Connector assemblies and structures

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly that more reliably ensures complete mating between the first connector and the second connector. [Solution] The connector assembly 10 comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 200 that can be mated with each other. The connector assembly 10 can be attached to the housing 700 when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are fully mated with each other. When the connector assembly 10 in the fully mated state is attached to the housing 700, one of the first position restricting portion 110 of the first connector 100 and the first position restricted portion 711 of the housing 700 accepts the other half of the first position restricting portion 110 and the first position restricted portion 711, and one of the second position restricting portion 210 of the second connector 200 and the second position restricted portion 712 of the housing 700 accepts the other half of the second position restricting portion 210 and the second position restricted portion 712.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector that can be mated with each other.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector (connector assembly) 900 of this type. As shown in FIG. 49, the connector assembly 900 of Patent Document 1 includes a counterpart housing (first connector) 910, a housing (second connector) 920, and a fitting detection member 930. The first connector 910 has a locked portion 912. The second connector 920 has a locking portion 922. The fitting detection member 930 is attached to the second connector 920. The fitting detection member 930 has a fitting fixing projection 932. In the states of FIG. 49 and FIG. 50, the fitting detection member 930 is located at a first position P1. In the state of FIG. 51, the fitting detection member 930 is located at a second position P2. The second position P2 is located on the +X side of the first position P1.

[0003] Referring to Figure 49, when the first connector 910 and the second connector 920 are in the process of mating, the mating fixing projection 932 is located on the -X side of the locking portion 922 and faces the locking portion 922 in the X direction. As a result, when the first connector 910 and the second connector 920 are in the process of mating, the mating detection member 930 cannot move from the first position P1 in the +X direction. Referring to Figure 50, in the fully mated state when the first connector 910 and the second connector 920 are completely mated, the locking portion 922 faces the locked portion 912 in the X direction, while the mating fixing projection 932 is pushed down in the -Z direction by the locked portion 912 and does not face the locking portion 922 in the X direction. As a result, in the fully mated state, the mating detection member 930 can move from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Referring to Figures 50 and 51, when the mating detection member 930 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in the fully mated state, the mating fixing projection 932 moves from the -Z side of the locking portion 922 to the +X side of the locking portion 922, thereby locking the fully mated state between the first connector 910 and the second connector 920. In other words, the connector assembly 900 of Patent Document 1 has a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) function, and the mating detection member 930 functions as a CPA member to ensure the fully mated state between the first connector 910 and the second connector 920. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-134174 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In connector assemblies such as the connector assembly 900 in Patent Document 1, there was a risk that complete mating between the first connector and the second connector could not be guaranteed due to the operator forgetting to operate the CPA member, etc.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a connector assembly in which complete mating between the first connector and the second connector is more reliably guaranteed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a first connector assembly, A connector assembly that can be attached to a housing having a first position-restricting portion and a second position-restricting portion, The connector assembly comprises a first connector and a second connector that can be mated with each other. The first connector has a first position regulating portion, The second connector has a second position restricting portion, The connector assembly can be attached to the housing in a fully mated state in which the first connector and the second connector are completely mated with each other. When the connector assembly in the fully mated state is attached to the housing, one of the first position restricting portion and the first position-restricted portion receives the other of the first position restricting portion and the first position-restricted portion, and one of the second position restricting portion and the second position-restricted portion receives the other of the second position restricting portion and the second position-restricted portion. We provide connector assemblies.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides a second connector assembly, which is a first connector assembly, The first position regulating portion is a receiving portion capable of receiving the first position regulating portion, The second position restricting portion is a receiving portion capable of receiving the second position restricting portion, When the connector assembly in the fully mated state is attached to the housing, the first position restricting portion receives the first position restricted portion, and the second position restricting portion receives the second position restricted portion. We provide connector assemblies.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides a third connector assembly, which is a first connector assembly, The first position restricting portion is a projection that can be received by the first position restricting portion, The second position restricting portion is a projection that can be received by the second position restricting portion, When the connector assembly in the fully mated state is attached to the housing, the first position restricting portion is received by the first position restricting portion, and the second position restricting portion is received by the second position restricting portion. We provide connector assemblies.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fourth connector assembly, which is a first connector assembly, The housing is provided with a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The first connector is provided with a first locking portion, The second connector is provided with a second locking portion. The connector assembly is mounted to the housing along a predetermined direction, When the connector assembly in the fully mated state is attached to the housing, the first locking portion and the first locked portion face each other in the predetermined direction, and the second locking portion and the second locked portion face each other in the predetermined direction, thereby preventing the connector assembly from detaching from the housing. We provide connector assemblies.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a fifth connector assembly, which is a fourth connector assembly, The first connector has an elastically deformable first support portion that supports the first locking portion, The first locking portion is displaceable in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction. The second connector has an elastically deformable second support portion that supports the second locking portion, The second locking portion is displaceable in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction. We provide connector assemblies.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a first structure, A structure comprising the housing having a plate-shaped mounted portion, and the connector assembly according to claim 2 that can be attached to the mounted portion along a predetermined direction, Each of the first position regulated portion and the second position regulated portion is formed as a part of the mounted portion, The first position regulated portion and the second position regulated portion are positioned apart from each other in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, Each of the first position regulating portion and the second position regulating portion is a groove extending in a plane defined by the predetermined direction and the orthogonal direction, Each of the first position regulated portion and the second position regulated portion is provided with a guide portion obliquely intersecting the predetermined direction A structure is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The connector assembly of the present invention is configured as follows: the connector assembly is attachable to the housing in a fully mated state where the first connector and the second connector are completely mated with each other; when the connector assembly in the fully mated state is attached to the housing, one of the first position regulating portion and the first position regulated portion receives the remaining one of the first position regulating portion and the first position regulated portion, and one of the second position regulating portion and the second position regulated portion receives the remaining one of the second position regulating portion and the second position regulated portion. Thereby, in the connector assembly of the present invention, it is impossible to attach the connector assembly to the housing in a mid-mating state where the first connector and the second connector are not completely mated. That is, in the connector assembly of the present invention, the full mating of the first connector and the second connector is more reliably ensured. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are in a fully mated state, and the connector assembly is attached to the housing. [Figure 2] It is another perspective view showing the structure of Fig. 1. [Figure 3] It is a top view showing the structure in Figure 1. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure in Figure 3 along the A-A line. In the figure, a part of the structure is shown in an enlarged manner. [Figure 5] It is a side view showing the structure in Figure 1. [Figure 6] It is a bottom view showing the structure in Figure 1. [Figure 7] It is a front view showing the structure in Figure 1. [Figure 8] It is a rear view showing the structure in Figure 1. [Figure 9] It is another perspective view showing the structure in Figure 1. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are in a fully mated state, and the connector assembly is not attached to the housing. [Figure 10] It is a top view showing the structure in Figure 9. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure in Figure 10 along the B-B line. In the figure, a part of the structure is shown in an enlarged manner. [Figure 12] It is another perspective view showing the structure in Figure 1. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are in a state in the middle of mating, and the connector assembly is not attached to the housing. [Figure 13] It is a top view showing the structure in Figure 12. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure in Figure 13 along the C-C line. In the figure, a part of the structure is shown in an enlarged manner. [Figure 15] It is another perspective view showing the structure in Figure 1. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are in an unmated state, and the connector assembly is not attached to the housing. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing the connector assembly included in the structure in Figure 2. [Figure 17] It is a side view showing the first connector included in the structure in Figure 15. [Figure 18] It is a bottom view showing the first connector in Figure 17. [Figure 19]Figure 17 is a front view showing the first connector. [Figure 20] Figure 17 is a rear view showing the first connector. [Figure 21] This is a side view showing the second connector included in the structure of Figure 15. [Figure 22] This is a bottom view showing the second connector in Figure 21. [Figure 23] This is a front view showing the second connector in Figure 21. [Figure 24] This is a rear view showing the second connector in Figure 21. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing a structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are in a fully mated state, and the connector assembly is attached to the housing. [Figure 26] This is a top view showing the structure of Figure 25. In the figure, a portion of the structure is shown in enlargement. [Figure 27] This is a side view showing the structure of Figure 25. In the figure, a portion of the structure is shown in enlargement. [Figure 28] This is a bottom view showing the structure in Figure 25. [Figure 29] This is a front view showing the structure of Figure 25. [Figure 30] This is a rear view showing the structure of Figure 25. [Figure 31] This is another perspective view showing the structure of Figure 25. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are fully mated, and the connector assembly is not attached to the housing. [Figure 32] This is a side view showing the structure in Figure 31. A portion of the structure is shown in a magnified view in the figure. [Figure 33] This is another perspective view showing the structure of Figure 25. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are in the process of mating, and the connector assembly is not yet attached to the housing. [Figure 34] This is a top view showing the structure of Figure 33. [Figure 35]Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure along the DD line. In the figure, a portion of the connector assembly is shown in enlargement. [Figure 36] This is a perspective view showing the first connector included in the structure of Figure 33. [Figure 37] Figure 36 is a side view showing the first connector. [Figure 38] Figure 36 is a front view showing the first connector. [Figure 39] Figure 36 is a rear view showing the first connector. [Figure 40] This is a perspective view showing the second connector included in the structure of Figure 33. [Figure 41] Figure 40 is a side view showing the second connector. [Figure 42] Figure 40 is a front view showing the second connector. [Figure 43] Figure 40 is a rear view showing the second connector. [Figure 44] This is a top view showing a part of the first modified example of the structure in Figure 26. [Figure 45] This is another top view showing the structure of Figure 44. [Figure 46] This is a top view showing a part of a second modified example of the structure in Figure 26. [Figure 47] This is another top view showing the structure of Figure 46. [Figure 48] This is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the structure in Figure 31. In the figure, the first connector and the second connector are fully mated, and the connector assembly is not attached to the housing. [Figure 49] This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector described in Patent Document 1. In the figure, the housing and the mating housing are in an unmated state, and the mating detection member is in the first position. [Figure 50] This is another cross-sectional view showing the connector in Figure 49. In the figure, the housing and the mating housing are in a fully mated state, and the mating detection member is in the first position. [Figure 51]This is another cross-sectional view showing the connector in Figure 49. In the figure, the housing and the mating housing are in a fully mated state, and the mating detection member is in the second position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] (First embodiment) Referring to Figure 4, the structure 800 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing 700 having a plate-shaped mounting portion 710 and a connector assembly 10 that can be attached to the mounting portion 710 along a predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the predetermined direction is the Z direction. Here, the first direction is defined as the +Z direction and the second direction as the -Z direction.

