connector

Abstract

To provide a connector which enables improvement of contact reliability.SOLUTION: A connector 1 includes a plug 100 and a receptacle 200 connected to the plug 100. The plug 100 includes a plug main body 110 having a plug surface 117 including a first plug region 141, a second plug region 142, and a third plug region 143; a plurality of projecting parts 120 including a first projecting part 121 and a second projecting part 122 projecting from the plug surface 117; and a plurality of plug terminals 130 projecting lower than the projecting parts 120 from the plug surface 117. The receptacle 200 includes: a receptacle main body 210 which has a receptacle surface 217 including a first receptacle region 241, a second receptacle region 242, and a third receptacle region 243 and in which a first groove 221 and a second groove 222 are formed on the receptacle surface 217; and a plurality of receptacle terminals 230.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating plug terminals 1002 arranged in an array on a plug surface 1001 and receptacle terminals 2002 arranged in an array on a receptacle surface 2001 in a related connector including a plug 1000 and a receptacle 2000. As shown in FIG. 21, the plug terminals 1002 and the receptacle terminals 2002 protrude from the plug surface 1001 and the receptacle surface 2001, respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described connector, the plug terminals 1002 and the receptacle terminals 2002 require spring properties. Therefore, the strength of the plug terminals 1002 and the receptacle terminals 2002 is not very large. In addition, both the plug terminals 1002 and the receptacle terminals 2002 protrude from the plug surface 1001 and the receptacle surface 2001, respectively. For this reason, the robustness is low. Therefore, when a fitting position shift occurs in the plug 1000 and the receptacle 2000, the plug terminals 1002 and the receptacle terminals 2002 may interfere with the mating plug body and receptacle body, and there is a risk of damage. For these reasons, the above-described related connector cannot improve contact reliability.

[0005] The object of this invention is to solve these problems and to provide a connector that can improve contact reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] From the perspective of the present disclosure, the connector comprises a plug and a receptacle connected to the plug, the plug comprising a plug body having a planar plug surface including a first plug region, a second plug region and a third plug region, a plurality of protrusions including a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the plug surface, and a plurality of plug terminals protruding from the plug surface lower than the protrusions, the receptacle comprising a receptacle body having a planar receptacle surface including a first receptacle region, a second receptacle region and a third receptacle region, with a first groove and a second groove formed on the receptacle surface, and a plurality of holes formed on the receptacle surface, each disposed inside The device includes a plurality of receptacle terminals, wherein the first protrusion separates the first plug region and the second plug region, the second protrusion separates the second plug region and the third plug region, the first groove separates the first receptacle region and the second receptacle region, and the second groove separates the second receptacle region and the third receptacle region, and when the first protrusion and the second protrusion are inserted into the first groove and the second groove, respectively, the plug terminals of the first plug region, the second plug region and the third plug region are connected to the receptacle terminals of the first receptacle region, the second receptacle region and the third receptacle region.

[0007] In the above connector, the plug surface further includes a fourth plug region, the plurality of protrusions further include a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion protruding from the plug surface, the receptacle surface further includes a fourth receptacle region, the receptacle body further has a third groove and a fourth groove formed thereon, the third protrusion separates the third plug region and the fourth plug region, the fourth protrusion separates the first plug region and the fourth plug region, the third groove separates the third receptacle region and the fourth receptacle region, the fourth groove separates the first receptacle region and the fourth receptacle region, and when the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are further inserted into the third groove and the fourth groove, respectively, each plug terminal of the fourth plug region may be connected to each receptacle terminal of the fourth receptacle region.

[0008] In the above connector, the first and third protrusions extend in one direction on the plug surface, the second and fourth protrusions extend in another direction intersecting the one direction on the plug surface, and when the receptacle surface and the plug surface are facing each other, the first and third grooves may extend in the one direction on the receptacle surface, and the second and fourth grooves may extend in the other direction on the receptacle surface.

[0009] In the above connector, the plug surface further includes a first central region, the first and third protrusions are arranged on the plug surface with the first central region in between, the second and fourth protrusions are arranged on the plug surface with the first central region in between, the receptacle surface further includes a second central region, the first and third grooves are arranged on the receptacle surface with the second central region in between, and the second and fourth grooves are arranged on the receptacle surface with the second central region in between.

[0010] In the above connector, the plug terminal has lower elasticity than the receptacle terminal, and the tip of the receptacle terminal may be located inside the hole.

[0011] In the above connector, the plug further has a plug frame that protrudes from the plug surface and surrounds the first plug region, the second plug region, the third plug region, and the fourth plug region, and when the first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, and the fourth protrusion are inserted into the first groove, the second groove, the third groove, and the fourth groove, respectively, the receptacle may be fitted into the interior surrounded by the plug frame.

[0012] In the above connector, the plug frame is rectangular in shape and includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion, a third frame portion, and a fourth frame portion. The first frame portion and the third frame portion extend in directions that intersect in one direction on the plug surface, and the second frame portion and the fourth frame portion may extend in the aforementioned one direction on the plug surface.

[0013] In the above connector, the plug further comprises a plug shell, the plug shell comprising a first protruding reinforcing portion formed on the first protruding portion, a second protruding reinforcing portion formed on the second protruding portion, a third protruding reinforcing portion formed on the third protruding portion, a fourth protruding reinforcing portion formed on the fourth protruding portion, and a shell portion that covers the side surface of the plug body portion, protrudes from the plug surface, surrounds the first plug region, the second plug region, the third plug region and the fourth plug region, and is connected to the first protruding reinforcing portion, the second protruding reinforcing portion, the third protruding reinforcing portion and the fourth protruding reinforcing portion, the receptacle further comprises a receptacle shell, the receptacle shell comprising a first groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the first groove, and formed on the inner wall of the second groove The plug shell includes a second groove reinforcing portion, a third groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the third groove, a fourth groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the fourth groove, and a shell portion that covers the side surface of the receptacle body and is connected to the first groove reinforcing portion, the second groove reinforcing portion, the third groove reinforcing portion, and the fourth groove reinforcing portion. When the first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, and the fourth protrusion are inserted into the first groove, the second groove, the third groove, and the fourth groove, respectively, the first protrusion reinforcing portion, the second protrusion reinforcing portion, the third protrusion reinforcing portion, and the fourth protrusion reinforcing portion face the first groove reinforcing portion, the second groove reinforcing portion, the third groove reinforcing portion, and the fourth groove reinforcing portion, respectively, and the shell portion of the plug shell may be in contact with the shell portion of the receptacle shell.

[0014] In the above connector, the first projection extends in one direction on the plug surface, and the second projection extends in another direction intersecting the one direction on the plug surface. When the receptacle surface and the plug surface are facing each other, the first groove may extend in the one direction on the receptacle surface, and the second groove may extend in the other direction on the receptacle surface.

[0015] In the above connector, the plug surface further includes a first central region, the first projection is aligned with the first central region on the plug surface, the second projection is aligned with the first central region on the plug surface, the receptacle surface further includes a second central region, the first groove is aligned with the second central region on the receptacle surface, and the second groove is aligned with the second central region on the receptacle surface.

[0016] In the above connector, the plug further has a plug frame that protrudes from the plug surface and surrounds the first plug region, the second plug region, and the third plug region, and when the first protrusion and the second protrusion are inserted into the first groove and the second groove, respectively, the receptacle may be fitted into the interior surrounded by the plug frame.

