Connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly in which contacts are less likely to be damaged during connector mating. [Solution] The two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9 have at least three receptacle-side interference portions 9T that physically interfere with the plug connector 5 if there is a misalignment between the plug connector 5 and the receptacle connector 3 in the width direction during vertical insertion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in FIG. 18 of the present application, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector assembly 102 in which a connector 100 is positioned vertically with respect to a connector 101 and then moved horizontally relative to the connector 101 so that the connector 100 and the connector 101 are fitted to each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, there is a risk of damaging the contacts when fitting the connector 100 to the connector 101.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector assembly in which contacts are less likely to be damaged during connector fitting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector assembly comprising a receptacle connector and a plug connector, wherein the plug connector is inserted vertically into the receptacle connector, and then the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector, thereby electrically connecting the receptacle connector and the plug connector, wherein the receptacle connector has a plurality of first receptacle-side contacts, a plurality of second receptacle-side contacts, and the plurality of first receptacle-side contacts and the plurality of second receptacle-side contacts The plug connector includes a receptacle-side housing and at least one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting, the receptacle-side housing includes a first receptacle-side contact beam for holding the plurality of first receptacle-side contacts, a second receptacle-side contact beam for holding the plurality of second receptacle-side contacts, and two receptacle-side connecting beams connecting the first receptacle-side contact beam and the second receptacle-side contact beam, the plug connector includes a plurality of first plug-side contacts and a plurality The plug connector includes a second plug-side contact, a plug-side housing that holds the plurality of first plug-side contacts and the plurality of second plug-side contacts, and at least one plug-side auxiliary fitting, wherein the plug-side housing includes a first plug-side contact beam that holds the plurality of first plug-side contacts, a second plug-side contact beam that holds the plurality of second plug-side contacts, and two plug-side connecting beams that connect the first plug-side contact beam and the second plug-side contact beam, wherein the plug connector is vertically inserted into the receptacle connector so that the plug connector fits between the two receptacle-side connecting beams, and then the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector so that the plurality of first receptacle-side contacts and the plurality of first plug-side contacts each come into contact with each other, and the plurality of second receptacle-side contacts and the plurality of second plug-side contacts each come into contact with each other, and the at least one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting is configured such that, during the vertical insertion,A connector assembly is provided having at least three receptacle-side interference portions that physically interfere with the plug connector when there is a misalignment between the plug connector and the receptacle connector in the opposing direction in which the first receptacle-side contact beam and the second receptacle-side contact beam face each other.

[0007] The at least three receptacle-side interfering portions may physically interfere with the at least one plug-side auxiliary fitting of the plug connector if there is a misalignment.

[0008] The aforementioned at least three receptacle-side interference portions may include four receptacle-side interference portions.

[0009] The at least one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting has an elastically deformable contact spring piece, and when the plug connector is vertically inserted into the receptacle connector, the contact spring piece contacts the at least one plug-side auxiliary fitting with elastic deformation, and while the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector, the contact spring piece may maintain contact with the at least one plug-side auxiliary fitting due to an elastic restoring force.

[0010] The at least one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting may have a protrusion formed thereon to provide a clicking sensation when inserted vertically.

[0011] The at least one plug-side auxiliary fitting includes at least three plug-side interfering portions that correspond one-to-one with the at least three receptacle-side interfering portions, each of the at least three receptacle-side interfering portions being formed in a U-shape opening downwards and having two receptacle-side U-shaped sidewalls, and each of the at least three plug-side interfering portions being formed in a U-shape opening upwards and having two plug-side U-shaped sidewalls.

[0012] When the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector, the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls of at least one of the at least three receptacle-side interference portions and the two plug-side U-shaped side walls of at least one of the at least three plug-side interference portions may alternately overlap.

[0013] When the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector, the two plug-side U-shaped side walls of at least one of the at least three plug-side interference portions may be inserted between the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls of at least one of the at least three receptacle-side interference portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, a connector assembly is realized in which the contacts are less likely to be damaged when the connector is mated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the connector assembly before mating. (First Embodiment) [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly. (First Embodiment) [Figure 3] A perspective view of a receptacle connector. (First embodiment) [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing only a portion of the configuration of the receptacle connector. (First Embodiment) [Figure 5] A perspective view of the plug connector. (First embodiment) [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing only a portion of the configuration of the plug connector. (First Embodiment) [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the state after vertical insertion is complete. (First Embodiment) [Figure 8]Perspective view showing the positional relationship between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting and the plug-side auxiliary fitting in the state where vertical insertion is completed. (First Embodiment) [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view in the state where vertical insertion is completed. (First Embodiment) [Figure 10] Perspective view in the state where horizontal movement is completed. (First Embodiment) [Figure 11] Perspective view showing the positional relationship between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting and the plug-side auxiliary fitting in the state where horizontal movement is completed. (First Embodiment) [Figure 12] Perspective view of the state before fitting of the connector assembly. (Second Embodiment) [Figure 13] Exploded perspective view of the connector assembly. (Second Embodiment) [Figure 14] Perspective view of the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting. (Second Embodiment) [Figure 15] Perspective view of the plug-side auxiliary fitting. (Second Embodiment) [Figure 16] Perspective view showing the positional relationship between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting and the plug-side auxiliary fitting in the state where vertical insertion is completed. (Second Embodiment) [Figure 17] Perspective view showing the positional relationship between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting and the plug-side auxiliary fitting in the state where horizontal movement is completed. (Second Embodiment) [Figure 18] Simplified view of FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are essential as means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are appropriately omitted and simplified. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary. <00001​​In the following embodiments, the description will be divided into multiple sections or embodiments where necessary for convenience. Unless otherwise specified, these are not unrelated, and one may be a modification, application, detailed explanation, or supplementary explanation of part or all of the other. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when referring to the number of elements (including number, numerical value, quantity, and range), unless otherwise specified or clearly limited to a specific number in principle, it is not limited to that specific number, and may be greater than or less than that number.

