Connector Assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly that can stably hold a sub-connector. [Solution] The connector assembly comprises a frame 30 having a plurality of housing sections 31 and a subconnector having a locking projection. Each housing section 31 has an elastic section 33 and a locking claw 34. The locking claw 34 is displaced to a bent position where it does not engage with the locking projection when the elastic section 33 bends, and when placed in the normal position, it engages with the locking projection to prevent the subconnector from coming out of the housing section 31. The locking claw 34 includes a first locking claw 34A and a second locking claw 34B, which are provided on each housing section 31 so as to face each other between adjacent housing sections 31. The first locking claw 34A is provided to prevent the second locking claw 34B from being displaced to the bent position when it is in the bent position, and to prevent the second locking claw 34B from being displaced beyond the bent position when it is in the normal position. The elastic section 33 is provided on both sides of the locking claw 34.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a connector assembly including a frame having a plurality of accommodating portions and sub-connectors configured to be insertable into each of the plurality of accommodating portions (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This sub-connector has a locking projection projecting in a direction intersecting with an insertion axis into the accommodating portion. Further, the accommodating portion has an elastic portion and a locking claw. The locking claw allows insertion of the sub-connector into the accommodating portion by displacement of the elastic portion from a normal position to a deflected position where it does not engage with the locking projection when the elastic portion is deflected. Further, the locking claw engages with the locking projection so as to prevent the sub-connector from coming out of the accommodating portion by being disposed in the normal position in the main insertion state where the sub-connector is inserted into the accommodating portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the connector assembly as described above, the elastic portion was an elastic piece that was connected to the locking claw and also connected to one fulcrum and deflected so as to fall, and thus it was easily deflected greatly even by a small force. As a result, for example, the elastic portion was liable to be damaged.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector assembly capable of stably holding a sub-connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connector assembly of the present disclosure comprises a frame having a plurality of housings, and a subconnector configured to be insertable into each of the plurality of housings along an insertion axis and having a locking projection projecting in a direction intersecting the insertion axis, wherein each of the plurality of housings has an elastic portion and a locking claw, the locking claw displaces from a normal position to a flexed position that does not engage with the locking projection by bending of the elastic portion, and engages with the locking projection to prevent the subconnector from coming out of the housing when the subconnector is in the normal position in the fully inserted state inserted into the housing, the locking claw includes a first locking claw and a second locking claw provided on each of the housings so as to face each other between adjacent housings, the first locking claw is provided so as to prevent the second locking claw from displacing to the flexed position when in the flexed position, and so as to prevent the second locking claw from displacing beyond the flexed position when in the normal position, the elastic portion is provided on both sides of the locking claw. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The connector assembly of this disclosure can stably hold the subconnector. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly in one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the frame in one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of a connector assembly in one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the housing in one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in Figure 3. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 in Figure 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line 8-8 in Figure 4. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the elastic part and the locking claw. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the elastic part and the locking claw. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. The connector assembly disclosed herein is [1] A connector assembly comprising a frame having a plurality of housing sections, and a subconnector configured to be insertable into each of the plurality of housing sections along an insertion axis and having a locking projection projecting in a direction intersecting the insertion axis, wherein each of the plurality of housing sections has an elastic section and a locking claw, the locking claw is displaced from a normal position to a deflected position that does not engage with the locking projection by the bending of the elastic section, and is positioned in the normal position when the subconnector is inserted into the housing section to prevent the subconnector from coming out of the housing section, the locking claw includes a first locking claw and a second locking claw provided on each of the housing sections so as to face each other between adjacent housing sections, the first locking claw is provided so as to prevent the second locking claw from being displaced to the deflected position when it is in the deflected position, and so as to prevent the second locking claw from being displaced beyond the deflected position when it is in the normal position, the elastic section is provided on both sides of the locking claw.

