EP4625713A1

EP4625713A1 - Connector unit

Info

Publication number: EP4625713A1
Application number: EP23894436.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chikara Ito
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-25
Filing date: 2023-11-09
Publication date: 2025-10-01
Also published as: EP4625713A4; CN120202600A; JPWO2024111427A1; WO2024111427A1

Abstract

A connector unit (U1) includes a connector (1) and a connecting member (1A), and the connector (1) includes terminals (13), housing (10), and a lock part (12). Further, the connecting member (1A) includes a base body (13A) and a conductor (14A), and the lock part (12) has an operation part (121a) which can release the lock between the corresponding connector (2) and the connector (1) by moving the lock part (12) from a first side to a second side. A movement space (S6) which allows the movement of the operation part (121a) to the second side along the second axis is formed in the housing (10). The base body (13A) includes a recess part (13aA) penetrating along the first axis, opening to the first side along the second axis with the connecting member (1A) connected to the connector (1), and communicating with the movement space (S6) along the first axis.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a connector unit.

BACKGROUND ART

There has heretofore been known a connector unit including a plug connector and a cable connected to the plug connector, as described in Patent Literature 1.
In Patent Literature 1, the plug connector is fitted with a receptacle connector by a relative movement of the plug connector forward to the receptacle connector. Then, the cable is connected to the rear end of the plug connector in a state of extending downward.
The plug connector includes a plug terminal and a plug housing having an internal space capable of housing the plug terminal. Further, the plug connector includes a lock part capable of restricting a relative movement of the plug connector with respect to the receptacle connector along the longitudinal axis while being fitted with the receptacle connector. The lock part has an operation part capable of releasing the lock between the receptacle connector and the plug connector by moving downward. Further, a movement space allowing downward movement of the operation part is formed below the operation part in the plug housing.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-110994

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In such a connector unit, it is preferable to make more effective use of the movement space allowing movement of the operation part.
Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to obtain a connector unit capable of making more effective use of the movement space allowing movement of the operation part.
A connector unit according to the present disclosure includes a connector and a connecting member connected to the connector, the connector and the corresponding connector being able to be fitted with each other by a relative movement of the connector to the corresponding connector along a first axis, in which the connector includes terminals which can be electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the corresponding connector, a housing having internal spaces which can house the terminals, and a lock part which can restrict the relative movement of the connector to the corresponding connector along the first axis with the corresponding connector and the connector fitted with each other; the connecting member includes a base body and a conductor formed on the base body; the terminals include: a contact part which can be electrically connected to a corresponding contact part of the corresponding terminals; and a terminal connection part which can be electrically connected to the conductor of the connecting member; the lock part has an operation part which can release the lock between the corresponding connector and the connector by moving the lock part from a first side to a second side along a second axis intersecting a first axis; a movement space which allows the movement of the operation part to the second side along the second axis is formed in the housing; and the base body includes a recess part penetrating along the first axis, opening to the first side along the second axis with the connecting member connected to the connector, and communicating with the movement space along the first axis.
According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain a connector unit which can more effectively utilize a movement space which allows a movement of an operation part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[Fig. 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a connector set and a connector unit, with a plug connector mounted on a cable and a receptacle connector mounted on a circuit board illustrated in an exploded view.
[Fig. 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the example of the connector set and the connector unit, in which the plug connector mounted on the cable and the receptacle connector mounted on a circuit board are fitted to each other.
[Fig. 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a plug terminal and a receptacle terminal of the connector set: (a) is a perspective view showing a state before the plug terminal and an upper receptacle terminal come into contact, and (b) is a plan view showing a state in which the plug terminal and the upper receptacle terminal are in contact with each other.
[Fig. 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a plug terminal and a receptacle terminal of a connector set: (a) is a perspective view showing a state before the plug terminal and the lower receptacle terminal come into contact, and (b) is a rear view showing a state in which the plug terminal and a lower receptacle terminal are in contact with each other.
[Fig. 5] FIG. 5 illustrates mounting a plug connector on a cable: (a) is a perspective view of a state before mounting viewed from a front side of the cable, and (b) is a perspective view of a state after mounting viewed from the front side of the cable.
[Fig. 6] FIG. 6 illustrates mounting a plug connector on a cable: (a) is a perspective view of a state before mounting viewed from a back side of the cable, and (b) is a perspective view of the state after mounting viewed from the back side of the cable.
[Fig. 7] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the connector unit.
[Fig. 8] FIG. 8 is a rear view illustrating the connector unit.
[Fig. 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a connector unit and a plug connector of a connector set.
[Fig. 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a plug housing of the plug connector: (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a rear view.
[Fig. 11] FIG. 11 illustrates the plug housing of the plug connector: (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side sectional view.
[Fig. 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a plug terminal of the plug connector: (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a back view.
[Fig. 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a receptacle connector of a connector set before being mounted on a circuit board.
[Fig. 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the connector set and a receptacle connector of a corresponding connector unit.
[Fig. 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a receptacle housing of the receptacle connector: (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a rear view.
[Fig. 16] FIG. 16 illustrates the receptacle housing of the receptacle connector: (a) is a front view, (b) is a rear view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a side sectional view.
[Fig. 17] FIG. 17 illustrates an upper receptacle terminal of the receptacle connector: (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a rear view.
[Fig. 18] FIG. 18 illustrates a lower receptacle terminal of the receptacle connector: (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a back view.
[Fig. 19] FIG. 19 illustrates the connector set and the plug connector of the connector unit: (a) is a rear view of the plug connector, and (b) is a rear view of the plug connector.
[Fig. 20] FIG. 20 illustrates the connector set and the plug connector of the connector unit: (a) is a front view of the plug connector, and (b) is a partially enlarged front view of the plug connector.
[Fig. 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the cable of the connector unit, viewed from the front side.
[Fig. 22] FIG. 22 illustrates a connector unit: (a) is a partially cut perspective view illustrating the connector unit, and (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the connector unit.
[Fig. 23] FIG. 23 illustrates an arrangement relationship between a lock part of the plug connector and the cable: (a) is a back view illustrating the lock part of the plug connector alone, and (b) is a back view illustrating the lock part when the cable is mounted on the plug connector.
[Fig. 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the connector set, showing a state in which the plug connector mounted on the cable and the receptacle connector mounted on the circuit board are fitted, and a slide member, in an exploded view.
[Fig. 25] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of the slide member: (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a side view, (d) is a rear view, (e) is a front view, and (f) is a back view.
[Fig. 26] FIG. 26 is a horizontal sectional view showing a state in which the slide member is temporarily held by the plug connector.
[Fig. 27] FIG. 27 is a side sectional view illustrating how the plug connector and the receptacle connector are locked by the slide member, showing a state in which the plug connector, with the slide member temporarily held, is not yet fitted to the receptacle connector.
[Fig. 28] FIG. 28 is a side sectional view illustrating how the plug connector and the receptacle connector are locked by the slide member, showing a state in which the plug connector, with the slide member temporarily held, is fitted to the receptacle connector.
[Fig. 29] FIG. 29 is a side sectional view illustrating how the plug connector and the receptacle connector are locked by the slide member, showing a state in which the plug connector is locked by the slide member while being fitted to the receptacle connector.
[Fig. 30] FIG. 30 illustrates arrangement relationship between the plug housing of the plug connector and holding brackets: (a) is a perspective view around the holding brackets from the front side, and (b) a perspective view around the holding brackets from the back side
[Fig. 31] FIG. 31 illustrates an arrangement relationship between the plug housing of the plug connector and the holding brackets: (a) is a front view around the holding brackets, and (b) is a back view around the holding brackets.
[Fig. 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating another use example of the connector set, with the plug connector mounted on a cable and the receptacle connector mounted on a circuit board in an exploded view.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description gives an illustrative example of a plug connector 1 which is mounted on (connected to) a sheet-like cable (connecting member) 1A having flexibility as a connector. The following description further gives an illustrative example of a receptacle connector 2 mounted on (connected to) a sheet-like circuit board (corresponding connecting member) 2A having rigidity as a corresponding connector to which the plug connector 1 is fitted.
In the following description, a vertical axis, a longitudinal axis, and a width axis of the plug connector 1 are specified in a state where a plug housing 10 is arranged above the sheet-like cable (connecting member) 1A. The vertical axis, the longitudinal axis, and the width axis are only specified for convenience in explaining each configuration, and do not specify any actual arrangement state of the plug connector 1. Furthermore, the vertical axis, the longitudinal axis, and the width axis are hypothetically configured, and do not mean that the plug connector 1 or the like includes a shaft, such as a vertical shaft.
Note that, in this embodiment, a terminal insertion direction into a housing of each connector coincides with the longitudinal axis, and the longer side of the housing of each connector when viewed along the longitudinal axis coincides with the width axis of the connector. The shorter side of the housing of each connector when viewed along the longitudinal axis coincides with the vertical axis of the connector.
In this embodiment, an axis extending along the X-axis in three-dimensional rectangular coordinates is a longitudinal axis (first axis); an axis extending along the Z-axis is a vertical axis (second axis); and an axis extending along the Y-axis is a width axis (third axis). That is, an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (first axis: direction extending along the X-axis) is a vertical axis (second axis: direction extending along the Z-axis). An axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (first axis: direction extending along the X-axis) and the vertical axis (second axis: direction extending along the Z-axis) is the width axis (third axis: direction extending along the Y-axis).
Further, when connectors are fitted together, a side facing corresponding connector is defined as a front side on the longitudinal axis (second side of the first axis), and a side opposite to the side facing corresponding connector on the longitudinal axis (first side of the first axis) is defined as a rear side. An upper side on the vertical axis is defined as a first side of the second axis, and a lower side on the vertical axis is defined as a second side of the second axis.

[Configuration Examples of Connector Set and Connector Unit]

The plug connector (connector) 1 according to this embodiment is used in a connector set C1 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.
As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the connector set C1 includes the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 to which the plug connector 1 can be fitted.
In this embodiment, the plug connector 1 is formed so that it can be mounted on (connected to) a cable (connecting member) 1A, such as an FPC or FFC. Specifically, mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 of plug terminals (terminals) 13 of the plug connector 1 are mounted on exposed conductor parts 14aA of the cable 1A, so that the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 are electrically connected to a conductor part (conductor) 14A, and the plug connector 1 is mounted on (connected to) the cable 1A.
Thus, in this embodiment, the cable 1A is mounted on (connecting to) the plug connector 1, so that a connector unit U1 is formed.
The receptacle connector 2 is formed so that it can be mounted on (connected to) a circuit board 2A. Specifically, mounting pieces (corresponding terminal connection parts) 232 and 242 of receptacle terminals (corresponding terminals) 23 and 24 of the receptacle connector 2 are electrically connected to (mounted on) a conductor part (the corresponding conductor) 2bA of the circuit board 2A, so that the receptacle connector 2 is mounted on (connected to) the circuit board 2A.
Thus, in this embodiment, the circuit board 2A is mounted on (connected to) the receptacle connector 2, so that the corresponding connector unit U2 is formed.
Then, plug terminals 13 are held in the plug housing 10, and the plug connector 1 (connector unit U1) with the mounting pieces 132 mounted on the cable 1A is fitted with the receptacle connector (the corresponding connector) 2. Thus, the plug terminals 13 are electrically connected to the receptacle terminals (corresponding terminals) 23 and 24 of the receptacle connector 2.
Thus, in the connector set C1, the plug connector 1 is fitted with the receptacle connector 2, and the plug terminals 13 and the receptacle terminals 23 and 24 are electrically connected. The plug terminals 13 and the receptacle terminals 23 and 24 are electrically connected to the cable 1A of the connector unit U1 and the circuit board 2A of the corresponding connector unit U2 (see Figs. 2 to 4).
As described above, in this embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 is configured so that it can be engaged with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 by moving it relative to the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 along the longitudinal axis (first axis). Furthermore, the plug connector (connector) 1 is configured so that it can connect to the cable (connecting member) 1A. The plug connector (connector) 1 can electrically connect the receptacle terminals (corresponding terminals) 23 and 24 of the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 and the conductor part (conductor) 14A of the cable (connecting member) 1A.

