Electrical connection device

Abstract

To provide an electric connection device that fits a plug connector to a receptacle connector with a clearance left, and that can suppress a fitting part of the receptacle connector for a device from being broken and the receptacle connector itself from being broken.SOLUTION: A receptacle-side housing 16 of a receptacle connector 12 is provided with a reception part 21 which has an inner wall 21a arranged on an inner side of an opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 to abut on an end part 14c of a plug connector 11 inserted into the opening part 18. The reception part 21 is provided with a relief part 21b which relieves force acting from the end part 14c of the plug connector 11 on both sides in a width direction X2. The relief part 21b relieves the force acting from the end part 14c of the plug connector 11 by preventing contact with the end part 14c of the plug connector 11 while avoiding transmission of the force acting from the end part 14c of the plug connector 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection device including a plug connector and a receptacle connector that mates with and connects to the plug connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when electrically connecting two devices for transmitting an electrical signal or power, an electrical connection device including a plug connector and a receptacle connector that mates with and connects to the plug connector has been used. A plug connector is attached to one of the two devices, a receptacle connector is attached to the other of the two devices, and the two devices are electrically connected by fitting the plug connector into the receptacle connector.

[0003] The plug connector and the receptacle connector of an electrical connection device for electrically connecting two devices usually each include a plurality of contacts. In the plug connector and the receptacle connector, the plurality of contacts are arranged side by side along the width direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction in which the plug connector and the receptacle connector fit together. For this reason, both the plug connector and the receptacle connector are configured in a form extending in the width direction. And in an electrical connection device for connecting two devices, it is often required to avoid a configuration that allows only fitting by a specific plug connector and receptacle connector and to enable fitting of unspecified plug connectors and receptacle connectors. Such an electrical connection device is configured such that the plug connector is inserted and fitted through a clearance set in the width direction with respect to the opening of the receptacle connector. Regarding such an electrical connection device, for example, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0004] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the receptacle connector comprises a cylindrical shell that forms an opening into which a plug connector is inserted, and a housing disposed inside the shell and holding a plurality of contacts. The housing is provided with an inner wall that abuts against the end of the plug connector inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector. The inner wall of the housing of the receptacle connector that abuts against the end of the plug connector is provided to extend flatly in the width direction, which is the direction in which the plurality of contacts held by the housing are aligned. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4368897 specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a plug connector is inserted into and mated with the opening of a receptacle connector via a clearance set in the width direction, the plug connector may be inserted and mated at an oblique angle to the opening of the receptacle connector. That is, the plug connector may be inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector at an oblique angle to the mating direction, which is the direction in which the plug connector and the receptacle connector are mated.

[0007] As described above, when a plug connector is inserted into the opening of a receptacle connector at an angle to the mating direction, the tip end of the inserted plug connector will abut against the inner wall of the housing at the far end of the receptacle connector's opening at an angle. In this case, one edge in the width direction of the tip end of the inserted plug connector will locally abut against the portion of the inner wall of the housing at the far end of the receptacle connector's opening near that end in the width direction. When a local abutment occurs near one end in the width direction of the inner wall of the housing at the far end of the receptacle connector's opening, a large torsional load is generated in the receptacle connector, causing it to rotate around its central position in the width direction.

[0008] On the other hand, the multiple contacts in a receptacle connector are not only electrically connected to the equipment to which the receptacle connector is attached, but are also mechanically fixed and connected. For example, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, each of the multiple contacts in the receptacle connector is mechanically fixed and connected to the circuit board of the equipment to which the receptacle connector is attached by soldering. Therefore, if a local abutment occurs near one end in the width direction of the inner wall of the housing on the far side of the opening of the receptacle connector, and a large torsional load is placed on the receptacle connector, a large load will be placed on the multiple contacts that are fixed to the equipment.

[0009] If a localized abutment of the plug connector causes a torsional load on the receptacle connector, resulting in a large load on the contacts, damage may occur to the fixing point between the contacts and the equipment, potentially leading to damage to the part of the receptacle connector attached to the equipment. For example, if the contacts of the receptacle connector are soldered to the equipment's circuit board, solder cracks may occur, potentially leading to damage to the part of the receptacle connector attached to the circuit board. Furthermore, if a localized abutment of the plug connector causes a torsional load on the receptacle connector, resulting in a large load on the contacts, damage may occur to the housing that holds the contacts fixed to the equipment, potentially leading to damage to the receptacle connector itself.

[0010] Furthermore, devices with plug connectors and devices with receptacle connectors are typically connected and disconnected repeatedly. Therefore, the plug connector is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the opening of the receptacle connector, and the plug connector and receptacle connector are repeatedly mated and disassembled. Consequently, repeated mating of the plug connector to the receptacle connector can cause localized abutment of the plug connector, resulting in torsional stress on the receptacle connector and repeated stress on the contacts. This repeated mating can lead to accumulated damage to the contact-to-device fixing points, potentially causing damage to the receptacle connector's attachment points to the device. Additionally, repeated mating can lead to accumulated damage to the housing that holds the contacts fixed to the device, potentially causing damage to the receptacle connector itself.

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention relates to an electrical connection device in which a plug connector is inserted into and mated with an opening of a receptacle connector via a clearance set in the width direction, and aims to provide an electrical connection device that can suppress damage to the mounting portion of the receptacle connector to the equipment, as well as suppress damage to the receptacle connector itself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] (1) An electrical connection device according to a certain aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objectives comprises a plug connector and a receptacle connector into which the plug connector is mated and connected. The electrical connection device according to a certain aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of receptacle-side contacts and a receptacle-side housing that holds the plurality of receptacle-side contacts, and is provided with an opening into which the plug connector is inserted and mated via a clearance, the clearance is set in the width direction which is perpendicular to the mating direction which is the direction in which the plug connector is mated into the receptacle connector and in the direction in which the plurality of receptacle-side contacts are arranged side by side, and the receptacle-side housing The device is provided with a receiving portion having an inner wall positioned on the far side of the opening and in contact with the end of the plug connector inserted into the opening, and the receiving portion is provided with relief portions on both sides in the width direction to relieve the force acting from the end of the plug connector inserted into the opening, and the relief portions are configured to relieve the force acting from the end of the plug connector by preventing contact with the end of the plug connector so as to avoid the transmission of the force acting from the end of the plug connector, or by mitigating the force acting from the end of the plug connector.

[0013] In this configuration, the receiving portion of the receptacle-side housing, which has an inner wall that contacts the end of the plug connector inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector, is provided with relief portions on both sides in the width direction to release the force acting from the end of the plug connector. Therefore, when the plug connector is inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector at an angle to the mating direction, the widthwise edge portion of the tip end of the inserted plug connector will face the relief portion of the receiving portion of the receptacle connector. In other words, of the widthwise edge portions on both sides of the tip end of the plug connector inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector at an angle, the edge portion that is inclined toward the back of the opening will face the relief portion provided in the receiving portion of the receptacle-side housing. Therefore, the widthwise edge portion of the tip end of the plug connector inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector at an angle will not abut against the inner wall of the receiving portion.

[0014] The relief section is configured to relieve the force acting from the end of the plug connector by preventing contact with the end of the plug connector or by mitigating the force acting from the end of the plug connector, thereby avoiding the transmission of force acting from the end of the plug connector. As a result, no force is transmitted or the force is mitigated from the widthwise edge portion of the tip end of the plug connector facing the relief section to the receptacle-side housing on the far side of the opening of the receptacle connector. This prevents localized contact from the end of the plug connector to one end in the widthwise direction of the receptacle-side housing on the far side of the opening of the receptacle connector. Therefore, torsional loads that cause rotation around the center in the widthwise direction are suppressed in the receptacle connector. And because torsional loads are suppressed in the receptacle connector, loads are suppressed on the receptacle-side contact portion that is fixed to the equipment to which the receptacle connector is attached. This reduces damage to the fixing point between the receptacle-side contact and the equipment, and reduces damage to the part of the receptacle connector that attaches to the equipment. Furthermore, it reduces damage to the receptacle-side housing that holds the receptacle-side contact fixed to the equipment, and reduces damage to the receptacle connector itself.

[0015] Therefore, with the above configuration, even if the plug connector is inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector at an angle to the mating direction, damage to the part of the receptacle connector that attaches to the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector can also be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the mating operation of the plug connector to the receptacle connector is repeated, the accumulation of damage to the fixing part between the receptacle-side contact and the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the part of the receptacle connector that attaches to the equipment can also be suppressed. In addition, the accumulation of damage to the receptacle-side housing that holds the receptacle-side contact fixed to the equipment can also be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector can also be suppressed.

[0016] Therefore, according to the above configuration, in relation to an electrical connection device in which a plug connector is inserted and mated with respect to the opening of a receptacle connector via a clearance set in the width direction, it is possible to suppress damage to the mounting portion of the receptacle connector to the equipment, and also to suppress damage to the receptacle connector itself.

[0017] (2) The relief portion may be provided as a recess on both sides in the width direction of the receiving portion, recessed toward the back of the opening, and configured to relieve force from the end of the plug connector by preventing contact with the end of the plug connector so as to avoid the transmission of force from the end of the plug connector.

[0018] With this configuration, the structure of the relief portion that releases force from the end of the plug connector can be made into a simple structure in which the receiving portion is formed as recesses that are recessed toward the back of the opening on both sides in the width direction, thereby preventing contact with the end of the plug connector in order to avoid the transmission of force from the end of the plug connector.