[0010] According to this configuration, the first locking claw prevents the second locking claw from being displaced to the deflected position when it is in the deflected position. For example, when the first locking claw is in the deflected position, insertion of the subconnector into the housing having the second locking claw is prevented. Therefore, for example, an operator can detect that the subconnector is partially inserted into the housing having the first locking claw based on the inability to insert the subconnector into the housing having the second locking claw. Furthermore, the first locking claw prevents the second locking claw from being displaced beyond the deflected position when it is in the normal position. For example, this prevents the elastic part connected to the second locking claw from being excessively deflected and damaged. Also, since the elastic part is provided on both sides of the locking claw, it is possible to suppress large deflections with small forces compared to, for example, a single elastic piece that is connected to the locking claw and also to a single pivot point and bends to fall. Therefore, for example, when the first locking claw is in the normal position, displacement of the second locking claw beyond the deflected position can be firmly prevented. As a result, the elastic part becomes less prone to damage, and consequently, the sub-connector can be held stably.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the elastic portion may include a pair of lateral elastic walls that extend away from each other from both sides of the locking claw and are connected to a pair of opposing surfaces that constitute the inner surface of the housing portion.

[0012] According to this configuration, the elastic part includes a pair of lateral elastic walls that extend away from each other from both sides of the locking claw and connect to a pair of opposing surfaces that constitute the inner surface of the housing, thus preventing large deflections with small forces. That is, unlike, for example, a single elastic piece that is connected to the locking claw and a single pivot point and bends to collapse, the pair of lateral elastic walls become less prone to deflection despite their thin structure due to their interaction. Therefore, for example, when the first locking claw is in its normal position, the displacement of the second locking claw beyond the deflection position is firmly prevented. As a result, the elastic part becomes less prone to damage, and consequently, the subconnector can be held more stably.

[0013] [3] In [2] above, the elastic part may include a pair of insertion axis elastic walls extending along the insertion axis from both sides of the locking claw and the side elastic wall. According to this configuration, since the elastic part includes a pair of insertion axis elastic walls extending along the insertion axis from both sides of the locking claw and the side elastic wall, for example, compared with a configuration without insertion axis elastic walls, it is more suppressed that it bends greatly with a small force.

[0014] [4] In any one of [1] to [3] above, the locking claw may be provided at an end portion on the side where the sub - connector is inserted in the housing portion. According to this configuration, since the locking claw is provided at an end portion on the side where the sub - connector is inserted in the housing portion, for example, an operator can visually confirm whether the locking claw is in the normal position from the direction in which the sub - connector is inserted into the housing portion. Therefore, for example, after inserting the sub - connector into the housing portion, the operator can easily confirm whether the sub - connector is in the fully inserted state or the half - inserted state without turning over the connector assembly.

[0015] [5] In any one of [1] to [4] above, the sub - connector has a hitting portion at an intermediate portion along the insertion axis, and the housing portion may have a receiving portion against which the hitting portion hits in the fully inserted state where the sub - connector is inserted into the housing portion.

[0016] According to the same structure, the sub-connector has a contact portion at an intermediate portion along the insertion axis, and the housing portion has a receiving portion against which the contact portion abuts in the fully inserted state of the sub-connector. Therefore, the end portion on the side to be inserted into the housing portion of the sub-connector can be exposed. In other words, the end portion on the side to be inserted into the housing portion of the sub-connector can be configured not to be covered by the housing portion. Thus, for example, compared with a configuration in which the end portion on the side to be inserted into the housing portion of the sub-connector is covered by the housing portion, it is possible to increase the effective contact length between the mating terminal in the mating connector fitted to the connector assembly and the terminal held by the sub-connector. That is, in a configuration in which the end portion on the side to be inserted into the housing portion of the sub-connector is covered by the housing portion, it becomes difficult to increase the effective contact length with the mating terminal because the position of the terminal is recessed, but this can be avoided and the effective contact length can be increased.

[0017] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] A specific example of the connector assembly of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be shown exaggerated or simplified. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may be different in each drawing.