[0017] In the above connector, the plug frame is rectangular in shape and includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion, a third frame portion, and a fourth frame portion. The first frame portion and the third frame portion extend in directions that intersect in one direction on the plug surface, while the second frame portion and the fourth frame portion may extend in the aforementioned one direction on the plug surface.

[0018] In the above connector, the plug further comprises a plug shell, the plug shell comprising a first protruding reinforcing portion formed on the first protruding portion, a second protruding reinforcing portion formed on the second protruding portion, and a shell portion that covers the side surface of the plug body portion, protrudes from the plug surface, surrounds the first plug region, the second plug region and the third plug region, and is connected to the first protruding reinforcing portion and the second protruding reinforcing portion; the receptacle further comprises a receptacle shell, the receptacle shell comprising the first groove The plug shell includes a first groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the plug, a second groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the second groove, and a shell portion that covers the side surface of the receptacle body and is connected to the first groove reinforcing portion and the second groove reinforcing portion. When the first protrusion and the second protrusion are inserted into the first groove and the second groove, respectively, the first protrusion reinforcing portion and the second protrusion reinforcing portion face the first groove reinforcing portion and the second groove reinforcing portion, and the shell portion of the plug shell may be in contact with the shell portion of the receptacle shell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that can improve contact reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating a plug in the connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating a receptacle in the connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a top view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated together in the connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated together in the connector according to Embodiment 1, and shows the cross-section of line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated together in the connector according to Embodiment 1, and shows the cross-section of the VV wire in Figure 3. [Figure 6] In the connector according to Embodiment 1, it is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the plug and the receptacle are fitted, and shows a cross-section taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] In the connector according to Embodiment 1, it is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the plug terminals of the plug. [Figure 8] In the connector according to Embodiment 1, it is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the receptacle terminals of the receptacle. [Figure 9] In the connector according to Embodiment 1, it is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the plug and the receptacle are opposed to each other. [Figure 10] In the connector according to Embodiment 1, it is a view illustrating a state where the plug surface of the plug and the receptacle surface of the receptacle are displaced. [Figure 11] In the connector according to Embodiment 2, it is a perspective view illustrating the plug. [Figure 12] In the connector according to Embodiment 2, it is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle. [Figure 13] In the connector according to Embodiment 2, it is a top view illustrating a state where the plug and the receptacle are fitted. [Figure 14] In the connector according to Embodiment 2, it is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the plug and the receptacle are fitted, and shows a cross-section taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] In the connector according to Embodiment 1, it is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the plug and the receptacle are fitted, and shows a cross-section taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] In the connector according to Embodiment 1, it is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the plug and the receptacle are fitted, and shows a cross-section taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view illustrating the plug shell according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle shell according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 19]This is a perspective view illustrating a plug in the connector according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view illustrating a receptacle in a connector according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view illustrating related connectors. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The specific configuration of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the following description, the same reference numerals indicate substantially the same function.

[0022] (Embodiment 1) The connector of Embodiment 1 will now be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the plug in the connector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle in the connector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a top view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated in the connector according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated in the connector according to Embodiment 1, showing the cross-section of line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated in the connector according to Embodiment 1, showing the cross-section of line VV in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated in the connector according to Embodiment 1, showing the cross-section of line VI-VI in Figure 3.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the connector 1 comprises a plug 100 and a receptacle 200. The connector 1 can electrically connect the plug 100 and the receptacle 200 by connecting them. The connector 1 also controls the flow of current by connecting and disconnecting the plug 100 and the receptacle 200. Note that the connector 1 is not limited to one that can connect and disconnect the plug 100 and the receptacle 200, but may also be used in a connection structure that fixes the plug 100 and the receptacle 200 with screws or the like to maintain a connected state in which disconnection is not intended.

[0024] Here, for the sake of explaining connector 1, we introduce the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. When plug 100 and receptacle 200 are connected facing each other, the direction in which plug 100 and receptacle 200 face each other is defined as the Z-axis direction. The direction from receptacle 200 toward plug 100 is defined as the +Z-axis direction. The two directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction are defined as the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0025] The plug 100 includes a plug body 110, a plurality of protrusions 120, and a plurality of plug terminals 130. The components of the plug 100 will be described below.

[0026] The plug body 110 is, for example, a rectangular plate and has two opposing plate surfaces 111 and 112, two opposing side surfaces 113 and 115, and two opposing side surfaces 114 and 116. Each side surface 113 to 116 is connected to each plate surface 111 and 112. The plug body 110 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The material of the plug body 110 is not limited to an insulating material such as resin; it may be a metal covered with an insulating film, as long as it does not electrically short-circuit with the multiple plug terminals 130.

[0027] The plate surface 111 is the plate surface 111 on the -Z axis side of the plug body 110. The plate surface 111 is the plug surface 117 that faces the receptacle 200. Therefore, the plug body 110 has a planar plug surface 117. The plug surface 117 serves as the mating reference surface when mating with the receptacle 200.

[0028] The plug surface 117 includes a first plug region 141, a second plug region 142, a third plug region 143, and a fourth plug region 144. The first plug region 141 is located on the -Y axis side of the second plug region 142. The first plug region 141 is located on the -X axis side of the fourth plug region 144. The second plug region 142 is located on the +Y axis side of the first plug region 141. The second plug region 142 is located on the -X axis side of the third plug region 143. Furthermore, the third plug region 143 is located on the +X axis side of the second plug region 142. The third plug region 143 is located on the +Y axis side of the fourth plug region 144. Furthermore, the fourth plug region 144 is located on the +X axis side of the first plug region 141. The fourth plug region 144 is located on the -Y axis side of the third plug region 143.

[0029] The plug surface 117 may include a first central region 149. The first central region 149 is surrounded by a first plug region 141, a second plug region 142, a third plug region 143, and a fourth plug region 144. Specifically, the first central region 149 is located between the first plug region 141 and the third plug region 143. Also, the first central region 149 is located between the second plug region 142 and the fourth plug region 144.

[0030] Sides 113 and 115 face each other in the X-axis direction, and sides 114 and 116 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The shape of the plug body 110 is not limited to a rectangular plate shape, as long as it has a plug surface 117 that faces the receptacle 200; for example, it may be hemispherical with the plug surface 117 as its cross-section.

[0031] Multiple protrusions 120 protrude from the plug surface 117. Multiple protrusions 120 protrude from the plug surface 117 in the -Z axis direction. Multiple protrusions 120 may include the same material as the plug body 110. For example, multiple protrusions 120 may include an insulating material such as resin. Multiple protrusions 120 may also include metal. Multiple protrusions 120 include a first protrusion 121, a second protrusion 122, a third protrusion 123, and a fourth protrusion 124. It is desirable that the height of each protrusion 120 from the plug surface 117, that is, the length of each protrusion 120 in the Z axis direction, be the same. Note that the lengths of each protrusion 120 in the Z axis direction being equal means that they are the same length within a range that includes unavoidable errors. Hereafter, "same length" will be used in the same sense. The length of each protrusion 120 that extends from the plug surface 117 is longer than the length of the plug terminal 130 that extends from the plug surface 117.