[0019] (3) Furthermore, an electrical connection device according to a certain aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objectives relates to an electrical connection device comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector into which the plug connector is mated and connected. The electrical connection device according to a certain aspect of the present invention comprises a plug connector having a plurality of plug-side contacts and a plug-side housing that holds the plurality of plug-side contacts, and is configured to be inserted into and mated with an opening provided in the receptacle connector via a clearance, the clearance being set in the width direction which is perpendicular to the mating direction which is the direction in which the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector and in the direction in which the plurality of plug-side contacts are arranged side by side, and the tip end of the plug-side housing that is inserted into the opening The receptacle connector is provided with a contact portion that abuts against the inner wall on the far side of the opening, and relief portions arranged on both sides in the width direction relative to the contact portion to relieve the force acting from the inner wall on the plug connector inserted into the opening. The relief portions are configured to relieve the force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector by preventing contact with the inner wall of the receptacle connector or by mitigating the force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector, thereby avoiding the transmission of force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector.

[0020] In this configuration, the tip end of the plug-side housing inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector is provided with a contact portion that abuts against the inner wall at the far end of the opening of the receptacle connector, and relief portions positioned on both sides in the width direction of the contact portion to release the force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector. Therefore, when the plug connector is inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector at an angle to the mating direction, one of the relief portions provided on both sides in the width direction of the tip end of the plug-side housing of the plug connector will face the inner wall at the far end of the opening of the receptacle connector. In other words, of the relief portions on both sides in the width direction of the tip end of the plug-side housing inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector at an angle, the relief portion that is tilted toward the far end of the opening will face the inner wall at the far end of the opening of the receptacle connector.

[0021] The relief portion is configured to relieve the force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector by preventing contact with the inner wall of the receptacle connector, or by mitigating the force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector, thereby avoiding the transmission of force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector. As a result, at one of the relief portions on both sides in the width direction at the tip end of the plug connector facing the inner wall of the receptacle connector, no force is transmitted from the inner wall of the receptacle connector, or the force acting is mitigated. This prevents localized abrasion from the end of the plug connector against one end in the width direction of the inner wall on the far side of the opening of the receptacle connector. Therefore, the occurrence of torsional loads that cause rotation around the center position in the width direction in the receptacle connector is suppressed. Furthermore, since torsional loads on the receptacle connector are suppressed, loads on the receptacle-side contacts fixed to the equipment to which the receptacle connector is attached are suppressed. This suppresses damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contacts and the equipment, and prevents damage to the part of the receptacle connector attached to the equipment. In addition, damage to the receptacle-side housing that holds the receptacle-side contacts fixed to the equipment is suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector itself is also suppressed.

[0022] Therefore, according to the above configuration, even when the plug connector is inserted into the opening of the receptacle connector in a state inclined obliquely with respect to the fitting direction, it is possible to suppress damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector to the device, and it is also possible to suppress damage to the receptacle connector. Further, even when the fitting operation of the plug connector to the receptacle connector is repeated, accumulation of damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact and the device is suppressed, and damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector to the device is suppressed. And accumulation of damage to the receptacle-side housing that holds the receptacle-side contact fixed to the device is also suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector is also suppressed.

[0023] Therefore, according to the above configuration, regarding an electrical connection device in which the plug connector is inserted and fitted through a clearance set in the width direction with respect to the opening of the receptacle connector, it is possible to suppress damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector to the device, and it is also possible to suppress damage to the receptacle connector.

[0024] (4) The relief portion may be provided on both sides in the width direction at the end on the tip side inserted into the opening in the plug-side housing so as to be recessed stepwise toward the side opposite to the tip side where the plug-side housing is inserted into the opening with respect to the contact portion, and is configured to release the force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector by preventing contact with the inner wall of the receptacle connector so as to avoid transmission of the force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector.

[0025] According to this configuration, by preventing contact with the inner wall of the receptacle connector so as to avoid transmission of the force from the inner wall of the receptacle connector, the structure of the relief portion for releasing the force from the inner wall of the receptacle connector can be configured as a simple structure formed as a portion recessed stepwise toward the side opposite to the tip side on both sides in the width direction at the end on the tip side of the plug-side housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, there is provided an electrical connection device in which a plug connector is inserted and fitted through a clearance set in the width direction with respect to the opening of a receptacle connector, which can suppress breakage of the attachment portion of the receptacle connector to the device and can also suppress breakage of the receptacle connector.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of an electrical connection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where the plug connector and the receptacle connector of the electrical connection device are not fitted and not connected. [Figure 2] It is a view showing an electrical connection device in a state where a plug connector and a receptacle connector are fitted and connected. FIG. 2(A) is a plan view, and FIG. 2(B) is a side view. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device. FIG. 3(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow A-A line in FIG. 2(A), and FIG. 3(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow B-B line in FIG. 2(A). [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow C-C line in FIG. 2(B). [Figure 5] It is a view showing a receptacle connector. FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view, and FIG. 5(B) is a side view. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle connector. FIG. 6(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow D-D line in FIG. 5(B), and FIG. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow E-E line in FIG. 5(B). [Figure 7] It is a view showing a receptacle connector. FIG. 7(A) is a front view, FIG. 7(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow F-F line in FIG. 7(A), and FIG. 7(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow G-G line in FIG. 7(A). [Figure 8]This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device, illustrating the operation of a plug connector mating into a receptacle connector for connection. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device, illustrating the operation of a plug connector mating into a receptacle connector for connection. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a plug connector and a receptacle connector are mated and connected. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the plug connector and receptacle connector of the electrical connection device are not mated and are not connected. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device according to a third embodiment, illustrating the operation in which a plug connector is mated with and connected to a receptacle connector. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of an electrical connection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the plug connector and receptacle connector of the electrical connection device are not mated and are not connected. [Figure 14] This is a plan view of the electrical connection device of the fourth embodiment, showing a state in which the plug connector and receptacle connector of the electrical connection device are not mated and are not connected. [Figure 15] This is a side view of the electrical connection device of the fourth embodiment, showing a state in which the plug connector and the receptacle connector are not mated and therefore not connected. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device of the fourth embodiment, taken at the position indicated by the arrow HH in Figure 15. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device according to the fourth embodiment, showing the plug connector and the receptacle connector in a mated and connected state. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device according to a fourth embodiment, illustrating the operation in which a plug connector is mated with and connected to a receptacle connector. [Figure 19] This is a plan view of an electrical connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the plug connector and receptacle connector of the electrical connection device are not mated and are not connected. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device according to the fifth embodiment, showing a state in which the plug connector and receptacle connector of the electrical connection device are not mated and are not connected. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device according to a fifth embodiment, illustrating the operation in which a plug connector is mated with and connected to a receptacle connector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is an electrical connection device comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector into which the plug connector is mated and connected, and can be widely applied to various applications.

[0029] [First Embodiment] (Outline configuration of the electrical connection device) Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connection device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the plug connector 11 and receptacle connector 12 of the electrical connection device 1 in a state where they are not mated and not connected. Figure 2 shows the electrical connection device 1 in a state where the plug connector 11 and receptacle connector 12 are mated and connected, with Figure 2(A) being a plan view and Figure 2(B) being a side view. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 1, with Figure 3(A) being a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA in Figure 2(A), and Figure 3(B) being a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in Figure 2(A). Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 1, taken along the arrow CC in Figure 2(B). Note that Figures 3 and 4 show a part of the plug connector 11 and a cross-section of the receptacle connector 12 in the electrical connection device 1. Furthermore, in Figures 3 and 4, the cross-section of the plug connector 11 is schematically shown by adding diagonal hatching to the entire surface, thus omitting the detailed illustration of its shape.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the electrical connection device 1 comprises a plug connector 11 and a receptacle connector 12 into which the plug connector 11 is mated and connected, and is used to electrically connect two devices (not shown). The plug connector 11 is attached to one of the two devices to be electrically connected, for example, by soldering to a circuit board (not shown) provided on one of the devices. The plug connector 11 is provided with a plurality of plug-side contacts 13, and the plug connector 11 is attached to the one of the devices by soldering the plurality of plug-side contacts 13 to the circuit board of the one of the devices. The receptacle connector 12 is attached to the other of the two devices to be electrically connected, for example, by soldering to a circuit board (not shown) provided on the other device. The receptacle connector 12 is provided with multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 and a shell 17. The receptacle connector 32 is attached to the other device by soldering the multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 and the shell 17 to the circuit board of the other device. With the plug connector 11 attached to one of the two devices and the receptacle connector 12 attached to the other device, the two devices are electrically connected by connecting the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the plug connector 11 comprises a plurality of plug-side contacts 13 and a plug-side housing 14. The plurality of plug-side contacts 13 are formed of a conductive metal material and are each held in the plug-side housing 14. The plurality of plug-side contacts 13 are held in the plug-side housing 14 in a state where their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other and they are arranged in two rows. The plug-side housing 14 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material and holds the plurality of plug-side contacts 13. The plug connector 11 is configured to mate and connect to the receptacle connector 12.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the receptacle connector 12 comprises a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15, a receptacle-side housing 16, and a shell 17. The plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15 are formed of a conductive metal material and are each held in the receptacle-side housing 16. The plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15 are held in the receptacle-side housing 16 in a state where their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other and they are arranged in two rows. The receptacle-side housing 16 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material and holds the plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15. The shell 17 is formed of a conductive metal material and is provided in a cylindrical shape that covers the outer circumference of the receptacle-side housing 16. The receptacle connector 12 is provided with an opening 18 into which the plug connector 11 is fitted. The plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 and mated, thereby connecting the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12.

[0033] The following describes the configuration of the electrical connection device 1 in more detail. In the following description, the mating direction X1, width direction X2, and height direction X3 of the electrical connection device 1 are defined as shown by the double-ended arrows X1, X2, and X3 in Figures 1 to 4 and the drawings described later.

