Connector Assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly that ensures stable and proper assembly. [Solution] The connector assembly comprises a subconnector 20 having a housing 21 and a terminal 22 held in the housing 21, and a frame 30 having a housing portion 31 into which the subconnector 20 can be inserted. The housing 21 has a housing body portion 23 capable of housing the terminal 22 and a retainer piece 24 integrally molded with the housing body portion 23. The retainer piece 24 is formed to bend from an open state extending diagonally with respect to the insertion direction of the subconnector 20 to a closed state extending in the insertion direction. In the open state, it allows insertion of the terminal 22 into the housing body portion 23, and in the closed state, it locks the terminal 22 housed in the housing body portion 23. The housing portion 31 has a stopper surface 35 located deeper in the insertion direction than the opening end of the housing portion 31, which engages with the retainer piece 24 in the open state to prevent insertion of the subconnector 20 into the housing portion 31.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector assembly, there is one including a sub-connector and a frame having a housing portion into which the sub-connector can be inserted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The sub-connector has a housing and terminals held by the housing. The housing has a housing main body portion capable of accommodating the terminals and a retainer piece integrally formed with the housing main body portion. The retainer piece is formed so as to be able to bend with the base end portion as a fulcrum from an open state extending obliquely with respect to the insertion direction of the sub-connector to a closed state extending in the insertion direction. Further, the retainer piece allows insertion of the terminals into the housing main body portion in the open state and locks the terminals accommodated in the housing main body portion in the closed state. And the frame has an engaging recess on the end face in the opening direction of the housing portion, which prevents insertion of the sub-connector into the housing portion of the sub-connector by engaging with the retainer piece in the open state. In such a connector assembly, insertion of the sub-connector into the housing portion is prevented in the open state where the retainer piece does not lock the terminals. Therefore, abnormal assembly of the sub-connector and the frame is prevented. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​However, in the connector assembly described above, if a strong insertion force is applied to the subconnector while the retainer piece is engaged with the engagement recess, there was a risk that the retainer piece would buckle outwards and break. This could lead to situations where, for example, the subconnector is assembled to the frame without the terminals being properly locked.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector assembly that can guarantee stable and normal assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connector assembly according to the present disclosure comprises a connector having a housing and terminals held in the housing, and a mating component having a housing into which the connector can be inserted along an insertion axis, wherein the housing has a housing body capable of housing the terminals and a retainer piece integrally molded with the housing body, the retainer piece being formed to bend with its base end as a pivot point from an open state extending obliquely with respect to the insertion direction of the connector to a closed state extending in the insertion direction, allowing the terminals to be inserted into the housing body in the open state and locking the terminals housed in the housing body in the closed state, the housing has a stopper surface located further in the insertion direction than the opening end of the housing that engages with the retainer piece in the open state to prevent the connector from being inserted into the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The connector assembly of this disclosure ensures stable and proper assembly. [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 an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the housing in one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5-5 in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the housing and terminals in one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a subconnector in one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly in the initial stages of assembly in one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly in one embodiment during the mid-stage of assembly. [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 connector having a housing and a terminal held by the housing, and a mating part having a housing into which the connector can be inserted along the insertion axis, wherein the housing has a housing body capable of housing the terminal and a retainer piece integrally molded with the housing body, the retainer piece is formed to bend with its base end as a pivot point from an open state extending obliquely with respect to the insertion direction of the connector to a closed state extending in the insertion direction, allowing the terminal to be inserted into the housing body in the open state and locking the terminal housed in the housing body in the closed state, the housing has a stopper surface located further in the insertion direction than the opening end of the housing that engages with the retainer piece in the open state to prevent the connector from being inserted into the housing.