[0032] Each projection 120 is, for example, rectangular parallelepiped. The first projection 121 and the third projection 123 are, for example, rectangular parallelepipeds extending in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the first projection 121 and the third projection 123 extend in the X-axis direction on the plug surface 117. The second projection 122 and the fourth projection 124 are, for example, rectangular parallelepipeds extending in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the second projection 122 and the fourth projection 124 extend in the Y-axis direction intersecting the X-axis direction on the plug surface 117. Note that the shape of each projection 120 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped; it may also be cylindrical, or a columnar body with an ellipse extending in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction as its base.

[0033] Furthermore, the first protrusion 121 and the third protrusion 123 may extend in directions offset from the X-axis direction. For example, when viewed from the -Z-axis direction, the first protrusion 121 and the third protrusion 123 may each extend in directions rotated in the same direction from the X-axis with the Z-axis as the axis of rotation. In that case, when viewed from the -Z-axis direction, the first protrusion 121 and the third protrusion 123 will have a " / / " shape, for example, with two protrusions 120 aligned diagonally. Alternatively, the first protrusion 121 and the third protrusion 123 may each extend in directions rotated in mutually different directions from the X-axis. In that case, when viewed from the -Z-axis direction, the first protrusion 121 and the third protrusion 123 will have a ">" shape, for example, with two protrusions 120 facing different directions.

[0034] The second protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 124 may extend in a direction offset from the Y-axis direction. For example, when viewed from the -Z-axis direction, the second protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 124 may each extend in a direction rotated in the same direction from the Y-axis with the Z-axis as the axis of rotation. In that case, when viewed from the -Z-axis direction, the second protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 124 will have a shape like " / / ", for example, with two protrusions 120 aligned diagonally. Alternatively, the second protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 124 may each extend in a direction rotated in mutually different directions from the Y-axis. In that case, when viewed from the -Z-axis direction, the second protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 124 will have a shape like ">", for example, with two protrusions 120 facing different directions.

[0035] The directions in which the second projection 122 and the fourth projection 124 extend are not limited to directions perpendicular to the directions in which the first projection 121 and the third projection 123 extend, as long as they intersect with the directions in which the first projection 121 and the third projection 123 extend.

[0036] The first protrusion 121 is located between the first plug region 141 and the second plug region 142. Therefore, the first protrusion 121 separates the first plug region 141 and the second plug region 142. The second protrusion 122 is located between the second plug region 142 and the third plug region 143. Therefore, the second protrusion 122 separates the second plug region 142 and the third plug region 143. The third protrusion 123 is located between the third plug region 143 and the fourth plug region 144. Therefore, the third protrusion 123 separates the third plug region 143 and the fourth plug region 144. The fourth protrusion 124 is located between the first plug region 141 and the fourth plug region 144. Therefore, the fourth protrusion 124 separates the first plug region 141 and the fourth plug region 144.

[0037] The first protrusion 121 and the third protrusion 123 are adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. For example, the first protrusion 121 is positioned on the -X-axis side of the third protrusion 123. The first protrusion 121 and the third protrusion 123 are aligned in the X-axis direction on the plug surface 117, with the first central region 149 in between. The second protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 124 are adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction. For example, the second protrusion 122 is positioned on the +Y-axis side of the fourth protrusion 124. The second protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 124 are aligned in the Y-axis direction on the plug surface 117, with the first central region 149 in between.

[0038] The plug 100 may further have a frame-shaped plug frame 150. The plug frame 150 protrudes from the plug surface 117. The plug frame 150 protrudes from the plug surface 117 in the -Z axis direction. The plug frame 150 may contain the same material as the plug body 110. For example, the plug frame 150 may contain an insulating material such as resin. The plug frame 150 may also contain metal. The plug frame 150 surrounds the first plug region 141, the second plug region 142, the third plug region 143, and the fourth plug region 144.

[0039] The plug frame 150 is, for example, rectangular. The plug frame 150 includes a first frame portion 151, a second frame portion 152, a third frame portion 153, and a fourth frame portion 154. The first frame portion 151 is the portion of the plug frame 150 on the -X axis side. The second frame portion 152 is the portion of the plug frame 150 on the +Y axis side. The third frame portion 153 is the portion of the plug frame 150 on the +X axis side. The fourth frame portion 154 is the portion of the plug frame 150 on the -Y axis side.

[0040] The first frame section 151 and the third frame section 153 extend, for example, in the Y-axis direction. The second frame section 152 and the fourth frame section 154 extend in the X-axis direction. Each end of the first frame section 151 is connected to the second frame section 152 and the fourth frame section 154, respectively. Each end of the second frame section 152 is connected to the first frame section 151 and the third frame section 153, respectively. Each end of the third frame section 153 is connected to the second frame section 152 and the fourth frame section 154, respectively. Each end of the fourth frame section 154 is connected to the first frame section 151 and the third frame section 153, respectively.

[0041] It is desirable that the height of each frame portion of the plug frame 150 from the plug surface 117, that is, the length of each frame portion in the Z-axis direction, be the same. The length of each frame portion protruding from the plug surface 117 is longer than the length of the plug terminal 130 protruding from the plug surface 117. The length of each frame portion protruding from the plug surface 117 may be the same as the length of each protruding portion 120 protruding from the plug surface 117.

[0042] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the plug terminals 130 of the plug 100 in the connector 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figures 1, 6, and 7, the multiple plug terminals 130 protrude from the plug surface 117. The multiple plug terminals 130 protrude from the plug surface 117 in the -Z axis direction. Each plug terminal 130 protrudes from the plug surface 117 lower than each protruding portion 120 and the plug frame 150. Specifically, the height of each plug terminal 130 from the plug surface 117, that is, the length in the Z axis direction of the portion of each plug terminal 130 that protrudes from the plug surface 117, is shorter than the length in the Z axis direction of each protruding portion 120 and the length in the Z axis direction of the plug frame 150.

[0043] The plug terminal 130 may be L-shaped, having a portion extending in the Z-axis direction and a portion extending in the X-axis or Y-axis direction. Therefore, the portion of the plug terminal 130 extending in the X-axis or Y-axis direction can be fixed to the plug body 110, allowing the plug terminal 130 to be firmly fixed. It is preferable that the plug terminal 130 does not have spring properties. The elasticity of the plug terminal 130 is lower than that of the receptacle terminal 230. The end 132 on the +Z-axis side of the plug terminal 130 is exposed to the plate surface 112. The plug terminal 130 is connected to the receptacle terminal to make it electrically connected. In the figure, the reference numerals of some plug terminals 130 have been omitted to avoid making the figure complicated.

[0044] Multiple plug terminals 130 are arranged in the first plug area 141, the second plug area 142, the third plug area 143, and the fourth plug area 144. Multiple plug terminals 130 may be arranged in a matrix within each of the first plug area 141, the second plug area 142, the third plug area 143, and the fourth plug area 144. Multiple plug terminals 130 may be arranged in a matrix in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction within each area, or in a matrix in a direction offset from the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0045] The arrangement of the plug terminals 130 in each region may differ. The plug terminals 130 are not located in the first central region 149. However, the plug terminals 130 may be located in the first central region 149.

[0046] The receptacle 200 includes a receptacle body 210 and a plurality of receptacle terminals 230. The components of the receptacle 200 will be described below.

[0047] The receptacle body 210 is, for example, a rectangular plate and has two opposing plate surfaces 211 and 212, two opposing side surfaces 213 and 215, and two opposing side surfaces 214 and 216. Each side surface 213 to 216 is connected to each plate surface 211 and 212. The receptacle body 210 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The material of the receptacle body 210 is not limited to an insulating material such as resin; it may also be a metal covered with an insulating film, as long as it does not electrically short-circuit with the multiple receptacle terminals 230.