[0034] The mating direction X1 is configured as the direction in which the plug connector 11 is mated with the receptacle connector 12. That is, the mating direction X1 is configured as a direction parallel to the direction in which the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 when the plug connector 11 is mated with the receptacle connector 12.

[0035] The width direction X2 is a direction perpendicular to the mating direction X1, and is configured as the direction in which the multiple plug-side contacts 13 and the multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 are arranged side by side in the mated plug connector 11 and receptacle connector 12. Therefore, in the plug connector 11, the width direction X2 is configured as a direction perpendicular to the mating direction X1, in which the multiple plug-side contacts 13 are arranged side by side in the plug-side housing 14. And in the receptacle connector 12, the width direction X2 is configured as a direction perpendicular to the mating direction X1, in which the multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 are arranged side by side in the receptacle-side housing 16.

[0036] The height direction X3 is configured to be perpendicular to both the mating direction X1 and the width direction X2. Therefore, in the plug connector 11, the height direction X3 is configured to be perpendicular to both the mating direction X1 and the width direction X2. Similarly, in the receptacle connector 12, the height direction X3 is configured to be perpendicular to both the mating direction X1 and the width direction X2.

[0037] (Plug connector) Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the plug connector 11 comprises a plurality of plug-side contacts 13 and a plug-side housing 14 that holds the plurality of plug-side contacts 13. Each of the plurality of plug-side contacts 13 is formed, for example, in the shape of a leaf spring having a longitudinal direction, and is held in the plug-side housing 14 with its longitudinal direction extending along the mating direction X1. Furthermore, the plurality of plug-side contacts 13 are held in the plug-side housing 14 in a state where they extend parallel to each other along the mating direction X1 and are aligned along the width direction X2. In this embodiment, the plurality of plug-side contacts 13 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2.

[0038] Each plug-side contact 13 is configured to make contact with each receptacle-side contact 15 of the receptacle connector 12 at one end in the longitudinal direction, thereby making an electrical connection. Furthermore, each plug-side contact 13 is configured to be soldered to the circuit board of the device to which the plug connector 11 is attached at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The portion of each plug-side contact 13 at one end in the longitudinal direction is positioned to be exposed inside the plug-side housing 14. Each plug-side contact 13 at one end in the longitudinal direction is provided with a spring contact portion that contacts each receptacle-side contact 15 of the receptacle connector 12 when the plug connector 11 is mated with the receptacle connector 12.

[0039] The plug-side housing 14 is configured to hold multiple plug-side contacts 13 and to be fitted into the receptacle connector 12 by being inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12. The plug-side housing 14 is provided with multiple contact retention holes 19 that penetrate the interior of the plug-side housing 14 along the mating direction X1. Multiple plug-side contacts 13 are held in the plug-side housing 14 by being press-fitted into each of the multiple contact retention holes 19 in the plug-side housing 14. Furthermore, the multiple contact retention holes 19 in the plug-side housing 14 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2, and multiple plug-side contacts 13 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2 in the plug-side housing 14 by being press-fitted into each of the multiple contact retention holes 19.

[0040] Furthermore, the plug-side housing 14 is provided with an opening insertion portion 14a, which is the tip portion that is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12, and is located on one side in the mating direction X1. The opening insertion portion 14a has an outer circumference shape that substantially corresponds to the inner circumference shape of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 and is provided to extend along the mating direction X1. Note that the dimension of the opening insertion portion 14a in the width direction X2 is set to be smaller than the dimension of the inner circumference of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 in the width direction X2. Therefore, referring to Figure 4, the opening insertion portion 14a is formed to be inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 via a clearance C1 set in the width direction X2.

[0041] Referring to Figure 3, the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 is provided with an insertion hole 14b that opens toward the tip side into which the opening insertion portion 14a is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12. The insertion hole 14b is provided as a hole into which the contact holding portion 20, described later, of the receptacle-side housing 16, which is located inside the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12, is inserted when the opening insertion portion 14a is inserted into the opening 18. The contact holding portion 20 is provided as a portion of the receptacle-side housing 16 that holds the receptacle-side contact 15. The insertion hole 14b is provided inside the opening insertion portion 14a as a hole that extends along the mating direction X1 and widens along the width direction X2. Inside the insertion hole 14b of the opening insertion portion 14a, one end portion of the plug-side contact 13 in the longitudinal direction is exposed. When the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated, the opening insertion portion 14a is inserted into the opening 18, and inside the opening 18, the contact holding portion 20 of the receptacle-side housing 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 14b of the opening insertion portion 14a. Then, each plug-side contact 13 exposed at the insertion hole 14b of the opening insertion portion 14a and each receptacle-side contact 15 held by the contact holding portion 20 of the receptacle-side housing 16 come into contact.

[0042] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1, 3, and 4, the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a that is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 is provided to contact the receiving portion 21, which is part of the receptacle-side housing 16 and will be described later, at the back of the opening 18 when the opening insertion portion 14a is inserted into the opening 18. When the opening insertion portion 14a is inserted into the opening 18, the end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a contacts the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16 at the back of the opening 18, thereby positioning the plug connector 11 that is mated with the receptacle connector 12 relative to the receptacle connector 12 in the mating direction X1.

[0043] (Receptacle connector) Figure 5 shows the receptacle connector 12, where Figure 5(A) is a perspective view and Figure 5(B) is a side view. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the receptacle connector 12, where Figure 6(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow DD in Figure 5(B), and Figure 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow EE in Figure 5(B). Figure 7 shows the receptacle connector 12, where Figure 7(A) is a front view, Figure 7(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow FF in Figure 7(A), and Figure 7(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow GG in Figure 7(A).

[0044] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, the receptacle connector 12 comprises a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15, a receptacle-side housing 16, and a shell 17. The plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15 are held in the receptacle-side housing 16, which is positioned inside the shell 17 and fixed to the shell 17. The shell 17 is made of metal and is provided in a cylindrical shape that covers the outer circumference of the receptacle housing 16, and is provided to provide protection from the outside and a shielding function to block electromagnetic waves.

[0045] The receptacle connector 12 is configured to connect with the plug connector 11 by mating with it, and is provided with an opening 18 into which the plug connector 11 is inserted and mated via a clearance C1. The opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 is formed as an opening in a cylindrical shell 17 that covers the receptacle-side housing 16, and is formed as an opening in a cylindrical shell 17 that is open on one side in the mating direction X1 of the receptacle connector 12.

[0046] When the plug connector 11 is fitted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12, the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18. Referring to Figure 4, the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 via a clearance C1. The clearance C1 is configured as the gap between the inner circumference of the opening 18 and the outer circumference of the opening insertion portion 14a when the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12. The clearance C1 is set in the width direction X2.

[0047] Each of the multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 in the receptacle connector 12 is formed, for example, in an elongated plate shape, has a longitudinal direction, and is held in the receptacle-side housing 16 with the longitudinal direction extending along the mating direction X1. Furthermore, the multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 are held in the receptacle-side housing 16 with the multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 extending parallel to each other along the mating direction X1 and aligned along the width direction X2. In this embodiment, the multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, each of the multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 is provided with a contact portion 15a and a board connection portion 15b. The contact portion 15a is provided as one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle-side contact 15 and is configured as the portion that is electrically connected to each plug-side contact 13 of the plug connector 11. In this embodiment, the contact portion 15a is provided as a contact portion that extends in a long, narrow, plate-like shape along the mating direction X1. The board connection portion 15b is provided as the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle-side contact 15 and is configured as the portion that is connected to the board of the device to which the receptacle connector 12 is attached. The board connection portion 15b is connected to the board of the device to which the receptacle connector 12 is attached by soldering.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1, 3 to 7, the receptacle-side housing 16 is positioned inside the shell 17 and fixed to the shell 17. The receptacle-side housing 16 is configured to hold a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15 inside the shell 17. The receptacle-side housing 16 is also configured to abut against the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 inserted through the opening 18 at the back of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12, thereby positioning the plug connector 11 in the mating direction X1 when mated with the receptacle connector 12.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1, 3 to 7, the receptacle-side housing 16 is provided with a contact holding portion 20 and a receiving portion 21. The contact holding portion 20 is provided as a part that holds a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15. The contact holding portion 20 is provided on the inside of the shell 17 so as to protrude cantilevered from the receiving portion 21 described later, and is formed to extend in a plate shape along the mating direction X1. The contact holding portion 20 is also provided on the inside of the shell 17 so as to extend in a plate shape along the mating direction X1 toward the entrance side of the opening 18 from the receiving portion 21 described later, which is located on the far side of the opening 18. When the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated, the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 is inserted into the opening 18, and on the inside of the opening 18, the contact holding portion 20 of the receptacle-side housing 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 14b of the opening insertion portion 14a.

[0051] Referring to Figure 3, the contact retaining portion 20 is provided with a plurality of contact retaining holes 20a and contact retaining grooves 20b. The contact retaining holes 20a and contact retaining grooves 20b are arranged in series along the fitting direction X1 and are in communication with each other. The receptacle-side contact 15 is press-fitted into the contact retaining holes 20a that communicate with the contact retaining grooves 20b, thereby holding the receptacle-side contact 15 in the contact retaining portion 20. Furthermore, the plurality of contact retaining holes 20a in the contact retaining portion 20 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2, and the plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15 are press-fitted into each of the plurality of contact retaining holes 20a, so that the plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2 in the contact retaining portion 20.