[0010] According to this configuration, the housing has a stopper surface that prevents the connector from being inserted into the housing by engaging with the retainer piece in the open state. Therefore, the connector cannot be inserted into the housing when the retainer piece is not locked to the terminal. Thus, abnormal assembly of the connector and the mating part is prevented. Furthermore, since the stopper surface is located further back in the insertion direction than the open end of the housing, even if a strong insertion force is applied to the connector while the retainer piece is engaged with the stopper surface, for example, it is possible to prevent the retainer piece from buckling outwards. That is, since the stopper surface is located further back in the insertion direction than the open end of the housing, when the retainer piece is engaged with the stopper surface, the inner wall surface of the housing faces the outside of the retainer piece. Therefore, even if the retainer piece tries to buckle outwards, it will come into contact with the inner wall surface of the housing, preventing it from buckling. Thus, damage to the retainer piece can be suppressed, and stable and normal assembly can be guaranteed.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], the connector may have a plurality of terminals, and the retainer piece may be formed to be able to lock the plurality of terminals with a single piece. According to this configuration, the retainer piece is formed to be able to lock multiple terminals with a single piece. Therefore, compared to a configuration where, for example, one piece can lock only one terminal, the stress when force is applied can be distributed, making it less prone to breakage. Thus, it can ensure more stable and proper assembly.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the housing may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the retainer piece may be formed to be able to lock all of the terminals aligned along the longitudinal axis of the housing with a single piece.

[0013] According to this configuration, the retainer piece is formed to be able to lock all the terminals aligned along the longitudinal axis of the housing with a single piece. Therefore, compared to a configuration where, for example, a single piece can lock only some of the terminals aligned along the longitudinal axis, the stress when force is applied is better distributed, making it less prone to breakage. Thus, a more stable and proper assembly can be guaranteed.

[0014] [4] In any one of [1] to [3] above, the retainer piece has a protrusion at the tip in the insertion direction, and the stopper surface may be inclined so as to guide the retainer piece in a more open direction when an insertion force is applied to the connector in a state where the protrusion is in contact.

[0015] According to this configuration, since the retainer piece has a protrusion at the tip in the insertion direction and the stopper surface is inclined so as to guide the retainer piece in a more open direction when an insertion force is applied to the connector in a state where the protrusion is in contact, it becomes easier for the retainer piece to protrude normally. Therefore, for example, it becomes difficult for the middle part of the retainer piece to bulge outward, or in other words, it becomes difficult to enter a buckling mode. Also, for example, it becomes difficult for the retainer piece to forcibly enter in the insertion direction beyond the stopper surface.

[0016] [5] In any one of [1] to [4] above, the length from the open end of the housing portion to the stopper surface may be greater than the length along the insertion axis of the retainer piece.

[0017] According to this configuration, since the length from the open end of the housing portion to the stopper surface is greater than the length along the insertion axis of the retainer piece, bulging outward is suppressed even in the part near the base end portion of the retainer piece. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the retainer piece from buckling.

[0018] [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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] (Configuration of connector assembly 10) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector assembly 10 comprises a plurality of subconnectors 20 as connectors and a frame 30 as a mating component. The connector assembly 10 of this embodiment comprises six subconnectors 20. Furthermore, the six subconnectors 20 of this embodiment include four subconnectors 20A and two subconnectors 20B of a different type from subconnectors 20A. In this embodiment, the subconnectors 20A will be described in detail. 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 and is the insertion direction.

[0021] (Configuration of subconnector 20A) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the subconnector 20A has a housing 21 and a plurality of terminals 22 held by the housing 21. Note that only a portion of the terminals 22 are shown in Figure 6. The housing 21 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0022] The housing 21 has a housing body portion 23 capable of accommodating the terminals 22, and a retainer piece 24 that is integrally molded with the housing body portion 23. The housing body 23 has a plurality of terminal housing holes 23a that penetrate along the third axis Z. In this embodiment, 13 terminal housing holes 23a are arranged in a row along the first axis X, which is the longitudinal axis of the housing 21 (see Figures 1 and 2), and two are arranged in a row along the second axis Y, for a total of 26 holes. The size of the terminal housing holes 23a is reduced at the lower end 23b. The terminal housing holes 23a also have an intermediate opening 23c in the middle part along the third axis Z that opens outward along the second axis Y. A locking projection 23d is provided on the inner surface of the intermediate opening 23c in the upward direction Z1, projecting downward in the downward direction Z2.

[0023] Multiple terminals 22 are housed and held within the terminal housing hole 23a, connected to an electric wire 25 that extends along the third axis Z and upward Z1. In this embodiment, the terminals 22 are, for example, female terminals that can be mated with a rod-shaped male terminal (not shown) provided on the mating connector. The terminal 22 has a terminal recess 22a in its middle portion along the third axis Z. The terminal 22 also has a lance portion 22b between the terminal recess 22a and its lower end. As shown in Figure 7, when the terminal 22 is inserted into the terminal housing hole 23a until it abuts against the lower end portion 23b of the terminal housing hole 23a, the terminal recess 22a is positioned to coincide with the intermediate opening 23c, and the lance portion 22b prevents it from coming out of the terminal housing hole 23a.