[0018] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the components (including operation steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless specifically stated or considered to be fundamentally essential. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of components, etc., it shall include those substantially similar to or resembling their shape, etc., unless specifically stated or considered to be fundamentally different. The same applies to the numbers, etc. (including number, numerical value, quantity, and range) mentioned above.

[0019] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 11. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly 1 before mating.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the connector assembly 1 includes a receptacle connector 3 mounted on the connector mounting surface 2A of the receptacle-side substrate 2, and a plug connector 5 mounted on the connector mounting surface 4A of the plug-side substrate 4. The connector assembly 1 mechanically and electrically connects the receptacle-side substrate 2 and the plug-side substrate 4. Specifically, the plug connector 5 is inserted vertically into the receptacle connector 3, and then the plug connector 5 is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector 3, thereby mating with the receptacle connector 3. As a result of this mating, the receptacle-side substrate 2 and the plug-side substrate 4 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.

[0021] The receptacle-side substrate 2 is typically a rigid substrate. However, the receptacle-side substrate 2 may also be a flexible substrate. The plug-side substrate 4 is typically a flexible substrate. However, the plug-side substrate 4 may also be a rigid substrate.

[0022] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of connector assembly 1.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the receptacle connector 3 includes a plurality of receptacle-side female contacts 6, a plurality of receptacle-side male contacts 7, a receptacle-side housing 8, and two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9.

[0024] Multiple female receptacle contacts 6 are arranged in a row at a predetermined pitch. That is, multiple female receptacle contacts 6 constitute a row of female receptacle contacts 6A. Similarly, multiple male receptacle contacts 7 are also arranged in a row at a predetermined pitch. That is, multiple male receptacle contacts 7 constitute a row of male receptacle contacts 7A.

[0025] Here, we define the pitch direction, width direction, and vertical direction. The pitch direction, width direction, and vertical direction are mutually orthogonal directions. The pitch direction and width direction are parallel to the connector mounting surface 2A of the receptacle-side substrate 2. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the connector mounting surface 2A of the receptacle-side substrate 2. Specifically, it is as follows:

[0026] The pitch direction is the longitudinal direction of the female contact row 6A on the receptacle side. The pitch direction includes inward and outward directions. Inward is the direction toward the center of the connector assembly 1 in the pitch direction. Outward is the direction toward the center of the connector assembly 1 in the pitch direction.

[0027] The width direction is the direction in which the female contact row 6A and the male contact row 7A on the receptacle side face each other. The width direction is one specific example of the opposing direction. The width direction includes the inward and outward directions. The inward direction is the direction approaching the center of the connector assembly 1 in the width direction. The outward direction is the direction moving away from the center of the connector assembly 1 in the width direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the width direction includes the horizontal mating direction and the horizontal withdrawal direction. The horizontal mating direction is the direction from the female contact row 6A on the receptacle side to the male contact row 7A on the receptacle side. The horizontal withdrawal direction is the direction from the male contact row 7A on the receptacle side to the female contact row 6A on the receptacle side. Therefore, the female contact row 6A and the male contact row 7A on the receptacle side are arranged in this order in the horizontal mating direction.

[0029] The vertical direction includes upward and downward. Upward is the direction from the receptacle-side board 2 to the plug-side board 4 when the connector assembly 1 is mated. Downward is the direction from the plug-side board 4 to the receptacle-side board 2 when the connector assembly 1 is mated.

[0030] The female contact row 6A and the male contact row 7A on the receptacle side extend in the pitch direction. The female contact row 6A and the male contact row 7A on the receptacle side are spaced apart from each other in the width direction.

[0031] The receptacle-side housing 8 includes a receptacle-side female contact beam 26 that holds a row of receptacle-side female contacts 6A, a receptacle-side male contact beam 27 that holds a row of receptacle-side male contacts 7A, and two receptacle-side connecting beams 29 that connect the receptacle-side female contact beam 26 and the receptacle-side male contact beam 27. Two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9 are each held by the two receptacle-side connecting beams 29.

[0032] The receptacle-side female contact beam 26 and the receptacle-side male contact beam 27 extend in the pitch direction. The receptacle-side female contact beam 26 and the receptacle-side male contact beam 27 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The two receptacle-side connecting beams 29 extend in the width direction. The two receptacle-side connecting beams 29 are spaced apart from each other in the pitch direction.