[0052] The contact retaining groove 20b, which communicates with the contact retaining hole 20a, is configured to accommodate the contact portion 15a of the receptacle-side contact 15, which is press-fitted into the contact retaining hole 20a. The contact retaining groove 20b opens in the height direction X3 in the contact retaining portion 20. Therefore, the contact portion 15a of the receptacle-side contact 15 held by the contact retaining portion 20, which is positioned in the contact retaining groove 20b, is exposed on the inside of the shell 17. When the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated, the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 is inserted into the opening 18, and the contact retaining portion 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 14b of the opening insertion portion 14a. In this state, the receptacle-side contact 15 exposed in the contact retaining portion 20 contacts each plug-side contact 13 exposed in the insertion hole 14b of the opening insertion portion 14a.

[0053] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 6, and 7, the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16 is positioned on the rear side of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 and is fixed to the shell 17. The receiving portion 21 has an inner wall 21a that abuts against the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 that is inserted into the opening 18, and is provided as a part that receives the end 14c of the plug connector 11. The inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 has a wall surface that extends along a plane perpendicular to the mating direction X1 on the rear side of the opening 18. The inner wall 21a is provided on both sides in the height direction X3 with respect to the contact holding portion 20 that protrudes from the receiving portion 21. Furthermore, the inner wall 21a is provided as a wall portion in the central part in the width direction X2 of the receiving portion 21.

[0054] When the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated, the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 is inserted into the opening 18. The end portion 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14, which is inserted into the opening 18, comes into contact with the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 at the back of the opening 18. The contact between the end portion 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a and the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 determines the position of the plug connector 11 relative to the receptacle connector 12 in the mating direction X1.

[0055] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 6, and 7, the receiving portion 21 is provided with relief portions 21b on both sides in the width direction X2 to relieve the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 that is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12. The relief portions 21b are configured to relieve the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 by preventing contact with the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 so as to avoid the transmission of force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11.

[0056] Furthermore, the relief portion 21b is provided as a recess that is recessed toward the back of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 on both sides in the width direction X2 of the receiving portion 21. In addition, the relief portion 21b is provided on both sides in the width direction X2 of the receiving portion 21 relative to the inner wall 21a. Moreover, in this embodiment, the relief portion 21b provided on both sides in the width direction X2 of the inner wall 21a is formed to be recessed in a stepped manner toward the back of the opening 18 from the inner wall 21a.Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, when the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are fitted together and the end portion 14c of the plug-side housing 14 inserted into the opening 18 is in contact with the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16, a gap is formed between the end portion 14c of the plug-side housing 14 and the relief portion 21b of the receiving portion 21.

[0057] (Mating connection between plug connector and receptacle connector) Next, the operation of mating and connecting the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 of the electrical connection device 1 described above will be explained. The connection between the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 is performed with the plug connector 11 attached to one of the two electrically connected devices (not shown) and the receptacle connector 12 attached to the other of the two devices.

[0058] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 1, illustrating the operation of mating and connecting the plug connector 11 to the receptacle connector 12. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view at the position corresponding to the line CC arrow in Figure 2(B) before the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated and connected. In Figure 8, the cross-section of the plug connector 11 is schematically shown by hatching with diagonal lines, omitting the detailed illustration of its shape. When mating and connecting the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12, as indicated by arrow T in Figure 8, the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12.

[0059] When the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12, the contact holding portion 20 of the receptacle-side housing 16 is inserted into the insertion hole 14b of the opening insertion portion 14a. Then, the multiple receptacle-side contacts 15 held by the contact holding portion 20 and the multiple plug-side contacts 13 held by the plug-side housing 14 come into contact with each other, and the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are electrically connected. In addition, the end portion 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 inserted into the opening 18 abuts against the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16 at the back of the opening 18. When the end portion 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a and the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 come into contact, the plug connector 11 is positioned relative to the receptacle connector 12 in the mating direction X1, and the mating connection between the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 is completed.

[0060] When the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated together, if the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 is inserted parallel to the mating direction X1 into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12, the plug connector 11 is inserted without tilting diagonally into the opening 18 and is mated and connected to the receptacle connector 12. Then, as shown in Figure 4, the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 abuts against the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16 of the receptacle connector 12 along the entire length of the inner wall 21a in the width direction X2, the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated together.

[0061] On the other hand, when mating the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12, the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 may be inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle. That is, with respect to the mating direction X1, the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 may be inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle.

[0062] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 1, illustrating the operation of the plug connector 11 mating and connecting to the receptacle connector 12. Figure 9 also illustrates the case where the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle. Furthermore, Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view at the position corresponding to the line CC arrow in Figure 2(B) when the plug connector 11 is inserted and mated into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle. In Figure 9, the cross-section of the plug connector 11 is schematically shown by using hatching to conceal the detailed shape, thus omitting detailed illustration.

[0063] When the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle, as shown in Figure 9, the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 is inserted into the opening 18 at an oblique angle with respect to the mating direction X1. At this time, the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 at the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 will face the relief portion 21b provided in the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16. In other words, of the edge portions 14d on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14, which is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle, the edge portion 14d that is inclined toward the back of the opening 18 will face the relief portion 21b provided in the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16.

[0064] The relief portion 21b toward which the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a, which is inserted at an angle to the opening 18, faces is provided in the receiving portion 21 so as to be recessed toward the back of the opening 18 relative to the inner wall 21a. Therefore, the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a does not come into contact with the relief portion 21b. In other words, the relief portion 21b prevents contact with the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 so as to avoid the transmission of force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14, and the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 is relieved. The tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 comes into contact with the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16 in the central part in the width direction X2. This prevents the widthwise edge portion 14d of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11, which is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an angle, from abutting against the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle connector 12.

[0065] When the end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 comes into contact with the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 in the central portion in the width direction X2, the opening insertion portion 14a swings so that its end 14c aligns with the inner wall 21a. This corrects the inclination of the opening insertion portion 14a, which was inserted at an angle to the opening 18. Then, as shown in Figure 4, the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated together with the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 in contact with the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 along the entire length of the inner wall 21a in the width direction X2. In other words, the inclination of the plug connector 11, which was inserted at an angle to the opening 18, is corrected, and the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated parallel to the mating direction X1.

[0066] (Operation and effects of this embodiment) According to this embodiment, the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16, which has an inner wall 21a that abuts against the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12, is provided with relief portions 21b on both sides in the width direction X2 to release the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11. Therefore, when the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle with respect to the mating direction X1, the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the inserted plug connector 11 will face the relief portion 21b of the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle connector 12. In other words, when the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an angle, the edge portion 14d on both sides of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 that is tilted in the width direction X2 will be directed toward the relief portion 21b provided in the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16. This prevents the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 from hitting the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 when it is tilted in the width direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the relief portion 21b is configured to release the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 by preventing contact with the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11, thereby avoiding the transmission of force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11. As a result, no force is transmitted from the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 toward the relief portion 21b to the receptacle-side housing 16 on the far side of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12. This prevents localized contact from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 toward the far side of the receptacle-side housing 16 in the width direction X2. Therefore, torsional loads that cause rotation around the center position in the width direction X2 are suppressed in the receptacle connector 12. As a result of suppressing torsional loads in the receptacle connector 12, loads are suppressed on the portion of the receptacle-side contact 15 that is fixed to the equipment to which the receptacle connector 12 is attached. This suppresses damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact 15 and the equipment, and prevents damage to the portion of the receptacle connector 12 that is attached to the equipment. In addition, damage to the receptacle-side housing 16 that holds the receptacle-side contact 15 fixed to the equipment is suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 12 is also suppressed.

[0068] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an angle with respect to the mating direction X1, damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 12 to the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 12 can also be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the mating operation of the plug connector 11 to the receptacle connector 12 is repeated, the accumulation of damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact 15 and the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 12 to the equipment can be suppressed. In addition, the accumulation of damage to the receptacle-side housing 16 that holds the receptacle-side contact 15 fixed to the equipment can also be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 12 can also be suppressed.

[0069] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in an electrical connection device 1 in which a plug connector 11 is inserted and mated into the opening 18 of a receptacle connector 12 via a clearance C1 set in the width direction X2, damage to the mounting portion of the receptacle connector 12 to the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 12 can also be suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by preventing contact with the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 so as to avoid the transmission of force from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11, the structure of the relief portion 21b that releases force from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 can be configured with a simple structure in which recesses are formed on both sides in the width direction X2 of the receiving portion 21 toward the back side of the opening 18.

[0071] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 in a mated and connected state. In Figure 10, a part of the plug connector 11 and a cross-section of the receptacle connector 12 in the electrical connection device 2 are shown. In Figure 10, the cross-section of the plug connector 11 is schematically shown by hatching with diagonal lines, omitting the detailed illustration of its shape. The electrical connection device 2 of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the electrical connection device 1 of the first embodiment, except for some components. In the following description of the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be explained, and for components that are the same as or corresponding to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings, or the same reference numerals will be used to omit redundant explanations.

[0072] The electrical connection device 2 of the second embodiment is configured as an electrical connection device comprising a plug connector 11 and a receptacle connector 12 into which the plug connector 11 is mated and connected, similar to the electrical connection device 1 of the first embodiment. The plug connector 11 comprises a plurality of plug-side contacts 13 and a plug-side housing 14. The receptacle connector 12 comprises a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15, a receptacle-side housing 16 and a shell 17. The receptacle connector 12 is provided with an opening 18 into which the plug connector 11 is inserted and mated via a clearance C1. The receptacle-side housing 16 of the receptacle connector 12 is provided with a receiving portion 21 having an inner wall 21a that is positioned behind the opening 18 and contacts the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 inserted into the opening 18. However, the electrical connection device 2 differs from the electrical connection device 1 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the relief portion 22 provided on the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle connector 12.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10, the receptacle-side housing 16 of the receptacle connector 12 of the electrical connection device 2 has a receiving portion 21 on both sides in the width direction X2, which is provided with relief portions 22 that release the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 that is inserted into the opening 18. The relief portions 22 are configured to release the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 by preventing contact with the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11, thereby avoiding the transmission of force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11.