[Configuration Example of Cable 1A]

Next, an example of the configuration of the cable 1A on which the plug connector 1 is mounted will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8.
The cable 1A is formed in a shape of a sheet (a shape of a flat plate) having a front surface (one surface: first sheet surface) 1aA and a rear surface (the other surface: second sheet surface) 1bA, and the plug connector 1 is mounted on the front surface 1aA.
Furthermore, the cable 1A is flexible, and the cable 1A can be bent (curved) in a cable thickness direction. In addition, the plug connector 1 is mounted on a region of the surface 1aA of the flexible cable 1A, and a region in which the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A is a connection region 11A used for connection with the plug connector 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the surface 1aA of the connection region 11A of the cable 1A is a mounting surface (connecting surface) 11aA on which the plug connector 1 is mounted. Thus, in this embodiment, the cable 1A includes the connection region 11A used for connection with the plug connector 1. Furthermore, the cable 1A includes an extension region 12A to which the conductor part 14A extends for wiring with other circuits.
In this embodiment, the cable 1A is formed so that the connection region 11A is located at one end of the extension region 12A (upper side on the vertical axis: first side of the second axis). When the plug connector 1 to which the connection region 11A is connected is fitted with the receptacle connector 2, the cable 1A is located at an opposite side of the receptacle connector 2, that is, on a rear side of the receptacle connector 2 on the longitudinal axis (first side of the first axis). At this point, the cable 1A is connected to the plug connector 1 in such a state that the extension region 12A is pulled out downward on the vertical axis (second side of the second axis).
Thus, in this embodiment, the connector unit U1 in a vertical configuration (one in which the connection surface 11aA of the connecting member 1A is substantially orthogonal to the fitting direction of the connector set C1) is illustrated as the connector unit. That is, in a state where the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A, the direction orthogonal to the plane including the mounting surface 11aA (the normal direction of the plane including the mounting surface 11aA) coincides with the longitudinal axis (X axis) of the plug connector 1. At this point in this embodiment, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 housed in the plug housing (housing) 10 of the plug connector 1 are arranged next to each other in the direction of the width axis (Y axis).
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cable 1A has a multilayer structure, and includes a base material 1311A, the conductor part 14A layered on the base material 1311A, and a covering part 1312A layered on the base material 1311A to cover the conductor part 14A. The base material 1311A and the covering part 1312A are made of an insulator film and cover the conductor part 14A. The conductor part 14A is a conductor film printed on the insulator film forming the covering part 1312A, and has a plurality of wiring patterns corresponding to a plurality of the plug terminals 13 (terminals: first terminals 14 and second terminals 15) described below. Thus, in this embodiment, the cable 1A includes a flexible sheet 131A having the base material 1311A and the covering part 1312A, and the conductor part 14A formed on the flexible sheet 131A. The flexible sheet 131A forms at least a part of the base material 13A.
The exposed conductor parts 14aA, which form the conductor part 14A exposed from the covering part 1312A, are formed on a front surface of the connection region 11A. The exposed conductor parts 14aA are formed in two rows along the vertical axis (Z axis), and the exposed conductor parts 14aA of the rows are formed to line up at a predetermined pitch along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of exposed conductor parts 14aA are formed to be staggered in front view (when the mounting surface 11aA is viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 11aA).
A plurality of conductor films is printed on the substrate 1311A, and the conductor part 14A is covered with the covering part 1312A to form the structure as described. At this point, if the covering part 1312A is provided with a through-hole so that a tip of the conductor part 14A is not covered, the cable 1A is formed with the tip of the conductor part 14A exposed on one side (front on the longitudinal axis: second side of the first axis).
Note that the method of forming the cable 1A is not limited to the method described above, and the cable 1A can be formed using various methods.
Fixation parts 15A are formed on the front surface 1aA of the connection region 11A, and holding brackets 16 of the plug connector 1 are fixed to the fixation parts 15A, as described below. In this embodiment, a pair of the fixation parts 15A are formed outside the exposed conductor parts 14aA on the width axis (on both sides of the third axis). The fixation parts 15A can be formed in the same manner as the conductor part 14A in a printing process of the conductor part 14A, for example.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cable 1A includes a reinforcing plate (pedestal) 132A. The reinforcing plate 132A is formed of a glass epoxy resin, stainless steel, or the like, and reinforces the connection region 11A of the cable 1A by sandwiching the connection region 11A of the cable 1A with the plug connector 1.
In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 132A has a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection region 11A of the cable 1A. That is, the outline shape of the reinforcing plate 132A in front view (when viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 11aA) is substantially the same as the outline shape of the connection region 11A. The reinforcing plate 132A is attached (fixed) to the rear surface 1bA of the connection region 11A by an adhesive or the like.
At this point, it is preferable that the exposed conductor parts 14aA entirely overlap with the reinforcing plate 132A in the front view (viewed along the normal direction of the mounting surface 11aA). The exposed conductor parts 14aA are entirely supported by the reinforcing plate 132A in this manner, so that it is possible to prevent bending of the exposed conductor parts 14aA in the direction of the longitudinal axis (forward or backward: extending direction of the X axis) or bending in the direction of the width axis (in right or left directions: extending direction of the Y axis).
In this embodiment, not only the flexible sheet 131A but also the reinforcing plate 132A forms a part of the base body 13A. That is, in this embodiment, the cable 1A includes the base body 13A and the conductor part (conductor) 14A formed on the base body 13A. The base body 13A includes the flexible sheet 131A on which the conductor part (conductor) 14A is formed and connected to the plug connector (connector) 1; and the reinforcing plate (pedestal) 132A fixed to the flexible sheet 131A and preventing deformation of the flexible sheet 131A.

[Configuration Example of Plug Connector 1]