[0033] Similarly, the plug connector 5 includes a plurality of plug-side male contacts 16, a plurality of plug-side female contacts 17, a plug-side housing 18, and two plug-side auxiliary fittings 19.

[0034] Multiple male plug contacts 16 are arranged in a row at a predetermined pitch. That is, multiple male plug contacts 16 constitute a male plug contact row 16A. Similarly, multiple female plug contacts 17 are also arranged in a row at a predetermined pitch. That is, multiple female plug contacts 17 constitute a female plug contact row 17A.

[0035] The male contact row 16A and female contact row 17A on the plug side extend in the pitch direction. The male contact row 16A and female contact row 17A on the plug side are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. In the horizontal mating direction, the male contact row 16A and female contact row 17A on the plug side are arranged in this order.

[0036] The plug-side housing 18 includes a plug-side male contact beam 36 that holds a row of plug-side male contacts 16A, a plug-side female contact beam 37 that holds a row of plug-side female contacts 17A, and two plug-side connecting beams 39 that connect the plug-side male contact beam 36 and the plug-side female contact beam 37. Two plug-side auxiliary fittings 19 are each held by the two plug-side connecting beams 39.

[0037] The plug-side male contact beam 36 and the plug-side female contact beam 37 extend in the pitch direction. The plug-side male contact beam 36 and the plug-side female contact beam 37 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The two plug-side connecting beams 39 extend in the width direction. The two plug-side connecting beams 39 are spaced apart from each other in the pitch direction.

[0038] (Receptacle connector 3) Next, the receptacle connector 3 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the receptacle connector 3. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing only a portion of the components of the receptacle connector 3.

[0039] Multiple receptacle-side female contacts 6 are held in place by press-fitting into multiple slits formed in the receptacle-side female contact beam 26. As shown in Figure 4, each receptacle-side female contact 6 includes a soldering portion 6P that is soldered to the connector mounting surface 2A of the receptacle-side substrate 2, and a U-shaped contact portion 6Q that opens in the horizontal removal direction. As shown in Figure 3, the receptacle-side female contact beam 26 has an insertion opening 26A that opens in the horizontal removal direction.

[0040] Multiple receptacle-side male contacts 7 are held in place on the receptacle-side male contact beam 27 by insert molding. As shown in Figure 4, each receptacle-side male contact 7 includes a soldering portion 7P that is soldered to the connector mounting surface 2A of the receptacle-side substrate 2, an embedded portion 7Q that is embedded in the receptacle-side male contact beam 27, and a protruding portion 7R that protrudes from the embedded portion 7Q in the horizontal removal direction. As shown in Figure 3, the protruding portion 7R of each receptacle-side male contact 7 is exposed to the outside without being covered by the receptacle-side male contact beam 27.

[0041] The two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9 are each held in place by insert molding on the two receptacle-side connecting beams 29. Since the two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9 are symmetrical with respect to the bifurcation plane that divides the receptacle connector 3 in the pitch direction, one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 will be described, and the description of the other receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 will be omitted.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 includes a base plate 9P which is soldered to the connector mounting surface 2A of the receptacle-side substrate 2, a top plate 9Q which covers the upper surface of the receptacle-side connecting beam 29, and four connecting parts 9R which connect the base plate 9P and the top plate 9Q.

[0043] The base plate 9P is positioned further inward in the width direction than the top plate 9Q. The base plate 9P is positioned below the top plate 9Q. The four connecting sections 9R are positioned at approximately equal intervals in the width direction. The four connecting sections 9R protrude upward from the base plate 9P and extend to the top plate 9Q. The four connecting sections 9R consist of a first connecting section 9RA, a second connecting section 9RB, a third connecting section 9RC, and a fourth connecting section 9RD. The first connecting section 9RA, the second connecting section 9RB, the third connecting section 9RC, and the fourth connecting section 9RD are positioned in this order in the horizontal fitting direction.

[0044] The first connecting portion 9RA and the third connecting portion 9RC are formed with a projection 9S that protrudes inward in the width direction. The projection 9S is typically formed by drawing.

[0045] The receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 further includes two receptacle-side interference portions 9T that project inward in the width direction from the top plate 9Q. The two receptacle-side interference portions 9T include a receptacle-side interference portion 9TA positioned between the first connector 9RA and the second connector 9RB, and a receptacle-side interference portion 9TB positioned between the third connector 9RC and the fourth connector 9RD. The two receptacle-side interference portions 9T are typically formed by cutting and bending.

[0046] The receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 further includes an elastically deformable contact spring piece 9U that protrudes upward from the base plate 9P. The contact spring piece 9U is positioned between the second connecting portion 9RB and the third connecting portion 9RC. The contact spring piece 9U is formed, for example, by cutting and bending.

[0047] (Plug connector 5) Next, the plug connector 5 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the plug connector 5. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing only a portion of the components of the plug connector 5.

