of the receptacle-side connection module M2. In this way, the plug terminals 13 and 14 are electrically connected to the receptacle terminals (the other terminals) 23 and 24 of the receptacle connector 2.

[0027] Thus, the connector device C1 electrically connects cable 1A and circuit board 2A by fitting plug connector 1 into receptacle connector 2 and electrically connecting plug terminals 13, 14 and receptacle terminals 23, 24 (see Figures 2 to 4).

[0028] [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 5 to 8.

[0029] Cable 1A is in the form of a sheet (flat plate) 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. In this embodiment, cable 1A is configured to be bent (curved) at an angle of 90 degrees or more in the direction of the cable thickness.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 opposite side of the receptacle connector 2.

[0032] 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 are made of an insulating film and cover the conductor portion 15bA, and a flexible insulating covering portion (flexible portion) 13A is formed by this base material 15aA and the covering portion 15cA. 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 (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) described later. Therefore, in this embodiment, this conductor portion 15bA is formed on the insulating covering portion (flexible portion) 13A and consists of multiple wirings that are connected to the multiple plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14).

[0033] Furthermore, multiple exposed conductor portions 151bA, which are conductor portions 15bA exposed from the covering portion 15cA, are formed on the upper surface of the connecting region 11A. These multiple exposed conductor portions 151bA, in this embodiment, form multiple terminal connection portions that are connected to the mounting portions (first mounting piece 132 and second mounting piece 142) of multiple plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14). In this embodiment, the multiple exposed conductor portions 151bA are formed in two rows along the front-to-back axis, and the exposed conductor portions 151bA in each row are arranged at a predetermined pitch along the left-to-right axis (extension direction of the Y axis). Furthermore, 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).

[0034] 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 151cA are provided in the covering portion 15cA so that the tip of the conductive portion 15bA is not covered, a cable 1A is formed in which the tip of the conductive portion 15bA is exposed on one side (above the vertical axis).

[0035] Furthermore, the method for forming cable 1A is not limited to the method described above, and it can be formed in various ways.

[0036] Furthermore, a fixing portion 15dA is formed on the upper surface of the connecting region 11A, to which a retaining fitting 15 of the plug connector 1, described later, is fixed. In this embodiment, a pair of fixing portions 15dA are formed outside the left-right axis (direction of extension of the Y-axis) and in front of the front-rear axis (direction of extension of the X-axis) compared to a plurality of exposed conductor portions 151bA arranged in parallel along the left-right axis (direction of extension 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 the left-right axis (direction of extension of the Y-axis) compared to a plurality of exposed conductor portions 151bA arranged in parallel along the left-right axis (direction of extension of the Y-axis) and in rear of the front-rear axis (direction of extension of the X-axis) compared to 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.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting region 11A of the cable 1A has a notch 11aA that is elongated in the left-right axis (extending direction of the Y axis) and opens forward.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 along the left-right axis (extending direction of the Y-axis) and opens forward. This reinforcing plate 14A is attached to the back side of the connection region 11A with an adhesive or the like.

[0040] In this case, it is preferable that the entire exposed conductor portion 151bA overlaps with the reinforcing plate 14A in a plan view (viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA). In this way, the entire exposed conductor portion 151bA is supported by the reinforcing plate 14A, which prevents the exposed conductor portion 151bA from bending in the vertical axis (extending direction of the Z axis) or bending in the horizontal axis (extending direction of the Y axis).

[0041] [Example configuration of plug connector 1] Next, an example of the configuration of the plug connector 1 will be explained based on Figures 9 to 13.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, the plug connector (connector) 1 comprises a plug housing (housing) 10 and plug terminals (terminals: lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) held by the plug housing 10. The plug connector (connector) 1 also includes a retaining clip 15 held by the plug housing 10.

[0043] The plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) 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. The plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) are mounted on the exposed conductor portion 151bA by soldering or the like. The retaining bracket 15 is held in the plug housing 10 and 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 along the front-rear axis with respect to the receptacle connector 2.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In this embodiment, a pair of outer guide protrusions 1112 extending in the front-to-back direction and projecting upward are formed at both the left-to-right ends of the top wall 111. These outer guide protrusions 1112 are inserted into the outer guide grooves 211b of the receptacle housing 20, which will be described later.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 along the front-to-back axis. Plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) are press-fitted (inserted) into these spaces that penetrate along the front-to-back axis.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 is configured such that multiple spaces arranged in parallel along the left-right axis (the direction of extension of the Y-axis) are formed in two stages along the up-down axis (the direction of extension of the Z-axis). When the housing body 11 is viewed from the rear along the front-rear axis, the multiple spaces are formed in a staggered pattern. This reduces the size of the left-right axis of the plug connector 1.

[0060] Specifically, multiple spaces defined by a bottom wall 112, a partition wall 115, and a lower partition wall 117 are arranged side by side along the left-right axis (the direction of extension of the Y-axis) on the lower side (mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing body 11. The space formed on the lower side (mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing body 11 is the first space (lower space: internal space) S1 into which the lower plug terminal 13 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0061] On the other hand, on the upper side of the housing body 11 (at a position further from the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1), multiple spaces defined by the top wall 111, partition wall 115, and upper partition wall 116 are arranged in parallel along the left-right axis (extending direction of the Y axis). The space formed on the upper side of the housing body 11 becomes the second space (upper space: internal space) S2 into which the upper plug terminal 14 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0062] In this embodiment, 14 spaces (first spaces S1) are arranged in parallel along the left-right axis on the lower side of the housing body 11. On the other hand, on the upper side of the housing body 11, 5 spaces (first spaces S1) are arranged in parallel on one side of the left-right axis (extending direction of the Y-axis) of the locking part 12, and 5 spaces (first spaces S1) are arranged in parallel on the other side of the left-right axis (extending direction of the Y-axis) of the locking part 12. In other words, on the upper side of the housing body 11, 10 spaces (first spaces S1) are arranged in parallel along the left-right axis (extending direction of the Y-axis) so as to sandwich the locking part 12. This prevents the locking part 12 from protruding upward and allows for miniaturization of the vertical axis (extending direction of the Z-axis) of the housing body 11.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper partition wall 116 and the lower partition wall 117 are formed at positions offset from each other along the left-right axis. 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 (lower plug terminal 13 and upper plug terminal 14) 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 axis).

[0064] The lower plug terminal 13 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 lower plug terminal 13 from falling out. In other words, the forward movement of the lower plug terminal 13, 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 230a of the lower receptacle terminal 23 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 230a of the lower receptacle terminal 23.

[0065] Similarly, the upper plug terminal 14 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 upper plug terminal 14 from falling out. In other words, the forward movement of the upper plug terminal 14, 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 240a of the upper receptacle terminal 24 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 240a of the upper receptacle terminal 24.

[0066] Furthermore, grooves 1115 opening to the rear and downward are formed at the lower part of the rear end of the top wall 111, communicating with the second space S2. In this embodiment, the grooves 1115 are formed on both sides of the left-right axis of the second space S2, and the upper ends of the side walls 144 of the upper plug terminal 14, which will be described later, are inserted into the grooves 1115. In this embodiment, the grooves 1115 are formed such that the groove width (length of the left-right axis) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side wall 134.

[0067] 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 first space S1. In this embodiment, the groove 115a is formed on one side of the left-right axis of the first space S1 (the right side in Figure 11(b)), and the upper end of the side wall 134 of the lower plug terminal 13, 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 of the left-right axis) is slightly wider than the thickness of the side wall 134.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a groove 115b is formed at the rear end of the partition wall 115, opening to the rear and vertically, and communicating with the first space S1 and the second space S2. This groove 115b is formed opposite the groove 1115 in the vertical axis, and the upper part of the second leg (leg portion) 141 of the upper plug terminal 14 is inserted into this groove 115b. In this embodiment, the groove 115b is formed such that the groove width (length along the left-right axis) is slightly wider than the plate thickness of the second leg (leg portion) 141.

[0069] 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 along the front-rear axis are formed in this bottom wall body 1121 so as to be aligned along the left-right axis.

[0070] In this embodiment, a groove 1121c is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121, extending along the vertical axis and opening at its upper end into the first space S1. Specifically, when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear along the front-rear axis, the grooves 1115, 115b, and 1121c on one side (the right side in Figure 11(b)) are arranged to be aligned in a straight line along the vertical axis. The lower part of the second leg portion 141 of the upper plug terminal 14 is inserted into this groove 1121c when the press-fitting (insertion) is complete.

[0071] Furthermore, a groove 1121d is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121, extending in the vertical axis and opening into the first space S1. Specifically, the groove 1121d is formed to face a groove 115a, which is formed to communicate with one of the first spaces S1, in the vertical axis.

[0072] In other words, as shown in Figure 11(b), when the plug housing 10 is viewed from the rear of the front-to-rear axis, the groove 115a and the groove 1121d are arranged to be aligned in a straight line along the vertical axis. The first leg portion 131 of the lower plug terminal 13 is inserted into this groove 1121d when the press-fitting (insertion) is complete.