Next, a configuration example of the plug connector 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 12.
As illustrated in Fig. 9, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes the plug housing (housing) 10 and the plug terminal (terminals) 13 held by the plug housing 10. Further, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes the holding brackets 16 held by the plug housing 10.
The plug terminals 13 held by the plug housing 10 are mounted on (electrically connected to) the exposed conductor parts 14aA of the cable 1A arranged outside the plug housing 10. Thus, the plug connector 1 is mounted on the cable 1A as a connecting member. The plug terminals 13 are mounted on (electrically connected to) the exposed conductor parts 14aA by soldering or the like. The holding brackets 16 are fixed to the fixation parts 15A of the cable 1A by soldering or the like while being held by the plug housing 10 to fix the plug housing 10 to the cable 1A.
The plug housing 10 can be formed of an insulating resin material, for example, and the plug housing 10 has a housing body 11 having a rigidity.
Further, a lock part 12 is formed on the housing body 11 for holding the plug housing 10 and a receptacle housing 20 of the receptacle connector 2 in a fitted state, and releasing the fitted state.
Thus, in this embodiment, the plug housing 10 includes the housing body 11 and the lock part 12 formed on the housing body 11.
The housing body 11 includes top walls 111, a bottom wall 112, and a pair of sidewalls 113 continuous with both ends of the top walls 111 and the bottom wall 112 along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis). Further, the housing body 11 includes a front wall 114 continuous with the front ends of the top walls 111, the bottom wall 112, and the sidewalls 113, 113; and a rear wall 115 continuous with the rear ends of the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112, and the sidewalls 113, 113.
The housing body 11 includes a partition wall 116 which is connected to the pair of sidewalls 113, the front wall 114, and the rear wall 115, and vertically partitions a space defined by the top wall 111, the bottom wall 112, the sidewalls 113, 113, the front wall 114, and the rear wall 115.
Further, the housing body 11 includes a plurality of upper partition walls 117 continuous with the top wall 111, the partition wall 116, the front wall 114, and the rear wall 115. The upper partition walls 117 partition an upper space divided by the partition wall 116 into a plurality of spaces. Further, the housing body 11 includes a plurality of lower partition walls 118 continuous with the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 116, the front wall 114, and the rear wall 115. The lower partition walls 118 partition a lower space divided by the partition wall 116 into a plurality of spaces.
The lock part 12 is formed in the center of the upper part of the housing body 11 along the width axis. Specifically, the top walls 111 are formed on both sides of the width axis, and intermediate walls 119 are continuous with the top walls 111 on an inner side of the width axis. As described above, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 has a concave shape in the center on the width axis when viewed along the insertion direction (longitudinal axis; in the extending direction of the X axis). The lock part 12 is formed in a recess part 11a formed in the center of the housing body 11 on the width axis. Note that, in this embodiment, a pair of the intermediate walls 119 also function as the upper partition walls 117 that partition the upper space into the plurality of spaces.
The lock part 12 includes a lever part 121 which is continuous with the front end of the partition wall 116 and extending rearward. The rear side of the lever part 121 can move relative to the partition wall 116 (housing body 11) along the vertical axis. An operation part 121a is formed at a rear end of the lever part 121 for operating the lever part 121, and an engagement protrusion 121b is formed at a center of the lever part 121 on the longitudinal axis for engaging with an engagement hole (engagement part) 221a formed in the receptacle connector 2.
In this embodiment, when the plug housing 10 and the receptacle housing 20 of the receptacle connector 2 are fitted together, the housings of the respective connectors can be locked together (maintained in the fitted state) by the engagement protrusion 121b engaging with the engagement hole 221a. Then, by lowering the operation part 121a of the lever part 121 to move the lever part 121 downward, the engagement protrusion 121b also moves downward, so that the fitted state of the housings of the connectors can be released, thus releasing the engagement with the engagement hole 221a.
Further, a movement space S6 is formed below the lever part 121 (between the lever part 121 and the partition wall 116) in which downward movement of the lever part 121 (relative movement with respect to the housing body 11) is allowed.
Thus, in this embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes the lock part 12, which can restrict relative movement of the plug connector (connector) 1 with respect to the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 along the longitudinal axis (first axis) in a fitted state of the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2, and the plug connector (connector) 1.
Further, the lock unit 12 includes the operation part 121a capable of releasing the lock between the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 by moving the lock unit from the upper side of the vertical axis (the first side of the second axis crossing the longitudinal axis) to the lower side of the vertical axis (the second side of the second axis crossing the longitudinal axis).
The movement space S6 is formed in the plug housing (housing) 10 for allowing the movement of the operation part 121a to the lower side (the second side of the second axis).
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front wall 114 has a through hole 114a that communicates with a plurality of spaces partitioned by the partition wall 116, the upper partition walls 117 and the lower partition walls 118. Similarly, the rear wall 115 has a through hole 115a that communicates with a plurality of spaces partitioned by the partition wall 116, the upper partition walls 117 and the lower partition walls 118.
As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of spaces which penetrate along the longitudinal axis are formed in the housing body 11. The plug terminals 13 are press-fitted (inserted) into the spaces which penetrate along the longitudinal axis. That is, in this embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes the plug housing (housing) 10 having the housing body 11 in which internal spaces capable of housing the plug terminals (terminals) 13 are formed.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of spaces arranged next to each other along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis) are formed in the housing body 11 in two stages along the vertical axis (in the extending direction of the Z axis). Furthermore, when the housing body 11 is viewed from the rear of the longitudinal axis, the plurality of spaces are formed in a staggered manner. Thus, the width axis of the plug connector 1 is reduced in size.
Specifically, a plurality of spaces defined by the top wall 111, the partition wall 116, and the upper partition walls 117 are arranged next to each other along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis) on the upper side of the housing body 11. The spaces formed on the upper side of the housing body 11 are upper spaces (first spaces: internal spaces) S1 into which the plug terminals 13 are press-fitted (inserted).
Furthermore, a plurality of spaces defined by the bottom wall 112, the partition wall 116, and the lower partition walls 118 are arranged next to each other along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis) on the lower side of the housing body 11. The spaces formed on the lower side of the housing body 11 are lower spaces (second spaces: internal spaces) S2 into which the plug terminals 13 are press-fitted (inserted).
In this embodiment, fourteen lower spaces (second spaces) S2 are arranged next to each other along the width axis on the lower side of the housing body 11. On the upper side of the housing body 11, five upper spaces (first spaces) S1 are arranged next to each other along the width axis of the lock part 12 (right side in the lateral direction), and five upper spaces (first spaces) S1 are arranged next to each other along the width axis of the lock part 12 (left side in the lateral direction). That is, on the upper side of the housing body 11, ten spaces (upper spaces S1) are arranged next to each other along the width axis, sandwiching the lock part 12. In this manner, the housing body 11 is reduced in size in the height direction.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper partition walls 117 and the lower partition walls 118 are formed at positions displaced from each other along the width axis. That is, the first spaces S1 and the second space S2 are formed to partially overlap in a plan view. In other words, the first spaces S1 and the second space S2 overlap when the plug housing 10 is viewed along the vertical axis (second axis) with the plug terminals 13 held by the plug housing 10.
The plug terminals 13 are press-fitted (inserted) forward from the openings on the rear ends of the first spaces S1, and the openings on the rear ends of the first spaces S1 serve as the insertion openings S1a. The openings on the front end side of the first spaces S1 are smaller than the insertion openings S1a so that the plug terminals 13 do not fall out. That is, the forward movement of the plug terminals 13 press-fitted (inserted) from the insertion openings S1a is restricted by the front wall 114. The openings on the front end side of the first spaces S1 serve as introduction ports S1b for introducing contact parts 230a of upper receptacle terminals 23 of the receptacle connector 2 into the first spaces S1, as described below. The peripheral parts of the introduction ports S1b are tapered so that the contact parts 230a of the upper receptacle terminals 23 are easily introduced.
Similarly, the plug terminals 13 are press-fitted (inserted) forward from the openings on the rear ends of the second spaces S2, and the openings on the rear ends of the second spaces S2 serve as insertion openings S2a. The openings on the front ends of the second spaces S2 are smaller than the insertion openings S2a so that the plug terminals 13 do not fall out. That is, the forward movement of the plug terminals 13 press-fitted (inserted) from the insertion openings S2a is restricted by the front wall 114. Further, the openings on the front ends of the second spaces S2 serve as the introduction ports S2b for introducing contact part 240a of lower receptacle terminals 24 of the receptacle connector 2 into the second spaces S2, as described below. The peripheral parts of the introduction ports S2b are also tapered so that the contact part 240a of the lower receptacle terminals 24 can be easily introduced.
In this embodiment, plug terminals 13 having the same shape are inserted into the first spaces S1 and the second spaces S2. As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the plug terminals 13 are inserted into the first spaces S1 in a vertically inverted state with respect to the plug terminals 13 inserted into the second spaces S2. That is, the plug terminals 13 inserted into the second spaces S2 are rotated 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis, and the plug terminals 13 are inserted into the first spaces S1 by relatively being moved along the longitudinal axis in this state.
Further, groove portions 116a opening rearward and upward are formed in an upper part of a rear end of the partition wall 116 for communicating with the first spaces S1. In this embodiment, the groove portions 116a are formed on both sides of the first spaces S1 along the width axis, and the tips of side walls 134 of the plug terminals 13 described below are inserted into the groove portions 116a. In this embodiment, the groove width (a length along the width axis) of the groove portions 116a is formed slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side walls 134.
Similarly, in a lower part of the rear end of the partition wall 116, groove portions 116b opening rearward and downward are formed for communicating with the second spaces S2. In this embodiment, the groove portions 116b are also formed on both sides of the width axis of the second spaces S2, and tips of the side walls 134 of the plug terminals 13 are also inserted into the groove portions 116b. In this embodiment, the groove width (a length along the width axis) of the groove portions 116b is also formed slightly wider than the plate thickness of the side walls 134.
Furthermore, the pair of side walls 113, 113 include holding bracket attachment parts 1131, 1131 for holding the holding brackets 16.
In this embodiment, the holding bracket attachment parts 1131 include recess parts 1131a opening in front of the longitudinal axis and outside of the width axis. The holding bracket attachment parts 1131 include a pair of slits 1131b and 1131b which are continuous with both sides of the recess parts 1131a along the vertical axis and into which the side portions (ends along the vertical axis) of main body parts (base parts) 161 of the holding brackets 16 are inserted.
With the holding brackets 16 held in the plug housing 10, fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 which are continuous with the lower ends (rear end along the longitudinal axis) of the main body parts 161 are fixed to the fixation parts 15A formed on the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable 1A, so that the plug housing 10 is fixed to the cable 1A.
Specifically, the fixation pieces 162 are formed at lower ends of the main body parts 161 which are substantially flat and protruding to one side along the thickness of the main body parts 161. Then, the holding brackets 16 are inserted (the side portions of the main body parts 161 are inserted into the pair of slits 1131b, 1131b) into the holding bracket attachment parts 1131 from the front of the longitudinal axis so that the holding brackets 16 are held by the plug housing 10. With the fixation pieces 162 protruding to the outside of the width axis on the rear side of the longitudinal axis, the main body parts 161 are moved relative to the rear of the longitudinal axis on side surfaces 113a of the housing body 11. Thus, the main body parts 161 of the holding brackets 16 are arranged on the side surfaces 113a of the housing body 11, and the fixation pieces 162 protrude in directions away from the side surfaces 113a of the housing body 11.
Thus, in this embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 has holding brackets (fixation terminals) 16 which can be held by the housing body 11 and fixed to the cable (connecting member) 1A. Then, the holding brackets (fixation terminals) 16 include main body parts (base parts) 161 which are arranged on the side surfaces 113a of the housing body 11 while being held by the housing body 11. Furthermore, the holding brackets (fixation terminals) 16 include the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 which are continuous with the main body parts (base parts) 161 to protrude in the directions away from the side surfaces 113a of the housing body 11 (outside of the width axis), and which can be mounted on (connected to) the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connecting member) 1A.
Next, a specific configuration of the plug terminals (terminals) will be described with reference to Fig. 12.
In this embodiment, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 include main body parts 130 which are press-fitted (inserted) into internal spaces (first spaces S1 and second spaces S2) formed in the plug housing 10, and mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 which can be mounted on the cable 1A by extending from the main body parts 130 toward the mounting surface 1aA of the cable 1A with the plug terminals 13 mounted on the cable (connecting member) 1A. In this embodiment, the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 are formed to protrude outside the rear wall 115 on the vertical axis while being held by the plug housing (housing) 10.
The plug terminals 13 are electrically conductive, and are arranged next to each other along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis) of the plug housing 10. In this embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 12, the plug terminals 13 have a shape obtained by bending a single band-like metal member in the thickness direction, and are substantially U-shaped when viewed in an insertion direction (along the longitudinal axis; in the extending direction of the X axis) (see FIGS 12(e) and 12(f)). The plug terminals 13 can be formed, for example, by bending a band-like metal member that has been punched out to have a predetermined shape.
The main body parts 130 include a bottom wall 133 and side walls 134 which are continuous with the both ends of the bottom wall 133 along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis).
The bottom wall 133 includes a bottom wall main body 135 which is continuous with lower ends of the side walls 134, and a contact protection part 136 which is continuous with a front end of the bottom wall main body 135 and protrudes forward. The contact protection part 136 prevents contact parts 130a of the plug terminals 13 from coming into contact with the housing body 11 when the main body parts 130 are press-fitted (inserted) into the internal spaces (first spaces S1 and second spaces S2).
Further, the bottom wall body 135 and the contact protection part 136 include restriction pieces 135a and 136a, respectively, which protrude outward from both ends of the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y-axis). The restriction pieces 135a and 136a prevent the main body parts 130 from being obliquely press-fitted (inserted) when the main body parts 130 are press-fitted (inserted) into the internal spaces (first spaces S1 and second spaces S2).
The side walls 134 include: a side wall main body 137 with a lower end thereof continuous with the bottom wall main body 135; and an elastically deformable contact piece 138 continuous with a front end of the side wall main body 137 and coming into contact with the contact part of the receptacle connector.
The side wall main body 137 has a restricting protrusion 137a formed at its upper end. This restricting protrusion 137a prevents the main body part 130 from being lifted when press-fitted (inserted) into the internal spaces (first spaces S1 or second spaces S2).
The contact piece 138 includes: an inner bent piece 138a continuous with the front end of the side wall main body 137 so as to be bent inward along the width axis; and an outer bent piece 138b continuous with the front end of the inner bent piece 138a so as to be bent outward along the width axis.
In this embodiment, the contact pieces 138 are continuous with the pair of side wall main bodies 137, and are formed to be approximately line-symmetric in the plan view. More specifically, the pair of contact pieces 138 include: the inner bent pieces 138a, 138a bent in a direction approaching each other toward the front; and the outer bent pieces 138b, 138b bent in a direction receding from each other toward the front.
The contact parts 230a, 240a of the receptacle connector 2 are sandwiched in a spot (continuous part between the inner bent piece 138a and the outer bent piece 138b) where the pair of contact pieces 138 come closest to each other (see Fig. 3(b) and Fig. 4(b)). Thus, in this embodiment, the pair of contact pieces 138 function as the contact parts 130a of the plug terminals 13. Also, the pair of outer bent pieces 138b function as a guide part for more smoothly guiding the contact parts 230a, 240a of the receptacle connector 2.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, a press-fitting protrusion 137b is formed at an upper rear end of one of the side wall main bodies 137. The press-fitting protrusion 137b is inserted into the housing body 11 so that the main body part 130 is press-fitted into the internal spaces (first spaces S1 and second spaces S2).
In this embodiment, the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 extend downward from the rear end of the bottom wall body 135 (opposite to the side where the side wall 134 is extended).
Thus, in this embodiment, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 include the contact parts 130a which can be electrically connected to the contact parts (corresponding contact parts) 230a and 240a of the receptacle terminals (corresponding terminals) 23 and 24. The plug terminals (terminals) 13 include the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 which can be electrically connected to the conductor part (conductor) 14A of the cable (connecting member) 1A.
In this embodiment, as described above, the plug terminals 13 are inserted into the first spaces S1 in a vertically inverted state with respect to the plug terminals 13 inserted into the second spaces S2.
Specifically, the plug terminals 13 arranged on the upper side are press-fitted (inserted) into the upper spaces S1 from insertion openings S1a with the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 located on the rear side of the longitudinal axis (first side of the first axis) and the tips of the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 facing the upper side of the vertical axis (first side of the second axis).
The plug terminals 13 arranged on the lower side are press-fitted (inserted) into the lower spaces S2 from insertion openings S2a with the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 located on the rear side of the longitudinal axis (first side of the first axis) and the tip of the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 facing the lower side of the vertical axis (second side of the second axis).
At this point, the tips of the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 of the plug terminals 13 arranged on the upper side protrudes upward from top surfaces (first end side of the second axis) 111a of the top walls 111 of the housing body 11.
Similarly, the tips of the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 of the plug terminals 13 arranged on the lower side protrude downward from a bottom surface (second end side of the second axis) 112a of the bottom wall 112 of the housing body 11.
As described above, in this embodiment, the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 of the plug terminals 13 arranged on the upper side are first mounting pieces (first terminal connection parts) 142 protruding upward from the upper end of the plug housing (housing) 10 along the vertical axis (protruding outward from the first end of the second axis crossing the first axis). Then, the plug terminals 13 arranged on the upper side is the first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 including the first mounting pieces (first terminal connection parts) 142.
Further, the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 of the plug terminals 13 arranged on the lower side are second mounting pieces (second terminal connection parts) 152 which protrudes below the lower end of the plug housing (housing) 10 along the vertical axis (protrudes outward from a second end located on the side of the second axis opposite to the first end of the second axis that intersects the first axis). The plug terminals 13 arranged on the lower side are the second plug terminals (second terminals) 15 which have the second mounting pieces (second terminal connection parts) 152.
As described above, in this embodiment, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 include the first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 having the first mounting pieces (first terminal connection parts) 142 protruding upward from the upper end of the vertical axis of the plug housing (housing) 10 (protruding outward from the first end of the second axis that intersects the first axis).
The plug terminals (terminals) 13 include the second plug terminals (second terminal) 15 which have second mounting pieces (second terminal connection parts) 152 which protrudes below the lower end of the vertical axis of the plug housing (housing) 10 (protrudes outward from a second end located on the side of the second axis opposite to the first end of the second axis that intersects the first axis).