[0024] The retainer pieces 24 are provided on both sides of the housing body 23 along the second axis Y. The retainer pieces 24 extend downward Z2 from a base end 24a located above the intermediate opening 23c in the housing body 23 in the direction Z1. The retainer piece 24 has a locking claw portion 24b that protrudes inward along the second axis Y from the tip side in the downward direction Z2, in a direction that fits into the intermediate opening 23c. The retainer piece 24 also has a projection 24c on the tip side in the downward direction Z2 that protrudes further downward Z2 than the locking claw portion 24b.

[0025] The retainer piece 24 is formed to bend around its base end 24a as a pivot point, from an open state extending diagonally outward in the downward Z2 direction (see Figure 6) to a closed state extending downward Z2 direction (see Figure 7). In this embodiment, the retainer piece 24 is formed to be in the open state when no force is applied.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the retainer piece 24, when open, allows the terminal 22 to be inserted into the terminal housing hole 23a of the housing body 23. More specifically, when open, the retainer piece 24 allows the terminal 22 to be inserted into the terminal housing hole 23a because the locking claw portion 24b is located outside the intermediate opening 23c.

[0027] As shown in Figure 7, the retainer piece 24 locks the terminal 22 housed in the terminal housing hole 23a of the housing body 23 when closed. Specifically, when closed, the retainer piece 24 prevents the terminal 22, which has been inserted to the correct position in the terminal housing hole 23a, from coming out by the locking claw portion 24b penetrating the intermediate opening 23c and fitting into the terminal recess 22a. Furthermore, when the retainer piece 24 is in the closed state, the locking claw portion 24b engages with the locking projection 23d of the intermediate opening 23c, thereby maintaining the closed state.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, if the terminal 22 (see the left terminal 22 in Figure 9) is not inserted to the correct position, the retainer piece 24 will not close because the locking claw portion 24b will not fit into the terminal recess 22a and will instead contact the terminal 22. In this case, the retainer piece 24 of this embodiment will remain in contact with the terminal 22 by the locking claw portion 24b pressing and contacting the locking projection 23d of the intermediate opening 23c, resulting in a half-open state in the open position.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the retainer piece 24 is formed to be able to lock onto multiple terminals 22 with a single piece. Specifically, the retainer piece 24 is formed to be long along the first axis X so that a single piece can lock onto multiple terminals 22 housed in multiple terminal housing holes 23a arranged along the first axis X. The retainer piece 24 of this embodiment is formed along the entire length of the first axis X, which is the longitudinal axis of the housing 21 (see Figure 2), and is formed to be able to lock onto all terminals 22 arranged along the first axis X with a single piece. Note that in Figure 6, only a representative terminal 22 is shown and not all of the multiple terminals 22 arranged along the first axis X are shown.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the housing body 23 has a locking projection 23e. The locking projection 23e protrudes in a direction intersecting the third axis Z. The locking projection 23e is located on the housing body 23 at a position closer to the upward Z1 direction along the third axis Z. The locking projection 23e is also provided on both sides along the first axis X, which is the longitudinal axis of the housing body 23. Note that in Figure 2, only one of the locking projections 23e provided on both sides along the first axis X is shown.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the housing body 23 has abutment ribs 23f. The abutment ribs 23f are provided in the housing body 23 at a location in the upward direction Z1 along the third axis Z. The abutment ribs 23f are provided protruding from both sides along the second axis Y, which is the short axis of the housing body 23. The abutment ribs 23f extend along the third axis Z and are also provided in multiples along the first axis X.

[0032] (Frame 30 configuration) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the frame 30 has a plurality of housing sections 31. The frame 30 in this embodiment has six housing sections 31. A total of six housing sections 31 are provided, with three arranged in a row along the first axis X and two arranged in a row along the second axis Y. The housing sections 31 are configured so that subconnectors 20A and 20B (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.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the housing section 31 has an elastic section 32 and a locking claw 33. The elastic section 32 and the locking claw 33 are provided on both sides of the housing section 31 along the first axis X. The locking claw 33 is also provided at the end of the housing section 31 in the upward direction Z1 (see Figure 4).