[0073] Furthermore, a recess 1121b is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121, opening downward and to the rear and extending along the front-rear axis, so as to be connected to the groove 1121d. This recess 1121b accommodates the first mounting piece 132 of the lower plug terminal 13 when it is pressed in (inserted).

[0074] 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 along the left-right axis. The area where the pair of extension portions 1132, 1132 face each other is a recess 1133 in which the first and second mounting pieces 132, 142 of the plug terminals 13, 14 are housed.

[0075] Thus, in this embodiment, the first and second mounting pieces 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are mounted on the exposed conductor portion 151bA of the cable 1A in front of the rear ends of the extension portions 1132 and 1132. At this time, the connecting region 11A of the cable 1A is sandwiched between the extension portions 1132 and 1132 and the reinforcing plate 14A.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first and second mounting pieces 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are positioned in front of the tip (rear end) of the extension portions 1132 and 1132. This prevents deformation of the first and second legs 131 and 141 and the first and second mounting pieces 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 due to the bending of the cable 1A. In other words, the connection portion between the plug terminals 13 and 14 and the cable 1A is protected from bending of the cable 1A.

[0078] 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 15.

[0079] The retaining bracket mounting portion 1134 includes a recess 1134a that opens outward on the vertical and horizontal axes, and slits 1134b, 1134b connected to the inside of the horizontal axes of the recess 1134a, into which both ends of the front-to-back axes of the main body portion 151 of the retaining bracket 15 are inserted. With the retaining bracket 15 held in place by the plug housing 10, the plug housing 10 is fixed to the cable 1A by fixing the fixing piece 152 connected to the lower end of the main body portion 151 to the fixing portion 15dA of the cable 1A.

[0080] 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 Figure 10(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).

[0081] 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 axis: direction extending along the Z axis), and has an upper surface 10a and a lower surface 10b located above and below the vertical axis, respectively. 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), in which the connected portion 10A of the cable 1A (connected region 11A to which the reinforcing plate 14A is attached) is accommodated. 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 axis). 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Specifically, the protrusion 1122 is composed only of a pair of elongated front protrusions 11221 formed along the left-right axis at the front ends of both sides of the left-right axis of the bottom wall 112, an elongated front central protrusion (projection) 1124 formed along the front-rear axis at the front center of the left-right axis of the bottom wall 112, and a pair of elongated rear protrusions 11222 formed along the front-rear axis at the rear ends of both sides of the left-right axis of the bottom wall 112.

[0085] In this embodiment, the front projection 11221 and the rear projection 11222 are formed in the area 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 11222 is formed outside the left and right axes of the extension portion 1132, along the outer edge of the extension portion 1132. Thus, in this embodiment, projections 1122 are formed at the four corners of the bottom wall 112, while a projection 1122 is formed in the center of the front side of the bottom wall 112.

[0086] 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 of the left and right axes, where the notches 11aA and 14aA are not formed, are aligned with the inner (rear) contour line of the front projection 11221, and the rear ends on both sides of the left and right axes are aligned with the inner contour lines of the left and right axes of the rear projection 11222. In this way, the front projection 11221 suppresses forward displacement of the connected portion 10A, and the rear projection 11222 suppresses lateral displacement of the left and right axes of the connected portion 10A. Note that the connected portion 10A can have various shapes as long as it is housed in the recess 1123.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewing the plug housing 10, which holds the plug terminals 13 and 14 arranged side by side along the left-right axis (Y-axis), along the front-rear axis (direction in which the X-axis extends), the projection 1122 is made so as not to overlap with the mounting pieces 132 and 142 of the plug terminals 13 and 14.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the extension portion 1132 is connected to the rear end of the side wall body 1131 such that the end faces of the left and right axes are located outside the left and right axes of the end faces of the left and right axes of the side wall body 1131. Therefore, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) is formed so that it is wider at the rear than at the front when viewed from above.

[0089] 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.

[0090] Furthermore, at the rear end of the extended portion 1132, a hooking projection (hooking portion) 1132a is formed that protrudes outward from the left and right axes and extends in the vertical axis direction (the direction in which the Z axis extends: the thickness direction of the housing body 11).

[0091] 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.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a hook projection 1132a is formed on the rear end side of the extended portion 1132 so as to extend along the vertical axis and protrude outward from the left and right axes. 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.

[0093] 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 on the left-right axis (Y-axis) on the insertion portion 118 side (forward on the front-rear axis) 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.

[0094] Next, the specific configuration of the plug terminals (terminals) will be explained based on Figures 12 and 13.

[0095] In this embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) 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 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 has a mounting portion that can be connected to the cable (connected member) 1A below the plug housing 10.

[0096] Specifically, the plug terminal includes a lower plug terminal 13 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a first space S1 formed on the lower side (mounting surface 1aA side) of the housing body 11. Furthermore, the plug terminal includes an upper plug terminal 14 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a second space S2 formed on the upper side (at a position further from the mounting surface 1aA than the first space S1).

[0097] In this embodiment, the lower plug terminals 13 are conductive and are arranged in parallel along the left-right axis (extending direction of the Y-axis) of the plug housing 10. As shown in Figure 12, these lower plug terminals 13 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 axis; extending direction of the X-axis) (see Figures 12(e) and 12(f)). Such lower plug terminals 13 can be formed, for example, by bending a strip-shaped metal member that has been punched out to a predetermined shape.

[0098] Furthermore, the lower plug terminal 13 includes a first main body portion 130 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S1. In addition, the lower plug terminal 13 includes a first leg portion 131 that extends from the first main body portion 130 toward the mounting surface 1aA when the lower plug terminal 13 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A. The lower plug terminal 13 also includes a first mounting piece (connecting portion) 132 that is connected to the first leg portion 131 and can be mounted on the cable 1A. This first mounting piece (connecting portion) 132 is formed to protrude rearward from the rear end of the housing body 11 when held by the plug housing (housing) 10.

[0099] The first main body 130 comprises a bottom wall 133 and side walls 134 connected to both ends of the left and right axis (extension direction of the Y axis) of the bottom wall 133.

[0100] The bottom wall 133 comprises a bottom wall body 135 to which the lower end of the side wall 134 is connected, and a contact protection portion 136 connected to the front end of the bottom wall body 135 and protruding forward. This contact protection portion 136 prevents the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13 from coming into contact with the housing body 11 when the first main body portion 130 is pressed into (inserted) the first space S1.

[0101] Furthermore, the bottom wall body 135 and the contact protection portion 136 are formed with restricting pieces 135a and 136a that protrude outward from both ends of the left and right axes (the direction of extension of the Y axis), respectively. These restricting pieces 135a and 136a prevent the first main body portion 130 from being pressed (inserted) into the first space S1 at an angle.

[0102] The side wall 134 comprises a side wall body 137 whose lower end is connected to the bottom wall body 135, and a contact piece 138 that is elastically deformable and connected to the front end of the side wall body 137 and contacts the contact portion of the receptacle connector.

[0103] A regulating projection 137a is formed at the upper end of the side wall body 137, and this regulating projection 137a prevents the first main body 130 from floating up when it is pressed into (inserted) the first main body 130 into the first space S1.

[0104] Furthermore, the contact piece 138 includes an inner bending piece 138a connected to the front end of the side wall body 137 so as to bend inward along the left and right axes, and an outer bending piece 138b connected to the front end of the inner bending piece 138a so as to bend outward along the left and right axes.

[0105] In this embodiment, the contact piece 138 is connected to each of the pair of side wall bodies 137, 137 and is formed to be substantially symmetrical in plan view. That is, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 comprises inner bent pieces 138a, 138a that are bent in a direction that brings them closer to each other as they move forward, and outer bent pieces 138b, 138b that are bent in a direction that moves them apart as they move forward.

[0106] Then, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 are positioned to clamp the contact portion 230a of the receptacle connector 2 at the point where they are closest together (the connecting portion between the inner bent piece 138a and the outer bent piece 138b) (see Figure 3(b)). In this embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 function as the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13. The pair of outer bent pieces 138b function as guides to allow the contact portion 130a of the receptacle connector 2 to be introduced more smoothly.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an extended wall 139 projecting backward is attached to the rear end of one of the pair of side wall bodies 137, 137, so that the first main body portion 130 has a shape in which one side protrudes backward.

[0108] A press-fit projection 139a is formed at the upper end of the extension wall 139, and the first main body portion 130 is press-fitted into the first space S1 by engaging this press-fit projection 139a with the housing body 11.

[0109] In this embodiment, the upper end of the side wall 134 of the lower plug terminal 13 is inserted, forming a groove 115a that guides the press-fitting (insertion) of the lower plug terminal 13 into the lower space S1. Therefore, even when the lower plug terminal 13 is press-fitted (inserted) into the lower space S1 by pressing one side wall 134 that protrudes from the rear of the main body 130, displacement of the lower plug terminal 13 is suppressed. As a result, the lower plug terminal 13 can be press-fitted (inserted) into the lower space S1 more smoothly and accurately.