[0048] The plate surface 211 is the plate surface 211 on the +Z axis side of the receptacle body 210. The plate surface 211 is the receptacle surface 217 that faces the plug 100. Therefore, the receptacle body 210 has a planar receptacle surface 217. The receptacle surface 217 serves as the mating reference surface when mating with the plug 100.

[0049] The receptacle surface 217 includes a first receptacle region 241, a second receptacle region 242, a third receptacle region 243, and a fourth receptacle region 244. The first receptacle region 241 is positioned more towards the -Y axis than the second receptacle region 242. The first receptacle region 241 is positioned more towards the -X axis than the fourth receptacle region 244. The second receptacle region 242 is positioned more towards the +Y axis than the first receptacle region 241. The second receptacle region 242 is positioned more towards the -X axis than the third receptacle region 243. The third receptacle region 243 is positioned more towards the +X axis than the second receptacle region 242. The third receptacle region 243 is positioned more towards the +Y axis than the fourth receptacle region 244. The fourth receptacle region 244 is located on the +X axis side of the first receptacle region 241. The fourth receptacle region 244 is located on the -Y axis side of the third receptacle region 243.

[0050] The receptacle surface 217 may include a second central region 249. The second central region 249 is surrounded by the first receptacle region 241, the second receptacle region 242, the third receptacle region 243, and the fourth receptacle region 244. Specifically, the second central region 249 is located between the first receptacle region 241 and the third receptacle region 243. Also, the second central region 249 is located between the second receptacle region 242 and the fourth receptacle region 244.

[0051] Sides 213 and 215 face each other in the X-axis direction, and sides 214 and 216 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The shape of the receptacle body 210 is not limited to a rectangular plate shape, as long as it has a receptacle surface 217 that faces the plug 100. For example, it may be hemispherical with the receptacle surface 217 as its cross-section.

[0052] The receptacle body portion 210 has a plurality of grooves 220 formed on its receptacle surface 217. The plurality of grooves 220 may penetrate from the receptacle surface 217 of the receptacle body portion 210 to the back plate surface 212. The plurality of grooves 220 include a first groove 221, a second groove 222, a third groove 223, and a fourth groove 224. The plurality of grooves 220 may be formed to a predetermined depth from the receptacle surface 217 of the receptacle body portion 210. In that case, it is desirable that the depth of each groove 220, that is, the length of each groove 220 in the Z-axis direction from the receptacle surface 217, be the same length.

[0053] The internal space of each groove 220 is, for example, rectangular parallelepiped. The internal spaces of the first groove 221 and the third groove 223 are, for example, rectangular parallelepipeds extending in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the first groove 221 and the third groove 223 extend in the X-axis direction on the receptacle surface 217. The internal spaces of the second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 are, for example, rectangular parallelepipeds extending in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 extend in the Y-axis direction intersecting the X-axis direction on the receptacle surface 217. Note that the internal shape of each groove 220 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped; it may also be cylindrical, or a columnar body with an ellipse extending in the X-axis direction or Y-axis direction as its base.

[0054] Furthermore, the first groove 221 and the third groove 223 may extend in directions offset from the X-axis. For example, when viewed from the +Z-axis direction, the first groove 221 and the third groove 223 may each extend in directions rotated in the same direction from the X-axis with the Z-axis as the axis of rotation. In that case, when viewed from the +Z-axis direction, the first groove 221 and the third groove 223 may, for example, be in the shape of two diagonally aligned grooves 220, " / / ". Also, the first groove 221 and the third groove 223 may each extend in directions rotated in mutually different directions from the X-axis. In that case, when viewed from the +Z-axis direction, the first groove 221 and the third groove 223 may, for example, be in the shape of two grooves 220 facing in different directions. groove 220 It is arranged in a ">" shape.

[0055] The second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 may extend in a direction offset from the Y-axis. For example, when viewed from the +Z-axis direction, the second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 may each extend in a direction rotated in the same direction from the Y-axis with the Z-axis as the axis of rotation. In that case, when viewed from the +Z-axis direction, the second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 will be in the shape of, for example, two grooves 220 aligned diagonally. Alternatively, the second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 may each extend in a direction rotated in mutually different directions from the Y-axis. In that case, when viewed from the +Z-axis direction, the second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 will be, for example, two grooves oriented in different directions. groove 220 It is arranged in a ">" shape.

[0056] The directions in which the second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 extend are not limited to directions perpendicular to the directions in which the first groove 221 and the third groove 223 extend, as long as they intersect with the directions in which the first groove 221 and the third groove 223 extend.

[0057] The first groove 221 is located between the first receptacle region 241 and the second receptacle region 242. Therefore, the first groove 221 separates the first receptacle region 241 and the second receptacle region 242. The second groove 222 is located between the second receptacle region 242 and the third receptacle region 243. Therefore, the second groove 222 separates the second receptacle region 242 and the third receptacle region 243. The third groove 223 is located between the third receptacle region 243 and the fourth receptacle region 244. Therefore, the third groove 223 separates the third receptacle region 243 and the fourth receptacle region 244. The fourth groove 224 is located between the first receptacle region 241 and the fourth receptacle region 244. Therefore, the fourth groove 224 separates the first receptacle region 241 and the fourth receptacle region 244.

[0058] The first groove 221 and the third groove 223 are adjacent in the X-axis direction. For example, the first groove 221 is located on the -X-axis side of the third groove 223. The first groove 221 and the third groove 223 are aligned in the X-axis direction on the receptacle surface 217, with the second central region 249 in between. The second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 are adjacent in the Y-axis direction. For example, the second groove 222 is located on the +Y-axis side of the fourth groove 224. The second groove 222 and the fourth groove 224 are aligned in the Y-axis direction on the receptacle surface 217, with the second central region 249 in between.

[0059] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the receptacle terminals 230 of the receptacle 200 in the connector 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 8, a plurality of holes 231 are formed in the receptacle surface 217. Each receptacle terminal 230 is arranged inside each hole 231.

[0060] Multiple receptacle terminals 230 are each positioned inside multiple holes 231 formed in the receptacle surface 217. The receptacle terminals 230 are housed inside the holes 231. When viewed from the side, the receptacle terminals 230 do not protrude from the receptacle surface 217. The tips of the receptacle terminals 230 are located inside the holes 231 beyond their openings.

[0061] The receptacle terminal 230 may be L-shaped, having a portion extending in the Z-axis direction and a portion extending in the X-axis or Y-axis direction. Therefore, the portion of the receptacle terminal 230 extending in the X-axis or Y-axis direction can be fixed to the receptacle body 210. It is preferable that the receptacle terminal 230 has spring properties. The receptacle terminal 230 has higher elasticity than the plug terminal 130. In other words, the receptacle terminal 230 has greater spring properties than the plug terminal 130. On the other hand, the plug terminal 130 has lower elasticity than the receptacle terminal 230.

[0062] For example, the portion of the receptacle terminal 230 extending in the Z-axis direction has a portion that is bent inward. This makes the width of the portion into which the plug terminal 130 is inserted smaller than the outer diameter of the plug terminal 130. When the plug terminal 130 is inserted into the hole 231, the portion of the receptacle terminal 230 extending in the Z-axis direction curves outward. At the same time, the receptacle terminal 230 holds the plug terminal 130 in place by its spring properties, maintaining contact with the plug terminal 130.