[0016] As shown in Figure 9, the housing 700 of this embodiment consists of a plate material that extends within a plane defined by a predetermined direction and an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the orthogonal direction is the X direction. Here, the third direction is defined as the +X direction, and the fourth direction is defined as the -X direction. The housing 700 has a first position-restricting portion 711 and a second position-restricting portion 712.

[0017] As shown in Figure 9, the first position-restricting portion 711 of this embodiment has a flat plate shape that extends in a plane perpendicular to the width direction, which is perpendicular to both the predetermined direction and the orthogonal direction. In this embodiment, the width direction is the Y direction. Here, the fifth direction is the +Y direction, and the sixth direction is the -Y direction. As shown in Figure 11, the first position-restricting portion 711 and the second position-restricting portion 712 are located apart from each other in the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The first position-restricting portion 711 is located on the third direction side of the second position-restricting portion 712. The first position-restricting portion 711 is formed as part of the mounting portion 710. The first position-restricting portion 711 is provided with a guide portion (first guide portion) 7112 that is oblique to the predetermined direction.

[0018] As shown in Figure 11, the first guide portion 7112 of this embodiment defines the end of the first position-restricting portion 711 on the first directional side in a predetermined direction. The first guide portion 7112 intersects obliquely with both the predetermined direction and the orthogonal direction.

[0019] As shown in Figure 11, the first position-restricted portion 711 is provided with a first opposing portion 7113.

[0020] As shown in Figure 11, the first opposing portion 7113 of this embodiment intersects with the orthogonal direction. The first opposing portion 7113 faces the fourth direction. The first opposing portion 7113 is located on the second direction side of the first guiding portion 7112. The first guiding portion 7112 extends from the first opposing portion 7113 in the first and third directions.

[0021] As shown in Figure 11, the second position-restricting portion 712 of this embodiment has a flat plate shape that extends in a plane perpendicular to the width direction. The second position-restricting portion 712 is formed as part of the mounting portion 710. The second position-restricting portion 712 is provided with a guide portion (second guide portion) 7122 that is oblique to a predetermined direction.

[0022] As shown in Figure 11, the second guide portion 7122 in this embodiment defines the end of the second position-restricting portion 712 on the first direction side in a predetermined direction. The second guide portion 7122 intersects obliquely with both the predetermined direction and the orthogonal direction.

[0023] As shown in Figure 11, the second position-restricted portion 712 is provided with a second opposing portion 7123.

[0024] As shown in Figure 11, the second opposing portion 7123 in this embodiment intersects with the orthogonal direction. The second opposing portion 7123 faces the third direction. The second opposing portion 7123 is located on the second direction side of the second guiding portion 7122. The second opposing portion 7123 is located in the same position as the first opposing portion 7113 in a predetermined direction. The second opposing portion 7123 is located in the same position as the first opposing portion 7113 in the width direction. The second guiding portion 7122 extends from the second opposing portion 7123 in the first and fourth directions.

[0025] As shown in Figure 11, the housing 700 is provided with a first locking portion 730 and a second locking portion 740.

[0026] As shown in Figure 11, the first locking portion 730 in this embodiment faces a second direction in a predetermined direction. The first locking portion 730 is located on the second direction side of the first opposing portion 7113. The housing 700 in this embodiment does not have a support portion that elastically supports the first locking portion 730.

[0027] As shown in Figure 11, the second locking portion 740 of this embodiment faces a second direction in a predetermined direction. The second locking portion 740 is located on the second direction side of the second opposing portion 7123. The second locking portion 740 is located in the same position as the first locking portion 730 in a predetermined direction. The second locking portion 740 is located in the same position as the first locking portion 730 in the width direction. The housing 700 of this embodiment does not have a support portion that elastically supports the second locking portion 740.

[0028] As shown in Figure 11, the housing 700 is provided with a first recess 750 and a second recess 760.

[0029] As shown in Figure 11, the first recess 750 in this embodiment is recessed in the third direction. The first recess 750 is located on the second direction side of the first opposing portion 7113. The first locking portion 730 is a part of the inner surface of the first recess 750.

[0030] As shown in Figure 11, the second recess 760 in this embodiment is recessed in the fourth direction. The second recess 760 is located on the second direction side of the second opposing portion 7123. The second locking portion 740 is part of the inner surface of the second recess 760. The second recess 760 is located in the same position as the first recess 750 in a predetermined direction. The second recess 760 is located in the same position as the first recess 750 in the width direction.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment is attachable to the housing 700. More specifically, the connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700 along a predetermined direction. As shown in Figure 15, the connector assembly 10 comprises a first connector 100 and a second connector 200 that can be mated with each other. As shown in Figure 4, the connector assembly 10 is attachable to the housing 700 when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are fully mated with each other. More specifically, the connector assembly 10 is attachable to the housing 700 only when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are fully mated with each other. In other words, the connector assembly 10 cannot be attached to the housing 700 when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are not fully mated with each other. In this specification, "fully mated state" means a state in which the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are mated within the range of the effective mating length in a predetermined direction.

[0032] As shown in Figure 20, the first connector 100 in this embodiment is an electrical connector. As shown in Figure 17, the first connector 100 is connected to the first cable 500. As shown in Figure 16, the first connector 100 is located on the third direction side in the orthogonal direction to the second connector 200. As shown in Figure 11, the first connector 100 has a first position regulating portion 110.

[0033] As shown in Figure 11, the first position restricting portion 110 in this embodiment is located at the end of the first connector 100 on the third direction side. The first position restricting portion 110 is a receiving portion capable of receiving the first position-restricted portion 711. More specifically, the first position restricting portion 110 is a groove extending in a plane defined by a predetermined direction and a direction perpendicular to it. As shown in Figure 4, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the first position restricting portion 110 receives the first position-restricted portion 711. As long as the fully mated connector assembly 10 can be attached to the housing 700, the groove which is the first position restricting portion 110 only needs to be able to receive the first position-restricted portion 711 of the housing 700, provided that the dimensions of the plate material are within tolerance.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the first position restricting portion 110 restricts the position of the first position-restricted portion 711 in the orthogonal direction. More specifically, referring to Figures 4 and 7, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the first position restricting portion 110 restricts the position of the first position-restricted portion 711 in a plane orthogonal to a predetermined direction.

[0035] As shown in Figure 11, the first position regulating portion 110 has a first connector opposing portion 111.

[0036] As shown in Figure 11, the first connector opposing portion 111 in this embodiment intersects with the orthogonal direction. The first connector opposing portion 111 faces the third direction. As shown in Figure 4, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the first connector opposing portion 111 is located on the fourth direction side of the first opposing portion 7113 and faces the first opposing portion 7113 in the orthogonal direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 17, the first connector 100 has a first housing 105. The first housing 105 is made of an insulator. In a predetermined direction, the first housing 105 defines the first directional end of the first connector 100 and the second directional end. In an orthogonal direction, the first housing 105 defines the third directional end of the first connector 100 and the fourth directional end. The first housing 105 has a first main body portion 1052.