[0110] The first leg portion 131 extends downward (towards the cable 1A: the member to be connected) from the rear end of the extension wall 139. Thus, in this embodiment, the first leg portion 131 extends in the thickness direction of the housing from the first main body portion 130, which is pressed (inserted) into the first space S1. In addition, a first mounting piece 132 is attached to the lower end of the first leg portion 131. In this embodiment, the flat lower end surface of the first mounting piece 132, which extends in a substantially horizontal direction, becomes the first mounting surface (mounting surface) 132a that can be mounted on the cable (member to be connected) 1A.

[0111] In this case, the first leg portion 131 and the first mounting piece 132 are formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and are formed so that the thickness direction is substantially the same as the thickness direction of the side wall body 137.

[0112] Therefore, when the first main body portion 130 is inserted into the first space S1 and the first mounting piece (connecting portion) 132 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, the thickness direction of the first leg portion 131 becomes the left-right axis (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 131 intersects the insertion direction of the first main body portion 130 into the first space S1 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0113] On the other hand, the upper plug terminals 14 are also conductive and are arranged in parallel along the left-right axis (extension direction of the Y-axis) of the plug housing 10. As shown in Figure 13, these upper 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 axis; extension direction of the X-axis) (see Figures 13(e) and 13(f)). Such upper plug terminals 14 can also be formed, for example, by bending a strip-shaped metal member that has been punched out to a predetermined shape.

[0114] Furthermore, the upper plug terminal 14 includes a second main body portion 140 that is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S2. In addition, the upper plug terminal 14 includes a second leg portion 141 that extends from the second main body portion 140 toward the mounting surface 1aA when the upper plug terminal 14 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A. The upper plug terminal 14 also includes a second mounting piece (connecting portion) 142 that is connected to the second leg portion 141 and can be mounted on the cable 1A. This second mounting piece (connecting portion) 142 is also formed to protrude rearward from the rear end of the housing body 11 while being held by the plug housing (housing) 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13, upper plug terminal 14) are housed in the internal space (first space S1, second space S2) of the plug housing (housing) 10 with a portion of them exposed from the rear of the front-rear axis.

[0115] The second main body 140 comprises a bottom wall 143 and side walls 144 connected to both ends of the left and right axis (extending direction of the Y axis) of the bottom wall 143.

[0116] The bottom wall 143 comprises a bottom wall body 145 to which the lower end of the side wall 144 is connected, and a contact protection portion 146 connected to the front end of the bottom wall body 145 and protruding forward. This contact protection portion 146 prevents the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14 from coming into contact with the housing body 11 when the second main body portion 140 is pressed into (inserted) the second space S2.

[0117] Furthermore, the bottom wall body 145 and the contact protection portion 146 are each formed with restricting pieces 145a and 146a that protrude outward from both ends of the left and right axes (the direction of extension of the Y axis). These restricting pieces 145a and 146a prevent the second main body portion 140 from being pressed (inserted) into the second space S2 at an angle.

[0118] The side wall 144 comprises a side wall body 147 whose lower end is connected to the bottom wall body 145, and a contact piece 148 that is elastically deformable and connected to the front end of the side wall body 147 and contacts the contact portion 240a of the receptacle connector 2.

[0119] A regulating projection 147a is formed at the upper end of the side wall body 147, and this regulating projection 147a prevents the second main body 140 from floating up when it is pressed into (inserted) the second main body 140 into the second space S2.

[0120] Furthermore, the contact piece 148 includes an inner bending piece 148a connected to the front end of the side wall body 147 so as to bend inward along the left and right axes, and an outer bending piece 148b connected to the front end of the inner bending piece 148a so as to bend outward along the left and right axes.

[0121] In this embodiment, the contact piece 148 is connected to each of the pair of side wall bodies 147, 147 and is formed to be substantially symmetrical in plan view. That is, the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 comprises inner bent pieces 148a, 148a that are bent in a direction that brings them closer to each other as they move forward, and outer bent pieces 148b, 148b that are bent in a direction that moves them apart as they move forward.

[0122] Then, the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 are positioned to clamp the contact portion 240a of the receptacle connector 2 at the point where they are closest together (the connecting portion between the inner bent piece 148a and the outer bent piece 148b) (see Figure 4(b)). In this embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 148, 148 function as the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14. The pair of outer bent pieces 148b function as guides to allow the contact portion 240a of the receptacle connector 2 to be introduced more smoothly.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an extended wall 149 projecting backward is attached to the rear end of one of the pair of side wall bodies 147, 147, and the second main body 140 has a shape in which one side protrudes backward.

[0124] A press-fit projection 149a is formed at the upper end of the extended wall 149, and by engaging this press-fit projection 149a with the housing body 11, the second main body portion 140 is press-fitted into the second space S2.

[0125] In this embodiment, the upper end of the side wall 144 of the upper plug terminal 14 is inserted into a groove 1115 that guides the press-fitting (insertion) of the upper plug terminal 14 into the upper space S2. Therefore, even when the upper plug terminal 14 is press-fitted (inserted) into the upper space S2 by pressing one side wall 144 that protrudes from the rear of the main body 140, displacement of the upper plug terminal 14 is suppressed. As a result, the upper plug terminal 14 can be press-fitted (inserted) into the upper space S2 more smoothly and accurately.

[0126] Furthermore, the second leg portion 141 extends downward (towards the cable 1A: the member to be connected) from the rear end of the extension wall 149. The vertical axis length of this second leg portion 141 is longer than that of the first leg portion 131. Thus, in this embodiment, the second leg portion 141 extends in the housing thickness direction from the second main body portion 140, which is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S2. In addition, a second mounting piece 142 is attached to the lower end of the second leg portion 141 so as to protrude toward the rear. In this embodiment, the flat lower end surface of the second mounting piece 142, which extends in a substantially horizontal direction, becomes a second mounting surface (mounting surface) 142a that can be mounted on the cable (member to be connected) 1A.

[0127] Furthermore, the first leg portion 131 and the second leg portion 141 are positioned such that the front-rear axis positions are approximately the same when the first main body portion 130 and the second main body portion 140 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2 (see Figures 7 and 21). The first leg portion 131 and the second leg portion 141 are positioned such that the left-right axis positions are offset by approximately half a pitch when the first main body portion 130 and the second main body portion 140 are inserted into the first space S1 and the second space S2. Therefore, in this embodiment, with multiple plug terminals 13 and 14 held in the plug housing 10, the mounting portions (connecting portions: first mounting piece 132 and second mounting piece 142) are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0128] Furthermore, the first mounting piece 132 is positioned to be housed in a recess 1121b formed at the rear end of the bottom wall body 1121 when the first main body portion 130 is inserted into the first space S1. On the other hand, the second mounting piece 142 is positioned to be located behind the insertion opening S2a of the second space S2 when the second main body portion 140 is inserted into the second space S2.

[0129] Therefore, in a plan view with the multiple plug terminals 13 and 14 held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, the first mounting piece 132 will overlap with the plug housing 10. On the other hand, in a plan view with the multiple plug terminals 13 and 14 held in the plug housing 10 and mounted on the cable 1A, the second mounting piece 142 will be exposed from the plug housing 10.

[0130] In other words, when the plug housing 10 is viewed along the direction normal to the mounting surface 1aA with the plug connector 1 mounted on the cable 1A, one of the mounting pieces (mounting portion: connection portion) of the first mounting piece 132 and the second mounting piece 142 overlaps with the plug housing 10.

[0131] Thus, in this embodiment, with multiple plug terminals 13 and 14 held in the plug housing 10, the mounting portions (connecting portions: first mounting piece 132 and second mounting piece 142) are arranged in a staggered pattern on both sides of the insertion opening (rear edge) of the space.

[0132] Furthermore, the second leg portion 141 and the second mounting piece 142 are also formed in a thin plate shape (plate shape), and are formed so that the plate thickness direction is substantially the same as the plate thickness direction of the side wall body 147.

[0133] Therefore, when the second main body 140 is inserted into the second space S2 and the second mounting piece (connecting part) 142 is mounted on the cable (connected member) 1A, the thickness direction of the second leg portion 141 becomes the left-right axis (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 141 intersects the insertion direction of the second main body 140 into the second space S2 and the normal direction of the mounting surface 1aA.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the insertion opening S1a is viewed from the rear of the front-rear axis with the first and second main body portions 130 and 140 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 inserted into the first and second spaces S1 and S2, the insertion opening S1a of the first space S1 is divided into two regions by the second leg portion 141. That is, when the plug housing 10 is viewed along the insertion direction of the first and second main body portions 130 and 140 into the first and second spaces S1 and S2 with the plug connector 1 mounted on the cable 1A, the insertion opening S1a of the first space S1 is divided into two regions by the second leg portion 141.