[0048] Multiple plug-side male contacts 16 are held in the plug-side male contact beam 36 by insert molding. As shown in Figure 6, each plug-side male contact 16 includes a soldering portion 16P that is soldered to the connector mounting surface 4A of the plug-side substrate 4, an embedded portion 16Q that is embedded in the plug-side male contact beam 36, and a protruding portion 16R that protrudes from the embedded portion 16Q in the horizontal mating direction. As shown in Figure 5, the protruding portion 16R of each plug-side male contact 16 is exposed to the outside without being covered by the plug-side male contact beam 36.

[0049] Multiple plug-side female contacts 17 are held in place by press-fitting into multiple slits formed in the plug-side female contact beam 37. As shown in Figure 6, each plug-side female contact 17 includes a soldering portion 17P that is soldered to the connector mounting surface 4A of the plug-side substrate 4, and a U-shaped contact portion 17Q ​​that opens in the horizontal mating direction. As shown in Figure 5, the plug-side female contact beam 37 has an insertion opening 37A that opens in the horizontal mating direction. The insertion opening 37A is clearly depicted in Figure 9, which will be described later.

[0050] The two plug-side auxiliary fittings 19 are each held in place by insert molding on the two plug-side connecting beams 39. Since the two plug-side auxiliary fittings 19 are symmetrical with respect to the bifurcation plane that divides the plug connector 5 in the pitch direction, one plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 will be described, and the description of the other plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 will be omitted.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 includes a bottom plate 19P, two soldering portions 19Q that are soldered to the connector mounting surface 4A of the plug-side circuit board 4, and two L-shaped portions 19R.

[0052] The two solder joints 19Q are each formed in an L-shape when viewed in the pitch direction and protrude outward in the width direction from the bottom plate 19P.

[0053] The two L-shaped sections 19R are each formed in an L-shape when viewed in the width direction and protrude outward in the pitch direction from the bottom plate 19P. The two L-shaped sections 19R are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The two L-shaped sections 19R include a first L-shaped section 19RA and a second L-shaped section 19RB. The first L-shaped section 19RA and the second L-shaped section 19RB are arranged in this order in the horizontal fitting direction.

[0054] Each L-shaped section 19R includes a plug-side interference section 19RL that protrudes outward in the pitch direction from the bottom plate 19P, and a vertical section 19RM that protrudes upward from the plug-side interference section 19RL. A projection 19RN is formed at the lower end of the vertical section 19RM, which protrudes outward in the width direction and extends in the width direction.

[0055] Next, the method of mating the connector assembly 1 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the state after vertical insertion is complete. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 in the state after vertical insertion is complete. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after vertical insertion is complete. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the state after horizontal movement is complete. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 in the state after horizontal movement is complete.

[0056] First, as shown in Figure 1, with the receptacle connector 3 and the plug connector 5 facing each other in the vertical direction, the plug connector 5 is lowered toward the receptacle connector 3, and as shown in Figure 7, the plug connector 5 is vertically inserted into the receptacle connector 3 so that it fits between the two receptacle-side connecting beams 29, in other words, between the two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9.

[0057] More specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the plug connector 5 is inserted vertically into the receptacle connector 3 such that, in the width direction, the second L-shaped portion 19RB of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5 is positioned between the two receptacle-side interference portions 9T of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3, and the receptacle-side interference portion 9TA of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3 is positioned between the two L-shaped portions 19R of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5.

[0058] During this vertical insertion, the plug-side substrate 4 must be firmly pushed toward the receptacle-side substrate 2 in order for the protrusions 19RN of the two L-shaped portions 19R of the plug-side auxiliary fittings 19

[0059] As a result of overcoming the obstacles described above, the plug connector 5 seats onto the receptacle connector 3, achieving vertical relative positioning of the plug connector 5 with respect to the receptacle connector 3. This vertical relative positioning completes the vertical insertion of the connector assembly 1.

[0060] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 1 after vertical insertion is complete. As shown in Figure 9, with vertical insertion complete, the protrusions 16R of the multiple plug-side male contacts 16 of the plug connector 5 face the insertion opening 26A of the receptacle-side female contact beam 26 of the receptacle connector 3 in the width direction. Similarly, with vertical insertion complete, the protrusions 7R of the multiple receptacle-side male contacts 7 of the receptacle connector 3 face the insertion opening 37A of the plug-side female contact beam 37 of the plug connector 5 in the width direction.

[0061] With the state shown in Figure 9, the plug connector 5 is moved horizontally in the width direction toward the receptacle connector 3. That is, the plug connector 5 is moved in the horizontal mating direction relative to the receptacle connector 3. As a result, the plug connector 5 mates with the receptacle connector 3. Hereafter, as shown in Figure 10, the state in which vertical insertion and horizontal movement are completed will be referred to as the mating state of the connector assembly 1.

[0062] In the mated state of connector assembly 1, as explained using Figure 9, the protruding portions 16R of the multiple plug-side male contacts 16 of plug connector 5 contact the contact portions 6Q of the multiple receptacle-side female contacts 6 of receptacle connector 3, accompanied by elastic deformation of the contact portions 6Q. Similarly, in the mated state of connector assembly 1, the protruding portions 7R of the multiple receptacle-side male contacts 7 of receptacle connector 3 contact the contact portions 17Q of the multiple plug-side female contacts 17 of plug connector 5, accompanied by elastic deformation of the contact portions 17Q.