[0018] As used in this specification, "tubular" includes not only those with a continuous circumferential wall formed around the entire circumference, but also those formed by combining multiple parts, and those having a cutout or other feature in the circumferential direction, such as a C-shape. The outer circumferential shape of a "tubular" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners. A "tubular" is a shape having a through hole in a plan view, and includes those where the outer circumferential shape and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole are the same, or where the outer circumferential shape and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole are different. A "tubular" includes those having a predetermined length extending along the axial direction from which the central axis passing through the center of the through hole extends, regardless of the magnitude of that length. In this specification, "facing" means that faces or members are in a position facing each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used simply to distinguish objects and do not rank them. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as shown, and equivalents thereof.

[0019] (Configuration of connector assembly 10) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector assembly 10 comprises a plurality of subconnectors 20 and a frame 30. The connector assembly 10 of this embodiment comprises six subconnectors 20. The connector assembly 10 is interposed, for example, in a path that electrically connects in-vehicle equipment installed in a vehicle, and is mated to a mating connector (not shown). In each figure, a first axis X, a second axis Y perpendicular to the first axis X, and a third axis Z as an insertion axis perpendicular to the first axis X and the second axis Y are shown. In addition, the figures show an upward direction Z1, which is one direction along the third axis Z, and a downward direction Z2, which is the opposite direction to the upward direction Z1.

[0020] (Configuration of subconnector 20) The subconnector 20 has a connector housing 21 and a plurality of terminals 22 (see Figure 8). The connector housing 21 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The connector housing 21 has a plurality of terminal housing holes 23 that penetrate along the third axis Z. As shown in Figure 8, the plurality of terminals 22 are housed and held in the terminal housing holes 23 (see Figure 2) while being connected to an electric wire (not shown) that extends along the third axis Z and extends upward Z1. In this embodiment, the terminals 22 are, for example, female terminals and are matable with a rod-shaped male terminal (not shown) provided on the mating connector.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 8, the connector housing 21 has locking projections 24. The locking projections 24 protrude in a direction intersecting the third axis Z. Specifically, the locking projections 24 are located in the connector housing 21 at a position closer to the upward Z1 direction along the third axis Z. The locking projections 24 are also provided on both sides along the first axis X, which is the longitudinal axis of the connector housing 21. The locking projections 24 have an inclined surface 24a (see Figure 8) where the amount of protrusion gradually increases from the end in the downward Z2 direction toward the upward Z1 direction.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the connector housing 21 has a stopper portion 25. The stopper portion 25 is provided in the intermediate part of the connector housing 21 along the third axis Z. The stopper portion 25 is provided on both sides along the second axis Y, which is the short axis of the connector housing 21. The stopper portion 25 is formed by making the width along the second axis Y in the downward Z2 part of the connector housing 21 smaller than the width in the upward Z1 part.

[0023] (Frame 30 configuration) As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the frame 30 has a plurality of housing sections 31. The frame 30 of this embodiment has six housing sections 31. A total of six housing sections 31 are provided, with three arranged side by side along the first axis X and two arranged side by side along the second axis Y. The housing section 31 is configured so that the sub-connector 20 (see Figure 2) can be inserted along the third axis Z. That is, the housing section 31 is formed in a rectangular tubular shape extending along the third axis Z. The frame 30 of this embodiment also has a lever 30a, etc., used when attaching and detaching the connector assembly 10 to the mating connector.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the housing section 31 has a receiving section 32 against which the abutment section 25 of the subconnector 20 (see Figure 2) abuts when it is fully inserted into the housing section 31. That is, the subconnector 20 is configured to be insertable into the housing section 31 until the abutment section 25 abuts against the receiving section 32. As shown in Figure 8, the end of the subconnector 20 that is inserted into the housing section 31 in the fully inserted state, and the end in the downward direction Z2, is exposed and not covered by the housing section 31.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, each of the multiple housing sections 31 has an elastic section 33 and a locking claw 34. The elastic section 33 and the locking claw 34 are provided on both sides of the housing section 31 along the first axis X. The locking claw 34 is provided at the end of the housing section 31 where the subconnector 20 is inserted, and at the end in the upward direction Z1 (see Figure 7). The locking claw 34 is capable of being displaced along the first axis X by the bending of the elastic section 33.