[0063] The -Z-axis side end 232 of the receptacle terminal 230 may be exposed on the plate surface 212. The receptacle terminal 230 is connected to the plug terminal 130, thereby creating electrical contact with the plug terminal 130. In the figure, the reference numerals for some receptacle terminals 230 and holes 231 have been omitted to avoid making the figure too complex.

[0064] Multiple receptacle terminals 230 are arranged in the first receptacle area 241, the second receptacle area 242, the third receptacle area 243, and the fourth receptacle area 244. Multiple receptacle terminals 230 may be arranged in a matrix in each of the first receptacle area 241, the second receptacle area 242, the third receptacle area 243, and the fourth receptacle area 244. Multiple receptacle terminals 230 may be arranged in a matrix in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in each area, or in a matrix in a direction offset from the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Note that the arrangement of receptacle terminals 230 in each area may be different. Receptacle terminals 230 are not located in the second central area 249. Note that receptacle terminals 230 may be located in the second central area 249.

[0065] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the plug 100 and the receptacle 200 are facing each other in the connector 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 9, when connecting the plug 100 and the receptacle 200, the plug surface 117 of the plug 100 and the receptacle surface 217 of the receptacle 200 are facing each other. Then, the first protrusion 121, the second protrusion 122, the third protrusion 123, and the fourth protrusion 124 are inserted into the first groove 221, the second groove 222, the third groove 223, and the fourth groove 224, respectively. In this case, the plug terminals 130 of the first plug region 141, the second plug region 142, the third plug region 143, and the fourth plug region 144 are connected to the receptacle terminals 230 of the first receptacle region 241, the second receptacle region 242, the third receptacle region 243, and the fourth receptacle region 244. The plug surface 117 forms a mating reference surface with the receptacle surface 217. In this way, the plug 100 and the receptacle 200 can be connected.

[0066] If the plug 100 has a plug frame 150, when the first protrusion 121, second protrusion 122, third protrusion 123, and fourth protrusion 124 are inserted into the first groove 221, second groove 222, third groove 223, and fourth groove 224, respectively, the receptacle 200 fits into the interior enclosed by the plug frame 150. Specifically, the first frame portion 151 contacts the side surface 213 of the receptacle body portion 210. The second frame portion 152 contacts the side surface 214 of the receptacle body portion 210. The third frame portion 153 contacts the side surface 215 of the receptacle body portion 210. The fourth frame portion 154 contacts the side surface 216 of the receptacle body portion 210. This makes the connection of the connector 1 more secure.

[0067] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the receptacle terminal 230 is positioned inside a hole 231 formed in the receptacle surface 217. On the other hand, the protruding portion 120 of the plug 100 protrudes further from the plug surface 117 than the plug terminal 130. As a result, interference and damage between the plug terminal 130 and the receptacle terminal 230 and the mating plug body portion 110 and receptacle body portion 210 can be suppressed, and the contact reliability of the connector 1 can be improved.

[0068] Figure 10 illustrates a state in which the plug surface 117 of the plug 100 and the receptacle surface 217 of the receptacle 200 are misaligned in the connector 1 according to Embodiment 1. Hatching is omitted in the figure. As shown in Figure 10, the connector 1 has a protrusion 120 on the plug surface 117 of the plug 100. The height of the protrusion 120 from the plug surface 117 is greater than the height of the plug terminal 130 from the plug surface 117. Therefore, even if the plug surface 117 and the receptacle surface 217 are misaligned, the protrusion 120 will contact the receptacle surface 217. This prevents interference between the plug terminal 130 and the receptacle surface 217, and prevents damage to the plug terminal 130.

[0069] Furthermore, the protrusion 120 has multiple protrusions 120 extending in two directions: one direction and another direction intersecting that direction. Therefore, the plug terminal 130 can be protected regardless of which direction the mating position is shifted.

[0070] (Embodiment 2) Next, a connector according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The connector of this embodiment has a shell on the side of the plug body and the receptacle body. Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating the plug in the connector according to Embodiment 2. Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle in the connector according to Embodiment 2. Figure 13 is a top view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated in the connector according to Embodiment 2. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated in the connector according to Embodiment 2, showing the cross-section of line XIV-XIV in Figure 13. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated in the connector according to Embodiment 2, showing the cross-section of line XV-XV in Figure 13. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the plug and receptacle are mated in the connector according to Embodiment 2, showing the cross-section of line XVI-XVI in Figure 13. Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating the plug shell according to Embodiment 2. Figure 18 is a perspective view illustrating a receptacle shell according to Embodiment 2.

[0071] As shown in Figures 11 to 18, connector 2 comprises a plug 300 and a receptacle 400. Plug 300 has the configuration of plug 100 plus an additional plug shell 160. That is, plug 300 includes a plug body 110, a plurality of protrusions 120, a plurality of plug terminals 130, and a plug shell 160. Receptacle 400 has the configuration of receptacle 200 plus an additional receptacle shell 260. That is, receptacle 400 includes a receptacle body 210, a plurality of receptacle terminals 230, and a receptacle shell 260.

[0072] As shown in Figure 17, the plug shell 160 is roughly a rectangular frame. The plug shell 160 contains metal as its material. However, the plug shell 160 is not limited to containing insulating materials such as resin as its material. The plug shell 160 includes a shell portion 160a and a reinforcing portion 160b.

[0073] The shell portion 160a covers the sides 113 to 116 of the plug body portion 110. At the same time, the shell portion 160a protrudes from the plug surface 117. Specifically, the portion of the shell portion 160a on the -Z axis side protrudes from the plug surface 117. The shell portion 160a surrounds the first plug region 141, the second plug region 142, the third plug region 143, and the fourth plug region 144.

[0074] The shell portion 160a includes a first shell portion 161a, a second shell portion 162a, a third shell portion 163a, and a fourth shell portion 164a. The first shell portion 161a and the third shell portion 163a extend, for example, in the Y-axis direction. The second shell portion 162a and the fourth shell portion 164a extend in the X-axis direction. It is desirable that the height of each shell portion 161a to 164a from the plug surface 117, i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction of the portion of each shell portion 161a to 164a protruding from the plug surface 117, be the same length.

[0075] The length of each shell portion 161a to 164a protruding from the plug surface 117 is longer than the length of the plug terminal 130 protruding from the plug surface 117. The length of each shell portion 161a to 164a protruding from the plug surface 117 may be the same as the length of each protruding portion 120 protruding from the plug surface 117.

[0076] The first shell portion 161a covers the side surface 113 of the plug body portion 110. Both ends of the first shell portion 161a are connected to the second shell portion 162a and the fourth shell portion 164a, respectively. The second shell portion 162a covers the side surface 114 of the plug body portion 110. Both ends of the second shell portion 162a are connected to the first shell portion 161a and the third shell portion 163a, respectively. The third shell portion 163a covers the side surface 115 of the plug body portion 110. Both ends of the third shell portion 163a are connected to the second shell portion 162a and the fourth shell portion 164a, respectively. The fourth shell portion 164a covers the side surface 116 of the plug body portion 110. Both ends of the fourth shell portion 164a are connected to the first shell portion 161a and the third shell portion 163a, respectively.