[0038] As shown in Figure 19, the first connector 100 is provided with a first locking portion 120. The first locking portion 120 is part of the first housing 105. The first locking portion 120 faces a first direction. The first locking portion 120 is perpendicular to a predetermined direction.

[0039] As shown in Figure 19, the first connector 100 has a first support portion 130. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first connector 100 does not have to have the first support portion 130. The first support portion 130 is part of the first housing 105. The first support portion 130 is elastically deformable. The first support portion 130 supports the first locking portion 120. As shown in Figure 11, the first support portion 130 extends from the first main body portion 1052 in a third direction. The first locking portion 120 is located at the end of the first support portion 130 on the third direction side. As described above, the first locking portion 120 is supported by the elastically deformable first support portion 130. As a result, the first locking portion 120 is displaceable in a direction intersecting a predetermined direction. More specifically, the first locking portion 120 is displaceable in the width direction.

[0040] In the first connector 100 of this embodiment, the first locking portion 120 and the first support portion 130 are integrally molded with the first main body portion 1052. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first locking portion 120 and the first support portion 130 may be made of separate metal members from the first main body portion 1052, and the metal members may be held in place by press-fitting or the like in the first main body portion 1052.

[0041] As shown in Figure 19, the first connector 100 has a first protrusion 140.

[0042] As shown in Figure 19, the first protrusion 140 in this embodiment is part of the first housing 105. The first protrusion 140 is supported by the first support portion 130. The first locking portion 120 is provided on the first protrusion 140. More specifically, the first locking portion 120 is the end face of the first protrusion 140 on the first orientation side. The first protrusion 140 has a first inclined surface 142. The first inclined surface 142 is oblique to both the predetermined direction and the width direction. As shown in Figure 4, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the first protrusion 140 is received in the first recess 750.

[0043] As shown in Figure 15, the first connector 100 has a locking portion 150.

[0044] As shown in Figure 15, the locking portion 150 in this embodiment is a surface that intersects with the orthogonal direction. The locking portion 150 faces the third direction. The locking portion 150 is located at the end of the first connector 100 on the first direction side. The locking portion 150 is located near the end of the first connector 100 on the fourth direction side. The locking portion 150 is provided on the first housing 105. More specifically, the locking portion 150 is provided on the first main body portion 1052.

[0045] As shown in Figure 20, the first connector 100 has a first contact 300. The first contact 300 is a so-called pin contact made of metal. The first contact 300 is held in the first housing 105. More specifically, the first contact 300 is held in the first body portion 1052.

[0046] As shown in Figure 23, the second connector 200 in this embodiment is an electrical connector. As shown in Figure 21, the second connector 200 is connected to the second cable 600. As shown in Figure 11, the second connector 200 is located on the fourth direction side in the orthogonal direction to the first connector 100. The second connector 200 has a second position regulating portion 210.

[0047] As shown in Figure 11, the second position restricting portion 210 in this embodiment is located at the fourth-direction end of the second connector 200. As shown in Figure 8, the second position restricting portion 210 is a receiving portion capable of receiving the second position-restricted portion 712. More specifically, as shown in Figure 24, the second position restricting portion 210 is a groove extending in a plane defined by a predetermined direction and a direction perpendicular to it. As shown in Figure 4, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the second position restricting portion 210 receives the second position-restricted portion 712. As long as the fully mated connector assembly 10 can be attached to the housing 700, the groove which is the second position restricting portion 210 only needs to be able to receive the second position-restricted portion 712 of the housing 700, provided that the dimensions of the plate material are within tolerance.

[0048] Referring to Figure 4, the second position restricting portion 210 restricts the position of the second position-restricted portion 712 in a direction perpendicular to the specified direction. More specifically, referring to Figures 4 and 8, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the second position restricting portion 210 restricts the position of the second position-restricted portion 712 in a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0049] As shown in Figure 11, the second position regulating portion 210 has a second connector opposing portion 211.

[0050] As shown in Figure 11, the second connector facing portion 211 in this embodiment intersects with the orthogonal direction. The second connector facing portion 211 faces the fourth direction. As shown in Figure 4, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the second connector facing portion 211 is located on the third direction side of the second facing portion 7123 and faces the second facing portion 7123 in the orthogonal direction.

[0051] As described above, the connector assembly 10 is configured as follows: it can be attached to the housing 700 when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are fully mated together; when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the first position restricting part 110 receives the first position restricting part 711, and the second position restricting part 210 receives the second position restricting part 712. As a result, in the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment, it is not possible to attach it to the housing 700 when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are not fully mated together. In other words, in the connector assembly 10 of this embodiment, the complete mating of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 is more reliably guaranteed.

[0052] As shown in Figure 21, the second connector 200 has a second housing 205. The second housing 205 is made of an insulator. The second housing 205 defines the first directional end and the second directional end of the second connector 200 in a predetermined direction. The second housing 205 defines the third directional end and the fourth directional end of the second connector 200 in an orthogonal direction. The second housing 205 has a second main body 2052.

[0053] As shown in Figure 24, the second connector 200 is provided with a second locking portion 220. The second locking portion 220 is part of the second housing 205. The second locking portion 220 faces a first direction in a predetermined direction. The second locking portion 220 is perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 24, the second connector 200 has a second support portion 230. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second connector 200 does not have to have a second support portion 230. The second support portion 230 is part of the second housing 205. The second support portion 230 is elastically deformable. The second support portion 230 supports the second locking portion 220. As shown in Figure 11, the second support portion 230 extends from the second main body portion 2052 in the fourth direction. The second locking portion 220 is located at the end of the second support portion 230 on the fourth direction side. As described above, the second locking portion 220 is supported by the elastically deformable second support portion 230. This allows the second locking portion 220 to be displaced in a direction intersecting a predetermined direction. More specifically, the second locking portion 220 is displaceable in the width direction.

[0055] In the second connector 200 of this embodiment, the second locking portion 220 and the second support portion 230 are integrally molded with the second main body portion 2052. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second locking portion 220 and the second support portion 230 may be made of separate metal members from the second main body portion 2052, and the metal members may be held in place by press-fitting or the like in the second main body portion 2052.

[0056] As shown in Figure 24, the second connector 200 has a second protrusion 240.

[0057] As shown in Figure 24, the second protrusion 240 in this embodiment is part of the second housing 205. The second protrusion 240 is supported by the second support portion 230. The second locking portion 220 is provided on the second protrusion 240. More specifically, the second locking portion 220 is the end face of the second protrusion 240 on the first orientation side. The second protrusion 240 has a second inclined surface 242. The second inclined surface 242 is oblique to both the predetermined direction and the width direction. As shown in Figure 4, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the second protrusion 240 is received in the second recess 760.

[0058] In the structure 800 of this embodiment, the attachment of the fully mated connector assembly 10 to the housing 700 is carried out as follows. First, the fully mated connector assembly 10 is brought closer to the housing 700 in a predetermined direction. Then, the first inclined surface 142 of the first protrusion 140 abuts against the first guide portion 7112, and the second inclined surface 242 of the second protrusion 240 abuts against the second guide portion 7122. In this state, when the connector assembly 10 is brought further closer to the housing 700 in the predetermined direction, the first support portion 130 elastically deforms so that the first protrusion 140 rides up onto the first position-restricting portion 711, and the second support portion 230 elastically deforms so that the second protrusion 240 rides up onto the second position-restricting portion 712. Subsequently, when the connector assembly 10 is brought further closer to the housing 700 in a predetermined direction, the first position restricting portion 110 receives the first position-restricted portion 711, and the second position restricting portion 210 receives the second position-restricted portion 712. At this time, the first protrusion 140 moves over the first position-restricted portion 711 and is housed in the first recess 750, and the second protrusion 240 moves over the second position-restricted portion 712 and is housed in the second recess 760. As a result, the structure 800 is in the state shown in Figures 1 to 8, and the attachment of the connector assembly 10 to the housing 700 is completed. In this state, the first locking portion 120 and the first lock-restricted portion 730 face each other in a predetermined direction, and the second locking portion 220 and the second lock-restricted portion 740 face each other in a predetermined direction. As a result, even if a force is applied to the connector assembly 10 attached to the housing 700 in the first direction, the first locking part 120 catches on the first locked part 730 and the second locking part 220 catches on the second locked part 740, thereby preventing the connector assembly 10 from detaching from the housing 700. In other words, when the connector assembly 10 in a fully mated state is attached to the housing 700, the first locking part 120 and the first locked part 730 face each other in a predetermined direction, and the second locking part 220 and the second locked part 740 face each other in a predetermined direction, thereby preventing the connector assembly 10 from detaching from the housing 700.