[0074] Furthermore, the relief portions 22 are provided on both sides of the receiving portion 21 in the width direction X2, as through holes that penetrate the receiving portion 21 along the fitting direction X1. Also, the relief portions 22 are provided on both sides of the receiving portion 21 in the width direction X2 relative to the inner wall 21a. Furthermore, the relief portions 22 are provided on both sides of the inner wall 21a in the width direction X2, and on both sides of the contact holding portion 20 in the height direction X3.

[0075] According to the electrical connection device 2 of the second embodiment described above, the relief portion 22, which is provided in the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle connector 12 and relieves the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11, is provided as through holes formed on both sides in the width direction X2 in the receiving portion 21. When the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle with respect to the mating direction X1, the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the inserted plug connector 11 will face the relief portion 22 provided in the receiving portion 21. Since the relief portion 22 is provided as a through hole, no force is transmitted from the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 toward the relief portion 22 to the receptacle-side housing 16 on the far side of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12. As a result, local abutment from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 toward the near end of one side in the width direction X2 of the receptacle-side housing 16 on the far side of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 is prevented. Therefore, torsional loads that cause the receptacle connector 12 to rotate around the central position in the width direction X2 are suppressed. And because torsional loads are suppressed on the receptacle connector 12, loads are suppressed on the portion of the receptacle-side contact 15 that is fixed to the equipment to which the receptacle connector 12 is attached. This prevents damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact 15 and the equipment, and prevents damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 12 to the equipment. Furthermore, it prevents damage to the receptacle-side housing 16 that holds the receptacle-side contact 15 fixed to the equipment, and prevents damage to the receptacle connector 12.

[0076] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in an electrical connection device 2 in which a plug connector 11 is inserted and mated into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 via a clearance C1 set in the width direction X2, damage to the mounting portion of the receptacle connector 12 to the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 12 can also be suppressed.

[0077] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection device 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 of the electrical connection device 3 are not mated and are not connected. In Figure 11, a part of the plug connector 11 and a cross-section of the receptacle connector 12 of the electrical connection device 3 are shown. In Figure 11, the cross-section of the plug connector 11 is schematically shown by hatching with diagonal lines, omitting the detailed illustration of the shape. The electrical connection device 3 of the third embodiment is configured the same as the electrical connection device 1 of the first embodiment, except for some components. In the following description of the third embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be explained, and for components that are the same as or corresponding to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings, or the same reference numerals will be used to omit redundant explanations.

[0078] The electrical connection device 3 of the third embodiment is configured as an electrical connection device comprising a plug connector 11 and a receptacle connector 12 into which the plug connector 11 is mated and connected, similar to the electrical connection device 1 of the first embodiment. The plug connector 11 comprises a plurality of plug-side contacts 13 and a plug-side housing 14. The receptacle connector 12 comprises a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 15, a receptacle-side housing 16 and a shell 17. The receptacle connector 12 is provided with an opening 18 into which the plug connector 11 is inserted and mated via a clearance C1. The receptacle-side housing 16 of the receptacle connector 12 is provided with a receiving portion 21 located on the far side of the opening 18, having an inner wall 21a that abuts against the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 inserted into the opening 18. However, the electrical connection device 3 differs from the electrical connection device 1 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the relief portion 23 provided on the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle connector 12.

[0079] As shown in Figure 11, the receptacle-side housing 16 of the receptacle connector 12 of the electrical connection device 3 is provided with relief portions 23 on both sides in the width direction X2 to relieve the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 that is inserted into the opening 18. The relief portions 23 are configured to relieve the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 by mitigating the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11.

[0080] The relief portions 23 are provided on both sides of the receiving portion 21 in the width direction X2, and are provided on both sides of the inner wall 21a in the width direction X2. The relief portions 23 are made of a different material from the rest of the receptacle-side housing 16, and are provided as elastic members made of a material that is more elastically deformable than the rest of the receptacle-side housing 16. The rest of the receptacle-side housing 16 is made of a synthetic resin material. On the other hand, the relief portions 23 are made of an elastomer material, for example, a rubber material. The relief portions 23 made of rubber material are provided integrally fixed to the receiving portion 21 on both sides of the inner wall 21a in the width direction X2.

[0081] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 3, illustrating the operation of the plug connector 11 mating and connecting to the receptacle connector 12. Figure 12 also illustrates the case where the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle. Figure 12 shows a portion of the plug connector 11 and a cross-section of the receptacle connector 12 in the electrical connection device 3. Furthermore, in Figure 12, the cross-section of the plug connector 11 is schematically shown by using hatching to conceal the detailed shape, thus omitting detailed illustration.

[0082] When the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle, as shown in Figure 12, the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 is inserted into the opening 18 at an oblique angle with respect to the mating direction X1. At this time, the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 at the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 will face the relief portion 23 provided in the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16. In other words, of the edge portions 14d on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14, which is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle, the edge portion 14d that is inclined toward the back of the opening 18 will face the relief portion 23 provided in the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16.

[0083] The relief portion 23 toward which the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a, which is inserted at an angle to the opening 18, faces is made of an elastomer material such as rubber that is easily elastically deformed, unlike the rest of the receptacle-side housing 16 which is made of synthetic resin material. Therefore, when the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a comes into contact with the relief portion 23, the relief portion 23 elastically deforms, absorbing the impact acting from the edge portion 14d to the relief portion 23, and mitigating the force acting from the edge portion 14d to the receiving portion 21. In other words, the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 is mitigated in the relief portion 23, and the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 is relieved. Furthermore, the tip end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 will abut against the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16 in the central portion in the width direction X2. This prevents the widthwise edge portion 14d of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11, which is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an angle, from hitting the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle connector 12.

[0084] When the end 14c of the opening insertion portion 14a of the plug-side housing 14 comes into contact with the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 in the central portion in the width direction X2, the opening insertion portion 14a swings so that its end 14c is aligned with the inner wall 21a. This corrects the inclination of the opening insertion portion 14a, which was inserted at an angle to the opening 18. Then, with the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 in contact with the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 along its entire length in the width direction X2, the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated together. In other words, the inclination of the plug connector 11, which was inserted at an angle to the opening 18, is corrected, and the plug connector 11 and the receptacle connector 12 are mated parallel to the mating direction X1.

[0085] According to the electrical connection device 3 of the third embodiment described above, the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16, which has an inner wall 21a that abuts against the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12, is provided with relief portions 23 on both sides in the width direction X2 to release the force acting from the end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11. Therefore, when the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an oblique angle with respect to the mating direction X1, the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the inserted plug connector 11 will face the relief portion 23 of the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle connector 12. In other words, when the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an angle, the edge portion 14d on both sides of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 that is tilted in the width direction X2 will be directed toward the relief portion 23 provided in the receiving portion 21 of the receptacle-side housing 16. This prevents the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 from hitting the inner wall 21a of the receiving portion 21 when it is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an angle.

[0086] The relief portion 23 is configured to relieve the force acting from the end portion 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 by mitigating the force acting from the end portion 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11. As a result, the force acting from the edge portion 14d in the width direction X2 of the tip end portion 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11 toward the relief portion 23 to the receptacle-side housing 16 on the far side of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 is mitigated. This prevents localized abutment from occurring near one end in the width direction X2 of the receptacle-side housing 16 on the far side of the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 from the end portion 14c of the plug-side housing 14 of the plug connector 11. As a result, torsional loads that cause rotation around the central position in the width direction X2 are suppressed in the receptacle connector 12. Furthermore, since torsional loads on the receptacle connector 12 are suppressed, loads on the receptacle-side contact 15 that is fixed to the equipment to which the receptacle connector 12 is attached are suppressed. As a result, damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact 15 and the equipment is suppressed, and damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 12 to the equipment is suppressed. In addition, damage to the receptacle-side housing 16 that holds the receptacle-side contact 15 fixed to the equipment is suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 12 is also suppressed.

[0087] Therefore, according to the third embodiment, even if the plug connector 11 is inserted into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 at an angle with respect to the mating direction X1, damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 12 to the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 12 can also be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the mating operation of the plug connector 11 to the receptacle connector 12 is repeated, the accumulation of damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact 15 and the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 12 to the equipment can be suppressed. In addition, the accumulation of damage to the receptacle-side housing 16 that holds the receptacle-side contact 15 fixed to the equipment can also be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 12 can also be suppressed.

[0088] Therefore, according to the third embodiment, in an electrical connection device 3 in which a plug connector 11 is inserted and mated into the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 via a clearance C1 set in the width direction X2, damage to the mounting portion of the receptacle connector 12 to the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 12 can also be suppressed.

[0089] [Fourth Embodiment] (Outline configuration of the electrical connection device) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the electrical connection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing the plug connector 31 and receptacle connector 32 of the electrical connection device 4 in a state where they are not mated and not connected. Figure 14 is a plan view of the electrical connection device 4, showing the plug connector 31 and receptacle connector 32 in a state where they are not mated and not connected. Figure 15 is a side view of the electrical connection device 4, showing the plug connector 31 and receptacle connector 32 in a state where they are not mated and not connected. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 4, taken at the position indicated by the arrow HH in Figure 15. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 4, showing the plug connector 31 and receptacle connector 32 in a state where they are mated and connected.