[0077] The reinforcing portion 160b includes a first protruding reinforcing portion 161b, a second protruding reinforcing portion 162b, a third protruding reinforcing portion 163b, and a fourth protruding reinforcing portion 164b. The first protruding reinforcing portion 161b, the second protruding reinforcing portion 162b, the third protruding reinforcing portion 163b, and the fourth protruding reinforcing portion 164b are connected to the central portions of the first shell portion 161a, the second shell portion 162a, the third shell portion 163a, and the fourth shell portion 164a, respectively. In other words, the shell portion 160a is connected to the first protruding reinforcing portion 161b, the second protruding reinforcing portion 162b, the third protruding reinforcing portion 163b, and the fourth protruding reinforcing portion 164b.

[0078] As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the cross-sections of the first protruding reinforcement portion 161b, the second protruding reinforcement portion 162b, the third protruding reinforcement portion 163b, and the fourth protruding reinforcement portion 164b have, for example, an S-shaped portion. The first protruding reinforcement portion 161b, the second protruding reinforcement portion 162b, the third protruding reinforcement portion 163b, and the fourth protruding reinforcement portion 164b cover one end of each protruding portion 120.

[0079] The first protruding reinforcement portion 161b is formed on the first protruding portion 121. Specifically, the first protruding reinforcement portion 161b covers the portion of the -Z-axis side surface of the first protruding portion 121 on the -X-axis side and the end face of the first protruding portion 121 on the -X-axis side. Furthermore, the first protruding reinforcement portion 161b connects the portion that covers the first protruding portion 121 described above with the first shell portion 161a.

[0080] The second protruding reinforcement portion 162b is formed on the second protruding portion 122. The second protruding reinforcement portion 162b covers the portion of the second protruding portion 122 on the +Y axis side of the -Z axis side and the end face of the second protruding portion 122 on the +Y axis side. Furthermore, the second protruding reinforcement portion 162b connects the portion that covers the second protruding portion 122 as described above to the second shell portion 162a.

[0081] The third protruding reinforcement portion 163b is formed on the third protruding portion 123. The third protruding reinforcement portion 163b covers the portion of the -Z-axis side surface of the third protruding portion 123 on the +X-axis side and the end face of the third protruding portion 123 on the +X-axis side. Furthermore, the third protruding reinforcement portion 163b connects the portion that covers the third protruding portion 123 described above to the third shell portion 163a.

[0082] The fourth protruding reinforcement portion 164b is formed on the fourth protruding portion 124. The fourth protruding reinforcement portion 164b covers the portion of the face on the -Z axis side of the fourth protruding portion 124 on the -Y axis side and the end face on the -Y axis side of the fourth protruding portion 124. Furthermore, the fourth protruding reinforcement portion 164b connects the portion that covers the fourth protruding portion 124 described above to the fourth shell portion 164a.

[0083] As shown in Figure 18, the receptacle shell 260 is roughly a rectangular frame. The receptacle shell 260 contains metal as its material. However, the receptacle shell 260 is not limited to containing insulating materials such as resin as its material. The receptacle shell 260 includes a shell portion 260a and a reinforcing portion 260b.

[0084] The shell portion 260a covers the sides 213 to 216 of the receptacle body portion 210. The end of the shell portion 260a on the -Z axis side does not protrude from the receptacle surface 217. Therefore, the shell portion 260a does not protrude from the receptacle surface 217 in the -Z axis direction.

[0085] The shell portion 260a includes a first shell portion 261a, a second shell portion 262a, a third shell portion 263a, and a fourth shell portion 264a. The first shell portion 261a and the third shell portion 263a extend, for example, in the Y-axis direction. The second shell portion 262a and the fourth shell portion 264a extend in the X-axis direction.

[0086] The first shell portion 261a covers the side surface 213 of the receptacle body portion 210. Both ends of the first shell portion 261a are connected to the second shell portion 262a and the fourth shell portion 264a, respectively. The second shell portion 262a covers the side surface 214 of the receptacle body portion 210. Both ends of the second shell portion 262a are connected to the first shell portion 261a and the third shell portion 263a, respectively. The third shell portion 263a covers the side surface 215 of the receptacle body portion 210. Both ends of the third shell portion 263a are connected to the second shell portion 262a and the fourth shell portion 264a, respectively. The fourth shell portion 264a covers the side surface 216 of the receptacle body portion 210. Both ends of the fourth shell portion 264a are connected to the first shell portion 261a and the third shell portion 263a, respectively.

[0087] The reinforcing section 260b includes a first groove reinforcing section 261b, a second groove reinforcing section 262b, a third groove reinforcing section 263b, and a fourth groove reinforcing section 264b. The first groove reinforcing section 261b, the second groove reinforcing section 262b, the third groove reinforcing section 263b, and the fourth groove reinforcing section 264b are connected to the central parts of the first shell section 261a, the second shell section 262a, the third shell section 263a, and the fourth shell section 264a, respectively. In other words, the shell section 260a is connected to the first groove reinforcing section 261b, the second groove reinforcing section 262b, the third groove reinforcing section 263b, and the fourth groove reinforcing section 264b.

[0088] As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the cross-sections of the first groove reinforcement 261b, the second groove reinforcement 262b, the third groove reinforcement 263b, and the fourth groove reinforcement 264b have, for example, a U-shaped portion. The first groove reinforcement 261b, the second groove reinforcement 262b, the third groove reinforcement 263b, and the fourth groove reinforcement 264b cover one inner wall of each groove 220.

[0089] The first groove reinforcement portion 261b is formed on the inner wall of the first groove 221. The first groove reinforcement portion 261b covers the inner wall of the first groove 221 on the -X axis side. Furthermore, the first groove reinforcement portion 261b connects the portion that covers the inner wall of the first groove 221 and the first shell portion 261a.

[0090] The second groove reinforcement portion 262b is formed on the inner wall of the second groove 222. The second groove reinforcement portion 262b covers the inner wall of the second groove 222 on the +Y axis side. Furthermore, the second groove reinforcement portion 262b connects the portion that covers the inner wall of the second groove 222 and the second shell portion 262a.

[0091] The third groove reinforcement portion 263b is formed on the inner wall of the third groove 223. The third groove reinforcement portion 263b covers the inner wall of the third groove 223 on the +X axis side. Furthermore, the third groove reinforcement portion 263b connects the portion that covers the inner wall of the third groove 223 and the third shell portion 263a.

[0092] The fourth groove reinforcement portion 264b is formed on the inner wall of the fourth groove 224. The fourth groove reinforcement portion 264b covers the inner wall of the fourth groove 224 on the -Y axis side. Furthermore, the fourth groove reinforcement portion 264b connects the portion that covers the inner wall of the fourth groove 224 and the fourth shell portion 264a.

[0093] In the connector 2 of this embodiment, when the first protrusion 121, second protrusion 122, third protrusion 123, and fourth protrusion 124 are inserted into the first groove 221, second groove 222, third groove 223, and fourth groove 224, respectively, the first protrusion reinforcement 161b, second protrusion reinforcement 162b, third protrusion reinforcement 163b, and fourth protrusion reinforcement 164b face the first groove reinforcement 261b, second groove reinforcement 262b, third groove reinforcement 263b, and fourth groove reinforcement 264b. For example, there may be a design clearance between each protrusion reinforcement and each groove reinforcement. Furthermore, during the process of inserting the first protrusion 121, second protrusion 122, third protrusion 123, and fourth protrusion 124 into the first groove 221, second groove 222, third groove 223, and fourth groove 224, at least one of the first protrusion reinforcing portion 161b, second protrusion reinforcing portion 162b, third protrusion reinforcing portion 163b, and fourth protrusion reinforcing portion 164b may come into contact with one of the first groove reinforcing portion 261b, second groove reinforcing portion 262b, third groove reinforcing portion 263b, and fourth groove reinforcing portion 264b.