[0059] Referring to Figure 14, the distance Dc between the first position restricting portion 110 of the first connector 100 and the second position restricting portion 210 of the second connector 200 in the connector assembly 10 in the partially mated state is greater than the distance Dh between the first position restricting portion 711 and the second position restricting portion 712 of the housing 700. As a result, in the structure 800 of this embodiment, when attempting to attach the connector assembly 10 in the partially mated state to the housing 700, it is not possible to simultaneously receive the first position restricting portion 711 into the first position restricting portion 110 and receive the second position restricting portion 712 into the second position restricting portion 210 while maintaining the partially mated state.

[0060] As described above, the first positioning restricting portion 711 and the second positioning restricting portion 712 are each provided with a first guide portion 7112 and a second guide portion 7122 that are oblique to a predetermined direction. This allows the connector assembly 10, which is in an intermediate mating state, to be attached to the housing 700 while correcting the intermediate mating state to a fully mated state.

[0061] Referring to Figure 14, the actions and movements of each part of the structure 800 when attempting to attach the partially mated connector assembly 10 to the housing 700 will be described in detail below. First, when the partially mated connector assembly 10 is brought closer to the housing 700 in a predetermined direction, the first connector facing part 111 comes into contact with the first guide part 7112, and the second connector facing part 211 comes into contact with the second guide part 7122. In this state, force is applied to the connector assembly 10 to bring it even closer to the housing 700 in a predetermined direction. Then, a force acting in the fourth direction on the first connector facing part 111 causes the first connector 100 to move toward the second connector 200, and a force acting in the third direction on the second connector facing part 211 causes the second connector 200 to move toward the first connector 100. As a result, the partially mated state of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 is corrected and transitions to a fully mated state. In this state, when the connector assembly 10 is brought further closer to the housing 700 in a predetermined direction, the first position-restricting portion 711 and the second position-restricting portion 712 are received by the first position-restricting portion 110 and the second position-restricting portion 210, respectively, and the connector assembly 10, now in a fully mated state, is attached to the housing 700.

[0062] As shown in Figure 15, the second connector 200 has a locking portion 250, an elastic support portion 260, and an operating portion 270.

[0063] As shown in Figure 21, the locking portion 250 in this embodiment is a surface that intersects with the orthogonal direction. The locking portion 250 faces the fourth direction. The locking portion 250 is located near the end of the second connector 200 on the first direction side. The locking portion 250 is provided on the second housing 205. Referring to Figure 3, in the fully mated state in which the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are fully mated with each other, the locking portion 250 is located on the third direction side of the locked portion 150 and faces the locked portion 150 in the orthogonal direction. That is, in the fully mated state, the locking portion 250 and the locked portion 150 lock the mating of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0064] As shown in Figure 21, the elastic support portion 260 of this embodiment is provided on the second housing 205. The elastic support portion 260 extends from the second main body portion 2052 in the fourth direction. The end of the elastic support portion 260 on the third direction side is connected to the second main body portion 2052. The elastic support portion 260 is elastically deformable. The locking portion 250 is supported by the elastic support portion 260. As a result, the locking portion 250 is movable in a predetermined direction.

[0065] As shown in Figure 15, the operating section 270 in this embodiment is provided in the second housing 205. The operating section 270 is located at the end of the elastic support section 260 on the fourth direction side. As described above, the locking section 250 is elastically supported by the elastic support section 260. As a result, when an operator presses the operating section 270 in the second direction, the locking section 250 moves in the second direction, and when the operator releases the pressure on the operating section 270, the elastic support section 260 returns to its original shape and the locking section 250 returns to its initial position.

[0066] As shown in Figure 23, the second connector 200 has a second contact 400. The second contact 400 is a metal so-called socket contact. The second contact 400 is held in the second housing 205. More specifically, the second contact 400 is held in the second body 2052. Referring to Figures 1, 20 and 23, in the fully mated state, the second contact 400 is connected to the first contact 300, and the first cable 500 and the second cable 600 are electrically connected.

[0067] In the structure 800 of the above-described embodiment, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the first position restricting portion 110 receives the first position-restricted portion 711, and the second position restricting portion 210 receives the second position-restricted portion 712. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when the fully mated connector assembly 10 is attached to the housing 700, the structure 800 is configured such that one of the first position restricting portion 110 and the first position-restricted portion 711 receives the other of the first position restricting portion 110 and the first position-restricted portion 711, and one of the second position restricting portion 210 and the second position-restricted portion 712 receives the other of the second position restricting portion 210 and the second position-restricted portion 712.

[0068] In the structure 800 of this embodiment, the first connector 100 has an elastically deformable first support portion 130 that supports the first locking portion 120, the second connector 200 has an elastically deformable second support portion 230 that supports the second locking portion 220, and the housing 700 does not have support portions that elastically support the first locked portion 730 and the second locked portion 740, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the structure 800 may be modified as follows: the first connector 100 does not have the first support portion 130; the second connector 200 does not have the second support portion 230; and the housing 700 has two support portions that elastically support the first locked portion 730 and the second locked portion 740, respectively.

[0069] (Second embodiment) Referring to Figure 25, the structure 800A according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing 700A and a connector assembly 10A that can be attached to the housing 700A along a predetermined direction. The structure 800A according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the structure 800 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 1) described above. Therefore, among the components shown in Figures 25 to 43, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, the same expressions for orientation and direction as in the first embodiment are used below.

[0070] As shown in Figure 31, the housing 700A of this embodiment is a plate material that extends in a plane perpendicular to a predetermined direction. The housing 700A has a first position-restricting portion 711A and a second position-restricting portion 712A.

[0071] As shown in Figure 31, the first position-restricting portion 711A of this embodiment penetrates the housing 700A in a predetermined direction. The first position-restricting portion 711A and the second position-restricting portion 712A are aligned in orthogonal directions.

[0072] As shown in Figure 31, the second position-restricting portion 712A of this embodiment penetrates the housing 700A in a predetermined direction. The first position-restricting portion 711A and the second position-restricting portion 712A are combined to form a circular hole 713.

[0073] As shown in Figure 31, the housing 700A is provided with a first retaining portion 7116 and a second retaining portion 7126.

[0074] As shown in Figure 31, the first retaining portion 7116 of this embodiment is oriented in a first direction in a predetermined direction. The first retaining portion 7116 is located outside the first position-restricting portion 711A in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0075] As shown in Figure 31, the second retaining portion 7126 of this embodiment is oriented in a first direction in a predetermined direction. The second retaining portion 7126 is located outside the second position-restricting portion 712A in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0076] Referring to Figure 31, the connector assembly 10A of this embodiment comprises a first connector 100A and a second connector 200A that can be mated with each other. The connector assembly 10A can be attached to the housing 700A when the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A are fully mated with each other. More specifically, the connector assembly 10A can only be attached to the housing 700A when the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A are fully mated with each other. In other words, the connector assembly 10A cannot be attached to the housing 700A when the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A are not fully mated with each other.

[0077] As shown in Figure 39, the first connector 100A in this embodiment is an electrical connector. As shown in Figure 36, the first connector 100A is connected to the first cable 500. As shown in Figure 31, the first connector 100A is located on the third direction side in the orthogonal direction of the second connector 200A. The first connector 100A has a first position regulating portion 110A.

[0078] Referring to Figure 31, the first position restricting portion 110A in this embodiment is a projection that can be received by the first position-restricted portion 711A. Referring to Figures 25 and 31, when the fully mated connector assembly 10A is attached to the housing 700A, the first position restricting portion 110A is received by the first position-restricted portion 711A. As shown in Figure 39, the first position restricting portion 110A has a plurality of first claw portions 114, a plurality of first support portions 116, a first slit 118, and a first opposing surface 119.

[0079] As shown in Figure 39, the first claw portion 114 of this embodiment defines one end of the first connector 100A in a predetermined direction. That is, the first claw portion 114 defines the end of the first connector 100A on the first orientation side. The first claw portion 114 protrudes outward from the first support portion 116 in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0080] As shown in Figure 39, the first support portion 116 of this embodiment extends in a predetermined direction. The first support portion 116 is elastically deformable. The first claw portion 114 is elastically supported by the first support portion 116. As a result, the first claw portion 114 is movable in a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction. Referring to Figures 25 and 31, when the fully mated connector assembly 10A is attached to the housing 700A, the first support portion 116 is received by the first positioning restricting portion 711A.

[0081] As shown in Figure 39, the first slit 118 in this embodiment is located between adjacent first claw portions 114. The first slit 118 is located between adjacent first support portions 116.

[0082] As shown in Figure 39, the first opposing surface 119 in this embodiment faces the fourth direction. The first opposing surface 119 intersects with the orthogonal direction. More specifically, the first opposing surface 119 is perpendicular to the orthogonal direction.

[0083] Referring to Figures 25 and 31, when the fully mated connector assembly 10A is attached to the housing 700A, the first position regulating portion 110A regulates the position of the first position-restricted portion 711A in the orthogonal direction. More specifically, when the fully mated connector assembly 10A is attached to the housing 700A, the first position regulating portion 110A regulates the position of the first position-restricted portion 711A in a plane orthogonal to a predetermined direction.