[Configuration Example of Receptacle Connector 2]

Next, with reference to Figs. 13 to 18, a description is given of a configuration example of the receptacle connector 2.
As illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14, the receptacle connector 2 includes a receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20. The receptacle connector 2 further includes receptacle terminals (corresponding terminals: upper receptacle terminals 23 and lower receptacle terminals 24) held by the receptacle housing 20. The receptacle connector 2 further includes holding brackets (corresponding holding brackets) 25 held by the receptacle housing 20.
The receptacle terminals 23 and 24 held by the receptacle housing 20 are mounted on the conductor part 2bA of the circuit board 2A arranged outside the receptacle housing 20. Thus, the receptacle connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 2A as the corresponding connecting member. Note that the receptacle terminals 23 and 24 are also mounted on the conductor part 2bA by soldering or the like. The holding brackets 25 are fixed to fixing parts 2cA of the circuit board 2A by soldering or the like, in a state where the holding brackets 25 are held by the receptacle housing 20, to fix the receptacle housing 20 to the circuit board 2A.
Note that the circuit board 2A includes a board main body 2aA that has an approximately rectangular plate shape and is formed of a rigid and insulating resin material or the like. The conductor part 2bA and the fixing parts 2cA are formed so as to be exposed to a surface 21aA of the board main body 2aA. Thus, in this embodiment, the surface 21aA of the board main body 2aA serves as a mounting surface.
The receptacle housing 20 includes a housing main body 21 having rigidity, and can be formed, for example, using an insulating resin material.
Further, a lock insertion part 22, to which a lock part 12a is inserted, is formed on an upper side of the housing main body 21. The lock part 12 is configured to hold the plug housing 10 and the receptacle housing 20 in a fitted state, or to release the fitted state.
Thus, in this embodiment, the receptacle housing 20 includes the housing main body 21 and the lock insertion part 22 formed in the housing main body 21.
The housing main body 21 includes a top wall 211, a bottom wall 212, a pair of side walls 213 which are continuous with both ends of the top wall 211 and the bottom wall 212, and a rear wall 214 which is continuously with rear ends of the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212, and the side walls 213, 213 along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis),
The lock insertion part 22 is formed in the middle of the top wall 211 on the width axis. To be more specific, the lock insertion part 22 includes a housing part 221 that is formed on the lower side in the middle of the top wall 211 along the width axis, and houses the lever part 121. In the middle of the housing part 221 along the longitudinal axis, the engagement hole (engagement part) 221a is formed which engages with the engagement protrusion 121b of the lock part 12.
Moreover, the rear wall 214 has a plurality of spaces formed therein, penetrating along the longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, a plurality of spaces arranged along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis) are formed in two stages along the vertical axis (in the extending direction of the Z axis). The spaces are formed in a staggered manner when viewed from the rear side of the housing main body 21 along the longitudinal axis. The receptacle connector 2 is reduced in size along the width axis.
The upper receptacle terminals 23 and the lower receptacle terminals 24 are press-fitted (inserted) into the space penetrating along longitudinal axis.
More specifically, the spaces formed on the upper side (in a position away from mounting surface 21aA side) of the housing main body 21 serve as first spaces S3 into which upper receptacle terminals 23 are press-fitted (inserted).
The spaces formed on the lower side (the mounting surface 21aA side to the first spaces S3) of the housing main body 21 serve as second spaces S4 into which lower receptacle terminals 24 are press-fitted (inserted).
The upper receptacle terminals 23 are configured to be press-fitted (inserted) forward from an opening at the rear end side of the first spaces S3. This opening at the rear end side of the first spaces S3 serve as insertion openings S3a. Likewise, the lower receptacle terminals 24 are configured to be press-fitted (inserted) forward from openings at the rear end side of the second spaces S4. The openings at the rear end side of the second spaces S4 serve as an insertion openings S4a.
Moreover, the housing main body 21 has a fitting space S5 formed therein, which opens forward (toward the plug connector 1 side). This fitting space S5 is a space into which the housing main body 11 of the plug housing 10 is inserted and fitted, and which is defined by the top wall 211, the bottom wall 212, the pair of side walls 213, 213, and the rear wall 214. Therefore, the first spaces S3 and the second spaces S4 are formed to communicate with the fitting space S5. Note that a part of the fitting space S5 serves as the housing space 221 for the lock insertion part 22 in this embodiment.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, protrusions 214a protruding rearward are provided at the rear end of the rear wall 214.
Moreover, the pair of side walls 213 have holding bracket attachment parts 213a, 213a formed thereon to hold the holding brackets 25.
In this embodiment, the holding bracket attachment parts 213a each include: recess part 213b opening outward of the vertical axis and the width axis; and slits 213c, 213c which are continuous with the recess part 213b in an inner side of the width axis, and into which both ends of a main body part 251 of the holding bracket 25 along the longitudinal axis are inserted. In a state where the holding brackets 25 are held by the receptacle housing 20, fixation pieces 252 which are continuous with lower ends of the main body parts 251 are fixed to the fixing parts 2cA of the circuit board 2A, thereby fixing the receptacle housing 20 to the circuit board 2A.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the receptacle terminals each include: a main body part to be inserted into a space formed in the receptacle housing 20; a leg part extending from the main body part toward the mounting surface 21aA of the circuit board (connecting member) 2A in a state where the receptacle terminals are mounted on the circuit board 2A; and a connecting part continuous with the leg part and to be mounted on the circuit board 2A.
To be more specific, the receptacle terminals include an upper receptacle terminal 23 to be press-fitted (inserted) into a first space S3 formed on the upper side (in a position away from the mounting surface 21aA) of the housing main body 21. The receptacle terminals further include a second receptacle terminal 24 to be press-fitted (inserted) into a second space S4 formed on the lower side (on the mounting surface 21aA side to the first space S3) of the housing main body 21.
In this embodiment, the upper receptacle terminal 23 is conductive, and a plurality of the upper receptacle terminals 23 are arranged along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis) of the receptacle housing 20. As illustrated in Fig. 17, the upper receptacle terminal 23 is formed in a thin plate shape, and is press-fitted (inserted) from the rear side into the first space S3 formed in the housing main body 21 in a state where the plate thickness is approximately aligned with the width axis (the extending direction of the Y axis). The upper receptacle terminal 23 can be formed, for example, by punching thin sheet metal.
Moreover, the upper receptacle terminal 23 includes a main body part (corresponding main body part) 230 to be press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3. The upper receptacle terminal 23 further includes: a first leg part (corresponding leg part) 231 extending from the main body part 230 toward the mounting surface 21aA in a state where the upper receptacle terminal 23 is mounted on the circuit board (the mounting member) 2A. The upper receptacle terminal 23 includes a first mounting piece (corresponding connecting part) 232 which is continuous with a first leg part 231 and is mounted on the circuit board 2A.
At the front end of the first main body part 230, an approximately rod-shaped contact part (corresponding contact part) 230a is formed so as to protrude forward. Also, press-fit protrusions 230b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the first main body part 230. The first main body part 230 is press-fitted into the first space S3 by inserting the press-fit protrusions 230b into the housing main body 21. In the state where the first main body part 230 is press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3, the contact part 230a is arranged in the fitting space S5.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the first leg part 231 extends downward (toward the circuit board 2A: connecting member) from the rear end of the first main body part 230. To be more specific, the first leg part 231 extends approximately linearly downward from the rear end part of the first main body part 230 (to the circuit board 2A: connecting member). Thus, in this embodiment, the first leg part 231 extends in the direction of the housing thickness (along vertical axis) from the first main body part 230 press-fitted (inserted) into the first space S3. The first leg part 231 is longer than a second leg part 241 in length in the vertical direction. The first mounting piece 232 is continuous with the lower end of the first leg part 231.
The lower receptacle terminal 24 is also conductive, and a plurality of the lower receptacle terminals 24 are arranged along the width axis (in the extending direction of the Y axis) of the receptacle housing 20. As illustrated in Fig. 18, the lower receptacle terminal 24 is formed into a thin plate shape, and is press-fitted (inserted) from the rear side into the second space S4 formed in the housing main body 21 in a state where the plate thickness is approximately aligned with the width axis (the extension direction of the Y axis). The lower receptacle terminal 24 can also be formed, for example, by punching thin sheet metal.
Moreover, the lower receptacle terminal 24 includes a second main body part (corresponding main body part) 240 to be press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4. The lower receptacle terminal 24 further includes: a second leg part (corresponding leg part) 241 extending from the second main body part 240 toward the mounting surface 21aA in a state where the lower receptacle terminal 24 is mounted on the circuit board 2A; and a second mounting piece (corresponding connecting part) 242 continuous with the second leg part 241 and to be mounted on the circuit board 2A.
At the front end of the second main body part 240, the approximately rod-shaped contact part (corresponding contact part) 240a is formed so as to protrude forward. Also, press-fit protrusions 240b are formed at the upper and lower ends of the second main body part 240. The second main body part 240 is press-fitted into the second space S4 by inserting the press-fit protrusions 240b into the housing main body 21. In the state where the second main body part 240 is press-fitted (inserted) into the second space S4, the contact part 240a is disposed in the fitting space S5.
In this embodiment, the second leg part 241 is bent into a crank shape, and has its lower end located behind the second body portion 240. The first mounting piece 232 is continuous with the lower end of the first leg part 231.
Further, the connecting parts (first mounting pieces 232 and second mounting pieces 242) are arranged in a staggered manner in a state where the plurality of receptacle terminals are held by the receptacle housing 20.
When the plug connector 1 described above is fitted into the receptacle connector 2 thus configured, the lock part 12 of the plug housing 10 is inserted into the lock insertion part 22 of the receptacle housing 20, and thus the housing main body 11 is inserted into the fitting space S5.
At this point, the engagement protrusion 121b of the lever part 121 is pushed downward by the top wall 211 of the receptacle housing 20. When the engagement protrusion 121b is pushed downward by the top wall 211 in this way, the rear end part (operation part 121a) of the lever part 121 elastically deforms so as to move downward, and thus the engagement protrusion 121b can move into the inner side of the lock insertion part 22.
Then, when the engagement protrusion 121b is moved into the inner side of the lock insertion part 22, the downward pushing of the engagement protrusion 121b by the top wall 211 is released, and the elastic restoring force of the lever part 121, move the engagement protrusion 121b upward. The engagement protrusion 121b is moved upward to be engaged with the engagement hole 221a formed in the receptacle connector 2, thus allowing the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 to be locked in the fitted state.
During the course of fitting the plug connector 1 into the receptacle connector 2, the tips of the contact parts 230a of the upper receptacle terminals 23 are introduced into the first spaces S1 formed in the plug housing 10 from the introduction ports S1b to come into contact with the contact parts 130a of the plug terminals 13 (first plug terminals 14: first terminals) arranged on an upper side. Note that, in this embodiment, the approximately rod-shaped contact parts 230a are inserted between the pair of the contact pieces 138, and sandwiched by the pair of contact pieces 138 to achieve conduction between the plug terminals 13 (first plug terminals 14: first terminals) arranged on an upper side and the upper receptacle terminals 23.
Likewise, the tips of the contact parts 240a of the lower receptacle terminals 24 are introduced into the second spaces S2 formed in the plug housing 10 from the introduction ports S2b to come into contact with the contact parts 130a of the plug terminals 13 (second plug terminals 15: second terminals) arranged on a lower side. Note that, in this embodiment, the approximately rod-shaped contact parts 240a are inserted between the pair of contact pieces 138, and sandwiched by the pair of contact pieces 138, 138 to achieve conduction between the plug terminals 13 (second plug terminals 15: second terminals) arranged on the lower side and the lower receptacle terminals 24.
As described above, the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 are fitted together to achieve conduction between the plug terminals 13, 13 and the receptacle terminals 23 and 23. Thus, the connector set C1 is formed to electrically connect the cable 1A to the circuit board 2A.
Meanwhile, in order to detach the plug connector 1 from the receptacle connector 2, the operation part 121a of the lever part 121 is first lowered to move the lever part 121 downward. Accordingly, the engagement protrusion 121b is also moved downward to release the engagement between the engagement protrusion 121b and the engagement hole 221a. Then, by pulling the plug connector 1 in a removal direction from the receptacle connector 2 in the state where the engagement between the engagement protrusion 121b and the engagement hole 221a is released, the plug connector 1 is moved in the removal direction relative to the receptacle connector 2. When the plug connector 1 is thus moved in the removal direction relative to the receptacle connector 2, the conduction between the terminals is first released, and then the fitting between the housings is released. Thus, the plug connector 1 is detached from the receptacle connector 2.
As described above, in this embodiment, the plug housing (housing) 10 is configured to be detachably inserted and fitted into the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20 of the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2.
Moreover, as described above, in this embodiment, the plug terminal 13 includes the first plug terminal 14 having the first mounting piece 142 that protrudes upward from the upper end of the plug housing 10 on the vertical axis of (protrudes outward from the first end of the second axis). Then, the plug terminal 13 includes the second plug terminal 15 having a second mounting piece 152 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the plug housing 10 along the vertical axis (protrudes outward from the second end of the second axis).
As described above, in this embodiment, the tips of the first mounting pieces 142 and the second mounting pieces 152, which are parts of the plug terminals 13 to be mounted on (connected to) the cable 1A, (at least partly) protrude outward from the plug housing 10. Thus, the mounting pieces 132 (the first mounting pieces 142, the second mounting pieces 152) of the plug terminals 13 can be visually recognized even when the cable 1A is mounted on (connected to) the plug connector 1. Thus, while the cable 1A is mounted on (connected to) the plug connector 1, the state of connection (for example, the formation state of the solder fillet) between the mounting pieces 132 (first mounting pieces 142, second mounting pieces 152) and the conductor part 14A of the cable 1A can be confirmed, and the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connecting member) 1A can be further improved.
However, in recent years, the connector set C1 (plug connector 1 and receptacle connector 2) has been reduced in size in order to provide versatility in the installation location. When the connector set C1 is reduced in size, the amount of protrusion of the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 from the plug housing (housing) 10 becomes small, and it becomes difficult to confirm the state of connection between the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 and the conductor part (conductor) 14A of the cable (connecting member) 1A.
Therefore, it is possible to secure a sufficient amount of protrusion of the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 by reducing the thickness of the plug housing (housing) 10, so that the state of connection between the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 and the conductor part (conductor) 14A can be visually recognized with more certainty.
However, there is a problem that the strength of the plug housing (housing) 10 decreases when the thickness of the plug housing (housing) 10 is reduced.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the plug connector (connector) 1 is reduced in size, the visibility of the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 can be further improved while avoiding deterioration of the strength of the plug housing (housing) 10.
More specifically, an opening is formed in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) so that the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 can be visually recognized when the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) is viewed from the second end side than the first end of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10).
In this embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 19, a rear end 11b of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) along the longitudinal axis (first axis) is a first end of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10). A front end 11c of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10) along the longitudinal axis (first axis) is a second end of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10).
As described above, in this embodiment, the plug housing (housing) 10 includes the rear end (first end) 11b from which the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 protrude with the plug terminals (terminals) 13 housed in the internal spaces (first spaces S1 and second spaces S2) along the longitudinal axis (first axis), and the front end (second end) 11c located on the opposite side of the rear end (first end) 11b along the longitudinal axis (first axis).
By providing the openings as described above in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), a wider area of the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 can be visually recognized through the openings. Thus, even when the plug connector (connector) 1 is reduced in size, the state of connection between the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 and the conductor part (conductor) 14A can be more easily confirmed. By providing openings in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), a wider area of the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 can be visually recognized without making the plug housing (housing) 10 thinner overall. In this way, it is also possible to avoid the deterioration of the strength of the plug housing (housing) 10.
Thus, in this embodiment, while securing the housing strength of the plug housing (housing) 10, it is possible to more easily confirm the state of connection between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connecting member) 1A.
Here, in this embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20, an opening is formed in the bottom surface 112a of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), which is at least one of the top surface (the surface on the first end 11b side of the second axis) 111a and the bottom surface (the surface on the second end 11c side of the second axis) 112a.