[0135] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the position where the first main body portion 130 has been pressed (inserted) into the first space S1, the first leg portion 131 is inserted into the groove portion 1121d and held in a state where its movement in the left-right axis (Y axis; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the groove portion 1121d formed in the bottom wall body 1121 of the housing body 11 functions as a leg portion holding portion that holds the first leg portion 131. In this way, the plug connector 1 is connected to the plug housing 10 and is equipped with a leg portion holding portion that holds the first leg portion 131. In this embodiment, the leg portion is integrally formed with the plug housing 10. Alternatively, the leg portion may be formed by connecting a separate member to the plug housing 10.

[0136] Furthermore, at the position where the second main body portion 140 has been pressed into (inserted) the second space S2, the second leg portion 141 is inserted into the grooves 115b and 1121c and held in a state where its movement in the left-right axis (Y axis; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the groove 115b formed in the partition wall 115 of the housing body 11 and the groove 1121c formed in the bottom wall body 1121 function as leg retaining portions that hold the second leg portion 141. In this way, the plug connector 1 is connected to the plug housing 10 and is equipped with leg retaining portions that hold the second leg portion 141. In this embodiment, the leg retaining portions are also formed integrally with the plug housing 10, but they may be formed separately.

[0137] This prevents deformation of the first and second legs 131 and 141 when the first and second main body portions 130 and 140 of the plug terminals 13 and 14 are press-fitted (inserted) into the first and second spaces S1 and S2, or when the plug terminals 13 and 14 that have been press-fitted (inserted) into the first and second spaces S1 and S2 are mounted onto the cable 1A.

[0138] [Example configuration of receptacle connector 2] Next, an example of the configuration of the receptacle connector 2 will be explained based on Figures 14 to 19.

[0139] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the receptacle connector 2 includes a receptacle housing (the mating housing) 20. Furthermore, the receptacle connector 2 includes receptacle terminals (the mating terminals: the lower receptacle terminal 23 and the upper receptacle terminal 24) held by the receptacle housing 20. The receptacle connector 2 also includes a retaining clip (the mating retaining clip) 25 held by the receptacle housing 20.

[0140] The receptacle terminals 23 and 24, held in the receptacle housing 20, are mounted on the conductor portion 2bA of the circuit board 2A, which is located outside the receptacle housing 20. In this way, the receptacle connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 2A, which is the mating component. The receptacle terminals 23 and 24 are also mounted on the conductor portion 2bA by soldering or the like. The retaining bracket 25, while held in the receptacle housing 20, is fixed to the fixing portion 2cA of the circuit board 2A by soldering or the like, thereby fixing the receptacle housing 20 to the circuit board 2A.

[0141] The circuit board 2A is roughly rectangular in shape and includes a substrate body 2aA made of a rigid and insulating resin material or the like. Conductor portion 2bA and 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 serves as the mounting surface.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] The housing body 21 comprises a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212, a pair of side walls 213 connecting both ends of the top wall 211 and bottom wall 212 along their left-right axes (the direction of extension of the Y-axis), and a rear wall 214 connected to the rear ends of the top wall 211, bottom wall 212, and side walls 213, 213.

[0146] Furthermore, a locking part insertion portion 22 is formed in the center of the left-right axis of the top wall 211. Specifically, the locking part insertion portion 22 is formed on the lower side of the center of the left-right axis of the top wall 211 and includes a housing portion 221 for housing the lever portion 121. In the center of the front-rear axis of this housing portion 221, an engagement recess (engagement portion) 221a is formed, into which the engagement projection 121b of the locking part 12 engages.

[0147] 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.

[0148] Furthermore, insertion spaces S8 are formed on both sides of the left and right axes 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 axis; 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 of the left and right axes of the housing body 21.

[0149] Furthermore, a positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 that protrudes upward is formed in the center of the left-right axis of the bottom wall 212. In this embodiment, this positioning projection 2122 is formed to correspond to the notches 11aA and 14aA. When fitting the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20, with the positioning projection 2122 inserted into the notches 11aA and 14aA, the lower surface 10b of the plug housing 10 is placed on the upper surface 2127 of the positioning projection 2122, and the vertical axis of the plug housing 10 is positioned by this positioning projection 2122. In addition, in this embodiment, a groove 2126 that extends along the front-rear axis and opens forward and upward is formed in the center of the left-right axis of the positioning projection 2122. When fitting the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20, the plug housing 10 is inserted into the receptacle housing 20 while inserting the front central projection 1124 formed on the plug housing 10 into the groove 2126. In this way, the insertion of the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20 is guided by the front central projection 1124 and the groove 2126.

[0150] Furthermore, multiple spaces are formed in the rear wall 214 that penetrate along the front-to-back axis. In this embodiment, multiple spaces arranged in parallel along the left-to-right axis (the direction of extension of the Y-axis) are formed in two stages along the up-to-down axis (the direction of extension of the Z-axis). In addition, when the housing body 21 is viewed from the rear along the front-to-back axis, multiple spaces are formed in a staggered pattern. This reduces the size of the left-to-right axis of the receptacle connector 2.

[0151] The lower receptacle terminal 23 and the upper receptacle terminal 24 are then press-fitted (inserted) into the space that penetrates the front-to-back axis.

[0152] Specifically, the space formed on the lower side (mounting surface 21aA side) of the housing body 21 is the first space S3 into which the lower receptacle terminal 23 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0153] On the other hand, the space formed on the upper side of the housing body 21 (at a position further from the mounting surface 21aA than the first space S3) is the second space S4 into which the upper receptacle terminal 24 is press-fitted (inserted).

[0154] The lower receptacle terminal 23 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 upper receptacle terminal 24 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.

[0155] Furthermore, the housing body 21 has a fitting space (receiving recess) S5 having an opening S5a that opens forward (towards the plug connector 1). 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 receiving portion 221 of the locking portion insertion portion 22 and the upper arm portion of the sliding member are inserted.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear end of the rear wall 214 is provided with a projection 214a that protrudes backward.

[0157] Furthermore, a recess 2123 is formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 212, which opens downward and backward and extends in the front-rear direction. This recess 2123 accommodates the second mounting piece (the mating mounting portion) 242 of the upper receptacle terminal 24 when the press-fitting (insertion) is complete.

[0158] Furthermore, the pair of side walls 213, 213 each have retaining bracket mounting portions 213a, 213a formed therein, where the retaining bracket 25 is held.

[0159] In this embodiment, the retaining bracket mounting portion 213a includes a recess 213b that opens outward on the vertical and horizontal axes, and slits 213c, 213c connected to the inside of the horizontal axes of the recess 213b, into which both ends of the front-to-rear axes of the main body portion 251 of the retaining bracket 25 are inserted. With the retaining bracket 25 held in place by the receptacle housing 20, the receptacle housing 20 is fixed to the circuit board 2A by fixing the fixing piece 252 connected to the lower end of the main body portion 251 to the fixing portion 2cA of the circuit board 2A.

[0160] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the receptacle terminal comprises a main body portion inserted into a space formed in the receptacle housing 20, leg portions extending from the main body portion toward the mounting surface 21aA of the circuit board 2A when the receptacle terminal is mounted on the circuit board (connected member) 2A, and mounting portions (connection portions) connected to the leg portions and mountable on the circuit board 2A.

[0161] Specifically, the receptacle terminal includes a lower receptacle terminal 23 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a first space S3 formed on the lower side (mounting surface 21aA side) of the housing body 21. Furthermore, the receptacle terminal includes an upper receptacle terminal 24 that is press-fitted (inserted) into a second space S4 formed on the upper side (at a position further from the mounting surface 21aA than the first space S3).

[0162] In this embodiment, the lower receptacle terminals 23 are conductive and are arranged in parallel along the left-right axis (extending direction of the Y-axis) of the receptacle housing 20. As shown in Figure 18, these lower receptacle terminals 23 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 axis (extending direction of the Y-axis). Such lower receptacle terminals 23 can be formed, for example, by punching out a thin sheet of metal.

[0163] Furthermore, the lower receptacle terminal 23 includes a first main body portion (the mating main body portion) 230 which is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3. In addition, the lower receptacle terminal 23 includes a first leg portion (the mating leg portion) 231 which extends from the first main body portion 230 toward the mounting surface 21aA when the lower receptacle terminal 23 is mounted on the circuit board (the connected member) 2A, and a first mounting piece (the mating connection portion) 232 which is connected to the first leg portion 231 and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0164] Furthermore, a roughly rod-shaped contact portion (the mating contact portion) 230a is formed at the front end of the first main body portion 230 so as to protrude forward. In addition, press-fitting projections 230b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the first main body portion 230, and the first main body portion 230 is press-fitted into the first space S3 by engaging these press-fitting projections 230b with the housing body 21. With the first main body portion 230 press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3, the contact portion 230a is positioned within the fitting space S5.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first leg portion 231 extends downward from the rear end of the first main body portion 230 (towards the circuit board 2A: the connected member). Specifically, the first leg portion 231 has a crank-like bend, and its lower end is located behind the first main body portion 230. Thus, in this embodiment, the first leg portion 231 extends in the housing thickness direction (vertical axis) from the first main body portion 230, which is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3. The first mounting piece 232 is connected to the lower end of this first leg portion 231.