[0084] As shown in Figure 37, the first connector 100A has a first housing 105A. The first housing 105A is made of an insulator. In a predetermined direction, the first housing 105A defines the first directional end of the first connector 100A and the second directional end. In an orthogonal direction, the first housing 105A defines the third directional end of the first connector 100A and the fourth directional end. The first housing 105A has a first main body portion 1052A. The first support portion 116 connects the first claw portion 114 and the first main body portion 1052A.

[0085] As shown in Figure 36, the first connector 100A has a locking portion 150. Here, the locking portion 150 in this embodiment has the same structure as the locking portion 150 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0086] As shown in Figure 39, the first connector 100A has a first contact 300. The first contact 300 in this embodiment has the same structure as the first contact 300 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0087] As shown in Figure 42, the second connector 200A in this embodiment is an electrical connector. As shown in Figure 41, the second connector 200A is connected to the second cable 600. As shown in Figure 31, the second connector 200A is located on the fourth direction side in the orthogonal direction to the first connector 100A. The second connector 200A has a second position regulating portion 210A.

[0088] Referring to Figure 31, the second position restricting portion 210A is a projection that can be received by the second position-restricted portion 712A. Referring to Figures 25 and 31, when the fully mated connector assembly 10A is attached to the housing 700A, the second position restricting portion 210A is received by the second position-restricted portion 712A. As shown in Figure 42, the second position restricting portion 210A has a plurality of second claw portions 214, a plurality of second support portions 216, a second slit 218, and a second opposing surface 219.

[0089] As shown in Figure 42, the second claw portion 214 in this embodiment defines one end of the second connector 200A in a predetermined direction. That is, the second claw portion 214 defines the end on the first orientation side of the second connector 200A in a predetermined direction. The second claw portion 214 protrudes outward from the second support portion 216 in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0090] As shown in Figure 42, the second support portion 216 of this embodiment extends in a predetermined direction. The second support portion 216 is elastically deformable. The second claw portion 214 is elastically supported by the second support portion 216. As a result, the second claw portion 214 is movable in a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction. Referring to Figures 25 and 31, when the fully mated connector assembly 10A is attached to the housing 700A, the second support portion 216 is received by the second position-restricting portion 712A.

[0091] As shown in Figure 42, the second slit 218 in this embodiment is located between adjacent second claw portions 214. The second slit 218 is located between adjacent second support portions 216. As shown in Figure 26, in the fully fitted state, the first claw portion 114, a portion of the first slit 118, the second claw portion 214, and a portion of the second slit 218 constitute the head 280. Referring to Figure 31, in a plane perpendicular to a predetermined direction, the size of the head 280 when the first support portion 116 and the second support portion 216 are not elastically deformed is larger than the size of the hole 713.

[0092] As shown in Figure 42, the second opposing surface 219 in this embodiment faces a third direction. The second opposing surface 219 intersects with the orthogonal direction. More specifically, the second opposing surface 219 is perpendicular to the orthogonal direction. In the fully fitted state, the second opposing surface 219 faces the first opposing surface 119 in a direction perpendicular to it. Referring to Figures 31, 39, and 42, in the fully fitted state, the second opposing surface 219 is in contact with the first opposing surface 119 in a direction perpendicular to it.

[0093] As described above, the connector assembly 10A is configured as follows: it can be attached to the housing 700A when the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A are fully mated together; when the fully mated connector assembly 10A is attached to the housing 700A, the first position restricting portion 110A is received by the first position restricting portion 711A, and the second position restricting portion 210A is received by the second position restricting portion 712A. As a result, in the connector assembly 10A of this embodiment, it is not possible to attach it to the housing 700A when the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A are not fully mated together. In other words, in the connector assembly 10A of this embodiment, the complete mating of the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A is more reliably guaranteed.

[0094] As shown in Figure 41, the second connector 200A has a second housing 205A. The second housing 205A is made of an insulator. In a predetermined direction, the second housing 205A defines the first directional end of the second connector 200A and the second directional end. In an orthogonal direction, the second housing 205A defines the third directional end of the second connector 200A and the fourth directional end. The second housing 205A has a second main body portion 2052A. The second support portion 216 connects the second claw portion 214 and the second main body portion 2052A.

[0095] In the structure 800A of this embodiment, the attachment of the fully mated connector assembly 10A to the housing 700A is carried out as follows. First, the fully mated connector assembly 10A is brought closer to the housing 700A in a predetermined direction. Then, the first claw portion 114 comes into contact with the periphery of the first position-restricting portion 711A, and the second claw portion 214 comes into contact with the periphery of the second position-restricting portion 712A. Now, when the connector assembly 10A is brought even closer to the housing 700A in the predetermined direction, the first support portion 116 elastically deforms so that the multiple first claw portions 114 come closer to each other, and the second support portion 216 elastically deforms so that the multiple second claw portions 214 come closer to each other. As a result, in a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the size of the head portion 280 becomes less than or equal to the size of the hole 713. In this state, when the connector assembly 10A is brought further closer to the housing 700A in a predetermined direction, the first claw portion 114 moves to the first direction side by passing through the first position-restricting portion 711A, and the second claw portion 214 moves to the first direction side by passing through the second position-restricting portion 712A. As a result, the first support portion 116 of the first position-restricting portion 110A returns to its original shape and is received by the first position-restricting portion 711A, and the second support portion 216 of the second position-restricting portion 210A returns to its original shape and is received by the second position-restricting portion 712A, so that the structure 800A is in the state shown in Figures 25 to 30, and the attachment of the connector assembly 10A to the housing 700A is completed. In this state, the end of the first claw portion 114 on the second direction side is located on the first direction side of the first retaining portion 7116 (see Figure 31) and faces the first retaining portion 7116 in a predetermined direction, and the end of the second claw portion 214 on the second direction side is located on the first direction side of the second retaining portion 7126 (see Figure 31) and faces the second retaining portion 7126 in a predetermined direction. As a result, even if a force is applied to the connector assembly 10A attached to the housing 700A in the second direction, the first claw portion 114 catches on the first retaining portion 7116 and the second claw portion 214 catches on the second retaining portion 7126, thus preventing the connector assembly 10A from detaching from the housing 700A.

[0096] Furthermore, referring to Figure 33, if an attempt is made to attach the connector assembly 10A, which is in the process of being mated, to the housing 700A, it is not possible to simultaneously receive the first position restricting part 110A into the first position restricting part 711A and receive the second position restricting part 210A into the second position restricting part 712A while maintaining the mating state.

[0097] As shown in Figure 40, the second connector 200A has a locking portion 250, an elastic support portion 260, and an operating portion 270. The locking portion 250, elastic support portion 260, and operating portion 270 in this embodiment have the same structure as the locking portion 250, elastic support portion 260, and operating portion 270 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0098] Referring to Figures 31, 36, and 40, in the fully mated state where the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A are completely mated with each other, the locking portion 250 is located on the third direction side of the locked portion 150 and faces the locked portion 150 in a perpendicular direction. That is, in the fully mated state, the locking portion 250 and the locked portion 150 lock the mating of the first connector 100A and the second connector 200A.

[0099] As shown in Figure 42, the second connector 200A has a second contact 400. The second contact 400 in this embodiment has the same structure as the second contact 400 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Referring to Figures 31, 39, and 42, in the fully mated state, the second contact 400 is connected to the first contact 300, and the first cable 500 and the second cable 600 are electrically connected.

[0100] The structure 800A of this embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0101] (First variation) Referring to Figure 44, the structure of the first modified example (not shown) comprises a housing 700B having a first position-restricting portion 711B and a second position-restricting portion 712B, and a connector assembly (not shown) that can be attached to the housing 700B along a predetermined direction.

[0102] As shown in Figure 44, the first position-restricting portion 711B of this modified example has a first main receiving portion 7114 and a first sub-receiving portion 7115.

[0103] As shown in Figure 45, the first main receiving portion 7114 of this modified example penetrates the housing 700B in a predetermined direction.

[0104] As shown in Figure 44, the first sub-receiving portion 7115 of this modified example penetrates the housing 700B in a predetermined direction. The first sub-receiving portion 7115 is connected to the first main receiving portion 7114 in the width direction.

[0105] As shown in Figure 44, the housing 700B of this modified example has a first retaining portion 7116B.

[0106] As shown in Figure 44, the first retaining portion 7116B of this modified example faces a first direction. The first retaining portion 7116B is perpendicular to a predetermined direction. The first retaining portion 7116B is located on the third direction side of the first sub-receiving portion 7115.

[0107] As shown in Figure 44, the second position-restricting portion 712B of this modified example has a second main receiving portion 7124 and a second sub-receiving portion 7125.