In this manner, even if, for example, the amount of protrusion of the mounting pieces (connection terminals) 132 from the plug housing (housing) should be reduced on at least one of the upper side (the first end 11b side) and the lower side (the second end 11c side) of the upper and lower axis (the second axis), both of the first mounting piece (first terminal connection part) 142 and the second mounting piece (second terminal connection part) 152 can be visually recognized in a wider area with more certainty, thereby improving the degree of freedom of design.
In this embodiment, the protrusion amount of the second mounting piece (second terminal connection part) 152 downward is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the first mounting pieces (first terminal connection parts) 142 upward. Therefore, an opening is formed only on the bottom surface 112a of the top surface 111a and the bottom surface 112a of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing). However, it is also possible to provide an opening on both the top surface 111a and the bottom surface 112a of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) even if the amount of protrusion of either one of the first mounting pieces (first terminal connection parts) 142 and the second mounting pieces (second terminal connection parts) 152 is smaller than that of the other mounting piece.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the grooves 1121 extending along the longitudinal axis (first axis) are formed in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), and the grooves 1121 function as openings through which the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 can be visually recognized.
In this manner, the second mounting pieces 152 (mounting pieces 132) can be visually recognized more easily and with more certainty.
Further, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) has the grooves 1121 that penetrate from the rear end (first end) 11b to the front end (second end) 11c of the housing body 11 along the longitudinal axis (first axis).
In this manner, the second mounting pieces 152 (mounting pieces 132) can be visually recognized by viewing the connector unit U1 from the front (looking into the plug housing 10 from the front end 11c side along the longitudinal axis).
The grooves 1121 also open downward (outside of the vertical axis (second axis) crossing the longitudinal axis (first axis)).
In this manner, the second mounting pieces 152 (mounting pieces 132) can be visually recognized even by diagonally looking into the grooves 1121 from the front and the outside of the connector unit U1, and the second mounting pieces 152 (mounting pieces 132) can be visually recognized more easily and with more certainty. Furthermore, the thickness dimension of the wall portion of the plug housing (housing) 10 along the vertical axis (second axis) can be reduced, further reduction in the size of the plug housing (housing) 10 along the vertical axis (second axis) can be achieved.
As described above, in this embodiment, the grooves 1121 are formed in the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) in a state in which the three sides of the front, rear and lower sides are open. Specifically, the grooves 1121 are defined by an inner surface 1121a which is located inside the vertical axis and is a plane orthogonal to the vertical axis; and a pair of inner surfaces 1121b which are continuous with both ends of the inner surface 1121a along the width axis and are planes orthogonal to the width axis (see Fig. 20 (b)). The plug terminals (terminals) 13 are housed in the inner spaces (first spaces S1 and second spaces S2) of the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) in a state in which the second mounting pieces 152 (mounting pieces 132) face the lower openings of the grooves 1121.
In this manner, a wider area of the second mounting pieces 152 is exposed from the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing), and the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132) can be visually recognized by viewing the connector unit U1 from the front or viewing the connector unit U1 obliquely from the front and the outside.
When the grooves 1121 open downward but not forward, for example, it is necessary to look into the grooves 1121 obliquely from the front and the outside of the connector unit U1 to visually recognize the second mounting piece 152 (mounting piece 132).
In this embodiment, the plug housing (housing) 10 is configured to be inserted and fitted into the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20 of the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2.
The housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) has the grooves 1121 that penetrate from the rear end (first end) 11b to the front end (second end) 11c of the housing body 11 along the longitudinal axis (first axis).
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20, the grooves (openings) 1121 are at least partially housed in the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20.
As described above, the grooves (openings) 1121 are formed to penetrate along the longitudinal axis (first axis), which is the axis of relative movement of the plug housing (housing) 10 when the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20. Furthermore, the grooves (openings) 1121 are formed to open downward, so that when the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20, the inner surfaces 1121a face the inner surface (upper surface of the bottom wall 212) of the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20.
That is, the grooves (openings) 1121 are formed to open on a side facing the inner surface (front surface of the rear wall 214) defining the fitting space S5 of the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20 and on a side facing the inner surface (upper surface of the bottom wall 212) defining the fitting space S5 of the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20.
Therefore, it is possible to form a protrusion that is inserted into the grooves (openings) 1121 in the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20, when the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20. Thus, the groove (opening) 1121 for visually recognizing the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 can also be used as a guide portion for guiding the insertion and fitting of the plug housing (housing) 10 into the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20, and it is possible to avoid rattling when the plug housing (housing) 10 and the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20 are fitted together.
Further, in this embodiment, the plug housing (housing) 10 includes convex walls 19 extending to the rear side (outer side) of the longitudinal axis (first axis) than the rear end (first end) 11b from which the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 protrude.
In this embodiment, a pair of convex walls 19 are formed on both sides of the width axis of the plug housing (housing) 10, and the pair of convex walls 19 are located outside the width axis of the housing body 11. Specifically, the pair of convex walls 19 are connected to the housing body 11 via protective walls 17 and connecting walls 18, which will be described below, so that the pair of convex walls 19 are located outside the width axis of the housing body 11. Thus, in this embodiment, when the plug housing (housing) 10 is viewed along the longitudinal axis, the entire housing body 11 is located between the pair of convex walls 19.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the housing body 11 includes groove walls 1122 forming the grooves (opening) 1121, and the pair of convex walls 19 are formed to protrude below the groove walls 1122 on the vertical axis. That is, the pair of convex walls 19 are formed to protrude entirely below the bottom surface 112a of the housing body 11. The pair of convex walls 19 are formed to protrude above the entire top surface 111a of the housing body 11.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the plug housing (housing) 10 is viewed along the longitudinal axis, the pair of convex walls 19 are formed to protrude below the tip of the second mounting pieces 152 (mounting pieces 132) on the vertical axis, and to protrude above the first mounting pieces 142 (mounting pieces 132).
Thus, in this embodiment, when the plug housing (housing) 10 is viewed along the longitudinal axis, a plurality of the grooves (openings) 1121, a plurality of the mounting pieces 132 (the first mounting pieces 142 and the second mounting pieces 152), and the internal spaces (first space S1 and second space S2) are located between the pair of convex walls 19.
By making the plug housing (housing) 10 into this type of shape, a housing part 191 defined by the inner surface of the width axis of the pair of convex walls 19 and a rear surface 115b of the housing body 11 is formed at the rear of the plug housing (housing) 10. Thus, when the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, the portion where the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connecting member) 1A is formed is housed in the housing part 191. In this embodiment, the rear surface 115b of the housing body 11 is a placement surface 10a facing the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connecting member) 1A when the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1.
Thus, in this embodiment, by forming the housing part 191 for housing the cable (connecting member) 1A in the plug housing (housing) 10, the circumference of the cable (connecting member) 1A can be protected by the convex walls 19 when the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1.
In this embodiment, the pair of convex walls 19 are exposed from the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20 in a state where the plug housing (housing) 10 is inserted and fitted into the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20.
The pair of convex walls 19 can be used as a handle for grasping by hand. Thus, the fitting operation of the plug connector (connector) 1 to the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 can be more easily performed.
In this embodiment, when the plug connector (connector) 1 is fitted with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 and viewed along the longitudinal axis, the outer ends of the pair of convex walls 19 are located outside the width axis of the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20. That is, when the plug connector (connector) 1 is fitted with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2, both sides of the plug housing (housing) 10 on the width axis are located outside the width axis of the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20. Thus, when the plug connector (connector) 1 is detached from the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2, the holding by the pair of convex walls 19 is prevented from being obstructed by the receptacle housing (corresponding housing) 20. When the plug connector (connector) 1 is detached from the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 using a jig, the jig can be more securely hooked to the convex walls 19, the protective walls 17, or the like.
Further, as described above, in this embodiment, the connector unit U1 in a vertical type (a type in which the connection surface 11aA of the connecting member 1A is substantially orthogonal to the fitting direction of the connector set C1) is illustrated.
The recess part 11a is formed in the center of the width axis of the housing body 11, and the lock part 12 is formed in the recess part 11a to reduce the height of the plug connector (connector) 1. Further, the lock unit 12 includes the operation part 121a that can move the lock unit 12 from the upper side (first side) to the lower side (second side) of the vertical axis (second axis) intersecting the longitudinal axis (first axis), so that the lock between the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 can be released. Furthermore, the movement space S6 is formed in the plug housing (housing) 10 to allow the movement of the operation part 121a to the lower side (second side) of the vertical axis (second axis).
With the plug connector (connector) 1, if the lock part 12 is covered from the rear by the cable (connecting member) 1A when the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected, it becomes difficult to operate the lever part 121 with a finger or the like when the plug connector (connector) 1 is removed from the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the lock between the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 can be released more easily. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement space S6 can be utilized more effectively.
Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 21, in the base body 13A of the cable (connecting member) 1A, a recess part 13aA is formed which penetrates along the longitudinal axis (first axis) and opens on the upper side (first side) of the vertical axis (second axis), with the cable (connecting member) 1A connected to the plug connector (connector) 1. As illustrated in Fig. 22, when the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, the recess part 13aA communicates with the movement space S6 along the longitudinal axis (first axis).
In this manner, even when the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, an operator's finger can be more reliably prevented from touching the cable (connecting member) 1A when operating the operation part 121a. Thus, the lock between the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 can be more easily released.
Further, by making the recess part 13aA penetrating along the longitudinal axis (first axis) communicate with the movement space S6 on the longitudinal axis (first axis), the movement space S6 is prevented from being blocked by the cable (connecting member) 1A when the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1. In this manner, the movement space S6 allowing the movement of the operation part 121a to the lower side (second side) of the vertical axis (second axis) can be more effectively utilized.
In this embodiment, the base body 13A includes the flexible sheet 131A on which the conductor part (conductor) 14A is formed and connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, and the reinforcing plate (pedestal) 132A which is fixed to the flexible sheet 131A and avoids deformation of the flexible sheet 131A. Therefore, in this embodiment, the recess part 13aA includes a sheet-side recess part 131aA formed in the flexible sheet 131A, and a pedestal-side recess part 132aA formed in the reinforcing plate (pedestal) 132A (see Fig. 21).
In this manner, it is possible to more easily release the lock between the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 while improving the connection reliability of the cable (connecting member) 1A to the plug connector (connector) 1 by the reinforcing plate (pedestal) 132A.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the plug housing (housing) 10 includes the placement surface 10a facing the mounting surface (connecting surface) 11aA of the cable (connecting member) 1A with the plug connector (connector) 1, and the pair of convex walls 19 protruding from the placement surface 10a and defining the housing part 191 that houses the cable (connecting member) 1A with the placement surface 10a.
Then, when the plug housing (housing) 10 to which the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected is viewed along the longitudinal axis, the recess part 13aA is located between the pair of convex walls 19.
In this manner, it is possible to lower the height of the operation part 121a, thereby further reducing the height of the plug connector (connector) 1.
Further, in this embodiment, the plug terminal (terminal) 13 arranged on the upper side of the housing body 11 to be aligned with the movement space S6 along the width axis (third axis). Specifically, five plug terminals (terminals) 13 are arranged along the width axis (third axis) on one side (right side in a horizontal) of the width axis of the movement space S6. Five plug terminals (terminals) 13 are arranged along the width axis (third axis) on the other side (left side in the horizontal direction) of the width axis of the movement space S6.
Thus, in this embodiment, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 include first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 arranged along the width axis (third axis) intersecting the longitudinal axis (first axis) and the vertical axis (second axis) to be aligned with the movement space S6.
In this manner, it is possible to lower the height position of the operation part 121a, thereby reducing the height of the plug connector (connector) 1.
This embodiment illustrates the first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 arranged on both sides of the width axis of the movement space S6, but the first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 may be arranged on only one side of the width axis of the movement space S6. In the case where the first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 are arranged on both sides of the width axis of the movement space S6, the number of the first plug terminals (first terminals) arranged on one side of the width axis and the other side may be different.
In this embodiment, the connector unit U1 can be made versatile. More specifically, the connector unit U1 may be capable of confirming the completion of fitting between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 without replacing parts.
That is, the plug connector (connector) 1 can hold a slide member 3 to be slidable (see Fig. 24).
The slide member 3 is slidably attached to the plug connector 1 so that the slide movement from an initial position as a first position to a slide completion position as a second position is restricted when the fitting of the plug connector 1 to the receptacle connector 2 is not completed. The first position and the second position can be set, as appropriate. Specific positions in this embodiment will be described below.
The connector unit U1 is configured so that the slide movement of the slide member 3 from the initial position to the slide completion position is allowed when the fitting of the plug connector 1 to the receptacle connector 2 is completed. With this configuration, the completion of fitting between the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 2 can be confirmed by sliding the slide member 3 from the initial position to the slide completion position.
Thus, in this embodiment, the connector set C1 can also have a connector position assurance (CPA) function. In this case, the slide member 3 functions as a CPA member.
Next, a configuration for providing the connector set C1 with the connector position assurance (CPA) function will be described.
First, in this embodiment, the movement space S6 in the plug housing (housing) 10 is formed just below the operation part 121a, and has a deflection allowance space S61 in which deflection of the lever part 121 downward is allowed. Further, the movement spaces S6 are formed on both sides of the width axis of the recess 11a (a portion of the recess 11a located outside the width axis of the lever part 121), and has an insertion space S62 in which the slide member 3 is inserted. The insertion space S62 is formed to communicate with the deflection allowance space S61 along the width axis (third axis).
In the rear part of the top wall 111, a restricting protrusion (slide restriction portion) 111b having an approximately L-shape in a plan view is formed. The restricting protrusion 111b restricts the slide member 3 from sliding from an initial position to a slide completion position when the fitting of the plug housing 10 to the receptacle housing 20 is not completed.
In this embodiment, the insertion space S62 and the second space S2 overlap when the plug housing 10 is viewed along the width axis. In this manner, the height of the plug housing 10 in which the slide member 3 is held can be kept low.
Then, when the plug housing (housing) 10 to which the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected is viewed from the rear along the longitudinal axis, the movement spaces S6 (the deflection allowance space S61 and the insertion space S62) entirely or partly communicate with the recess part 13aA along the longitudinal axis (first axis). That is, when the plug housing (housing) 10 to which the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected is viewed from the rear along the longitudinal axis, the movement spaces S6 (the deflection allowance space S61 and the insertion space S62) are entirely or partly exposed from the cable (connecting member) 1A (see Fig. 23). In this embodiment, the pair of restriction protrusions 111b are also exposed from the cable (connecting member) 1A when the plug housing (housing) 10 to which the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected is viewed from the rear along the longitudinal axis.
Thus, even when the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected, the slide member 3 can be selectively held by the plug housing (housing) 10, and the connector unit U1 can confirm the completion of fitting between the plug connector (connector) and the receptacle connector (corresponding connector). That is, the connector unit U1 can be given versatility.