[0166] On the other hand, the upper receptacle terminals 24 are also conductive and are arranged in parallel along the left-right axis (extension direction of the Y-axis) of the receptacle housing 20. As shown in Figure 19, these upper receptacle terminals 24 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 axis (extension direction of the Y-axis). Such upper receptacle terminals 24 can also be formed, for example, by punching out a thin sheet of metal.

[0167] Furthermore, the upper receptacle terminal 24 includes a second main body portion (the mating main body portion) 240 which is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4. In addition, the upper receptacle terminal 24 includes a second leg portion (the mating leg portion) 241 which extends from the second main body portion 240 toward the mounting surface 21aA when the upper receptacle terminal 24 is mounted on the circuit board (the connected member) 2A. The upper receptacle terminal 24 also includes a second mounting piece (the mating connection portion) 242 which is connected to the second leg portion 241 and can be mounted on the circuit board 2A.

[0168] Furthermore, a roughly rod-shaped contact portion (the mating contact portion) 240a is formed at the front end of the second main body portion 240 so as to protrude forward. In addition, press-fitting protrusions 240b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the second main body portion 240, and the second main body portion 240 is press-fitted into the second space S4 by engaging these press-fitting protrusions 240b with the housing body 21. With the second main body portion 240 press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4, the contact portion 240a is positioned within the fitting space S5.

[0169] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second leg portion 241 extends substantially linearly downward (towards the circuit board 2A: connected member: mounted member) from the rear end of the second main body portion 240. Thus, in this embodiment, the second leg portion 241 extends in the housing thickness direction (vertical axis) from the second main body portion 240 when it is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4. The vertical axis length of this second leg portion 241 is longer than that of the first leg portion 231. The second mounting piece 242 is connected to the lower end of this second leg portion 241.

[0170] As described above, in this embodiment, the second mounting piece (mounting portion) 242 is connected to the second leg portion 241 so as to protrude forward (to one side) along the front-to-back axis (X-axis: the direction in which the main body is inserted into the space). In addition, the first mounting piece 232 is connected to the first leg portion 231 so as to protrude backward (to the other side) along the front-to-back axis (X-axis: the direction in which the main body is inserted into the space).

[0171] Then, with multiple receptacle terminals held in the receptacle housing 20, the mounting parts (connecting parts: first mounting piece 232 and second mounting piece 242) are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0172] Furthermore, the second mounting piece 242 is positioned to be housed in a recess 2123 formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 212 when the second main body 240 is inserted into the second space S4. On the other hand, the first mounting piece 232 is positioned to be located behind the insertion opening S3a of the first space S3 when the first main body 230 is inserted into the first space S3.

[0173] Therefore, in a plan view of the state in which the multiple receptacle terminals 23 and 24 are held in the receptacle housing 20 and mounted on the circuit board 2A, the second mounting piece 242 will overlap with the receptacle housing 20. On the other hand, in a plan view of the state in which the multiple receptacle terminals 23 and 24 are held in the receptacle housing 20 and mounted on the circuit board 2A, the first mounting piece 232 will be exposed from the receptacle housing 20.

[0174] In other words, when the receptacle housing 20 is viewed along the direction normal to the mounting surface 21aA with the receptacle connector 2 mounted on the circuit board 2A, one of the mounting pieces (mounting portion) of the first mounting piece 232 and the second mounting piece 242 overlaps with the receptacle housing 20.

[0175] Thus, in this embodiment, with multiple receptacle terminals 23 and 24 held in the receptacle housing 20, the mounting parts (connecting parts: first mounting piece 232 and second mounting piece 242) are arranged in a staggered pattern on both sides of the insertion opening (rear edge) of the space.

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at the position where the press-fit (insertion) of the first main body 230 into the first space S3 is completed, the first leg portion 231 is held between the protrusions 214a in a state where its movement in the left-right axis (Y axis; plate thickness direction) is restricted. That is, the protrusions 214a formed on the rear wall 214 of the housing body 21 function as leg holding portions that hold the first leg portion 231. In this way, the receptacle connector 2 is connected to the receptacle housing 20 and is equipped with leg holding portions that hold the first leg portion 231. In this embodiment, the leg holding portion is integrally formed with the receptacle housing 20. Alternatively, the leg holding portion may be formed by connecting a separate component to the receptacle housing 20.

[0177] Furthermore, at the position where the second main body portion 240 has been pressed into (inserted) the second space S4, the second leg portion 241 is held between the protrusions 214a in a state where its movement in the left-right axis (Y axis; plate thickness direction) is restricted. In other words, the protrusions 214a formed on the rear wall 214 of the housing body 21 also function as a leg retaining portion that holds the second leg portion 241. Thus, the receptacle connector 2 is connected to the receptacle housing 20 and includes a leg retaining portion that holds the second leg portion 241. In this embodiment, the leg retaining portion is also formed integrally with the receptacle housing 20, but it may also be formed separately.

[0178] This prevents deformation of the first and second legs 231 and 241 when the first and second main body portions 230 and 240 of the receptacle terminals 23 and 24 are pressed into (inserted) the first and second spaces S3 and S4.

[0179] As described above, in this embodiment, the receptacle connector 2 includes a receptacle housing 20 having a mating internal space (mating space S5) capable of accommodating the plug housing 10, receptacle terminals (lower receptacle terminal 23, upper receptacle terminal 24) that can be electrically connected to plug terminals (lower plug terminal 13, upper plug terminal 14), and a locking part insertion part (locked part) 22 that engages with the locking part 12.

[0180] 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 along the front-rear axis, 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] Furthermore, during the process of fitting the plug connector 1 into the receptacle connector 2, the tip of the contact portion 230a of the lower receptacle terminal 23 is introduced from the inlet S1b into the first space S1 formed in the plug housing 10 and contacts the contact portion 130a of the lower plug terminal 13. In this embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 230a is inserted between a pair of contact pieces 138, 138 and is held between the pair of contact pieces 138, 138, thereby electrically connecting the lower plug terminal 13 and the lower receptacle terminal 23.

[0184] Similarly, the tip of the contact portion 240a of the upper receptacle terminal 24 is introduced from the inlet S2b into the second space S2 formed in the plug housing 10 and contacts the contact portion 140a of the upper plug terminal 14. In this embodiment, the substantially rod-shaped contact portion 240a is inserted between a pair of contact pieces 148, 148 and is held between the pair of contact pieces 148, 148, thereby electrically connecting the upper plug terminal 14 and the upper receptacle terminal 24.

[0185] In this way, by fitting the plug connector 1 into the receptacle connector 2 and electrically connecting the plug terminals 13 and 14 to the receptacle terminals 23 and 24, a connector device C1 is formed that electrically connects the cable 1A to the circuit board 2A.

[0186] 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.

[0187] In this embodiment, the degree of freedom in arranging the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA formed on the cable 1A can be further improved while suppressing an increase in the size of the connector device C1.

[0188] Specifically, a positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is formed on the upper surface (opposing surface) 2121 of the receptacle housing 20 that defines the area below the fitting space (receiving recess) S5 and faces the cable 1A on the vertical axis, so as to project upward. As shown in Figures 20 to 24, the entire positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is positioned inside the opening S5a of the fitting space (receiving recess) S5, so that a gap S5b is formed between the end face of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 and the opening S5a.

[0189] This gap S5b is a space formed within the fitting space (receiving recess) S5 between the front end face of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 (the side of the opening S5a on the front-rear axis as the first direction) and the opening S5a. In this embodiment, the gap S5b exists from one end to the other on the left-right axis of the end face.

[0190] As described above, in this embodiment, the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is formed such that a gap S5b exists between the end face on the opening S5a side of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 and the opening S5a, extending from one end to the other along the left-right axis (third direction) of the end face. In other words, on the upper surface (opposing surface) 2121, a cable opposing region 2121b is formed, which faces the tip portion 1cA side of the cable 1A behind the opening-side edge 2121a, extending from one end to the other along the left-right axis (third direction) of the upper surface (opposing surface) 2121 (see Figure 24). This creates a space between the opening S5a in the receptacle housing 20 and the end face of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 into which the tip portion 1cA side of the cable 1A can be inserted, and provides a sufficient area on the tip portion 1cA side of the cable 1A to form the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA.

[0191] This allows for an increase in the area on cable 1A where the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA can be formed, without changing the connection position between the plug terminals 13 and 14 and the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA. This further improves the flexibility of placement of the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA formed on cable 1A without changing the external shape or size of the connector device C1.

[0192] Thus, in this embodiment, the connector device C1 is kept from becoming too large, while the degree of freedom in arranging the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA formed on the cable 1A is further improved. Furthermore, by improving the degree of freedom in arranging the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA, the design freedom of circuits using the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA is also improved.

[0193] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is formed such that, in a plan view (viewed along the second direction, the vertical axis), the opening S5a side becomes stepped, narrowing in the left-right axis (third direction).