[0108] As shown in Figure 45, the second main receiving portion 7124 of this modified example penetrates the housing 700B in a predetermined direction. The second main receiving portion 7124 is located on the fourth direction side of the first main receiving portion 7114. The second main receiving portion 7124 is connected to the first main receiving portion 7114 in an orthogonal direction. The first main receiving portion 7114 and the second main receiving portion 7124 are combined to form a circular hole 713B.

[0109] As shown in Figure 44, the second sub-receiving portion 7125 of this modified example penetrates the housing 700B in a predetermined direction. The second sub-receiving portion 7125 is located on the fourth orientation side of the first sub-receiving portion 7115. The second sub-receiving portion 7125 is connected to the second main receiving portion 7124 in the width direction. The first sub-receiving portion 7115 and the second sub-receiving portion 7125 are connected in an orthogonal direction.

[0110] As shown in Figure 44, the housing 700B of this modified example has a second retaining portion 7126B.

[0111] As shown in Figure 44, the second retaining portion 7126B of this modified example faces the first direction. The second retaining portion 7126B is perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The second retaining portion 7126B is located on the fourth direction side of the second sub-receiving portion 7125.

[0112] Referring to Figure 44, the connector assembly of this modified example comprises a first connector (not shown) and a second connector (not shown) that can be mated with each other. The connector assembly can be attached to the housing 700B when the first connector and the second connector are fully mated with each other. More specifically, the connector assembly can only be attached to the housing 700B when the first connector and the second connector are fully mated with each other. In other words, the connector assembly cannot be attached to the housing 700B when the first connector and the second connector are not fully mated with each other. The first connector of this modified example is an electrical connector, similar to the first connector 100A of the embodiment described above. The first connector of this modified example has a first position regulating portion 110B.

[0113] Referring to Figure 44, the first position restricting portion 110B in this modified example is a projection that can be received by the first position restricting portion 711B. The first position restricting portion 110B has a first extension portion 115 and a first support portion 116B.

[0114] Referring to Figure 44, the first extension 115 of this modified example defines one end of the first connector in a predetermined direction. That is, the first extension 115 defines the end of the first connector on the first orientation side. The first extension 115 protrudes outward from the first support portion 116B in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. In the plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the size of the first extension 115 is smaller than the size of the first main receiving portion 7114.

[0115] Referring to Figure 44, in this modified example, the first support portion 116B connects the first extension portion 115 and the first main body portion (not shown). In a plane perpendicular to a predetermined direction, the size of the first support portion 116B is smaller than the size of the first main receiving portion 7114. In a plane perpendicular to a predetermined direction, the size of the first support portion 116B is smaller than the size of the first sub-receiving portion 7115.

[0116] As shown in Figure 44, the second connector in this modified example is an electrical connector, similar to the first connector 100A in the embodiment described above. The second connector has a second position regulating portion 210B.

[0117] Referring to Figure 44, the second position restricting portion 210B in this modified example is a projection that can be received by the second position restricting portion 712B. The second position restricting portion 210B has a second extension portion 215 and a second support portion 216B.

[0118] Referring to Figure 44, in this modified example, the second extension 215 defines one end of the second connector in a predetermined direction. That is, the second extension 215 defines the end of the second connector on the first orientation side. The second extension 215 protrudes outward from the second support portion 216B in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. In the plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the size of the second extension 215 is smaller than the size of the second main receiving portion 7124.

[0119] Referring to Figure 44, in this modified example, the second support portion 216B connects the second extension portion 215 and the second main body portion (not shown). In a plane perpendicular to a predetermined direction, the size of the second support portion 216B is smaller than the size of the second main receiving portion 7124. In a plane perpendicular to a predetermined direction, the size of the second support portion 216B is smaller than the size of the second sub-receiving portion 7125.

[0120] Referring to Figures 44 and 45, in the structure of this modified example, when the fully mated connector assembly is attached to the housing 700B, the first position restricting portion 110B is received by the first position-restricted portion 711B, and the second position restricting portion 210B is received by the second position-restricted portion 712B.

[0121] As described above, the connector assembly of this modified example is configured as follows: it can be attached to the housing 700B in a fully mated state where the first connector and the second connector are completely mated with each other; when the fully mated connector assembly is attached to the housing 700B, the first position restricting portion 110B is received by the first position restricting portion 711B, and the second position restricting portion 210B is received by the second position restricting portion 712B. As a result, even in this modified example, the connector assembly cannot be attached to the housing 700B in an incomplete mating state where the first connector and the second connector are not completely mated. In other words, even in this modified example, the fully mated state between the first connector and the second connector is more reliably guaranteed.

[0122] In this modified structure, the fully mated connector assembly is attached to the housing 700B as follows. First, the fully mated connector assembly is brought closer to the housing 700B in a predetermined direction. Then, the first extension 115 moves to the first direction side passing through the first main receiving part 7114, the first support part 116B is received by the first main receiving part 7114, the second extension 215 moves to the first direction side passing through the second main receiving part 7124, and the second support part 216B is received by the second main receiving part 7124, so that the structure is in the state shown in Figure 44. In this state, the connector assembly is moved to the sixth direction relative to the housing 700B. Then, the first support portion 116B is received by the first sub-receiving portion 7115, and the second support portion 216B is received by the second sub-receiving portion 7125, so that the structure is in the state shown in Figure 45, and the attachment of the connector assembly to the housing 700B is completed. In this state, the end of the first extension portion 115 on the second directional side is located on the first directional side of the first retaining portion 7116B and faces the first retaining portion 7116B in a predetermined direction, and the end of the second extension portion 215 on the second directional side is located on the first directional side of the second retaining portion 7126B and faces the second retaining portion 7126B in a predetermined direction. Therefore, even if a force directed in the second direction is applied to the connector assembly of this modified example in the state shown in Figure 45, the first extension 115 catches on the first retaining portion 7116B and the second extension 215 catches on the second retaining portion 7126B, thus preventing the connector assembly from detaching from the housing 700B.

[0123] Furthermore, when attempting to attach the connector assembly 10B, which is in the process of being mated, to the housing 700B, it is not possible to simultaneously receive the first position restricting part 110B into the first position restricting part 711B and the second position restricting part 210B into the second position restricting part 712B while maintaining the mating state.

[0124] (Second variation) Referring to Figure 46, the structure of the second modified example (not shown) comprises a housing 700C having a first position-restricting portion 711C and a second position-restricting portion 712C, and a connector assembly (not shown) that can be attached to the housing 700C along a predetermined direction.

[0125] As shown in Figure 46, the first position-restricting portion 711C of this modified example penetrates the housing 700C in a predetermined direction.

[0126] As shown in Figure 46, the housing 700C of this modified example has a first retaining portion 7116C.

[0127] As shown in Figure 46, the first retaining portion 7116C of this modified example faces the first direction. The first retaining portion 7116C is perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The first retaining portion 7116C is located on the fifth direction side of the first position-restricting portion 711C.

[0128] As shown in Figure 46, the second position-restricted portion 712C of this modified example penetrates the housing 700C in a predetermined direction. The second position-restricted portion 712C is located on the fourth direction side of the first position-restricted portion 711C. The first position-restricted portion 711C and the second position-restricted portion 712C are connected in an orthogonal direction. The first position-restricted portion 711C and the second position-restricted portion 712C are combined to form an elongated hole 713C that extends in an orthogonal direction.

[0129] As shown in Figure 46, the housing 700C of this modified example has a second retaining portion 7126C.

[0130] As shown in Figure 46, the second retaining portion 7126C of this modified example faces the first direction. The second retaining portion 7126C is perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The second retaining portion 7126C is located on the sixth direction side of the second position-restricting portion 712C.

[0131] Referring to Figure 46, the connector assembly of this modified example comprises a first connector (not shown) and a second connector (not shown) that can be mated with each other. The connector assembly can be attached to the housing 700C when the first connector and the second connector are fully mated with each other. More specifically, the connector assembly can only be attached to the housing 700C when the first connector and the second connector are fully mated with each other. In other words, the connector assembly cannot be attached to the housing 700C when the first connector and the second connector are not fully mated with each other. The first connector of this modified example is an electrical connector, similar to the first connector 100A of the embodiment described above. The first connector of this modified example has a first position regulating portion 110C.

[0132] Referring to Figure 46, the first position restricting portion 110C in this modified example is a projection that can be received by the first position restricting portion 711C. The first position restricting portion 110C has a first extension portion 115C and a first support portion 116C.

[0133] Referring to Figure 46, the first extension 115C of this modified example defines one end of the first connector in a predetermined direction. That is, the first extension 115C defines the end of the first connector on the first direction side. The first extension 115C extends from the first support portion 116C toward the third direction side. In a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the size of the first extension 115C is smaller than the size of the first position-restricting portion 711C.

[0134] Referring to Figure 46, in this modified example, the first support portion 116C connects the first extension portion 115C to the first main body portion (not shown). In a plane perpendicular to a predetermined direction, the size of the first support portion 116C is smaller than the size of the first position-regulating portion 711C.