[0034] More specifically, the elastic parts 32 are provided on both sides of the locking claw 33. The pair of elastic parts 32 extend in a direction away from each other from both sides of the locking claw 33 and along the second axis Y, and are connected to a pair of opposing surfaces 34 that constitute the inner wall surface of the housing part 31. The elastic parts 32 are elastic because their thickness along the first axis X is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the locking claw 33. As a result, the locking claw 33 can be displaced along the first axis X by the bending of the elastic parts 32.

[0035] As the subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing 31, the elastic portion 32 of the locking claw 33 flexes, causing the locking projection 23e (see Figure 2) to be displaced so that it can pass through. The locking claw 33 then engages with the locking projection 23e to prevent the subconnector 20A from coming out of the housing 31 once the subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing 31.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9, the housing section 31 has a stopper surface 35. The stopper surface 35 is located deeper in the downward direction Z2, which is the insertion direction of the subconnector 20A (see Figure 9), than the open end of the housing section 31. Two stopper surfaces 35 are provided in one housing section 31. The two stopper surfaces 35 extend inward from both sides along the second axis Y, moving toward each other.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, the stopper surface 35 prevents further insertion of the subconnector 20A into the housing 31 by engaging with the open retainer piece 24. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing 31, the stopper surface 35 engages with the retainer piece 24 (see the left retainer piece 24 in Figure 9), which is in a partially open state, to prevent further insertion of the subconnector 20A. Furthermore, the stopper surface 35 in this embodiment prevents further insertion of the subconnector 20A into the housing 31 by engaging with the projection 24c of the retainer piece 24. In addition, the stopper surface 35 in this embodiment is inclined to guide the retainer piece 24 in a direction that opens further when an insertion force is applied to the subconnector 20A while the projection 24c is in contact. That is, the two stopper surfaces 35 provided in one housing 31 in this embodiment are inclined upward Z1 toward the direction

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length (i.e., depth) L1 from the open end of the housing portion 31 to the stopper surface 35 is set to be greater than the length L2 along the third axis Z of the retainer piece 24.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 8, the frame 30 has an initial engagement recess 36 on the end face in the upward direction Z1, which is the opening direction of the housing section 31. In this embodiment, the initial engagement recess 36 is provided on the end face in the upward direction Z1 between housing sections 31 that are aligned along the second axis Y. As shown in Figure 8, the initial engagement recess 36 prevents the insertion of the subconnector 20A into the housing section 31 by the projection 24c of the open retainer piece 24 entering and engaging with it. Specifically, at the initial stage when the subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing section 31, the projection 24c of the fully open retainer piece 24 (see the left retainer piece 24 in Figure 8) enters and engages with the initial engagement recess 36. As a result, the initial engagement recess 36 prevents further insertion of the subconnector 20A. In Figure 8, the retainer piece 24 on the left is shown in the case where, for example, the worker did not close the retainer piece 24 (see Figure 7), and the terminal 22 is inserted into the terminal housing hole 23a to the normal position, but the retainer piece 24 is in the fully open position.

[0040] (Operation of connector assembly 10) Next, the operation of the connector assembly 10 configured as described above will be explained. The connector assembly 10 configured as described above has a subconnector 20A mounted on the frame 30. The subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing 31 by being moved relative to the frame 30 in a downward direction Z2 along the third axis Z.

[0041] For example, as shown in Figure 8, when the retainer piece 24 is in the fully open position, the projection 24c of the retainer piece 24 engages with the initial engagement recess 36 during the initial stage when the subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing 31. Therefore, for example, when the retainer piece 24 is in the fully open position, further insertion of the subconnector 20A is prevented during the initial stage when the subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing 31, thus preventing abnormal assembly.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, for example, if the retainer piece 24 is in a partially open state, the projection 24c of the retainer piece 24 engages with the stopper surface 35 during the intermediate stage when the subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing 31. Therefore, for example, if the retainer piece 24 is in a partially open state, further insertion of the subconnector 20A is prevented during the intermediate stage when the subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing 31, and abnormal assembly is prevented.