[Configuration Example of Slide Member 3]

Next, an example of the configuration of the slide member 3, which is slidably held in the plug connector 1 according to this embodiment, is described based on Fig. 25.
In this embodiment, the slide member 3 includes a main body part 31 having a substantially rectangular plate shape. On the upper part of this main body part 31, a handle 31a is formed.
Further, a pair of lower arm parts 32 are continuous with a lower part of the main body part 31 on both sides along the width axis, so that the pair of lower arm parts 32 extend forward along the longitudinal axis. The pair of lower arm parts 32 are continuous with the main body part 31 in a cantilever fashion, and are formed to be capable of elastically deforming along the width axis. On the tips (front ends) of the lower arm parts 32, locking protrusions (retaining parts) 32a are formed to protrude outward along the width axis.
A pair of upper arm parts 33 are continuous with the upper part of the main body part 31 on both sides along the width axis, so that the pair of upper arm parts 33 extend forward in the longitudinal axis. The pair of upper arm parts 33 are continuous with the main body part 31 in a cantilever fashion, and formed to be elastically deformed along the vertical axis (the axis intersecting the insertion direction of the terminals). In the slide member 3 illustrated in this embodiment, the pair of upper arm parts 33 are formed to be wider on their base sides (sides continuous with the main body part 31). Then, on the tips (front ends) of the upper arm parts 33, engagement protrusions (engagement parts) 33b are formed to protrude upward.
In addition, the protrusions 33a protruding upward are formed substantially in a middle of the upper arm parts 33 along the longitudinal axis.
Moreover, a restricting protrusion (restrictor) 31b extending forward and upward is formed on a lower part of the main body part 31. Note that in the slide member 3 illustrated in this embodiment, the ends of the restricting protrusion (restrictor) 31b along the width axis are continuous with the inner surface of the lower arm part 32.
In this embodiment, the main body part 31 of the slide member 3 is arranged near the operation part 121a of the lever part 121, with the slide member 3 held by the plug housing 10.
Thus, when the operation part 121a is operated to elastically deform the lever part 121 downward, a finger of an operator may hit the main body part 31, and the locking between the lever part 121 and the engagement hole part (engagement part) 221a may not be easily released.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation of the lever part 121 is prevented more reliably from being obstructed by the slide member 3.
Specifically, formation of a recess part 31c recessed in the operation direction of the operation part 121a (downward in the vertical axis) in the main body part 31 prevents fingers of an operator from hitting the main body part 31.
Further, in this embodiment, when the slide member 3 is held in one housing (plug housing 10) and viewed along the longitudinal axis (X axis: sliding direction of slide member 3), a part of the main body part 31 is made to overlap with the operation part 121a of the lever part 121. That is, the slide member 3 is held by one housing (plug housing 10) so that a part of the main body part 31 overlaps the operation part 121a when viewed along the longitudinal axis.
Further, in this embodiment, the main body part 31 is arranged so that the handle 31a protrudes from the operation part 121a when the slide member 3 is held by one housing (plug housing 10) and viewed along the longitudinal axis (X axis: sliding direction of slide member 3).
As described above, in this embodiment, the recess part 31c is formed at the center of the upper part of the main body part 31 along the width axis. The recess part 31c is preferably formed to have a size such that the finger 41 of the operator 4 can be inserted from above.
Specifically, the main body part 31 is held by the plug housing 10 in a state where both ends of the main body part 31 along the width axis protrude outward from the operation part 121a of the lever part 10. The recess part 31c is formed at the center of the upper part of the main body part 31 along the width axis, and the handles 31a are formed at the upper parts of both ends of the recess part 31c along the width axis. In this case, the handles 31a protrude outward in the width axis more than the operation part 121a of the lever part 121. Thus, the handles 31a located in the vicinity of the operation part 121a are more reliably gripped by the fingers, or the fingers can be hooked thereon.
The recess part 31c is preferably formed to have a depth (the amount of recess in vertical axis) such that the finger 41 of the operator 4 does not come into contact therewith while the engagement between the engagement protrusion 121b and the engagement hole 221a is released by lowering the operation part 121a. In this manner, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 121b and the engagement hole 221a is more reliably released without being obstructed by the main body part 31 (see Fig. 30).
In addition, in the slide member 3 illustrated in this embodiment, protrusions 32b protruding upward are formed on the lower arm parts 32 in the direction in which the lower arm parts 32 extend. To be more specific, the protrusions 32b are formed to extend from the base side to the tip side of the lower arm parts 32, and are each formed to be elongated in the direction in which the lower arm parts 32 extend. By forming such protrusions 32b on the lower arm parts 32, the gap between the lower arm parts 32 and the upper arm parts 33 is reduced. Note that in the slide member 3 illustrated in this embodiment, the protrusions 32b are not formed directly below the portions where the engagement protrusions (engagement parts) 33b are formed in the upper arm parts 33. To be more specific, the protrusions 32b are formed so that their tips are located not further away (or located closer to the base) than the engagement protrusions (engagement parts) 33b of the upper arm parts 33. This prevents the elastic deformation of the upper arm parts 33 along the vertical axis from being hindered by the protrusion 32b.
Moreover, in the slide member 3 according to this embodiment, the gap (the shortest distance along the vertical axis) between the lower arm parts 32 and the upper arm parts 33 at the locations where the protrusions 32b are formed is made smaller than the thickness of the lower arm parts 32 along the vertical axis and the thickness of the upper arm parts 33 along the vertical axis.
As described above, in the slide member 3 according to this embodiment, the protrusion 32b, which makes smaller the gap between the lower arm part 32 and the upper arm part 33, is formed to extend from the base side to the tip side on each lower arm part 32, which is at least one arm part from the lower arm part 32 and the upper arm part 33. Thus, the gap between the lower arm parts 32 and the upper arm parts 33 at the locations where the protrusions 33b are formed is made smaller than the thickness of the lower arm parts 32 and the thickness of the upper arm parts 33.
Furthermore, in the slide member 3 according to this embodiment, the width on the tip sides of the lower arm parts 32 and the width on the tip sides of the upper arm parts 33 are also made larger than the gap (the shortest distance along the vertical axis) between the lower arm parts 32 and the upper arm parts 33 at the locations where the protrusions 32b are formed.
In this manner, it is possible to prevent the lower arm parts 32 or the upper arm parts 33 of another slide member 3 from being inserted into the gap between the lower arm parts 32 and the upper arm parts 33 of the slide member 3, so that the arm parts do not entangle with each other. Thus, the slide member 3 according to this embodiment is configured so that the arm parts are prevented from being entangled with each other without hindering the elastic deformation of the upper arm parts 33 in the vertical axis.
In addition, in this embodiment, the insertion space S62 is divided into a space into which the lower arm parts 32 of the slide member 3 are inserted, and a space into which the upper arm parts 33 are inserted, by protruding walls 119a formed to protrude along the width axis on the intermediate walls 119 that define the recess part.
In addition, stepped parts 119b are formed at the center of the intermediate walls 119, which defines the recess part 11a, below the protruding wall 119a along the longitudinal axis, so that the space into which the lower arm parts 32 are inserted is wide on the front side in a plan view (see Fig. 26). The engaging protrusions 32a formed on the tip (front end) of the lower arm parts 32 and protruding outside along the width axis engage with the stepped parts 119b, so that the slide member 3 is prevented from coming out of the housing body 11.
Next, an example of operation of the slide member 3 is described based on Figs. 26 to 29.
As described above, in this embodiment, the slide member 3 functions as the CPA member. That is, the slide member 3 is slidably attached to the plug housing 10 so that the slide movement of the slide member 3 from the initial position (first position) to the slide completion position (second position) is restricted when the plug housing 10 has not yet been completely fitted into the receptacle housing 20. Then, the slide member 3 is configured so that once the plug housing 10 is completely fitted into the receptacle housing 20, the slide movement of the slide member 3 from the initial position to the slide completion position is allowed.
To be more specific, the slide member 3 is configured so that the tips of the lower arm parts 32 are inserted into the insertion space S62 while being deflected inward along the width axis. At this point, the tips of the upper arm parts 33 are also inserted into the insertion space S6.
In a state where the tips of the lower arm parts 32 and the upper arm part 33 are inserted into the insertion space S62, when the slide member 3 is moved forward (inserted) by a predetermined distance, the tips of the lower arm parts 32 move forward beyond the stepped parts 119b formed on the intermediate walls 119, which define the recess part 11b. Once the tips of the lower arm parts 32 move forward beyond the stepped parts 119b, the lower arm parts 32 are moved by elastic restoring force in directions to separate from each other (outward along the width axis), so that the locking protrusions 32a of the lower arm parts 32 are locked to the stepped parts 119b. As a result, the slide member 3 is slidably held (temporarily held) in the plug housing 10 while being prevented from falling off the housing main body 11 (see Fig. 26).
Note that in a state where the locking protrusions 32a of the lower arm parts 32 are locked to the stepped parts 119b, the protrusions 33a of the upper arm parts 33 are located behind the restricting protrusions (slide restrictors) 111b to face the restricting protrusions (slide restrictor) 111b (see Fig. 27).
For this reason, in a state where the slide member 3 is temporarily held in the plug housing 10 which is not fitted into the receptacle housing 20, if an attempt is made to slide the slide member 3 forward, the protrusions 33a of the upper arm parts 33 come into contact with the restricting protrusions 111b, thus preventing the slide member 3 from moving forward further.
In this embodiment, this configuration prevents the slide member 3 from sliding from the initial position to the slide completion position when the plug housing 10 has not been completely fitted into the receptacle housing 20 yet. Note that in this embodiment, the slide member 3 is regarded as being at the initial position when the locking protrusion 32a of the lower arm part 32 is locked to the step part 119b.
When the plug housing 10 which has temporarily held the slide member 3 is fitted into the receptacle housing 20, the engagement protrusions 33b of the upper arm parts 33 come into contact with the protrusions 211c of the top wall 211, and are pressed downward from the initiation to the completion of the fitting. Then, once the plug housing 10 is completely fitted into the receptacle housing 20, the tips of the engagement protrusions 33b abut against the lower surfaces of the protrusions 211c, so that the upper arm parts 33 are deflected downward. At this point, the protrusions 33a of the upper arm parts 33 also move downward to be located below the restricting protrusions (slide restrictors) 111b (see Fig. 28).
Thus, once the plug housing 10 is fitted into the receptacle housing 20, the restriction on the forward movement of the protrusions 33a, which is caused by the restricting protrusions 111b, is released. This allows the slide member 3 to slide forward. As described above, in this embodiment, the upper arm parts 33, which are elastically deformable up and down, and the protrusions 33a, which are formed on the upper arm parts 33 to be capable of coming into contact with the restricting protrusions 111b, function as the slide lock mechanism.
Then, by sliding the slide member 3 forward and locking the engagement protrusions 33b of the upper arm parts 33 to the engagement holes 221d formed at the rear ends (end parts of inner side) of the protrusions 211c of the top wall 211, the plug housing 10 and the receptacle housing 20 are locked in a fitted state with the slide member 3 as well (see Fig. 29). Note that in this embodiment, the slide member 3 is regarded as being at the slide completion position (completion position: second position) when the engagement protrusions 33b of the upper arm parts 33 are locked to the engagement holes 211d formed at the rear ends of the protrusions 211c of the top wall 211.
In this manner, the connector set C1 is locked doubly by the lever part 121 and the slide member 3.
Moreover, in this embodiment, when the slide member 3 is slid to the slide completion position (completion position), the restricting protrusion (restrictor) 31b is inserted into the deflection allowance space S61 (see Fig. 26). Then, the restricting protrusion 31b inserted into the deflection allowance space S61 restricts downward movement of the lever part 121.
Here, it is preferable that the amount of upward protrusion of the restricting protrusion 31b be set so that the engagement protrusion 121b and the engagement holes 221a remain engaged with each other even when the lever part 121 is in contact with the restricting protrusion 31b. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the locking with the lever part 121 from being released unless the locking state with the slide member 3 is released, and thus it is possible to maintain the locking state more securely.
Note that to release the fitting of the connector set C1 when doubly locked with the lever part 121 and the slide member 3, the slide member 3 in the slide completion position is first slid to the initial position. In this embodiment, strongly pulling the slide member 3 rearward (toward the initial position) releases the locking between the engagement protrusions 33b and the protrusions 211c. Thus, for example, if an operator or the like grips the handle 31a and strongly pulls the slide member 3 rearward, the slide member 3 slides to the initial position.