[0063] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 when horizontal movement is complete. For ease of explanation, in Figure 11, the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 is shown with a solid line and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 is shown with a dashed line. As shown in Figure 11, in the mated state of the connector assembly 1, the first L-shaped portion 19RA is located below the receptacle-side interference portion 9TA, and the second L-shaped portion 19RB is located below the receptacle-side interference portion 9TB. Furthermore, the contact spring piece 9U, which is in contact with the second L-shaped portion 19RB with elastic deformation when vertical insertion is complete, maintains contact with the second L-shaped portion 19RB with elastic deformation during horizontal movement. In other words, the contact spring piece 9U slides along the second L-shaped portion 19RB while remaining in contact with it, so a wiping effect is exerted between the contact spring piece 9U and the second L-shaped portion 19RB, thereby achieving an electrically stable connection between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19.

[0064] Now, returning to Figure 8, let's consider the case where, during vertical insertion, the plug connector 5 is misaligned relative to the receptacle connector 3 in the horizontal mating direction. In this case, the plug-side interference portion 19RL of the second L-shaped portion 19RB of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5 physically interferes with the receptacle-side interference portion 9TB of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3, and the plug-side interference portion 19RL of the first L-shaped portion 19RA of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5 physically interferes with the receptacle-side interference portion 9TA of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3. This effectively prevents the plug connector 5 from being inserted into the receptacle connector 3. Furthermore, when the insertion of the plug connector 5 into the receptacle connector 3 is prevented, the plug connector 5 makes contact with the receptacle connector 3 at three or more points, four points in this embodiment, so that the plug connector 5 is received by the receptacle connector 3 while remaining horizontal to the receptacle connector 3 without tilting. Here, the four points mentioned above correspond to four receptacle-side interference points 9T on the receptacle connector 3 side and four plug-side interference points 19RL on the plug connector 5 side. Therefore, referring to Figure 9, due to misalignment during vertical insertion, the plug connector 5 tilts relative to the receptacle connector 3, preventing the plug-side female contact beam 37 of the plug connector 5 from colliding from above with the protruding portions 7R of the multiple receptacle-side male contacts 7 of the receptacle connector 3 and damaging the multiple receptacle-side male contacts 7, or preventing the protruding portions 16R of the multiple plug-side male contacts 16 of the plug connector 5 from colliding from above with the receptacle-side female contact beam 26 of the receptacle connector 3 and damaging the multiple plug-side male contacts 16. In short, the connector assembly 1 of this embodiment can prevent contact damage even if there is misalignment in the width direction between the receptacle connector 3 and the plug connector 5 during vertical insertion.

[0065] Furthermore, since the physical interference at the four locations mentioned above occurs between each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3 and the plug connector 5, damage to the receptacle-side housing 8 of the receptacle connector 3 can be effectively prevented.

[0066] Furthermore, since the physical interference at the four locations mentioned above occurs between each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3 and each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5, damage to not only the receptacle-side housing 8 of the receptacle connector 3 but also the plug-side housing 18 of the plug connector 5 can be similarly effectively prevented.

[0067] The first embodiment of this disclosure has been described above. The first embodiment has the following features.

[0068] Specifically, the connector assembly 1 comprises a receptacle connector 3 and a plug connector 5. The receptacle connector 3 and the plug connector 5 are electrically connected by vertically inserting the plug connector 5 into the receptacle connector 3 and then horizontally moving the plug connector 5 relative to the receptacle connector 3. The receptacle connector 3 includes a plurality of receptacle-side female contacts 6 (first receptacle-side contacts), a plurality of receptacle-side male contacts 7 (second receptacle-side contacts), a receptacle-side housing 8 that holds the plurality of receptacle-side female contacts 6 and the plurality of receptacle-side male contacts 7, and two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9. The receptacle-side housing 8 includes a receptacle-side female contact beam 26 (first receptacle-side contact beam) that holds a plurality of receptacle-side female contacts 6, a receptacle-side male contact beam 27 (second receptacle-side contact beam) that holds a plurality of receptacle-side male contacts 7, and two receptacle-side connecting beams 29 that connect the receptacle-side female contact beam 26 and the receptacle-side male contact beam 27. The plug connector 5 includes a plurality of plug-side male contacts 16 (first plug-side contacts), a plurality of plug-side female contacts 17 (second plug-side contacts), a plug-side housing 18 that holds the plurality of plug-side male contacts 16 and the plurality of plug-side female contacts 17, and two plug-side auxiliary fittings 19. The plug-side housing 18 includes a plug-side male contact beam 36 (first plug-side contact beam) that holds a plurality of plug-side male contacts 16, a plug-side female contact beam 37 (second plug-side contact beam) that holds a plurality of plug-side female contacts 17, and two plug-side connecting beams 39 that connect the plug-side male contact beam 36 and the plug-side female contact beam 37. The connector assembly 1 is configured such that the plug connector 5 is vertically inserted into the receptacle connector 3 so that it fits between two receptacle-side connecting beams 29, and then the plug connector 5 is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector 3, so that multiple receptacle-side female contacts 6 and multiple plug-side male contacts 16 make contact with each other, and multiple receptacle-side male contacts 7 and multiple plug-side female contacts 17 make contact with each other. The two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9 have at least three receptacle-side interference portions 9T that physically interfere with the plug connector 5 if there is a misalignment between the plug connector 5 and the receptacle connector 3 in the width direction (the opposing direction in which the receptacle-side female contact beam 26 and the receptacle-side male contact beam 27 face each other) during vertical insertion. With the above configuration, a connector assembly 1 is realized in which the contacts are less likely to be damaged when the connector is mated. In addition, damage to the receptacle-side housing 8 of the receptacle connector 3 can be effectively suppressed.