[0135] As shown in Figure 46, the second connector in this modified example is an electrical connector, similar to the first connector 100A in the embodiment described above. The second connector has a second position restricting portion 210C.

[0136] Referring to Figure 46, the second position restricting portion 210C in this modified example is a projection that can be received by the second position restricting portion 712C. The second position restricting portion 210C has a second extension portion 215C and a second support portion 216C.

[0137] Referring to Figure 46, in this modified example, the second extension 215C defines one end of the second connector in a predetermined direction. That is, the second extension 215C defines the end on the first direction side of the second connector in a predetermined direction. The second extension 215C extends from the second support portion 216CC in the fourth direction. In a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the size of the second extension 215C is smaller than the size of the second position-restricting portion 712C.

[0138] Referring to Figure 46, in this modified example, the second support portion 216C connects the second extension portion 215C to the second main body portion (not shown). In a plane perpendicular to a predetermined direction, the size of the second support portion 216C is smaller than the size of the second position-restricting portion 712C.

[0139] Referring to Figures 46 and 47, in the structure of this modified example, when the fully mated connector assembly is attached to the housing 700C, the first position restricting portion 110C is received by the first position-restricted portion 711C, and the second position restricting portion 210C is received by the second position-restricted portion 712C.

[0140] As described above, the connector assembly of this modified example is configured as follows: it can be attached to the housing 700C when the first connector and the second connector are fully mated together; when the fully mated connector assembly is attached to the housing 700C, the first position restricting portion 110C is received by the first position restricting portion 711C, and the second position restricting portion 210C is received by the second position restricting portion 712C. As a result, even in this modified example, the connector assembly cannot be attached to the housing 700C when the first connector and the second connector are not fully mated together. In other words, even in this modified example, the complete mating of the first connector and the second connector is more reliably guaranteed.

[0141] In the modified structure, the fully mated connector assembly is attached to the housing 700C as follows. First, the fully mated connector assembly is brought closer to the housing 700C in a predetermined direction. Then, the first extension 115C moves to the first direction side, passing through the first position-restricting portion 711C, and the first support portion 116C of the first position-restricting portion 110C is received by the first position-restricting portion 711C. The second extension 215C moves to the first direction side, passing through the second position-restricting portion 712C, and the second support portion 216C of the second position-restricting portion 210C is received by the second position-restricting portion 712C, resulting in the structure being in the state shown in Figure 46. In this state, when the connector assembly is rotated 90° counterclockwise when viewed from the first direction, the first extension 115C, the first support 116C, the second extension 215C, and the second support 216C each rotate 90° counterclockwise, and the structure becomes as shown in Figure 47, completing the attachment of the connector assembly to the housing 700C. In this state, the end of the first extension 115C on the second direction side is located on the first direction side of the first retaining portion 7116C (see Figure 46) and faces the first retaining portion 7116C in a predetermined direction, and the end of the second extension 215C on the second direction side is located on the first direction side of the second retaining portion 7126C (see Figure 46) and faces the second retaining portion 7126C in a predetermined direction. Therefore, even if a force directed in the second direction is applied to the connector assembly of this modified example in the state shown in Figure 47, the first extension 115C will catch on the first retaining portion 7116C, and the second extension 215C will catch on the second retaining portion 7126C, thus preventing the connector assembly from detaching from the housing 700C.

[0142] Furthermore, when attempting to attach a connector assembly in an interim mating state to the housing 700C, it is not possible to simultaneously receive the first position restricting portion 110C into the first position restricting portion 711C and the second position restricting portion 210C into the second position restricting portion 712C while maintaining the interim mating state.

[0143] (Third variation) Referring to Figure 48, the third modified structure 800D comprises a housing 700D having a first position-restricting portion 711D and a second position-restricting portion 712D, and a connector assembly 10D that can be attached to the housing 700D along a predetermined direction.

[0144] As shown in Figure 48, the first position-restricting portion 711D of this modified example penetrates the housing 700D in a predetermined direction. The first position-restricting portion 711D is a circular hole.

[0145] As shown in Figure 48, the housing 700D of this modified example has a first retaining portion 7116D.

[0146] As shown in Figure 48, the first retaining portion 7116D of this modified example faces a first direction. The first retaining portion 7116D is perpendicular to a predetermined direction. The first retaining portion 7116D is located on the outside of the first position-restricting portion 711D in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0147] As shown in Figure 48, the second position-restricting portion 712D in this modified example penetrates the housing 700D in a predetermined direction. The second position-restricting portion 712D is a circular hole. The second position-restricting portion 712D is located on the fourth direction side of the first position-restricting portion 711D. Note that the first position-restricting portion 711D and the second position-restricting portion 712D are not directly connected.

[0148] As shown in Figure 48, the housing 700D of this modified example has a second retaining portion 7126D.

[0149] As shown in Figure 48, the second retaining portion 7126D of this modified example faces the first direction. The second retaining portion 7126D is perpendicular to a predetermined direction. The second retaining portion 7126D is located on the outside of the second position-restricting portion 712D in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0150] Referring to Figure 48, the connector assembly 10D of this modified example comprises a first connector 100D and a second connector 200D that can be mated with each other. The connector assembly 10D can be attached to the housing 700D when the first connector 100D and the second connector 200D are fully mated with each other. More specifically, the connector assembly 10D can only be attached to the housing 700D when the first connector 100D and the second connector 200D are fully mated with each other. In other words, the connector assembly 10D cannot be attached to the housing 700D when the first connector 100D and the second connector 200D are in an incomplete mating state. The first connector 100D of this modified example is an electrical connector, similar to the first connector 100A of the above-described embodiment. The first connector 100D is connected to the first cable 500. The first connector 100D has a first position regulating portion 110D.

[0151] Referring to Figure 48, the first position restricting portion 110D in this modified example is a projection that can be received by the first position-restricted portion 711D. When the fully mated connector assembly 10D is attached to the housing 700D, the first position restricting portion 110D is received by the first position-restricted portion 711D. The first position restricting portion 110D has a plurality of first claw portions 114D, a plurality of first support portions 116D, and a first slit 118D.

[0152] Referring to Figure 48, the first claw portion 114D in this modified example defines one end of the first connector 100D in a predetermined direction. That is, the first claw portion 114D defines the end on the first orientation side of the first connector 100D in a predetermined direction. The first claw portion 114D protrudes outward from the first support portion 116D in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The first claw portion 114D and a part of the first slit 118D constitute the head portion 113.

[0153] Referring to Figure 48, the first support portion 116D of this modified example extends in a predetermined direction. The first support portion 116D is elastically deformable. The first claw portion 114D is elastically supported by the first support portion 116D. As a result, the first claw portion 114D is movable in a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction. In the plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the size of the head portion 113 when the first support portion 116D is not elastically deformed is larger than the size of the first position-restricting portion 711D. When the fully mated connector assembly 10D is attached to the housing 700D, the first support portion 116D is received by the first position-restricting portion 711D.

[0154] As shown in Figure 48, the first slit 118D in this modified example is located between adjacent first claw portions 114D. The first slit 118D is located between adjacent first support portions 116D.

[0155] As shown in Figure 48, the first connector 100D has a first housing 105D. The first housing 105D has a first main body 1052D. The first housing 105D is the same as the first housing 105A described above, and a detailed explanation is omitted. The first support portion 116D connects the first claw portion 114D and the first main body 1052D.

[0156] As shown in Figure 48, the second connector 200D in this modified example is an electrical connector, similar to the first connector 100A in the above-described embodiment. The second connector 200D is connected to the second cable 600. The second connector 200D is located on the fourth direction side in the direction orthogonal to the first connector 100D. The second connector 200D has a second position regulating portion 210D.

[0157] Referring to Figure 48, the second position restricting portion 210D in this modified example is a projection that can be received by the second position-restricted portion 712D. When the fully mated connector assembly 10D is attached to the housing 700D, the second position restricting portion 210D is received by the second position-restricted portion 712D. The second position restricting portion 210D has a plurality of second claw portions 214D, a plurality of second support portions 216D, and a second slit 218D.

[0158] Referring to Figure 48, in this modified example, the second claw portion 214D defines one end of the second connector 200D in a predetermined direction. That is, the second claw portion 214D defines the end on the first orientation side of the second connector 200D in a predetermined direction. The second claw portion 214D protrudes outward from the second support portion 216D in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The second claw portion 214D and a part of the first slit 118D constitute the head portion 213.

[0159] Referring to Figure 48, the second support portion 216D of this modified example extends in a predetermined direction. The second support portion 216D is elastically deformable. The second claw portion 214D is elastically supported by the second support portion 216D. As a result, the second support portion 216D is movable in a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction. In the plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the size of the head portion 213 when the second support portion 216D is not elastically deformed is larger than the size of the second position-restricting portion 712D. When the fully mated connector assembly 10D is attached to the housing 700D, the second support portion 216D is received by the second position-restricting portion 712D.