[0043] When the retainer piece 24 is in the closed position (see Figure 7), the subconnector 20A is inserted into the housing 31 until the abutment rib 23f abuts against the stopper surface 35. At this point, the subconnector 20A is prevented from coming out of the housing 31 by the locking projection 23e (see Figure 2) engaging with the locking claw 33 (see Figure 4).

[0044] This connector assembly 10 is mated with a 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.

[0045] (Effects of this embodiment) Next, the effects of the above embodiment are described below. (1) The housing section 31 has a stopper surface 35 that prevents the subconnector 20A from being inserted into the housing section 31 by engaging with the retainer piece 24 in the open state. Therefore, it is prevented that the subconnector 20A will be inserted into the housing section 31 when the retainer piece 24 is not locked onto the terminal 22. Therefore, abnormal assembly of the subconnector 20A and the frame 30 is prevented. In addition, the stopper surface 35 is located at a position deeper in the downward direction Z2, which is the insertion direction, than the open end of the housing section 31. Therefore, for example, even if a strong insertion force is applied to the subconnector 20A when the retainer piece 24 is engaged with the stopper surface 35, it is possible to prevent the retainer piece 24 from buckling and bulging outwards.

[0046] In other words, since the stopper surface 35 is located deeper in the downward Z2 direction, which is the insertion direction, than the opening end of the housing portion 31, when the retainer piece 24 is engaged with the stopper surface 35, the outer side of the retainer piece 24 faces the inner wall surface 34 (see Figure 9) of the housing portion 31. Therefore, even if the retainer piece 24 tries to buckle and bulge outward, it will come into contact with the opposing surface 34 of the housing portion 31, preventing it from buckling. Thus, damage to the retainer piece 24 can be suppressed, and stable and normal assembly can be guaranteed.

[0047] (2) The retainer piece 24 is formed to be able to lock onto multiple terminals 22 with a single piece. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, one piece can lock onto one terminal 22, the stress when force is applied can be distributed, making it less likely to break. Thus, a more stable and normal assembly can be guaranteed.

[0048] (3) The retainer piece 24 is formed to be able to lock all the terminals 22 aligned along the first axis X, which is the longitudinal axis of the housing 21, with just one piece. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, one piece can lock only some of the terminals 22 aligned along the first axis X, the stress when force is applied can be distributed more evenly, making it less prone to breakage. Thus, a more stable and normal assembly can be guaranteed.

[0049] (4) The retainer piece 24 has a projection 24c at its tip in the downward direction Z2, which is the insertion direction, and the stopper surface 35 is inclined to guide the retainer piece 24 in a direction that opens further when an insertion force is applied to the subconnector 20A while the projection 24c is in contact with it. As a result, the retainer piece 24 is more likely to stay properly braced. Therefore, for example, the middle part of the retainer piece 24 is less likely to bulge outward, in other words, less likely to buckle. Also, for example, the retainer piece 24 is less likely to be forced in the downward direction Z2, which is the insertion direction, beyond the stopper surface 35.

[0050] (5) The length L1 from the opening end of the housing portion 31 to the stopper surface 35 is greater than the length L2 along the third axis Z, which is the insertion axis of the retainer piece 24. Therefore, when the retainer piece 24 is engaged with the stopper surface 35, the opposing surfaces 34 (see Figure 9) of the housing portion 31 face each other even at the portion of the retainer piece 24 closer to the base end 24a. Therefore, outward bulging of the retainer piece 24 is suppressed even at the portion of the retainer piece 24 closer to the base end 24a. Therefore, buckling of the retainer piece 24 can be further suppressed.

[0051] (6) The frame 30 has an initial engagement recess 36 on its end face in the upward direction Z1, which is the opening direction of the housing 31, which prevents the insertion of the subconnector 20A into the housing 31 by the projection 24c of the open retainer piece 24 entering and engaging with it. Thus, abnormal assembly of the subconnector 20A and the frame 30 is prevented in the initial stages of assembly. For example, abnormal assembly in the fully open state when the retainer piece 24 is in the open position can be prevented early on. Also, since the projection 24c of the retainer piece 24 enters and engages with the initial engagement recess 36, for example, the retainer piece 24 is prevented from opening too far outward, making it easier to tension it properly.