As described above, sliding the slide member 3 to the initial position releases the restriction on the downward movement of the lever part 121, making it possible to release the lock with the lever part 121.
At this point, in this embodiment, the recess part 31c is formed at the upper end of the main body part 31 of the slide member 3. Thus, when the lever part 121 moves downward, the finger 41 of the operator 4 is prevented from hitting the main body part 31 (slide member 3), and the lock by the lever part 121 is released more reliably.
Then, by performing the above described operation of removing the plug connector 1 from the receptacle connector 2, the plug connector 1 is removed from the receptacle connector 2.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection reliability with the cable (connecting member) 1A can be further improved.
Specifically, the exposed conductor parts 14aA of the cable 1A to which the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 of the plug terminals 13 are connected are supported by the reinforcing plate 132A.
In this manner, when the cable 1A is tilted to be moved away from the reinforcing plate 132A, the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 of the plug terminals 13 are prevented from being deformed, and the connection between the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 and the exposed conductor parts 14aA are prevented from deteriorating. That is, the mounting portion between the plug terminals 13 and the cable 1A can be protected from the tilting of the cable 1A.
In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figs. 30 and 31, when the plug housing (housing) 10 is viewed along the width axis (in the direction in which fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 protrude), the housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) has the protective walls 17 formed to cover at least a part of the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162.
In this manner, when the plug connector (connector) 1 to which the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected is fitted with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 or removed from the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2, the protective walls 17 can prevent fingers from touching the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 or the connecting portion between the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 and the cable (connecting member) 1A.
Thus, in this embodiment, the protective walls 17 can prevent fingers from touching the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 or the connecting portion between the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 and the cable (connecting member) 1A. Thus, deterioration of the state of connection between the cable (connecting member) 1A and the plug connector (connector) 1 can be prevented, and the reliability of connection between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connecting member) 1A can be further improved.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protective walls 17 include outer ends 171 in directions in which the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 protrude (outside the width axis). In addition, the cable (connecting member) 1A includes outer ends 1cA along the width axis in the directions in which the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 protrude at portions to which the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 are connected. The outer ends 171 of the protective walls 17 are located outside the outer ends 1cA of the cable (connecting member) 1A (see Fig. 31).
Thus, when the plug connector (connector) 1 to which the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected is fitted with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 or removed from the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2, it is possible to more reliably prevent fingers from touching the cable (connecting member) 1A. In other words, fitting or other operations between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 can be performed without touching the cable (connecting member) 1A.
Thus, in this embodiment, when fitting or other operations of the plug connector (connector) 1 and the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 to each other are performed, fingers or the like are prevented from touching the cable (connecting member) 1A. In this manner, it is possible to avoid connection strength reduction and deterioration of the electrical connection due to the contact of fingers, or the like, with the cable (connecting member) 1A. It is also possible to avoid the occurrence of connection errors due to disconnection of the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connecting member) 1A.
In this embodiment, the fixation pieces 162 protrude outside the width axis with the holding brackets (fixation terminals) 16 held in the housing body 11. That is, the holding brackets (fixation terminals) 16 are held in the housing body 11 in such a state that the plate thickness of the fixation pieces 162 is substantially along the longitudinal axis. The housing body 11 (plug housing 10: housing) is fixed to the cable (connecting member) 1A by mounting (connecting) lower surfaces (rear surface in the state that the fixation terminals 16 are held in the housing body 11) 162a of the fixation pieces 162 to the fixation parts 15A.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower surfaces 162a of the fixation pieces 162 are the first surfaces facing the mounting surface (connecting surface) 11aA of the cable (connecting member) 1A. Upper surfaces (front surface in the state that the fixation terminals 16 are held in the housing body 11) 162b of the fixation pieces 162 are second surfaces facing the lower surfaces (first surfaces) 162a on the opposite side of the mounting surface (connecting surface) 11aA.
Thus, in this embodiment, the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 include the lower surfaces (first surfaces) 162a facing the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connecting member) 1A, and the upper surfaces (second surfaces) 162b located on an opposite side of the lower surfaces (first surface) 162a on a side not facing the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA.
Here, in this embodiment, the portions of the tips of the fixation pieces 162 extending from one end to the other end of the vertical axis face the protective walls 17 on the width axis. Specifically, when viewed along the longitudinal axis, the tips of the fixation pieces 162 are entirely located between one end and the other end of the vertical axis of the protective walls 17 with a distance from the protective walls 17 on the width axis.
In this embodiment, when viewed along the longitudinal axis, the protective walls 17 have a rod shape elongated on the vertical axis, and are arranged so that the inner sides of the width axis face the side face of the tips of the fixation pieces 162 on the width axis. The protective walls 17 are connected to the side surfaces 113a of the housing body 11 by the connecting walls 18.
Thus, in this embodiment, the protective walls 17 and the housing body 11 are integrated. In this manner, the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connecting member) 1A can be further improved while reducing the plug connector (connector) 1 size.
Specifically, one end of the protective wall 17 along the vertical axis is connected to one end of the side surface 113a of the housing body 11 along the vertical axis by one of the connecting walls 18 extending in the width axis. The other end of the protective walls 17 along the vertical axis is connected to the other end of the side surface 113a of the housing body 11 along the vertical axis by the other one of the connecting walls 18 extending in the width axis. In this case, one end of the fixation piece (connecting fixation part) 162 along the vertical axis is opposed to one of the connecting walls 18 along the vertical axis while being separated on the vertical axis, and the other end of the fixation piece (connecting fixation part) 162 along the vertical axis is opposed to the other one of the connecting wall 18 along the vertical axis while being separated on the vertical axis. Thus, a substantially rectangular through-hole 10b which is defined by the side surface 113a of the housing body 11, the inner surface of the protective wall 17 along the width axis, and the inner surfaces of the pair of connecting walls 18 along the vertical axis, and which penetrates along the vertical axis is formed in the plug housing (housing) 10. The fixation piece (connecting fixation part) 162 is arranged in the through-hole 10b with the holding bracket (fixation terminal) 16 held in the housing body 11.
Thus, in this embodiment, the lower surface (first surface) 162a of the fixation piece (connecting fixation parts) 162 can be visually recognized from the rear (the first surface 162a side in the direction in which the first surface 162a and the second surface 162b of the connecting fixation parts 162 face each other) of the vertical axis while the cable (connecting member) 1A is not connected to the plug connector (connector) 1.
In this manner, it is possible to more reliably confirm whether or not the holding brackets (fixation terminals) are firmly held by the housing body 11.
Then, the holding brackets (fixation terminals) 16 are held by the housing body 11 in a state in which at least a part of a peripheral edge 1621 of the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 can be visually recognized when viewed from the front side of the longitudinal axis (the second side of the connecting fixation pieces 162).
In this manner, even if the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1 from the rear side of the longitudinal axis (the first side of the connecting fixation pieces 162), the state of connection (for example, the formation state of the solder fillet) between the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 and the cable (connecting member) 1A can be confirmed. In this manner, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connecting member) 1A are securely connected, so that the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connecting member) 1A can be further improved.
Further, in this embodiment, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes the pair of holding brackets (fixation terminals) 16 held on the side surfaces 113a of the housing body 11 facing each other along the width axis. In addition, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes a pair of the protective walls 17 arranged outside of the fixation pieces (connecting fixation parts) 162 of the pair of holding brackets (fixation terminals) 16 along the width axis.
When the plug connector (connector) 1 is viewed from the rear on the longitudinal axis (on a side of the first surface 162a of the connecting fixation portions 162), the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 are present between the pair of protective walls 17.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 are housed in the first spaces S1 and the second spaces S2 by being inserted through the insertion openings (terminal opening parts) S1a and S2a formed in the internal spaces (the first spaces S1 and the second spaces S2). When the plug connector (connector) 1 is viewed from the rear on the longitudinal axis (from a side of the first surfaces 162a of the connecting fixation parts 162), the insertion openings (terminal opening portions) S1a and S2a are present between the pair of protective walls 17.
In this manner, the connection strength between the plug connector (connector) and the cable (connecting member) can be further improved while reducing the height of the plug connector (connector).
Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the plug housing (housing) 10 has the convex walls 19 extending to the rear side (outer side) of the longitudinal axis (first axis) than the rear end (first end) 11b from which the mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 protrude. The convex walls 19 are continuous with rear ends of the protective walls 17. In this manner, the convex walls 19 are connected to the housing body 11 via the protective walls 17 and the connecting walls 18, so that the convex walls 19 are formed further outside the width axis than the housing body 11.
That is, in this embodiment, the plug housing (housing) 10 has such a shape that the rear ends of the protective walls 17 protrude further backward when viewed along the vertical axis, and the portions protruding backward from the protective walls 17 are the convex walls 19.
In this embodiment, the convex walls 19 are continuous with each of the pair of protective walls 17. With the cable (connecting member) 1A connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, the housing part 191 housing the cable (connecting member) 1A is defined by the placement surface 10a facing the mounting surface (connecting surface) 11aA of the cable (connecting member) 1A and the pair of convex walls 19 protruding backward from the placement surface 10a. With the cable (connecting member) 1A housed in the housing part 191, the connector unit U1 can be grasped without touching the cable (connecting member) 1A by pinching the pair of convex walls 19 protruding outward of the width axis and backward in the longitudinal axis from the cable (connecting member) 1A by hand.
Thus, in this embodiment, by integrating the convex walls 19 defining the housing part 191 with the protective walls 17, the plug connector (connector) 1 can be reduced in size, and the connection reliability between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connecting member) 1A can be enhanced.
Note that the plug connector (connector) 1 and the connector unit U1 according to this embodiment can also be used as a part of the connector set C1 illustrated in Fig. 32. That is, it is also possible to fit the plug connector (connector) 1 and the connector unit U1 with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 illustrated in Fig. 32.
In Fig. 32, the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 is mounted on (connected) to the circuit board (corresponding member) 2A in a state that the fitting space S5 opens in the normal direction of the surface (mounting surface) 21aA of the board main body 2aA. Then, by moving the plug connector (connector) 1 and the connector unit U1 relative to each other in the normal direction of the surface (mounting surface) 21aA of the board main body 2aA, the plug connector (connector) 1 and the connector unit U1 are fitted with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2.
As described in the embodiment above, the connector unit U1 in a vertical type (a type in which the connection surface 11aA of the connecting member 1A is substantially orthogonal to the fitting direction of the connector set C1) is illustrated. That is, the plug housing (housing) 10 includes the placement surface 10a facing the mounting surface (connecting surface) 11aA in a state where the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected, and the plug housing (housing) 10 is moved in the normal direction of the placement surface 10a to be fitted with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2.