[0094] Furthermore, when each protrusion 120 is inserted into each groove 220, the shell portion 160a of the plug shell 160 comes into contact with the shell portion 260a of the receptacle shell 260. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the shell portion 260a fits into the inner circumferential surface of the portion of the shell portion 160a that protrudes from the plug surface 117.

[0095] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. The connector 2 of this embodiment has a plug shell 160 and a receptacle shell 260. The shell portion 160a of the plug shell 160 covers the sides 113 to 116 of the plug body portion 110. The shell portion 260a of the receptacle shell 260 covers the sides 213 to 216 of the receptacle body portion 210. When the plug 300 is fitted into the receptacle 400, the shell portions 160a and 260a come into contact with each other. Therefore, the plug shell 160 and the receptacle shell 260 can prevent damage to the plug body portion 110 and the receptacle body portion 210 from occurring due to contact during fitting.

[0096] Furthermore, when the plug 300 is fitted into the receptacle 400, each protrusion 120 is fitted into each groove 220. In this case, each reinforcing portion 160b of the plug shell 160 may come into contact with each reinforcing portion 260b of the receptacle shell 260. Therefore, each reinforcing portion 160b and each reinforcing portion 260b can prevent damage to each protrusion 120 and each groove 220 due to contact during fitting. Other configurations and effects are described in Embodiment 1.

[0097] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. This embodiment reduces the number of protrusions 120 and grooves 220. Figure 19 is a perspective view illustrating a plug in the connector according to Embodiment 3. Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating a receptacle in the connector according to Embodiment 3.

[0098] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the connector 3 of this embodiment comprises a plug 500 and a receptacle 600. The plug 500 includes a plug body 110, a plurality of protrusions 120, and a plurality of plug terminals 130. The plug body 110 has a planar plug surface 117 including a first plug region 141, a second plug region 142, and a third plug region 143. The plurality of protrusions 120 include a first protrusion 121 and a second protrusion 122 that protrude from the plug surface 117. The first protrusion 121 separates the first plug region 141 and the second plug region 142. The second protrusion 122 separates the second plug region 142 and the third plug region 143.

[0099] The receptacle 600 includes a receptacle body 210 and a plurality of receptacle terminals 230. The receptacle body 210 has a planar receptacle surface 217 including a first receptacle region 241, a second receptacle region 242, and a third receptacle region 243, and a first groove 221 and a second groove 222 are formed on the receptacle surface 217. The first groove 221 separates the first receptacle region 241 from the second receptacle region 242. The second groove 222 separates the second receptacle region 242 from the third receptacle region 243.

[0100] When the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 122 are inserted into the first groove 221 and the second groove 222, respectively, the plug terminals 130 of the first plug region 141, the second plug region 142, and the third plug region 143 are connected to the receptacle terminals 230 of the first receptacle region 241, the second receptacle region 242, and the third receptacle region 243.

[0101] The plug surface 117 may further include a first central region 149. In that case, the first projection 121 may be aligned with the first central region 149 on the plug surface 117, and the second projection 122 may be aligned with the first central region 149 on the plug surface 117. The receptacle surface 217 may further include a second central region 249. In that case, the first groove 221 may be aligned with the second central region 249 on the receptacle surface 217, and the second groove 222 may be aligned with the second central region 249 on the receptacle surface 217.

[0102] The plug 500 may further have a plug frame 150 that protrudes from the plug surface 117 and surrounds a first plug area 141, a second plug area 142, and a third plug area 143. In this case, when the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 122 are inserted into the first groove 221 and the second groove 222, respectively, the receptacle 600 fits into the interior surrounded by the plug frame 150. The plug frame 150 is rectangular in shape and may include a first frame portion 151, a second frame portion 152, a third frame portion 153, and a fourth frame portion 154. The first frame portion 151 and the third frame portion 153 may extend in opposite directions intersecting in one direction on the plug surface 117. The second frame portion 152 and the fourth frame portion 154 may extend in one direction on the plug surface 117.

[0103] The plug 500 may further have a plug shell 160. The plug shell 160 may include a first protruding reinforcing portion 161b formed on the first protruding portion 121, a second protruding reinforcing portion 162b formed on the second protruding portion 122, and a shell portion 160a that covers the sides 113 to 116 of the plug body portion 110, protrudes from the plug surface 117, surrounds the first plug region 141, the second plug region 142, and the third plug region 143, and is connected to the first protruding reinforcing portion 161b and the second protruding reinforcing portion 162b.

[0104] The receptacle 600 may further include a receptacle shell 260. The receptacle shell 260 may include a first groove reinforcing portion 261b formed on the inner wall of the first groove 221, a second groove reinforcing portion 262b formed on the inner wall of the second groove 222, and a shell portion 260a that covers the sides 213 to 216 of the receptacle body portion 210 and is connected to the first groove reinforcing portion 261b and the second groove reinforcing portion 262b.

[0105] When the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 122 are inserted into the first groove 221 and the second groove 222, respectively, the first protrusion reinforcement 161b and the second protrusion reinforcement 162b face the first groove reinforcement 261b and the second groove reinforcement 262b. In addition, during the process of inserting the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 122 into the first groove 221 and the second groove 222, respectively, at least one of the first protrusion reinforcement 161b and the second protrusion reinforcement 162b may come into contact with either the first groove reinforcement 261b or the second groove reinforcement 262b. The shell portion 160a of the plug shell 160 comes into contact with the shell portion 260a of the receptacle shell 260.

[0106] According to this embodiment, even if the number of protrusions 120 in the plug 500 and grooves 220 in the receptacle 600 is reduced, interference and damage between the plug terminals 130 and receptacle terminals 230 and the mating plug body 110 and receptacle body 210 can be suppressed, thereby improving the contact reliability of the connector 1. Other configurations and effects are described in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0107] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, this disclosure includes appropriate modifications that do not impair its purpose and advantages, and is not limited by the above embodiments. Furthermore, the configurations in Embodiments 1 to 3 may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1, 2 connectors 100, 300, 500 plugs 110 Plug body 111, 112 plate surface 113, 114, 115, 116 Side view 117 Plug surface 120 Protrusion 121 1st protrusion 122 Second protrusion 123 Third protrusion 124 4th protrusion 130 plug terminals 132 End 141 First Plug Area 142 Second plug area 143 Third Plug Area 144 Fourth Plug Area 149 1st central area 150 plug frame 151 Section 1 152 Second Slot 153 Third Slot 154 Section 4 160 Plug Shell 160a Shell section 160b Reinforcement part 161a First shell section 161b 1st protruding reinforcement part 162a Second shell section 162b 2nd protruding reinforcement part 163a Third shell section 163b 3rd protruding reinforcement part 164a Fourth shell section 164b 4th protruding reinforcement part 200, 400, 600 receptacles 210 Receptacle body 211, 212 plate surface 213, 214, 215, 216 Side view 217 Receptacle surface 220 Groove 221 First groove 222 2nd groove 223 Third groove 224 4th groove 230 Receptacle Terminals 231 hole 232 End 241 First receptacle region 242 Second receptacle region 243 Third receptacle region 244 Fourth receptacle region 249 Second central area 260 Receptacle Shells 260a Shell section 260b Reinforcement part 261a First shell section 261b 1st groove reinforcement part 262a Second shell section 262b 2nd groove reinforcement part 263a Third shell section 263b Third groove reinforcement section 264a Fourth shell section 264b 4th groove reinforcement part 1000 plugs 1001 Plug surface 1002 Plug terminal 2000 Receptacles 2001 Receptacle surface 2002 Receptacle Terminal