[0026] More specifically, the locking claw 34 is displaced from its normal position to a deflected position (see the left locking claw 34 in Figure 9) where it does not engage with the locking projection 24 in the direction along the third axis Z, due to the bending of the elastic part 33 during the partial insertion stage when the subconnector 20 is being inserted into the housing part 31. The normal position here refers to the position of the locking claw 34 in an unloaded state where no external force is applied to the elastic part 33 and the locking claw 34.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the locking claw 34 engages with the locking projection 24 in a normal position when the subconnector 20 is inserted into the housing 31, thereby preventing the subconnector 20 from coming out of the housing 31.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the locking claw 34 includes a first locking claw 34A and a second locking claw 34B, which are provided on each of the housing sections 31 so as to face each other between adjacent housing sections 31 along the first axis X. Note that the terms "first" and "second" in the first locking claw 34A and the second locking claw 34B are names given for convenience to distinguish them from each other in the following explanation, and the locking claw 34 can be either the first locking claw 34A or the second locking claw 34B depending on the state.

[0029] As shown in Figure 9, the first locking claw 34A is provided to prevent the second locking claw 34B from being displaced to the deflected position when it is in the deflected position. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the first locking claw 34A is provided to prevent the second locking claw 34B from being displaced beyond its deflection position when it is in its normal position. In Figure 10, the subconnector 20 is inserted into the housing 31 having the first locking claw 34A, but even when the subconnector 20 is not inserted, the first locking claw 34A prevents the second locking claw 34B from being displaced beyond its deflection position. Figure 10 also illustrates a state in which the second locking claw 34B is displaced by a jig (not shown) when, for example, the subconnector 20 is removed from the housing 31 for maintenance.

[0030] In other words, the first locking claw 34A and the second locking claw 34B, which are positioned opposite each other, are set to have a distance between them such that they contact each other depending on the situation to restrict each other's displacement. Note that the locking claws 34 at the ends along the first axis X that do not face each other (see the leftmost locking claw 34 in Figure 8) do not function as the first locking claw 34A or the second locking claw 34B as described above.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the elastic portion 33 is provided on both sides of the locking claw 34. The elastic portion 33 in this embodiment includes a pair of lateral elastic walls 35 provided on both sides of the locking claw 34. The elastic portion 33 in this embodiment also includes a pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 provided on both sides of the locking claw 34.

[0032] The pair of lateral elastic walls 35 extend from both sides of the locking claw 34 in a direction away from each other and along the second axis Y, and are connected to a pair of opposing surfaces 37 that constitute the inner surface of the housing 31. In this embodiment, the lateral elastic walls 35 are formed with a thickness along the first axis X that is thinner than the thickness of the locking claw 34.

[0033] Furthermore, the pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 extend downward in Z2 along the third axis Z from both sides of the locking claw 34 and from the lateral elastic walls 35. The pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 in this embodiment have a thick elastic wall 36a extending downward in Z2 from both sides of the locking claw 34 and a thin elastic wall 36b extending downward in Z2 from the lateral elastic wall 35. In addition, the ends of the pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 in this embodiment are connected by a connecting portion 38 in the downward direction Z2.

[0034] (Operation of connector assembly 10) Next, the operation of the connector assembly 10 configured as described above will be explained. As described above, the connector assembly 10 has the subconnector 20 attached to the frame 30. The subconnector 20 is inserted into the housing 31 by being moved relative to the frame 30 in a downward direction Z2 along the third axis Z. The subconnector 20 is fully inserted when the abutment portion 25 abuts against the receiving portion 32. Once fully inserted, the subconnector 20 is prevented from coming out of the housing 31 by the locking projection 24 engaging with the locking claw 34.