[0090] Referring to Figures 13 to 17, the electrical connection device 4 comprises a plug connector 31 and a receptacle connector 32 into which the plug connector 31 is mated and connected, and is used to electrically connect two devices (not shown). The plug connector 31 is attached to one of the two devices to be electrically connected via a plurality of wires 50. The plug connector 31 is provided with a plurality of plug-side contacts 33. The plurality of plug-side contacts 33 are each connected to the plurality of wires 50, and the plurality of wires 50 are connected to the one device at the ends opposite to the ends connected to the plurality of plug-side contacts 33, so that the plug connector 31 is attached to the one device via the plurality of wires 50. The receptacle connector 32 is attached to the other of the two devices to be electrically connected, and is fixed by soldering, for example, to a circuit board (not shown) provided on the other device. The receptacle connector 32 is provided with multiple receptacle-side contacts 37, and the receptacle connector 32 is attached to the other device by soldering each of the multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 to the circuit board of the other device. With the plug connector 31 attached to one of the two devices via the wire 50, and the receptacle connector 32 attached to the other device, the two devices are electrically connected by connecting the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32.

[0091] Referring to Figures 13 to 17, the plug connector 31 comprises a plurality of plug-side contacts 33, a plug-side housing 34, and a locking arm 35. The plurality of plug-side contacts 33 are formed of a conductive metal material and are each held in the plug-side housing 34. The plurality of plug-side contacts 33 are held in the plug-side housing 34 in a state where their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other and they are arranged in two rows. The plug-side housing 34 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material and holds the plurality of plug-side contacts 33. The plug connector 31 is configured to mate and connect to the receptacle connector 32 by the plug-side housing 34 mating with the receptacle connector 32. The locking arm 35 is provided integrally with the plug-side housing 34 and is provided to lock the plug connector 31 to the receptacle connector 32 when the plug connector 31 is connected to the receptacle connector 32.

[0092] Referring to Figures 13 to 17, the receptacle connector 32 comprises a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37 and a receptacle-side housing 38. The plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37 are formed of a conductive metal material and are each held in the receptacle-side housing 38. The plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37 are held in the receptacle-side housing 38 in a state where their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other and they are arranged in two rows. The receptacle-side housing 38 is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material and holds the plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37. The receptacle connector 32 is provided with an opening 39 into which a plug connector 31 is fitted. The plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are connected when the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 and fitted into it.

[0093] The following describes the configuration of the electrical connection device 4 in more detail. In the following description, the mating direction X1, width direction X2, and height direction X3 of the electrical connection device 4 are defined as shown by the double-ended arrows X1, X2, and X3 in Figures 13 to 17 and the drawings described later.

[0094] The mating direction X1 is configured as the direction in which the plug connector 31 is mated with the receptacle connector 32. That is, the mating direction X1 is configured as the direction in which the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 when the plug connector 31 is mated with the receptacle connector 32.

[0095] The width direction X2 is perpendicular to the mating direction X1 and is configured as the direction in which the multiple plug-side contacts 33 and the multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 are arranged side by side in the mated plug connector 31 and receptacle connector 32. Therefore, in the plug connector 31, the width direction X2 is configured as the direction perpendicular to the mating direction X1 and in which the multiple plug-side contacts 33 are arranged side by side in the plug-side housing 34. And in the receptacle connector 32, the width direction X2 is configured as the direction perpendicular to the mating direction X1 and in which the multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 are arranged side by side in the receptacle-side housing 38.

[0096] The height direction X3 is configured to be perpendicular to both the mating direction X1 and the width direction X2. Therefore, in the plug connector 31, the height direction X3 is configured to be perpendicular to both the mating direction X1 and the width direction X2. Similarly, in the receptacle connector 32, the height direction X3 is configured to be perpendicular to both the mating direction X1 and the width direction X2.

[0097] (Plug connector) Referring to Figures 13 to 17, the plug connector 31 is configured to include a plurality of plug-side contacts 33, a plug-side housing 34 that holds the plurality of plug-side contacts 33, and a lock arm 35 integrally provided on the plug-side housing 34.

[0098] Each of the multiple plug-side contacts 33 is provided, for example, as a female-type contact, and is configured as a contact comprising a cylindrical portion having a longitudinal direction and a spring contact portion provided inside the cylindrical portion. Each of the multiple plug-side contacts 33 is held in the plug-side housing 34 with its longitudinal direction extending along the mating direction X1. Furthermore, the multiple plug-side contacts 33 are held in the plug-side housing 34 with their longitudinal direction extending parallel to each other along the mating direction X1 and aligned along the width direction X2. In this embodiment, the multiple plug-side contacts 33 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2.

[0099] Each plug-side contact 33 is configured to make contact with and electrically connect to each receptacle-side contact 37 of the receptacle connector 32 at one end in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, each plug-side contact 33 is configured to connect to the wire 50 connected to the equipment to which the plug connector 31 is attached, for example, by crimping, at the other end in the longitudinal direction. Each plug-side contact 33 is press-fitted into and held within the plug-side housing 34 while connected to the wire 50.

[0100] The plug-side housing 34 is configured to hold multiple plug-side contacts 33 and to be fitted into the receptacle connector 32 by being inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32. The plug-side housing 34 is provided with multiple contact holding holes 36 that penetrate the interior of the plug-side housing 34 along the mating direction X1. Multiple plug-side contacts 33 are held in the plug-side housing 34 by being press-fitted into each of the multiple contact holding holes 36 in the plug-side housing 34. Furthermore, the multiple contact holding holes 36 in the plug-side housing 34 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2. As multiple plug-side contacts 33 are press-fitted into each of the multiple contact holding holes 36 and held, multiple plug-side contacts 33 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2 in the plug-side housing 34.

[0101] Furthermore, the plug-side housing 34 is configured to be inserted into and fitted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32, and has an outer circumference shape that substantially corresponds to the inner circumference shape of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32. Note that the dimension of the plug-side housing 34 in the width direction X2 is set to be smaller than the dimension of the inner circumference of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 in the width direction X2. Therefore, referring to Figure 17, the plug-side housing 34 is configured to be inserted into and fitted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 via a clearance C2 set in the width direction X2.

[0102] Furthermore, referring to Figures 13 to 17, the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 that is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 is provided with a contact portion 34b and a relief portion 34c. The contact portion 34b is provided as the part that contacts the inner wall 40, described later, on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32, when the plug-side housing 34 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 and fitted together. The inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 is part of the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32 and is provided as a wall portion located on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32. The contact portion 34b is provided as the central part in the width direction X2 of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34.

[0103] The relief portion 34c is located on both sides in the width direction X2 relative to the contact portion 34b at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34. The relief portion 34c is provided as a part to relieve the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32 to the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 which is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32. The relief portion 34c is configured to relieve the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32 by preventing contact with the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32, thereby avoiding the transmission of force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32.

[0104] Furthermore, the relief portion 34c is provided on both sides in the width direction X2 of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 that is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32. The relief portion 34c is also provided on both sides in the width direction X2 of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 relative to the contact portion 34b. The relief portion 34c is provided on both sides in the width direction X2 of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 that are recessed in a stepped shape relative to the contact portion 34b toward the side opposite to the tip end that is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32. Therefore, as shown in Figure 17, when the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are mated together, and the contact portion 34b of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 inserted into the opening 39 is in contact with the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38, a gap is formed between the relief portion 34c of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 and the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38.

[0105] The lock arm 35, which is integrally provided with the plug-side housing 34, is provided to lock the plug connector 31 to the receptacle connector 32 when the plug connector 31 is connected to the receptacle connector 32. The lock arm 35 is provided on one wall side in the height direction X3 of the plug-side housing 34 and is provided, for example, as a seesaw-shaped operating lever type locking mechanism. The lock arm 35 is configured to engage with the receptacle connector 32 when the plug-side housing 34 is mated with the receptacle connector 32. The engagement of the lock arm 35 with the receptacle connector 32 prevents the plug-side housing 34 from coming loose when mated with the receptacle connector 32. As a result, the plug connector 31 is locked to the receptacle connector 32 when the plug connector 31 is connected to the receptacle connector 32.

[0106] (Receptacle connector) Referring to Figures 13 to 17, the receptacle connector 32 is configured to include a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37 and a receptacle-side housing 38. Each of the plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37 is provided, for example, as a male-type contact, has a longitudinal direction, and is held in the receptacle-side housing 38 with the longitudinal direction extending along the mating direction X1. Furthermore, the plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37 are held in the receptacle-side housing 38 in a state where they extend parallel to each other along the mating direction X1 and are aligned along the width direction X2. In this embodiment, the plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2.

[0107] Referring to Figures 13, 14, 16, and 17, each of the multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 is provided with a contact portion 37a and a board connection portion 37b. The contact portion 37a is provided as one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle-side contact 37 and is configured as the portion electrically connected to each plug-side contact 33 of the plug connector 31. In this embodiment, the contact portion 37a is provided as a contact portion that extends in a long, pin-like shape along the mating direction X1. The board connection portion 37b is provided as the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle-side contact 37 and is configured as the portion connected to the board of the device to which the receptacle connector 32 is attached. The board connection portion 37b is connected to the board of the device to which the receptacle connector 32 is attached by soldering.

[0108] Referring to Figures 13 to 17, the receptacle-side housing 38 is configured to hold a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37 and to accommodate the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31. When the plug-side housing 34 is fitted into the receptacle-side housing 38, the plug connector 31 is fitted and connected to the receptacle connector 32.

[0109] The receptacle-side housing 38 is provided with an opening 39 into which the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 11 is inserted and fitted with a clearance C1. In this embodiment, the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 is configured as an opening 39 provided in the receptacle-side housing 38. The opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38 is provided to open on one side in the fitting direction X1. The opening 39 is provided to open with a substantially rectangular cross-section, corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the plug-side housing 34 into which the opening 39 is inserted.