[0194] Specifically, the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 comprises a rear wide portion 2124 located at the rear of the front-rear axis, and a front narrow portion 2125 connected to the center of the front end of the rear wide portion 2124. In this way, the shape of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is such that, in plan view (viewed along the second direction, the vertical axis), the opening S5a side becomes stepped in width along the left-right axis (third direction).

[0195] In this embodiment, the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is formed on the upper surface (opposing surface) 2121 with its rear end connected to the inner surface of the rear wall 214. Therefore, the circumferential surface 2128 of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 comprises a front surface 2128a which is the front surface of the front narrow portion 2125, a pair of first stepped surfaces 2128b which are the side surfaces of the front narrow portion 2125, a pair of second stepped surfaces 2128c which are the front surface of the rear wide portion 2124, and a pair of side surfaces 2128d which are the side surfaces of the rear wide portion 2124. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the front surface 2128a and the pair of second stepped surfaces 2128c are the front end surfaces (the side of the opening S5a in the front-rear axis as the first direction) of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122.

[0196] In this embodiment, a notch is formed in the cable 1A that corresponds to the outer circumferential shape of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122.

[0197] Specifically, when the plug-side connection module M1 is inserted into the receptacle housing 20, a notch 11aA is formed on the tip end 1cA side (the tip end side of the connecting region 11A) of the cable 1A that faces the circumferential surface 2128 of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122, so as to correspond to the circumferential surface 2128 of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122. Therefore, in this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface 111aA of the notch 11aA has a back surface 112aA that faces the front surface 2128a, a pair of first stepped surfaces 113aA that face the pair of first stepped surfaces 2128b, a pair of second stepped surfaces 114aA that face the pair of second stepped surfaces 2128c, and a pair of side surfaces 115aA that face the pair of side surfaces 2128d.

[0198] Thus, in this embodiment, the shape of the tip portion 1cA of the cable 1A is stepped. This makes it possible to further increase the strength of the tip portion 1cA of the cable 1A and suppress deformation of the tip portion 1cA.

[0199] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plug-side connection module M1 is equipped with a reinforcing plate 14A that is connected to the cable 1A.

[0200] Specifically, when the plug-side connection module M1 is inserted into the receptacle housing 20, the reinforcing plate 14A is connected to the tip end 1cA side (the tip end side of the connection area 11A) of the cable 1A, which faces the circumferential surface 2128 of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122. In this way, the reinforcing plate 14A reinforces the tip end 1cA side of the cable 1A, making it possible to more reliably suppress deformation of the tip end 1cA.

[0201] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a notch 14aA is formed in the reinforcing plate 14A so as to correspond to the circumferential surface 2128 of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122. Therefore, in this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface 141aA of the notch 14aA has a back surface 142aA facing the front surface 2128a, a pair of first stepped surfaces 143aA facing the pair of first stepped surfaces 2128b, a pair of second stepped surfaces 144aA facing the pair of second stepped surfaces 2128c, and a pair of side surfaces 145aA facing the pair of side surfaces 2128d.

[0202] Furthermore, by shaping the cable 1A and reinforcing plate 14A to the shapes described above, the entire area of ​​the gap S5b formed between the end face (front surface 2128a and a pair of second stepped surfaces 2128c) of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 on the opening S5a side and the opening S5a can be covered by the area formed on the tip 1cA side of the cable 1A. In this way, the area on the tip 1cA side of the cable 1A where the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA can be formed can be increased more efficiently. In other words, the dead space formed in the gap S5b between the end face (front surface 2128a and a pair of second stepped surfaces 2128c) of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 on the opening S5a side and the opening S5a, where the tip 1cA side of the cable 1A is not positioned, can be suppressed as much as possible. This allows for maximizing the area of ​​the region where the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA can be formed on the tip portion 1cA side of the cable 1A, without changing the external shape or size of the connector device C1.

[0203] Furthermore, a connecting conductor section (electrical path: wiring) 152bA is formed on the tip end 1cA side of the cable 1A, which electrically connects at least two of the multiple exposed conductor sections (terminal connection sections) 151bA.

[0204] In other words, in this embodiment, multiple exposed conductor portions (terminal connection portions) 151bA are formed on multiple conductor portions (wiring) 15bA, to which mounting portions 132, 142 of multiple plug terminals 13, 14 are respectively connected. A connecting conductor portion (electrical path: wiring) 152bA is formed between the tip of the cable 1A and the multiple exposed conductor portions (terminal connection portions) 151bA, electrically connecting at least two of the multiple exposed conductor portions (terminal connection portions) 151bA.

[0205] Thus, in this embodiment, a connecting conductor portion (electrical path: wiring) 152bA is formed in a region (the tip portion 1cA of cable 1A: the region of cable 1A that is further forward than the conductor exposed portion (terminal connection portion) 151bA, and is inserted into the gap S5b formed between the end face (front surface 2128a and a pair of second stepped surfaces 2128c) of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 on the opening S5a side and the opening S5a (the tip portion 1cA of cable 1A: the region of cable 1A that is further forward than the terminal connection portion 151bA). In other words, a connecting conductor portion (electrical path: wiring) 152bA is formed using the region of cable 1A that is further forward than the conductor exposed portion (terminal connection portion) 151bA (the tip portion 1cA of cable 1A) to electrically connect at least two conductor exposed portions (terminal connection portions) 151bA.

[0206] Thus, in this embodiment, at least two exposed conductor portions (terminal connection portions) 151bA can be electrically connected without increasing the size of the cable 1A.

[0207] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a groove 2126 is formed in the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 into which the front central projection (projection) 1124 formed on the plug housing 10 is inserted when the plug-side connection module M1 is inserted and fitted into the receptacle connector 2. When fitting the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20, the plug housing 10 is inserted into the receptacle housing 20 while the front central projection (projection) 1124 formed on the plug housing 10 is inserted into the groove 2126. In this way, the insertion of the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20 is guided by the front central projection (projection) 1124 and the groove 2126.

[0208] This allows the plug-side connection module M1 to be inserted and mated into the receptacle connector 2 more easily and reliably.

[0209] It is also possible to use connector device C2 as shown in Figures 25 to 27.

[0210] This connector device C2 has basically the same configuration as the connector device C1 shown in the above embodiment, and includes a plug connector 1 and a receptacle connector 2.

[0211] Furthermore, in the connector device C2, the degree of freedom in arranging the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA formed on the cable 1A is improved while suppressing an increase in the size of the connector device C2.

[0212] Specifically, a positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is formed on the upper surface (opposing surface) 2121 of the receptacle housing 20 that defines the area below the fitting space (receiving recess) S5 and faces the cable 1A on the vertical axis, so as to protrude upward. The entire positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is positioned inside the opening S5a of the fitting space (receiving recess) S5, so that a gap S5b is formed between the end face of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 and the opening S5a.

[0213] This creates a space between the opening S5a in the receptacle housing 20 and the end face of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 into which the tip end 1cA of the cable 1A can be inserted, and provides a sufficient area on the tip end 1cA side of the cable 1A to form the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA.

[0214] Furthermore, without changing the connection position between the plug terminals 13 and 14 and the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA, the area in which the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA can be formed in the cable 1A can be increased (the area can be increased), and the degree of freedom in arranging the conductor portion (wiring) 15bA formed in the cable 1A can be further improved without changing the external shape or size of the connector device C1.

[0215] In the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, positioning protrusions (regulating projections) 2122 are formed to be approximately rectangular in shape when viewed in plan (along the vertical axis, which is the second direction).

[0216] This makes it possible to widen the area formed on the tip side of cable 1A (tip portion 1cA of cable 1A: the area on which a conductor portion 15bA as wiring can be formed). This makes it possible to arrange various patterns of conductor portions (wiring) 15bA in the wide area formed on the tip side of cable 1A (tip portion 1cA), further improving the degree of freedom in arranging the conductor portions (wiring) 15bA formed on cable 1A without changing the external shape or size of the connector device C2.

[0217] In the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is formed on the upper surface (opposing surface) 2121 with its rear end connected to the inner surface of the rear wall 214. Therefore, in the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, the circumferential surface 2128 of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 comprises a front surface 2128a and a pair of side surfaces 2128d. Consequently, in the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, the front surface 2128a is the front end surface (the side of the opening S5a in the front-rear axis as the first direction) of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122.

[0218] Furthermore, in the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, a notch corresponding to the outer circumference shape of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is formed in the cable 1A.

[0219] Specifically, a notch 11aA is formed on the tip end 1cA side of cable 1A (the tip end side of the connecting region 11A) so as to correspond to the circumferential surface 2128 of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122. Therefore, in the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, the circumferential surface 111aA of the notch 11aA has a back surface 112aA facing the front surface 2128a and a pair of side surfaces 115aA facing the pair of side surfaces 2128d.

[0220] Furthermore, in the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, the plug-side connection module M1 is also equipped with a reinforcing plate 14A that is connected to the cable 1A.

[0221] Specifically, when the plug-side connection module M1 is inserted into the receptacle housing 20, the reinforcing plate 14A is connected to the tip end 1cA side (the tip end side of the connection area 11A) of the cable 1A, which faces the circumferential surface 2128 of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122. In this way, the reinforcing plate 14A reinforces the tip end 1cA side of the cable 1A, making it possible to more reliably suppress deformation of the tip end 1cA.