[0052] (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.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the retainer piece 24 is formed to be able to lock all the terminals 22 aligned along the first axis X, which is the longitudinal axis of the housing 21, but it is not limited to this.

[0054] For example, although not mentioned in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the retainer pieces 40 and 41 in the subconnector 20B are provided in two separate types along the first axis X. That is, the subconnector 20B holds two types of terminals (not shown) along the first axis X, and the retainer pieces 40 and 41 are provided to bend independently for each different type of terminal.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, each retainer piece 24 may be formed to be able to lock onto one terminal 22. In other words, each retainer piece 24 may be provided to bend independently for each terminal 22.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the stopper surface 35 is inclined to guide the retainer piece 24 to open further when an insertion force is applied to the subconnector 20A while the projection 24c of the retainer piece 24 is in contact with it, but the embodiment is not limited to this. That is, the stopper surface 35 may be a surface perpendicular to the third axis Z, which is the insertion axis of the subconnector 20A.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the length L1 from the open end of the housing portion 31 to the stopper surface 35 was set to be greater than the length L2 along the third axis Z of the retainer piece 24, but this is not limited to this. That is, the length L1 from the open end of the housing portion 31 to the stopper surface 35 may be less than or equal to the length L2 along the third axis Z of the retainer piece 24. Preferably, the length L1 from the open end of the housing portion 31 to the stopper surface 35 is greater than half the length L2 along the third axis Z of the retainer piece 24.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the frame 30 has an initial engagement recess 36 on the end face in the upward direction Z1, which is the opening direction of the housing portion 31. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a configuration without an initial engagement recess 36 is also possible.

[0059] 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 another number. Also, of course, the number of subconnectors 20A, 20B provided in the connector assembly 10 may be changed.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the housing body 23 of the subconnector 20A is assumed to have 26 terminal housing holes 23a, but is not limited to this. The number of terminal housing holes 23a in the housing body 23 may be changed to another number. Also, of course, the number of terminals 22 held by the housing 21 may be changed.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the connector assembly 10 comprises a plurality of subconnectors 20 and a frame 30, but it may also be implemented as a connector assembly comprising connectors other than the subconnectors 20 and mating components other than the frame 30.

[0062] 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]

[0063] 10 Connector Assembly 20 Subconnectors (Connectors) 20A Subconnector 20B Subconnector 21 Housing 22 terminals 22a Terminal recess 22b Lance section 23 Housing main body 23a Terminal housing hole 23b Bottom end 23c middle opening 23d Locking protrusion 23e Locking protrusion 23f End of the rib 24 retainer pieces 24a Proximal end 24b Locking claw part 24c protrusion 25 Electric wire 30 Frame (Mating component) 31 Storage Unit 32 Elastic part 33 Locking claws 34 Opposing surfaces 35 Stopper surface 36 Initial engagement recess 40 retainer pieces 41 Retainer Pieces L1 Length L2 Length X 1st axis Y 2nd axis Z 3rd axis Z1 upward direction Z2 Downward

Claims

1. A connector having a housing and terminals held by the housing, A connector assembly comprising a mating part having a housing portion that can be inserted along the insertion axis of the connector, The housing has a housing body portion capable of accommodating the terminals and a retainer piece integrally molded with the housing body portion. The retainer piece is formed to bend with its base end as a pivot point from an open state extending diagonally with respect to the insertion direction of the connector to a closed state extending in the insertion direction, allowing the insertion of the terminal into the housing body in the open state and locking the terminal housed in the housing body in the closed state. The housing portion has a stopper surface located further back in the insertion direction than the open end of the housing portion, which engages with the open retainer piece to prevent the connector from being inserted into the housing portion. Connector assembly.

2. The connector has a plurality of terminals, The retainer piece is formed to be able to lock onto the multiple terminals with a single piece. The connector assembly according to claim 1.

3. The housing is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, The retainer piece is formed to be able to lock all of the terminals aligned along the longitudinal axis of the housing with a single piece. The connector assembly according to claim 2.

4. The retainer piece has a projection at its tip in the insertion direction, The stopper surface is inclined so as to guide the retainer piece in a direction that opens further when an insertion force is applied to the connector while the projection is in contact with it. The connector assembly according to claim 1.

5. The length from the opening end of the housing portion to the stopper surface is greater than the length of the retainer piece along the insertion axis. The connector assembly according to claim 1.

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