[0110] When the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are mated, the plug-side housing 34 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38. Referring to Figure 17, the plug-side housing 34 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38 with a clearance C2. The clearance C2 is formed as a gap between the inner side surface of the opening 39, at both ends in the width direction X2 of the opening 39, and the outer side surface of the plug-side housing 34, at both ends in the width direction X2 of the plug-side housing 34, when the plug-side housing 34 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38. In other words, the clearance C2 is set in the width direction X2.

[0111] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the receptacle-side housing 38 is provided with an inner wall 40 positioned on the rear side of the opening 39 and holding a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37. The inner wall 40 is positioned on the rear side of the opening 39 inside the receptacle-side housing 38 and is provided as a wall portion that extends flat along the width direction X2 and the height direction X3. Therefore, the inner wall 40 has a wall surface that extends along a plane perpendicular to the fitting direction X1 on the rear side of the opening 39. The inner wall 40 is configured to abut against the contact portion 34b of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 that is inserted into the opening 39.

[0112] When the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are mated, the plug-side housing 34 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38. The contact portion 34b of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 inserted into the opening 39 then contacts the inner wall 40 at the back of the opening 39. The contact portion 34b of the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 contacts the inner wall 40, thereby positioning the plug connector 31 relative to the receptacle connector 32 in the mating direction X1.

[0113] Furthermore, referring to Figures 13 and 16, the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 is provided with a plurality of contact retention holes 41 that penetrate the inner wall 40 along the fitting direction X1. Multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 are press-fitted into each of the multiple contact retention holes 41 provided in the inner wall 40, thereby holding the multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 in the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38. In addition, the plurality of contact retention holes 41 provided in the inner wall 40 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2. And, as multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 are press-fitted into each of the multiple contact retention holes 41 and held, the multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 are arranged in two rows along the width direction X2 in the receptacle-side housing 38.

[0114] When the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are mated, the plug-side housing 34 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38. At this time, the multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 positioned inside the opening 39 are inserted into the multiple contact-holding holes 36 that open at the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 inserted into the opening 39. Then, the male-type receptacle-side contacts 37 inserted into the contact-holding holes 36 of the plug-side housing 34 mate into and make contact with the female-type plug-side contacts 33 held in the contact-holding holes 36. As a result, the multiple plug-side contacts 33 of the plug connector 31 and the multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 of the receptacle connector 32 are electrically connected.

[0115] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the receptacle-side housing 38 is provided with a locking engagement portion 42 that engages with the locking arm 35 of the plug connector 31. The locking engagement portion 42 is provided as a protrusion that projects from one wall surface in the height direction X3 of the receptacle-side housing 38. The locking engagement portion 42 is configured to engage with the locking arm 35, which is integrally provided with the plug-side housing 34, when the plug-side housing 34 is fitted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38. The engagement of the locking engagement portion 42 and the locking arm 35 prevents the plug-side housing 34 from coming loose when fitted into the receptacle-side housing 38. As a result, when the plug connector 31 is connected to the receptacle connector 32, the plug connector 31 is locked to the receptacle connector 32.

[0116] (Mating connection between plug connector and receptacle connector) Next, the operation of mating and connecting the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 of the electrical connection device 4 described above will be explained. The connection between the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 is performed with the plug connector 31 attached to one of the two electrically connected devices (not shown) via multiple wires 50, and the receptacle connector 32 attached to the other of the two devices.

[0117] When mating the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32, as shown by arrow T in Figure 16, the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32. Once the plug-side housing 34 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38, the multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 are inserted into the multiple contact-holding holes 36 of the plug-side housing 34. The multiple receptacle-side contacts 37 then contact the multiple plug-side contacts 33, thereby electrically connecting the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32. In addition, the contact portion 34b of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 inserted into the opening 39 abuts against the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 at the back of the opening 39. When the contact portion 34b of the plug-side housing 34 and the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 come into contact, the plug connector 31 is positioned relative to the receptacle connector 32 in the mating direction X1, and the mating connection between the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 is completed.

[0118] When the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are mated together, if the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 is inserted parallel to the mating direction X1 into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32, the plug connector 31 is inserted without tilting diagonally into the opening 39 and is mated and connected to the receptacle connector 32. Then, as shown in Figure 17, the contact portion 34b of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 is in contact with the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32 along the entire length of the contact portion 34b in the width direction X2, and the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are mated together.

[0119] On the other hand, when mating the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32, the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 may be inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an oblique angle. That is, with respect to the mating direction X1, the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 may be inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an oblique angle.

[0120] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 4, illustrating the operation of the plug connector 31 mating and connecting to the receptacle connector 32. Figure 18 also illustrates the case where the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an oblique angle. Furthermore, Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view at the position corresponding to the line HH in Figure 15, when the plug connector 31 is inserted and mated into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an oblique angle.

[0121] When the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an oblique angle, the plug-side housing 34 is inserted into the opening 39 at an oblique angle with respect to the mating direction X1, as shown in Figure 18. At this time, one of the relief portions 34c provided on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 will face the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38. That is, of the relief portions 34c on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38 at an oblique angle, the relief portion 34c that is inclined toward the far side of the opening 39 will face the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39.

[0122] The relief portions 34c on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34, which is inserted at an angle to the opening 39, are provided so as to be recessed in a stepped manner toward the opposite side of the back of the opening 39 relative to the contact portion 34b. As a result, one of the relief portions 34c on both sides in the width direction X2 at the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34, the relief portion 34c that faces the inner wall 40, does not come into contact with the inner wall 40. In other words, the relief portion 34c prevents contact with the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 in order to avoid the transmission of force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38, and the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 is relieved. Furthermore, the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 abuts against the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 at the central contact portion 34b in the width direction X2. This prevents local abutment from occurring between the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 and the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38, near one end in the width direction X2.

[0123] When the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 contacts the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 at the central contact portion 34b in the width direction X2, the plug-side housing 34 swings so that the contact portion 34b of its end 34a is aligned with the inner wall 40. This corrects the tilt of the plug-side housing 34, which was inserted at an angle to the opening 39. Then, as shown in Figure 17, the contact portion 34b of the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 contacts the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 along the entire length of the contact portion 34b in the width direction X2, and the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are fitted together. In other words, the tilt of the plug connector 31, which was inserted at an angle to the opening 39, is corrected, and the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are fitted together parallel to the fitting direction X1.

[0124] (Effects and Effects of the Embodiment) According to this embodiment, the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 is provided with a contact portion 34b that abuts against the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32, and relief portions 34c arranged on both sides in the width direction X2 of the contact portion 34b to release the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32. Therefore, when the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an oblique angle with respect to the mating direction X1, one of the relief portions 34c provided on both sides in the width direction X2 of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 will face the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32. In other words, of the relief portions 34c on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34, which is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an angle, the relief portion 34c that is inclined toward the back of the opening 39 will face the inner wall 40 on the back side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32.

[0125] Furthermore, the relief portion 34c is configured to release the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32 by preventing contact with the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32, thereby avoiding the transmission of force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32. As a result, force is not transmitted from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32 to one of the relief portions 34c on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 that faces the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32. This prevents localized abutment from occurring between the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 and the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32, near one end in the width direction X2. As a result, torsional loads that cause rotation around the central position in the width direction X2 are suppressed in the receptacle connector 32. Furthermore, since torsional loads on the receptacle connector 32 are suppressed, loads on the receptacle-side contact 37 that is fixed to the equipment to which the receptacle connector 32 is attached are suppressed. As a result, damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact 37 and the equipment is suppressed, and damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 32 to the equipment is suppressed. In addition, damage to the receptacle-side housing 38 that holds the receptacle-side contact 37 fixed to the equipment is suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 32 is also suppressed.

[0126] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an angle with respect to the mating direction X1, damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 32 to the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 32 can also be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the mating operation of the plug connector 31 to the receptacle connector 32 is repeated, the accumulation of damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact 37 and the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 32 to the equipment can be suppressed. In addition, the accumulation of damage to the receptacle-side housing 38 that holds the receptacle-side contact 37 fixed to the equipment can also be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 32 can also be suppressed.

[0127] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in relation to an electrical connection device 4 in which a plug connector 31 is inserted and mated into the opening 39 of a receptacle connector 32 via a clearance C2 set in the width direction X2, it is possible to suppress damage to the mounting portion of the receptacle connector 32 to the equipment, and also to suppress damage to the receptacle connector 32 itself.

[0128] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by preventing contact with the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32 so as to avoid the transmission of force from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32, the structure of the relief portion 34c that releases force from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32 can be configured with a simple structure in which the relief portion 34c that releases force from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32 is formed as a stepped recess on both sides in the width direction X2 of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 toward the opposite side of the tip.

[0129] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 19 is a plan view of the electrical connection device 5 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 of the electrical connection device 5 are not mated and are not connected. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 5, showing a state in which the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are not mated and are not connected. The electrical connection device 5 of the fifth embodiment is configured in the same way as the electrical connection device 4 of the fourth embodiment, except for some components. In the following description of the fifth embodiment, the differences from the fourth embodiment described above will be explained, and redundant explanations will be omitted by using the same reference numerals in the drawings or by referring to the same reference numerals for components that are the same as or corresponding to the fourth embodiment.