[0222] Furthermore, a notch 14aA is formed in the reinforcing plate 14A so as to correspond to the circumferential surface 2128 of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122. Therefore, in the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, the outer circumferential surface 141aA of the notch 14aA has a back surface 142aA facing the front surface 2128a and a pair of side surfaces 145aA facing the pair of side surfaces 2128d.

[0223] Furthermore, in the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, a connecting conductor portion (electrical path: wiring) 152bA is formed on the tip portion 1cA side of the cable 1A, which electrically connects at least two of the multiple exposed conductor portions (terminal connection portions) 151bA.

[0224] Furthermore, in the connector device C2 shown in Figures 25 to 27, a groove 2126 is formed in the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 into which the front central projection (projection) 1124 formed on the plug housing 10 is inserted when the plug-side connection module M1 is inserted and fitted into the receptacle connector 2. When fitting the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20, the plug housing 10 is inserted into the receptacle housing 20 while the front central projection (projection) 1124 formed on the plug housing 10 is inserted into the groove 2126. In this way, the insertion of the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20 is guided by the front central projection (projection) 1124 and the groove 2126.

[0225] Furthermore, it is also possible to incorporate a key code structure into the grooves 2126 formed in the front central projection 1124 and the positioning projection 2122 of the plug housing 10, which allow corresponding plug connectors and receptacle connectors to be fitted into each other, but prevent incompatible plug connectors from being fitted into the receptacle connector.

[0226] In this way, by using the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 formed on the receptacle housing 20 to form the key code structure, it becomes possible to miniaturize the connector device C2 while suppressing incorrect mating of the plug-side connection module M1 to the receptacle housing 20.

[0227] At this point, if it becomes clear that an incompatible plug connector 1 has been inserted into the receptacle connector 2, it is preferable to prevent electrical contact (contact) between the plug terminals and the receptacle terminals. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to determine whether or not the corresponding plug connectors 1 and receptacle connectors 2 are mated together during the initial stage of inserting the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20.

[0228] Furthermore, once it becomes clear that an incompatible plug connector 1 has been inserted into the receptacle connector 2, it is preferable to position the front surface (end face) 2128a of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 in front of the tips of the contact portions 230a and 240a of the receptacle terminals 23 and 24 (towards the opening S5a).

[0229] Furthermore, in order to secure an area for forming a connecting conductor portion (electrical path: wiring) 152bA at the tip portion 1cA of cable 1A, and to be able to determine whether or not fitting occurs in the initial stages of insertion, it is preferable to position the front surface (end face) 2128a of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 approximately midway between the tips of the contact portions 230a and 240a and the opening S5a.

[0230] Thus, if it becomes clear that an incompatible plug connector 1 has been inserted into the receptacle connector 2, preventing electrical contact (contact) between the plug terminals and the receptacle terminals will more reliably suppress wear on the plug terminals and the receptacle terminals, thereby more reliably improving the reliability of the terminal connection. Furthermore, if it is possible to determine whether the corresponding plug connector 1 and receptacle connector 2 are mated to each other at the initial stage of inserting the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20, the mating operation between the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 will be made smoother, thereby improving the ease of mating between the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2.

[0231] Furthermore, by ensuring that a region for forming a connecting conductor portion (electrical path: wiring) 152bA is secured at the tip 1cA of cable 1A, it becomes possible to determine whether the corresponding plug connector 1 and receptacle connector 2 are mated together while the tip of the plug housing 10 is inserted into the receptacle housing 20. This eliminates the need to simultaneously determine whether the plug housing 10 can be inserted into the receptacle housing 20 and whether the corresponding plug connector 1 and receptacle connector 2 are mated together.

[0232] For example, if the position of the front surface (end face) 2128a of the positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 is aligned with the opening S5a, it is necessary to simultaneously determine whether the plug housing 10 can be inserted into the receptacle housing 20 and whether the corresponding plug connector 1 and receptacle connector 2 are mated together.

[0233] In this case, it is difficult to determine whether the correct plug connector 1 has been selected but is unable to be mated to the receptacle connector 2 due to misalignment or other reasons, or whether the wrong plug connector 1 has been selected and therefore cannot be mated to the receptacle connector 2. As a result, there is a risk of mistakenly believing that the correct plug connector 1 has been selected but is not being inserted properly, when in fact the wrong plug connector 1 has been selected. If such a mistake occurs, there is a risk of damaging the plug housing 10 or the receptacle housing 20 by attempting to force the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20.

[0234] In contrast, as shown in the connector device C2 in Figures 25 to 27, if the system determines whether the correct plug connector 1 has been selected while the plug housing 10 is inserted into the receptacle housing 20, it eliminates the possibility of mistakenly determining that the correct plug connector 1 has been selected but cannot be mated to the receptacle connector 2 due to misalignment or other reasons. As a result, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent damage to the plug housing 10 or the receptacle housing 20 caused by forcing the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20. This makes the mating operation between the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 smoother, thereby improving the workability of mating between the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2.

[0235] Furthermore, this technology is particularly effective when miniaturizing the connector device C2 makes it difficult to insert the plug housing 10 into the receptacle housing 20.

[0236] Furthermore, multiple types of connector devices having such a key code structure can be formed, for example, by changing the position of the grooves 2126 or changing the number of grooves 2126.

[0237] For example, by changing the number of front central protrusions (projections) 1124 and grooves 2126, it is possible to obtain a connector device C3, as shown in Figures 28 to 30, separate from connector device C2.

[0238] Connector device C3 also includes a plug connector 1 and a receptacle connector 2, and is identical to connector device C2 in all other aspects, except for the position and number of the front central projection 1124 and grooves 2126.

[0239] In the connector device C3 shown in Figures 28 to 30, a pair of front central projections 1124 and a pair of grooves 2126 are formed at positions offset to the left and right of the front central projection 1124 and groove 2126 of the connector device C2, respectively.

[0240] This makes it easy to visually confirm whether the correct plug connector 1 has been selected, thus more effectively preventing the selection of the wrong plug connector 1.

[0241] Furthermore, by providing multiple types of connector devices in which the same shape front central projection 1124 and groove 2126 are formed at different positions, it becomes possible to prevent a different type of plug connector 1 (an incompatible plug connector 1) from being mated to a certain type of receptacle connector 2. In other words, it becomes possible for each connector device to have a different key code structure from the others.

[0242] Therefore, for example, when using two or more connector devices with the same number of cores on a single circuit board (circuit board: the mating component) 2A, it is possible to prevent mis-mating by mounting connector devices with different key code structures on the same circuit board (circuit board: the mating component) 2A.

[0243] For example, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, if the mounting structure K1 of the connector device to the substrate is such that two connector devices are mounted on one substrate (circuit board: the mating component) 2A, then one connector device can be designated as connector device C2 and the other as connector device C3.

[0244] Thus, if the two connector devices mounted on a single circuit board (circuit board: the mating component) 2A are connector devices (connector device C2 and connector device C3) having different key code structures, then, as shown in Figures 33 and 34, when the plug connector 1 of connector device C3 is mated with the receptacle connector 2 of connector device C2, the front central projection 1124 interferes with the receptacle housing 20, preventing the plug connector 1 from moving any further inward.

[0245] Therefore, it becomes easier to determine if the wrong plug connector 1 has been selected.

[0246] Furthermore, as in the connector device C1, it is also possible to give the groove 2126 formed in the stepped positioning projection (regulating projection) 2122 a function as a key code structure.

[0247] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technologies.

[0248] (Technology 1) A connector device comprising a plug-side connection module having a plug connector and a cable connected to the plug connector, and a receptacle connector into which the plug-side connection module is inserted and fitted, wherein the plug connector comprises a plug housing and a plurality of plug terminals held in the plug housing, the cable comprises a bendable flexible portion and a plurality of wires formed in the flexible portion and connected to the plurality of plug terminals respectively, and the receptacle connector has an opening that opens in a first direction and a receptacle housing formed therein a housing recess that accommodates at least a part of the plug-side connection module A connector device comprising: a ring; a plurality of receptacle terminals held in the receptacle housing and electrically connected to each of the plurality of plug terminals, wherein the receptacle housing comprises: an opposing surface defining the housing recess and facing the cable in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a regulating projection formed to protrude from the opposing surface in the second direction and to regulate the position of the plug housing in the second direction, wherein a gap is formed between the end face of the regulating projection on the opening side in the first direction and the opening, and the gap is formed from one end to the other in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions on the end face.

[0249] Thus, in the connector device of Technology 1, a gap exists between the end face on the opening side of the restricting projection in the first direction and the opening, extending from one end to the other in the third direction of the end face. This creates a space between the opening in the receptacle housing and the end face of the restricting projection into which the tip of the cable can be inserted. This allows for the creation of a region on the tip of the cable where wiring can be formed, thereby increasing the region on the cable where wiring can be formed without changing the connection position between the plug terminal and the wiring. As a result, the degree of freedom in arranging the wiring formed on the cable can be further improved without changing the external shape or size of the connector device.