[Operation and Effect]

(Technology 1)

The connector unit U1 according to this embodiment includes the plug connector (connector) 1 and the cable (connecting member) 1A connected to the connector unit U1. The connector unit U1 is configured so that the plug connector (connector) 1 is fitted with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 by a relative movement of the plug connector (connector) 1 to the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 along a longitudinal axis (first axis).
Here, the plug connector (connector) 1 includes: the terminals (terminals) 13 which can be electrically connected to the receptacle terminals (corresponding terminals) 23, 24 of the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2; the plug housing (housing) 10 having internal spaces (first spaces S1 and second spaces S2) which can house the plug terminals (terminals) 13; and the lock part 12 which can restrict the relative movement of the plug connector (connector) 1 along the longitudinal axis (first axis) with respect to the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 with the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 fitted with the plug connector (connector) 1.
The cable (connecting member) 1A includes the base body 13A and the conductor part (conductor) 14A formed on the base body 13A, and the plug terminals (terminals) 13 includes the contact parts 130a which can be electrically connected to the contact parts (corresponding contact parts) 230a, 240a of the receptacle terminals (corresponding terminals) 23,24, and a mounting pieces (terminal connection parts) 132 which can be electrically connected to the conductor part (conductor) 14A of the cable (connecting member) 1A.
Here, the lock part 12 includes the operation part 121a which can release the lock between the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 by moving the operation part 121a from the upper side (first side) to the lower side (second side) of the vertical axis (second axes) intersecting the longitudinal axis (first axes), and the movement space S6 which allows the operation part 121a to move to the lower side (second side) of the vertical axis (second axes) is formed in the plug housing (housing) 10.
With the cable (connecting member) 1A connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, the base body 13A includes the recess part 13aA which penetrates along the longitudinal axis (first axis), opens on the upper side (first side) of the vertical axis (second axis), and communicates with the movement space S6 along the longitudinal axis (first axis).
Thus, even with the cable (connecting member) 1A connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, it is possible to more reliably avoid the fingers of an operator from hitting the cable (connecting member) 1A when operating the operation part 121a. As a result, the lock between the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 and the plug connector (connector) 1 can be more easily released.
In this embodiment, the recess part 13aA penetrating along the longitudinal axis (first axis) communicates with the movement space S6 along the longitudinal axis (first axis). Therefore, when the cable (connecting member) 1A is connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, the movement space S6 can be prevented from being blocked by the cable (connecting member) 1A, and the movement space S6 can be utilized more effectively.

(Technology 2)

In (Technology 1) described above, the plug housing (housing) 10 may include the placement surface 10a facing the mounting surface (connection surface) 11aA of the cable (connecting member) 1A with the plug connector (connector) 1, and the pair of convex walls 19 protruding from the placement surface 10a and defining the housing part 191 that houses the cable (connecting member) 1A with the placement surface 10a. The recess part 13aA may be disposed between the pair of convex walls 19 with the cable (connecting member) 1A connected to the plug connector (connector) 1.
In this manner, the height position of the operation part 121a can be lowered, and the height of the plug connector (connector) 1 can be reduced.

(Technology 3)

In (Technology 1) or (Technology 2) described above, the plug terminals (terminals) 13 may include the first plug terminals (first terminals) 14 arranged side by side with the movement space S6 along the width axis (third axis) that intersects the longitudinal axis (first axis) and the vertical axis (second axis).
In this manner, the height of the operation part 121a can be lowered, and the height of the plug connector (connector) 1 can be reduced.

(Technology 4)

In any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 3) described above, the base body 13A may include the flexible sheet 131A on which the conductor part (conductor) 14A is formed and connected to the plug connector (connector) 1, and the reinforcing plate (pedestal) 132A fixed to the flexible sheet 131A and preventing deformation of the flexible sheet 131A. The recess part 13aA may include the sheet-side recess part 131aA formed in the flexible sheet 131A and the pedestal-side recess part 132aA formed in the reinforcing plate (pedestal) 132A.
In this manner, the connection reliability of the cable (connecting member) 1A to the plug connector (connector) 1 can be further improved.

(Technology 5)

In any one of (Technology 1) to (Technology 4) described above, the movement space S6 may include the insertion space S62 to insert the slide member 3 which is held by the plug connector (connector) 1 to be slidable along the longitudinal axis (first axis) and in which the completion of the fitting between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 can be confirmed.
In this manner, it is possible to obtain the connector unit U1 in which the completion of the fitting between the plug connector (connector) 1 and the receptacle connector (corresponding connector) 2 can be confirmed without replacing parts. That is, the connector unit U1 can be made versatile.

[Others]

The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and modified examples thereof, and various modifications are possible.
For example, in the above described embodiments and modified examples thereof, a connector with a plurality of terminals arranged in two stages, upper and lower stages, is illustrated, but a connector with a plurality of terminals arranged in only one stage or a connector with a plurality of terminals arranged in three or more stages is possible.
Furthermore, a connector in which terminals arranged in a plurality of stages have the same shape is illustrated, but a connector in which a plurality of types of terminals are arranged in the stages can be made. It is not necessary that the terminals arranged in the same stage have the same shape, but a connector in which a plurality of types of terminals are arranged in the same stage is possible.
Moreover, the present disclosure may be applied to a connector (plug connector or receptacle connector) for electrically connecting substrates or cables. Further, the present disclosure may be applied to a connector (plug connector or receptacle connector) for electrically connecting a wire and a substrate; or a connector (plug connector or receptacle connector) for electrically connecting a wire and a cable.
Furthermore, the housing, terminals, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, or the like) can be changed as appropriate.
The present application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-188707, filed on November 25, 2022 , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure can be obtained a connector unit capable of making more effective use of the movement space allowing movement of the operation part.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 plug connector (connector)
10 plug housing (housing)
10a placement surface
12 lock part
121a operation part
13 plug terminals (terminals)
130a contact part
132 mounting pieces (terminal connection parts)
14 first plug terminals (first terminals)
19 convex walls
191 housing part
1A cable (connecting member)
11aA mounting surface (connecting surface)
13A base material
13aA recess part
131aA sheet-side recess part
132aA pedestal-side recess part
14A conductor part (conductor)
2 receptacle connector (corresponding connector)
20 receptacle housing (corresponding housing)
23 upper receptacle terminals (corresponding terminals)
230a contact part (corresponding contact part)
24 lower receptacle terminals (corresponding terminals)
240a contact part (corresponding contact part)
3 slide member
U1 connector unit
S1 upper spaces (internal spaces)
S2 lower spaces (internal spaces)
S6 movement space
S62 insertion space

Claims

A connector unit comprising a connector and a connecting member connected to the connector, the connector and a corresponding connector being able to be fitted with each other by a relative movement of the connector to the corresponding connector along a first axis, wherein:
the connector comprises:
terminals which can be electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the corresponding connector;

a housing having internal spaces which can house the terminals; and

a lock part which can restrict the relative movement of the connector to the corresponding connector along the first axis with the corresponding connector and the connector fitted with each other;

the connecting member comprises:
a base body; and

a conductor formed on the base body;

wherein the terminals comprises:
a contact part which can be electrically connected to a corresponding contact part of the corresponding terminals; and

a terminal connection part which can be electrically connected to the conductor of the connecting member;

the lock part has an operation part which can release the lock between the corresponding connector and the connector by moving the lock part from a first side to a second side along a second axis intersecting a first axis;

a movement space which allows the movement of the operation part to the second side along the second axis is formed in the housing; and

the base body comprises a recess part penetrating along the first axis, opening to the first side along the second axis with the connecting member connected to the connector, and communicating with the movement space along the first axis.
The connector unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: a placement surface facing a connection surface of the connecting member with the connecting member connected to the connector, and a pair of convex walls protruding from the placement surface and defining a housing part that houses the connecting member with the placement surface; and
the recess part is disposed between the pair of convex walls with the connecting member connected to the connector.
The connector unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminals comprise first terminals arranged side by side with the movement space along a third axis that intersects the first axis and the second axis.
The connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base body comprises: a flexible sheet on which the conductor is formed and connected to the connector, and a pedestal fixed to the flexible sheet and preventing deformation of the flexible sheet; and
the recess part comprises a sheet-side recess part formed in the flexible sheet and a pedestal-side recess part formed in the pedestal.
The connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
the movement space comprises an insertion space to insert a slide member which is held by the connector to be slidable along the first axis and in which the completion of the fitting between the connector and the corresponding connector can be confirmed.