[0069] In this embodiment, each of the two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9 has two receptacle-side interference portions 9T, so the two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9 have a total of four receptacle-side interference portions 9T. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the connector assembly 1 may have only one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9, and this receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 may have three receptacle-side interference portions 9T.

[0070] The receptacle connector 3 is not limited to having two receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9; it may have only one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9, or it may have three or more receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9. The plug connector 5 is not limited to having two plug-side auxiliary fittings 19; it may have only one plug-side auxiliary fitting 19, or it may have three or more plug-side auxiliary fittings 19.

[0071] Furthermore, if there is any misalignment, at least three receptacle-side interference parts 9T will physically interfere with the two plug-side auxiliary fittings 19 of the plug connector 5. With this configuration, damage to the receptacle-side housing 8 of the receptacle connector 3 and the plug-side housing 18 of the plug connector 5 can be effectively prevented.

[0072] Furthermore, at least three receptacle-side interference portions 9T include four receptacle-side interference portions 9T. With this configuration, the plug connector 5 is more reliably received by the receptacle connector 3 while remaining horizontal without tilting.

[0073] Furthermore, each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 has an elastically deformable contact spring piece 9U. When the plug connector 5 is vertically inserted into the receptacle connector 3, the contact spring piece 9U makes contact with each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 with elastic deformation. While the plug connector 5 is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector 3, the contact spring piece 9U maintains contact with each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 due to its elastic restoring force. With this configuration, an electrically stable connection is achieved between each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 and each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19.

[0074] Furthermore, each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 has a protrusion 9S formed therein to provide a click sensation when inserted vertically. With this configuration, the user can confirm that vertical insertion has been successful simply by touch.

[0075] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 17. The following description will focus on the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment, omitting any redundant explanations.

[0076] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the connector assembly 1 before mating. Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly 1. Referring to Figures 1, 2, 12, and 13, the main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment described above is the shape of the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19. Therefore, the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 will be described in detail below, and other descriptions will be omitted.

[0077] (Receptacle connector 3) First, the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3 will be described with reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9. As with the first embodiment described above, one of the receptacle-side auxiliary fittings 9 will be described, and the description of the other receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 will be omitted.

[0078] As shown in Figure 14, the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 includes a base plate 40 and two receptacle-side interference parts 41.

[0079] The base plate 40 is formed in a U-shape that opens outward in the pitch direction and extends in the width direction.

[0080] The two receptacle-side interference portions 41 are arranged to protrude inward in the width direction from the base plate 40. The two receptacle-side interference portions 41 are formed in a U-shape that opens downward. The two receptacle-side interference portions 41 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. Each receptacle-side interference portion 41 includes two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A that face each other in the pitch direction, and a connecting portion 41B that connects the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A. The two receptacle-side interference portions 41 include a first receptacle-side interference portion 41P and a second receptacle-side interference portion 41Q. The first receptacle-side interference portion 41P and the second receptacle-side interference portion 41Q are arranged in this order in the horizontal fitting direction.

[0081] (Plug connector 5) Next, with reference to Figure 15, the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5 will be described. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19. As with the first embodiment described above, one plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 will be described, and the description of the other plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 will be omitted.

[0082] As shown in Figure 15, the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 includes a base plate 50 and two plug-side interference parts 51.

[0083] The base plate 50 is formed in a U-shape that opens inward in the pitch direction and extends in the width direction.

[0084] The two plug-side interference portions 51 are arranged to protrude inward in the width direction from the base plate 50. The two plug-side interference portions 51 are formed in a U shape that opens upward. The two plug-side interference portions 51 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. Each plug-side interference portion 51 includes two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A that face each other in the pitch direction, and a connecting portion 51B that connects the two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A. The two plug-side interference portions 51 include a first plug-side interference portion 51P and a second plug-side interference portion 51Q. The first plug-side interference portion 51P and the second plug-side interference portion 51Q are arranged in this order in the horizontal fitting direction.

[0085] Next, the method of mating the connector assembly 1 will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 when vertical insertion is complete. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 when horizontal movement is complete. In Figures 16 and 17, for the sake of explanation, the receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 is shown with a solid line and the plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 is shown with a dashed line.