Claims

1. Plug and A receptacle that connects to the aforementioned plug, Equipped with, The aforementioned plug is A plug body having a planar plug surface including a first plug region, a second plug region and a third plug region, A plurality of protrusions, including a first protrusion and a second protrusion, protrude from the plug surface, Multiple plug terminals that protrude lower than the protruding portion from the plug surface, Includes, The aforementioned receptacle is, A receptacle body having a planar receptacle surface including a first receptacle region, a second receptacle region, and a third receptacle region, wherein a first groove and a second groove are formed on the receptacle surface, Multiple receptacle terminals are arranged inside multiple holes formed on the receptacle surface, Includes, The first protrusion separates the first plug region and the second plug region. The second protrusion separates the second plug region and the third plug region. The first groove separates the first receptacle region and the second receptacle region. The second groove separates the second receptacle region from the third receptacle region. When the first protrusion and the second protrusion are inserted into the first groove and the second groove, respectively, The plug terminals of the first plug region, the second plug region, and the third plug region are connected to the receptacle terminals of the first receptacle region, the second receptacle region, and the third receptacle region. connector.

2. The plug surface further includes a fourth plug region, The plurality of protrusions further include a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion that protrude from the plug surface, The receptacle surface further includes a fourth receptacle region, The receptacle body portion is further formed with a third groove and a fourth groove, The third protrusion separates the third plug region and the fourth plug region. The fourth protrusion separates the first plug region and the fourth plug region. The third groove separates the third receptacle region from the fourth receptacle region. The fourth groove separates the first receptacle region from the fourth receptacle region. When the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are further inserted into the third groove and the fourth groove, respectively, Each plug terminal in the fourth plug region is connected to each receptacle terminal in the fourth receptacle region. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The first and third protrusions extend in one direction on the plug surface, The second and fourth protrusions extend in the plug surface in directions that intersect in one direction and the other direction, When the receptacle surface and the plug surface are facing each other, The first groove and the third groove extend in the one direction on the receptacle surface, The second groove and the fourth groove extend in the other direction on the receptacle surface. The connector according to claim 2.

4. The plug surface further includes a first central region, The first protrusion and the third protrusion are arranged on the plug surface, flanking the first central region. The second and fourth protrusions are arranged on the plug surface, flanking the first central region. The receptacle surface further includes a second central region, The first groove and the third groove are arranged on the receptacle surface, flanking the second central region. The second groove and the fourth groove are arranged on the receptacle surface, flanking the second central region. The connector according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The plug terminal has lower elasticity than the receptacle terminal, The tip of the receptacle terminal is located inside the hole. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The plug further has a plug frame that protrudes from the plug surface and surrounds the first plug region, the second plug region, the third plug region, and the fourth plug region. When the first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, and the fourth protrusion are inserted into the first groove, the second groove, the third groove, and the fourth groove, respectively, the receptacle fits into the interior enclosed by the plug frame. The connector according to claim 2 or 3.

7. The plug frame is rectangular in shape and includes a first frame section, a second frame section, a third frame section, and a fourth frame section. The first frame portion and the third frame portion extend in directions that intersect in one direction on the plug surface, The second frame portion and the fourth frame portion extend in one direction on the plug surface, The connector according to claim 6.

8. The plug further comprises a plug shell, The aforementioned plug shell is The first protruding reinforcing portion formed on the first protruding portion, The second protruding reinforcing portion formed on the second protruding portion, The third protruding reinforcing portion formed on the third protruding portion, The fourth protruding reinforcing portion formed on the fourth protruding portion, A shell portion that covers the side surface of the plug body, protrudes from the plug surface, surrounds the first plug region, the second plug region, the third plug region and the fourth plug region, and is connected to the first protruding reinforcement portion, the second protruding reinforcement portion, the third protruding reinforcement portion and the fourth protruding reinforcement portion, Includes, The receptacle further comprises a receptacle shell, The aforementioned receptacle shell is A first groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the first groove, The second groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the second groove, A third groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the third groove, The fourth groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the fourth groove, A shell portion that covers the side surface of the receptacle body portion and is connected to the first groove reinforcement portion, the second groove reinforcement portion, the third groove reinforcement portion and the fourth groove reinforcement portion, Includes, When the first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, and the fourth protrusion are inserted into the first groove, the second groove, the third groove, and the fourth groove, respectively, The first protruding reinforcement portion, the second protruding reinforcement portion, the third protruding reinforcement portion, and the fourth protruding reinforcement portion are opposite to the first groove reinforcement portion, the second groove reinforcement portion, the third groove reinforcement portion, and the fourth groove reinforcement portion, respectively. The shell portion of the plug shell contacts the shell portion of the receptacle shell. The connector according to claim 2 or 3.

9. The first projection extends in one direction on the plug surface, The second projection extends in a direction intersecting the one direction on the plug surface, When the receptacle surface and the plug surface are facing each other, The first groove extends in the one direction on the receptacle surface, The second groove extends in the other direction on the receptacle surface, The connector according to claim 1.

10. The plug surface further includes a first central region, The first protrusion is positioned on the plug surface, alongside the first central region, The second protrusion is aligned with the first central region on the plug surface, The receptacle surface further includes a second central region, The first groove is aligned with the second central region on the receptacle surface, The second groove is aligned with the second central region on the receptacle surface. The connector according to claim 1 or 9.

11. The plug further has a plug frame that protrudes from the plug surface and surrounds the first plug region, the second plug region, and the third plug region. When the first protrusion and the second protrusion are inserted into the first groove and the second groove, respectively, the receptacle fits into the interior enclosed by the plug frame. The connector according to claim 1 or 9.

12. The plug frame is rectangular in shape and includes a first frame section, a second frame section, a third frame section, and a fourth frame section. The first frame portion and the third frame portion extend in directions that intersect in one direction on the plug surface, The second frame portion and the fourth frame portion extend in one direction on the plug surface, The connector according to claim 11.

13. The plug further comprises a plug shell, The aforementioned plug shell is The first protruding reinforcing portion formed on the first protruding portion, The second protruding reinforcing portion formed on the second protruding portion, A shell portion that covers the side surface of the plug body, protrudes from the plug surface, surrounds the first plug region, the second plug region and the third plug region, and is connected to the first protruding reinforcement portion and the second protruding reinforcement portion, Includes, The receptacle further comprises a receptacle shell, The aforementioned receptacle shell is A first groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the first groove, The second groove reinforcing portion formed on the inner wall of the second groove, A shell portion that covers the side surface of the receptacle body and is connected to the first groove reinforcement portion and the second groove reinforcement portion, Includes, When the first protrusion and the second protrusion are inserted into the first groove and the second groove, respectively, The first protruding reinforcing portion and the second protruding reinforcing portion face the first groove reinforcing portion and the second groove reinforcing portion, The shell portion of the plug shell contacts the shell portion of the receptacle shell. The connector according to claim 1 or 9.

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