[0160] As shown in Figure 48, in this modified example, the second slit 218D is located between adjacent second claw portions 214D. The second slit 218D is located between adjacent second support portions 216D.

[0161] As shown in Figure 48, the second connector 200D has a second housing 205D. The second housing 205D has a second main body 2052D. The second housing 205D is the same as the second housing 205A described above, and a detailed explanation is omitted. The second support portion 216D connects the second claw portion 214D and the second main body 2052D.

[0162] As described above, the connector assembly 10D is configured as follows: it can be attached to the housing 700D when the first connector 100D and the second connector 200D are fully mated together; when the fully mated connector assembly 10D is attached to the housing 700D, the first position restricting portion 110D is received by the first position restricting portion 711D, and the second position restricting portion 210D is received by the second position restricting portion 712D. As a result, even in this modified version of the connector assembly 10D, it is not possible to attach it to the housing 700D when the first connector 100D and the second connector 200D are not fully mated together. In other words, even in this modified version of the connector assembly 10D, the complete mating of the first connector 100D and the second connector 200D is more reliably guaranteed.

[0163] In the modified structure 800D, the fully mated connector assembly 10D is attached to the housing 700D as follows. First, the fully mated connector assembly 10D is brought closer to the housing 700D in a predetermined direction. Then, the first claw portion 114D comes into contact with the periphery of the first position-restricting portion 711D, and the second claw portion 214D comes into contact with the periphery of the second position-restricting portion 712D. Now, when the connector assembly 10D is brought even closer to the housing 700D in the predetermined direction, the first support portion 116D elastically deforms, causing the multiple first claw portions 114D to move closer to each other, and the second support portion 216D elastically deforms, causing the multiple second claw portions 214D to move closer to each other. As a result, in a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, the size of the head portion 113 becomes less than or equal to the size of the first position-restricting portion 711D, and the size of the head portion 213 becomes less than or equal to the size of the second position-restricting portion 712D. In this state, when the connector assembly 10D is brought further closer to the housing 700D in a predetermined direction, the first claw portion 114D moves to the first direction side by passing through the first position-restricting portion 711D, and the second claw portion 214D moves to the first direction side by passing through the second position-restricting portion 712D. As a result, the first support portion 116D of the first position-restricting portion 110D is received by the first position-restricting portion 711D while returning to its original shape, and the second support portion 216D of the second position-restricting portion 210D is received by the second position-restricting portion 712D while returning to its original shape. In this state, the end of the first claw portion 114D on the second direction side is located on the first direction side of the first retaining portion 7116D and faces the first retaining portion 7116D in a predetermined direction, and the end of the second claw portion 214D on the second direction side is located on the first direction side of the second retaining portion 7126D and faces the second retaining portion 7126D in a predetermined direction. As a result, even if a force is applied to the connector assembly 10D in the second direction in this state, the first claw portion 114D will catch on the first retaining portion 7116D and the second claw portion 214D will catch on the second retaining portion 7126D, thereby preventing the connector assembly 10D from detaching from the housing 700D.

[0164] Furthermore, when attempting to attach the connector assembly 10D, which is in the process of being mated, to the housing 700D, it is not possible to simultaneously receive the first position-restricted portion 711D of the first position-restricting portion 110D and receive the second position-restricted portion 712D of the second position-restricting portion 210D while maintaining the mating state.

[0165] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to embodiments above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible.

[0166] In the connector assemblies 10, 10A, and 10D of this embodiment, the first connectors 100, 100A, and 100D are connected to the first cable 500, and the second connectors 200, 200A, and 200D are connected to the second cable 600. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first connectors 100, 100A, and 100D may be connected to the first cable 500, and the second connectors 200, 200A, and 200D may be mounted on a circuit board. Alternatively, the first connectors 100, 100A, and 100D may be mounted on a circuit board, and the second connectors 200, 200A, and 200D may be connected to the second cable 600. Furthermore, as long as the attachment of the connector assemblies 10, 10A, 10D to the housings 700, 700A, 700D in an incomplete mating state, where the first connectors 100, 100A, 100D and the second connectors 200, 200A, 200D are not fully mated, the present invention is applicable not only to electrical connector assemblies but also to any connector assemblies 10, 10A, 10D, such as optical connector assemblies. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10, 10A, 10D Connector Assembly 100, 100A, 100D First Connector 105, 105A, 105D First Housing 1052, 1052A, 1052D First main body 110 First position regulating section (receiving section) 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D 1st position regulating part (protrusion) 111 Opposite part of the first connector 113 Head 114,114D 1st claw part 115,115C 1st section 116,116B,116C,116D 1st support part 118,118D First Slit 119 First opposing surface 120 First locking part 130 1st support part 140 First protrusion 142 1st slope 150 Locked part 200, 200A, 200D Second Connector 205, 205A, 205D Second Housing 2052, 2052A, 2052D Second Main Unit 210 Second position regulating section (receiving section) 210A, 210B, 210C, 210D 2nd position regulation part (protrusion) 211 Opposite part of the second connector 213 Head 214,214D 2nd claw part 215,215C 2nd section 216,216B,216C,216D 2nd support part 218,218D Second Slit 219 Second opposing surface 220 Second locking part 230 Second support part 240 Second protrusion 242 Second slope 250 Locking part 260 Elastic support section 270 Operation section 280 Head 300 First Contact 400 Second Contact 500 Cable No. 1 600 Second Cable 700, 700A, 700B, 700C, 700D enclosure 710 Mounting part 711,711A,711B,711C,711D 1st position regulating part 7112 First Invitation Department (Invitation Department) 7113 First opposing section 7114 First main receptor 7115 First secondary receptor 7116, 7116B, 7116C, 7116D First retaining part 712,712A,712B,712C,712D 2nd position regulating part 7122 Second Invitation Department (Invitation Department) 7123 Second opposing section 7124 Second main receptor 7125 Second secondary receptor 7126, 7126B, 7126C, 7126D Second retaining part 713,713B hole 713C long hole 730 First locked part 740 Second locked part 750 First recess 760 Second recess 800, 800A, 800D Structure DC distance Dh distance

Claims

1. A connector assembly that can be attached to a housing having a first position-restricting portion and a second position-restricting portion, The connector assembly comprises a first connector and a second connector that can be mated with each other. The first connector has a first position regulating portion, The second connector has a second position restricting portion, The connector assembly can be attached to the housing in a fully mated state in which the first connector and the second connector are completely mated with each other. When the connector assembly in the fully mated state is attached to the housing, one of the first position restricting portion and the first position-restricted portion receives the other of the first position restricting portion and the first position-restricted portion, and one of the second position restricting portion and the second position-restricted portion receives the other of the second position restricting portion and the second position-restricted portion. Connector assembly.

2. A connector assembly according to claim 1, The first position regulating portion is a receiving portion capable of receiving the first position regulating portion, The second position restricting portion is a receiving portion capable of receiving the second position restricting portion, When the connector assembly in the fully mated state is attached to the housing, the first position restricting portion receives the first position restricting portion, and the second position restricting portion receives the second position restricting portion. Connector assembly.

3. A connector assembly according to claim 1, The first position restricting portion is a projection that can be received by the first position restricting portion, The second position restricting portion is a projection that can be received by the second position restricting portion, When the connector assembly in the fully mated state is attached to the housing, the first position restricting portion is received by the first position restricting portion, and the second position restricting portion is received by the second position restricting portion. Connector assembly.

4. A connector assembly according to claim 1, The housing is provided with a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The first connector is provided with a first locking portion, The second connector is provided with a second locking portion. The connector assembly is mounted to the housing along a predetermined direction, When the connector assembly in the fully mated state is attached to the housing, the first locking portion and the first locked portion face each other in the predetermined direction, and the second locking portion and the second locked portion face each other in the predetermined direction, thereby preventing the connector assembly from detaching from the housing. Connector assembly.

5. A connector assembly according to claim 4, The first connector has an elastically deformable first support portion that supports the first locking portion, The first locking portion is displaceable in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction. The second connector has an elastically deformable second support portion that supports the second locking portion, The second locking portion is displaceable in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction. Connector assembly.

6. A structure comprising a housing having a plate-shaped mounting portion, and a connector assembly according to claim 2 that can be attached to the mounting portion along a predetermined direction, The first position-restricting portion and the second position-restricting portion are each formed as part of the mounting portion, The first position-restricted portion and the second position-restricted portion are located apart from each other in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. Each of the first position restricting portion and the second position restricting portion is a groove extending in a plane defined by the predetermined direction and the orthogonal direction. Each of the first and second position-restricting sections is provided with a guide portion that intersects obliquely with the predetermined direction. structure.

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