[0086] First, the plug connector 5 is vertically inserted into the receptacle connector 3. Specifically, as shown in Figure 16, the plug connector 5 is vertically inserted into the receptacle connector 3 such that, in the width direction, the first receptacle-side interference portion 41P of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3 is positioned between the two plug-side interference portions 51 of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5, and the second plug-side interference portion 51Q of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5 is positioned between the two receptacle-side interference portions 41 of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3. As a result of the above vertical insertion, the plug connector 5 is seated on the receptacle connector 3, and the relative vertical positioning of the plug connector 5 with respect to the receptacle connector 3 is achieved. This relative vertical positioning completes the vertical insertion of the connector assembly 1.

[0087] Next, with the state shown in Figure 16, the plug connector 5 is moved horizontally in the width direction toward the receptacle connector 3. That is, the plug connector 5 is moved in the horizontal mating direction relative to the receptacle connector 3. This causes the plug connector 5 to mate with the receptacle connector 3. Hereafter, as shown in Figure 17, the state in which vertical insertion and horizontal movement are completed will be referred to as the mated state of the connector assembly 1.

[0088] As shown in Figure 17, in the mated state of the connector assembly 1, the first plug-side interference portion 51P of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5 is located below the first receptacle-side interference portion 41P of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3. More specifically, of the two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A of the first plug-side interference portion 51P, the plug-side U-shaped side wall 51A that is inward in the pitch direction is located between the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A of the first receptacle-side interference portion 41P in the pitch direction. In other words, of the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A of the first receptacle-side interference portion 41P, the receptacle-side U-shaped side wall 41A that is outward in the pitch direction is located between the two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A of the first plug-side interference portion 51P in the pitch direction. In short, when the connector assembly 1 is mated, the two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A of the first plug-side interference portion 51P and the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A of the first receptacle-side interference portion 41P overlap alternately in the pitch direction.

[0089] Continuing to refer to Figure 17, in the mated state of connector assembly 1, the second plug-side interference portion 51Q of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of plug connector 5 is located below the second receptacle-side interference portion 41Q of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of receptacle connector 3. More specifically, in the mated state of connector assembly 1, the two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A of the second plug-side interference portion 51Q are located in the pitch direction between the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A of the second receptacle-side interference portion 41Q. In other words, in the mated state of connector assembly 1, the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A of the second receptacle-side interference portion 41Q are located outside the two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A of the second plug-side interference portion 51Q in the pitch direction.

[0090] Here, similar to the first embodiment described above, we assume a case where the plug connector 5 is misaligned in the horizontal mating direction relative to the receptacle connector 3 during vertical insertion. In this case, referring to Figure 16, the second plug-side interference portion 51Q of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5 physically interferes with the second receptacle-side interference portion 41Q of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3, and the first plug-side interference portion 51P of each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 of the plug connector 5 physically interferes with the first receptacle-side interference portion 41P of each receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9 of the receptacle connector 3. This effectively prevents the plug connector 5 from being inserted vertically into the receptacle connector 3. More specifically, when the vertical insertion of the plug connector 5 into the receptacle connector 3 is effectively prevented, the plug connector 5 makes contact with the receptacle connector 3 at three or more points, four points in this embodiment, so that the plug connector 5 is received by the receptacle connector 3 in a horizontal position without tilting. Therefore, as with the first embodiment described above, even if there is a misalignment between the receptacle connector 3 and the plug connector 5 during vertical insertion, contact damage can be suppressed.

[0091] The second embodiment of this disclosure has been described above. The second embodiment has the following features.

[0092] Each plug-side auxiliary fitting 19 includes two plug-side interference parts 51 that correspond one-to-one with the two receptacle-side interference parts 41. Each of the two receptacle-side interference parts 41 is formed in a U-shape that opens downwards, and has two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A. Each of the two plug-side interference parts 51 is formed in a U-shape that opens upwards, and has two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A. With this configuration, each receptacle-side interference part 41 and each plug-side interference part 51 have a large second moment of area and are resistant to buckling.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, when the plug connector 5 is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector 3, the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A of the first receptacle-side interference portion 41P and the two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A of the first plug-side interference portion 51P overlap alternately. With this configuration, the first receptacle-side interference portion 41P and the first plug-side interference portion 51P can function as guides for horizontal movement.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, when the plug connector 5 is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector 3, the two plug-side U-shaped side walls 51A of the second plug-side interference portion 51Q are inserted between the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls 41A of the second receptacle-side interference portion 41Q. With this configuration, the second receptacle-side interference portion 41Q and the second plug-side interference portion 51Q can function as guides for horizontal movement.