[0035] The connector assembly 10 is mated with the mating connector (not shown) by being moved relative to it in a downward direction Z2 along the third axis Z. Then, the terminals 22 held on each of the subconnectors 20 are mated with and electrically connected to the mating terminals (not shown) on the mating connector.

[0036] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of the above embodiment are described below. (1) The first locking claw 34A prevents the second locking claw 34B from being displaced to the bent position when it is in the bent position (see Figure 9). Therefore, for example, when the first locking claw 34A is in the bent position, insertion of the subconnector 20 into the housing 31 having the second locking claw 34B is prevented. Therefore, for example, an operator can detect that the subconnector 20 is partially inserted into the housing 31 having the first locking claw 34A based on the fact that insertion of the subconnector 20 into the housing 31 having the second locking claw 34B is impossible.

[0037] Furthermore, the first locking claw 34A prevents the second locking claw 34B from being displaced beyond its deflection position when it is in its normal position (see Figure 10). Therefore, for example, damage to the elastic part 33 connected to the second locking claw 34B due to excessive deflection is prevented. In particular, when removing the subconnector 20 from the housing part 31 for maintenance, a large force may be applied to the second locking claw 34B by a jig, but even in such cases, excessive deflection of the elastic part 33 connected to the second locking claw 34B is prevented.

[0038] Furthermore, since the elastic portion 33 is provided on both sides of the locking claw 34, it can suppress large bending with a small force compared to, for example, a single elastic piece that is connected to the locking claw 34 and also connected to a single pivot point and bends to fall. Therefore, for example, when the first locking claw 34A is in its normal position, it can firmly prevent the second locking claw 34B from being displaced beyond its bending position. As a result, the elastic portion 33 becomes less prone to damage, and consequently, the sub-connector 20 can be held stably.

[0039] (2) The elastic portion 33 includes a pair of lateral elastic walls 35 that extend away from each other from both sides of the locking claw 34 and are connected to a pair of opposing surfaces 37 that constitute the inner surface of the housing portion 31, so that it does not bend excessively with a small force. That is, unlike, for example, a single elastic piece that is connected to the locking claw 34 and also to a single pivot point and bends to collapse, the pair of lateral elastic walls 35 become less prone to bending despite their thin structure due to their interaction. Therefore, for example, when the first locking claw 34A is in its normal position, the displacement of the second locking claw 34B beyond the bending position is firmly prevented. As a result, the elastic portion 33 becomes less prone to damage, and consequently, the subconnector 20 can be held more stably.

[0040] (3) Since the elastic portion 33 includes both sides of the locking claw 34 and a pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 extending along the third axis Z from the lateral elastic walls 35, for example, it is possible to suppress large deflections with small forces compared to a configuration that does not have the insertion axis elastic walls 36.

[0041] (4) Since the locking claw 34 is provided at the end of the housing section 31 on the side into which the subconnector 20 is inserted, for example, an operator can visually confirm whether the locking claw 34 is in the normal position from the direction in which the subconnector 20 is inserted into the housing section 31. Therefore, for example, after inserting the subconnector 20 into the housing section 31, an operator can easily confirm whether the subconnector 20 is fully inserted or partially inserted without turning the connector assembly 10 upside down.

[0042] (5) The subconnector 20 has a stop portion 25 in the middle along the third axis Z, and the housing portion 31 has a receiving portion 32 against which the stop portion 25 abuts when the subconnector 20 is fully inserted. Therefore, the end of the subconnector 20 that is inserted into the housing portion 31 and the end in the downward direction Z2 can be exposed. In other words, the end of the subconnector 20 in the downward direction Z2 can be configured not to be covered by the housing portion 31. Therefore, for example, compared to a configuration in which the end of the subconnector 20 in the downward direction Z2 is covered by the housing portion 31, it is possible to increase the effective contact area between the mating terminal of the mating connector and the terminal 22 held by the subconnector 20. That is, in a configuration in which the end of the subconnector 20 in the downward direction Z2 is covered by the housing portion 31, the position of the terminal 22 is recessed, making it difficult to increase the effective contact area with the mating terminal, but this can be avoided and the effective contact area can be increased.