[0250] Thus, by using the connector device of Technology 1, it becomes possible to suppress the increase in the size of the connector device while further improving the degree of freedom in arranging the wiring formed on the cable.

[0251] Furthermore, improving the flexibility of wiring placement will also improve the design flexibility of circuits that use wiring.

[0252] (Technical 2) The connector device according to Technical 1, wherein the restricting projection is substantially rectangular when viewed along the second direction.

[0253] This makes it possible to widen the area formed at the end of the cable (the area where wiring can be formed), allowing for various wiring patterns to be arranged in the wider area at the end of the cable. As a result, the degree of freedom in arranging the wiring formed on the cable can be further improved without changing the external shape or size of the connector device.

[0254] (Technical 3) The connector device according to Technical 1, wherein the restricting projection has a stepped shape, with the opening side becoming narrower in the third direction when viewed along the second direction.

[0255] This allows the cable tip to have a stepped shape, thereby increasing its strength. As a result, it becomes possible to create a connector device using a cable that can suppress deformation of the tip.

[0256] (Technology 4) The connector device according to any one of the technologies 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of wirings have a plurality of terminal connection parts to which the mounting parts of the plurality of plug terminals are each connected, and an electrical path is formed between the tip of the cable and the plurality of terminal connection parts to electrically connect at least two of the plurality of terminal connection parts.

[0257] Thus, in the connector device of Technology 4, an electrical path is formed in a region that is formed on the tip side of the terminal connection portion and inserted into the gap formed between the end face on the opening side of the regulating projection in the first direction and the opening (the region of the cable on the tip side of the terminal connection portion) to electrically connect at least two terminal connection portions. In other words, an electrical path is formed that electrically connects at least two terminal connection portions by utilizing the region of the cable on the tip side of the terminal connection portion. This makes it possible to electrically connect at least two terminal connection portions without increasing the size of the cable.

[0258] (Technology 5) The connector device according to any one of the technologies 1 to 4, wherein the cable has a notch formed therein corresponding to the outer circumference shape of the restricting projection.

[0259] This allows the entire gap formed between the end face of the regulating projection on the opening side in the first direction and the opening itself to be covered by the area formed on the cable tip side, thus more efficiently increasing the area on the cable tip side where wiring can be formed. In other words, it minimizes the formation of dead space where the cable tip is not positioned in the gap formed between the end face of the regulating projection on the opening side in the first direction and the opening itself, thus maximizing the area on the cable tip side where wiring can be formed without changing the external shape or size of the connector device.

[0260] (Technology 6) The connector device according to any one of the technologies 1 to 5, wherein the restricting projection has a groove into which a projection formed on the plug housing is inserted when the plug-side connection module is inserted and mated into the receptacle connector.

[0261] This allows the plug-side connection module to be easily and reliably inserted and mated into the receptacle connector. Furthermore, it is possible to incorporate a key code structure into the projections and grooves formed in the regulating projections of the plug housing, which allows corresponding plug connectors and receptacle connectors to be mated together, but prevents incompatible plug connectors from being mated into the receptacle connector.

[0262] In this way, by using the regulating protrusions formed on the receptacle housing to form the key code structure, it becomes possible to miniaturize the connector device while suppressing incorrect mating of the plug-side connection module to the receptacle housing.

[0263] (Technology 7) A connector device according to any one of the technologies 1 to 6, wherein the plug-side connection module is provided with a reinforcing plate connected to the cable.

[0264] This allows the cable's end to be reinforced with a reinforcing plate, making it possible to create a connector device using a cable that more reliably prevents deformation of the end.

[0265] (Technology 8) A receptacle connector used in a connector device described in any one of the technologies from Technology 1 to Technology 7.

[0266] Thus, by using the receptacle connector of Technology 8, it becomes possible to obtain a connector device that can improve the degree of freedom in arranging the wiring formed on the cable while suppressing an increase in the size of the device. (Technology 9) A plug-side connection module used in a connector device described in any one of the technologies from Technology 1 to Technology 7.

[0267] Thus, by using the plug-side connection module of Technique 9, it becomes possible to obtain a connector device that can improve the degree of freedom in arranging wirings formed on a cable while suppressing the increase in the size of the device.

[0268] [Others] As described above, the contents of the connector device, the receptacle connector, and the plug-side connection module according to the present disclosure have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to these descriptions, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0269] For example, the present disclosure can be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. of the configurations shown in the above-described embodiments and their modified examples are made. It is also possible to combine the respective components described in the above-described embodiments and their modified examples to form a new embodiment.

[0270] In addition, in the above-described embodiments and their modified examples, a case where a plurality of terminals are arranged in two upper and lower stages is exemplified, but it is also possible to use a connector in which a plurality of terminals are arranged in three or more stages.

[0271] In addition, in the above-described embodiments and their modified examples, a case where two types of connector devices are mounted on one substrate is exemplified, but it is also possible to mount three or more types of connector devices on one substrate. In this case, it is preferable to prepare (design) connector devices of more types than the types to be mounted on one substrate.

[0272] In addition, the mounting structure of the connector device on the substrate can also be configured such that a connector device having a CPA function and a connector device not having a CPA function are mounted on one substrate.

[0273] In addition, the mounting structure of the connector device on the substrate can also be configured such that a connector device having a CPA function and a connector device not having a CPA function are mounted on one substrate.

[0274] 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.

[0275] 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.

[0276] Furthermore, while the above embodiments and their modifications illustrate so-called horizontal type receptacle connectors, it is also possible to use so-called vertical type receptacle connectors in which the receptacle terminals are mounted on the mating substrate at the rear end of the front-to-back axis of the receptacle housing.

[0277] Furthermore, this disclosure may be applied to connectors (plug connectors and receptacle connectors) that electrically connect cables to each other, or to connectors (plug connectors and receptacle connectors) that electrically connect wires and cables.

[0278] Furthermore, cable 1A only needs to have a flexible section that can be bent at least 90 degrees, and it is also possible to use a ceramic cable.

[0279] 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]

[0280] 1. Plug connector 10 Plug Housing 1124 Front central protrusion (protrusion) 13. Lower plug terminal (plug terminal) 14. Upper plug terminal (plug terminal) 1A Cable (Connected component) 13A Insulated coating (flexible part) 14A Reinforcement Plate 15bA Conductor section (wiring) 151bA Conductor exposed portion (terminal connection portion) 152bA Connecting conductor section (electrical path) 2 Receptacle Connectors 20 Receptacle Housings 2121 Top surface (opposite surface) 2122 Positioning projection (regulating projection) 2126 Groove 2128a Front (end) 2128c 2nd step surface (end surface) 23 Lower receptacle terminal (receptacle terminal) 24 Upper receptacle terminal (receptacle terminal) C1 Connector Device C2 Connector Device C3 Connector Device M1 Plug-side Connection Module S5 Fitting space (recessed recess) S5a opening S5b Interval

Claims

1. A connector device comprising a plug-side connection module having a plug connector and a cable connected to the plug connector, and a receptacle connector into which the plug-side connection module is inserted and fitted, The aforementioned plug connector is Plug housing and Multiple plug terminals held in the plug housing, It is equipped with, The aforementioned cable is A flexible part that can be bent, Multiple wires formed in the flexible portion and connected to the multiple plug terminals, It is equipped with, The aforementioned receptacle connector is A receptacle housing having an opening that opens in a first direction and having a housing recess formed therein in which at least a part of the plug-side connection module is housed, A plurality of receptacle terminals are held in the receptacle housing and electrically connected to each of the plurality of plug terminals, It is equipped with, The aforementioned receptacle housing is The aforementioned receiving recess is defined by the cable and the opposing surface facing the cable in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, A regulating projection is formed to protrude from the opposing surface in the second direction, thereby restricting the position of the plug housing in the second direction, It is equipped with, A gap is formed between the end face of the restricting projection on the opening side in the first direction and the opening, The aforementioned spacing is formed from one end to the other in a third direction that intersects the first and second directions on the end face. Connector device.

2. The restricting projection is substantially rectangular in shape when viewed along the second direction. The connector device according to claim 1.

3. The restricting projection, when viewed along the second direction, has a stepped shape where the opening side becomes narrower in the third direction. The connector device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned plurality of wirings have a plurality of terminal connection parts formed to which the mounting parts of the plurality of plug terminals are each connected. Between the tip of the cable and the plurality of terminal connection parts, an electrical path is formed that electrically connects at least two of the plurality of terminal connection parts. A connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The cable has a notch formed therein that corresponds to the outer shape of the regulating projection. A connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The restricting projection has a groove into which a projection formed on the plug housing is inserted when the plug-side connection module is inserted and fitted into the receptacle connector. A connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The plug-side connection module is equipped with a reinforcing plate connected to the cable. A connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A receptacle connector used in a connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. A plug-side connection module used in a connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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