[0095] The present invention has been described in detail above based on embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments already described, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1. Connector Assembly 2. Receptacle-side substrate 2A connector mounting side 3 Receptacle Connectors 4 Plug-side circuit board 4A connector mounting side 5 Plug connectors 6. Receptacle-side female contact (1st receptacle-side contact) 6A Receptacle-side female contact row 6P soldering section 6Q contact part 7. Receptacle-side male contact (second receptacle-side contact) 7A Receptacle-side male contact row 7P Soldering section 7Q buried part 7R protrusion 8. Receptacle-side housing 9. Receptacle-side auxiliary fitting 9P Base Plate 9Q Top Plate 9R connection part 9RA 1st connecting section 9RB 2nd connection part 9RC 3rd connection part 9RD 4th connecting section 9S protrusion 9T Receptacle-side interference area 9TA Receptacle-side interference area 9TB Receptacle-side interference area 9U Contact spring piece 16 Plug-side male contact (first plug-side contact) 16A Plug-side male contact row 16P soldering section 16Q buried part 16R protrusion 17. Plug-side female contact (second plug-side contact) 17A Plug-side female contact row 17P Soldering section 17Q contact part 18 Plug-side housing 19 Plug-side auxiliary fitting 19P Bottom Plate 19Q Soldering section 19R L-shaped part 19RA 1st L section 19RB 2nd L section 19RL Plug-side interference area 19RM Vertical section 19RN protrusion 26 Receptacle-side female contact beam (first receptacle-side contact beam) 26A Insertion opening 27. Receptacle-side male contact beam (second receptacle-side contact beam) 29 Receptacle-side connecting beam 36 Plug-side male contact beam (first plug-side contact beam) 37 Plug-side female contact beam (second plug-side contact beam) 37A Insertion opening 39 Plug-side connecting beam 40 base plate 41 Receptacle-side interference area 41A Receptacle-side U-shaped side wall 41B Connection part 41P Interference section on the first receptacle side 41Q Second receptacle side interference area 50 base plate 51 Plug-side interference area 51A Plug side U-shaped side wall 51B Connection part 51P Interference area on the first plug side 51Q Interference area on the second plug side

Claims

1. Receptacle connector and Plug connector and Equipped with, The plug connector is inserted vertically into the receptacle connector, and then the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector, thereby electrically connecting the receptacle connector and the plug connector. It is a connector assembly, The aforementioned receptacle connector is Multiple first receptacle-side contacts, Multiple second receptacle-side contacts, A receptacle-side housing that holds the plurality of first receptacle-side contacts and the plurality of second receptacle-side contacts, At least one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting, Includes, The receptacle-side housing is, A first receptacle-side contact beam that holds the plurality of first receptacle-side contacts, A second receptacle-side contact beam that holds the plurality of second receptacle-side contacts, Two receptacle-side connecting beams connect the first receptacle-side contact beam and the second receptacle-side contact beam, Includes, The aforementioned plug connector is Multiple first plug-side contacts, Multiple second plug-side contacts, A plug-side housing that holds the plurality of first plug-side contacts and the plurality of second plug-side contacts, At least one plug-side auxiliary fitting, Includes, The aforementioned plug-side housing is A first plug-side contact beam that holds the plurality of first plug-side contacts, A second plug-side contact beam that holds the plurality of second plug-side contacts, Two plug-side connecting beams connect the first plug-side contact beam and the second plug-side contact beam, Includes, The plug connector is vertically inserted into the receptacle connector so that it fits between the two receptacle-side connecting beams, and then the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector so that the plurality of first receptacle-side contacts and the plurality of first plug-side contacts come into contact with each other, and the plurality of second receptacle-side contacts and the plurality of second plug-side contacts come into contact with each other. The at least one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting has at least three receptacle-side interference portions that physically interfere with the plug connector if there is a misalignment between the plug connector and the receptacle connector in the opposing direction in which the first receptacle-side contact beam and the second receptacle-side contact beam face each other during vertical insertion. Connector assembly.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, The at least three receptacle-side interfering portions physically interfere with the at least one plug-side auxiliary fitting of the plug connector when the misalignment occurs. Connector assembly.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, The aforementioned at least three receptacle-side interference portions include four receptacle-side interference portions. Connector assembly.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, The at least one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting has an elastically deformable contact spring piece, When the plug connector is inserted vertically into the receptacle connector, the contact spring piece makes contact with the at least one plug-side auxiliary fitting with elastic deformation. While the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector, the contact spring piece maintains contact with the at least one plug-side auxiliary fitting due to its elastic restoring force. Connector assembly.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, The at least one receptacle-side auxiliary fitting has a protrusion formed thereon to provide a click sensation when inserted vertically. Connector assembly.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, The at least one plug-side auxiliary fitting includes at least three plug-side interference portions that correspond one-to-one with the at least three receptacle-side interference portions, Each of the at least three receptacle-side interference portions is formed in a U-shape that opens downwards, and has two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls. Each of the three plug-side interference portions is formed in a U-shape that opens upward, and has two plug-side U-shaped side walls. Connector assembly.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, When the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector, The two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls of at least one of the three receptacle-side interference portions, The two plug-side U-shaped side walls of at least one of the three plug-side interference portions overlap alternately. Connector assembly.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 6, When the plug connector is moved horizontally relative to the receptacle connector, Of the at least three plug-side interference portions, the two plug-side U-shaped side walls of at least one plug-side interference portion are Inserted between the two receptacle-side U-shaped side walls of at least one of the three receptacle-side interfering portions, Connector assembly.

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