[0130] The electrical connection device 5 of the fifth embodiment is configured as an electrical connection device comprising a plug connector 31 and a receptacle connector 32 into which the plug connector 31 is mated and connected, similar to the electrical connection device 4 of the fourth embodiment. The plug connector 31 comprises a plurality of plug-side contacts 33, a plug-side housing 34, and a lock arm 35. The receptacle connector 32 comprises a plurality of receptacle-side contacts 37 and a receptacle-side housing 38. The plug connector 31 is configured to be inserted into and mated with an opening 39 provided in the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32 via a clearance C2. Furthermore, the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 that is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 is provided with a contact portion 34b that abuts against the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 in the receptacle connector 32. However, the electrical connection device 5 differs from the electrical connection device 4 of the fourth embodiment in the configuration of the relief portion 43 provided at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34.

[0131] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 of the electrical connection device 5 is provided with relief portions 43, which are arranged on both sides in the width direction X2 relative to the contact portion 34b and relieve the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 onto the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 that is inserted into the opening 39. The relief portions 43 are configured to relieve the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32 by mitigating the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 of the receptacle connector 32.

[0132] The relief portion 43 is provided on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34, and is provided on both sides in the width direction X2 relative to the contact portion 34b. The relief portion 43 is made of a different material from the other parts of the plug-side housing 34, and is provided as an elastic member made of a material that is more elastically deformable than the other parts of the plug-side housing 34. The other parts of the plug-side housing 34 are made of synthetic resin material. On the other hand, the relief portion 43 is made of elastomer material, for example, rubber material. The relief portion 43 made of rubber material is integrally fixed to the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34, on both sides in the width direction X2 relative to the contact portion 34b.

[0133] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connection device 5, illustrating the operation of the plug connector 31 mating and connecting to the receptacle connector 32. Figure 21 also illustrates the case where the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an oblique angle.

[0134] When the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an oblique angle, the plug-side housing 34 is inserted into the opening 39 at an oblique angle with respect to the mating direction X1, as shown in Figure 21. At this time, one of the relief portions 43 provided on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 will face the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38. That is, of the relief portions 43 on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38 at an oblique angle, the relief portion 43 that is inclined toward the far side of the opening 39 will face the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39.

[0135] The relief portions 43 on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34, which is inserted at an angle to the opening 39, are made of an elastomer material such as rubber that is easily elastically deformed, unlike the rest of the receptacle-side housing 38 which is made of synthetic resin material. Therefore, when the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 comes into contact with one of the relief portions 43 on either side in the width direction X2 at the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34, the relief portion 43 elastically deforms, absorbing the impact acting from the inner wall 40 to the relief portion 43, and mitigating the force acting from the inner wall 40 to the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34. In other words, the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 is mitigated at the relief portion 43, and the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 is released. Furthermore, the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 abuts against the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 at the central contact portion 34b in the width direction X2. This prevents local abutment from occurring between the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 and the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38, near one end in the width direction X2.

[0136] When the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 contacts the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 at the central contact portion 34b in the width direction X2, the plug-side housing 34 swings so that the contact portion 34b of its end 34a aligns with the inner wall 40. This corrects the tilt of the plug-side housing 34, which was inserted at an angle to the opening 39. Then, with the contact portion 34b of the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 in contact with the inner wall 40 of the receptacle-side housing 38 along the entire length of the contact portion 34b in the width direction X2, the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are mated together. In other words, the tilt of the plug connector 31, which was inserted at an angle to the opening 39, is corrected, and the plug connector 31 and the receptacle connector 32 are mated parallel to the mating direction X1.

[0137] According to the electrical connection device 5 of the fifth embodiment described above, the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 is provided with a contact portion 34b that abuts against the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32, and relief portions 43 arranged on both sides in the width direction X2 of the contact portion 34b to release the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32. Therefore, when the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an oblique angle with respect to the mating direction X1, one of the relief portions 43 provided on both sides in the width direction X2 of the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 will face the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32. In other words, of the relief portions 43 on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34, which is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 in an obliquely tilted state, the relief portion 43 that is tilted toward the back of the opening 39 will face the inner wall 40 on the back side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32.

[0138] The relief portion 43 is configured to relieve the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32 by mitigating the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32. As a result, the force acting from the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32 is mitigated when applied to one of the relief portions 43 on both sides in the width direction X2 at the tip end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31 that faces the inner wall 40 of the receptacle connector 32. This prevents localized abutment from occurring near one end in the width direction X2 of the inner wall 40 on the far side of the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 from the end 34a of the plug-side housing 34 of the plug connector 31. As a result, torsional loads that cause rotation around the central position in the width direction X2 are suppressed in the receptacle connector 32. Furthermore, since torsional loads on the receptacle connector 32 are suppressed, loads on the receptacle-side contact 37 that is fixed to the equipment to which the receptacle connector 32 is attached are suppressed. As a result, damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact 37 and the equipment is suppressed, and damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 32 to the equipment is suppressed. In addition, damage to the receptacle-side housing 38 that holds the receptacle-side contact 37 fixed to the equipment is suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 32 is also suppressed.

[0139] Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, even if the plug connector 31 is inserted into the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 at an angle with respect to the mating direction X1, damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 32 to the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 32 can also be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the mating operation of the plug connector 31 to the receptacle connector 32 is repeated, the accumulation of damage to the fixing portion between the receptacle-side contact 37 and the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the attachment portion of the receptacle connector 32 to the equipment can be suppressed. In addition, the accumulation of damage to the receptacle-side housing 38 that holds the receptacle-side contact 37 fixed to the equipment can also be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 32 can also be suppressed.

[0140] Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, in an electrical connection device 5 in which a plug connector 31 is inserted and mated into the opening 39 of a receptacle connector 32 via a clearance C2 set in the width direction X2, damage to the mounting portion of the receptacle connector 32 to the equipment can be suppressed, and damage to the receptacle connector 32 can also be suppressed.

[0141] [Differentiation] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the claims. For example, it may be implemented with the following modifications.

[0142] (1) In the first to third embodiments described above, the receptacle connector 12 is provided with a cylindrical shell 17 that covers the outer circumference of the receptacle-side housing 16, and the opening 18 of the receptacle connector 12 is formed as an opening in the shell. However, the configuration does not have to be as described in this example. The receptacle connector 12 may also be configured in which there is no shell 17, and the opening 18 is provided in the receptacle-side housing 16.

[0143] (2) In the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, the receptacle connector 32 is shown as not having a metal shell that covers the receptacle-side housing 38 in a cylindrical shape, and the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 is formed as the opening 39 of the receptacle-side housing 38. However, this is not required. The receptacle connector 32 may also be shown as having a metal shell that covers the receptacle-side housing 38 in a cylindrical shape, and the opening 39 of the receptacle connector 32 is formed as the opening of the shell.

[0144] (3) In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the plug connector was shown as having multiple plug-side contacts arranged in two rows along the width direction, and the receptacle connector was shown as having multiple receptacle connectors arranged in two rows along the width direction. However, this is not required. In the plug connector, multiple plug-side contacts may be arranged in one row along the width direction, and in the receptacle connector, multiple receptacle connectors may be arranged in one row along the width direction. [Industrial applicability]

[0145] The present invention can be widely applied as an electrical connection device comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector into which the plug connector is mated and connected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0146] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Electrical connection devices 11, 31 Plug Connectors 12, 32 Receptacle Connectors 13, 33 Plug-side contacts 14, 34 Plug-side housing 14c, 34a end 15, 37 Receptacle-side contact 16, 38 Receptacle side housing 18, 39 aperture 21 Receiving part 21a, 40 inner wall 21b, 22, 23, 34c, 43 Release section 34c Contact part C1, C2 clearance X1 Mating direction X2 Width direction

Claims

1. An electrical connection device comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector into which the plug connector is mated and connected, The receptacle connector has a plurality of receptacle-side contacts and a receptacle-side housing that holds the plurality of receptacle-side contacts, and is provided with an opening into which the plug connector is inserted and fitted with a clearance. The clearance is set in the width direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the mating direction in which the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector, and in the direction in which the plurality of receptacle-side contacts are arranged side by side. The receptacle-side housing is provided with a receiving portion having an inner wall that is positioned on the far side of the opening and contacts the end of the plug connector inserted into the opening. The receiving portion is provided with relief portions on both sides in the width direction to release the force acting from the end of the plug connector inserted into the opening. The portion of the receptacle-side housing other than the relief portion is made of a synthetic resin material, and the relief portion is made of a rubber material that is more elastically deformable than the portion of the receptacle-side housing other than the relief portion. An electrical connection device characterized in that the relief portion is configured to release the force acting from the end of the plug connector by elastically deforming when it comes into contact with the end of the plug connector, thereby mitigating the force acting from the end of the plug connector.

2. An electrical connection device comprising a plug connector and a receptacle connector into which the plug connector is mated and connected, The plug connector comprises a plurality of plug-side contacts and a plug-side housing that holds the plurality of plug-side contacts, and is configured to be inserted and fitted with an opening provided in the receptacle connector with a clearance between them. The clearance is set in the width direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the mating direction in which the plug connector is mated with the receptacle connector, and in the direction in which the plurality of plug-side contacts are arranged side by side. The tip end of the plug-side housing that is inserted into the opening is, The receptacle connector has a contact portion that abuts against the inner wall on the far side of the opening, Displaced on both sides in the width direction relative to the contact portion, relief portions are provided to release the force acting from the inner wall on the plug connector inserted into the opening, A system was established, The portion of the plug-side housing other than the relief portion is made of a synthetic resin material, and the relief portion is made of a rubber material that is more elastically deformable than the portion of the plug-side housing other than the relief portion. An electrical connection device characterized in that the relief portion is configured to release the force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector by elastically deforming when it comes into contact with the inner wall of the receptacle connector, thereby mitigating the force acting from the inner wall of the receptacle connector.

Images