[0043] (Example of change) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the elastic portion 33 includes a pair of lateral elastic walls 35 that extend away from each other from both sides of the locking claw 34 and are connected to a pair of opposing surfaces 37 that constitute the inner surface of the housing portion 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the elastic portion 33 may be other elastic portions 33 that extend in a different direction from the lateral elastic walls 35 and are connected to other parts.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the elastic portion 33 includes a pair of insertion axis elastic walls 36 extending along the third axis Z from both sides of the locking claw 34 and from the lateral elastic wall 35, but it is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration without insertion axis elastic walls 36 is also possible. Furthermore, the insertion axis elastic wall 36 is assumed to have a thick elastic wall 36a extending downward Z2 from both sides of the locking claw 34 and a thin elastic wall 36b extending downward Z2 from the lateral elastic wall 35, but it is not limited to this, and for example, their plate thicknesses may be changed.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the locking claw 34 is provided at the end of the housing portion 31 into which the subconnector 20 is inserted, and at the end in the upward direction Z1. However, it is not limited to this, and may be provided at, for example, the end of the housing portion 31 in the downward direction Z2.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the subconnector 20 has a stopper portion 25 in the middle along the third axis Z, but it is not limited to this. For example, the subconnector 20 may be configured such that the end in the downward direction Z2 abuts against the housing portion 31. That is, the end in the downward direction Z2 of the subconnector 20 may be covered by the housing portion 31.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the frame 30 is shown to have six housing sections 31, but it is not limited to this. The number of housing sections 31 in the frame 30 may be changed to any other number, as long as there are multiple sections. Also, of course, the number of subconnectors 20 provided in the connector assembly 10 may be changed.

[0049] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 10 Connector Assembly 20 Subconnectors 21 Connector Housing 22 terminals 23 Terminal housing holes 24 Locking protrusion 24a Slope 25 Dead end 30 frames 30a Lever 31 Storage Unit 32 Receiving part 33 Elastic part 34 Locking claws 34A First locking claw 34B Second locking claw 35 Lateral elastic wall 36 Insertion axial elastic wall 36a Thick elastic wall 36b Thin elastic wall 37 Opposing surfaces 38 Connecting part X 1st axis Y 2nd axis Z 3rd axis Z1 upward direction Z2 Downward

Claims

1. A frame having multiple storage compartments, A connector assembly comprising: a sub-connector configured to be insertable into each of the plurality of housings along the insertion axis and having a locking projection that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion axis, Each of the aforementioned multiple housing sections has an elastic section and a locking claw. The locking claw is displaced from its normal position to a flexible position where it does not engage with the locking projection due to the bending of the elastic portion, and when the subconnector is inserted into the housing, it is positioned in the normal position to engage with the locking projection in order to prevent the subconnector from coming out of the housing. The locking claws include a first locking claw and a second locking claw provided on each of the housing portions so as to face each other between adjacent housing portions. The first locking claw is provided to prevent the second locking claw from being displaced to the deflected position when it is in the deflected position, and to prevent the second locking claw from being displaced beyond the deflected position when it is in the normal position. The elastic portion is provided on both sides of the locking claw. Connector assembly.

2. The elastic portion includes a pair of lateral elastic walls that extend away from each other from both sides of the locking claw and are connected to a pair of opposing surfaces that constitute the inner surface of the housing portion. The connector assembly according to claim 1.

3. The elastic portion includes a pair of insertion axis elastic walls extending along the insertion axis from both sides of the locking claw and the lateral elastic wall, The connector assembly according to claim 2.

4. The locking claw is provided at the end of the housing portion on the side into which the subconnector is inserted. The connector assembly according to claim 1.

5. The subconnector has a stopper portion in the middle along the insertion axis, The housing portion has a receiving portion against which the abutting portion abuts when the subconnector is inserted into the housing portion in the fully inserted state. The connector assembly according to claim 1.

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