JP2019096589A - Connector and connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase latch strength without increasing the size even with a simple configuration, and surely maintain the mating state with a mating connector without release of a latch even when an unexpected external force is applied.SOLUTION: A connector comprises a housing, a terminal 51 installed in the housing, and a latch member 81, the housing has a top plate part 72 including a cantilevered spring part formed by cutting off a part of the top plate part 72, the latch member 81 includes a main body part, an engagement part 83 connected to a front end of the main body part, and an operation part connected to the back end of the main body part and capable of abutting on a free end portion of the spring part, and the latch member 81 is swingably attached to the top plate part 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to connectors and connector assemblies.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, small and low-profile connectors are widely used to connect electric wires such as cables to substrates such as printed circuit boards provided in electric devices, electronic devices and the like. One problem with such connectors is that they are easy to disconnect and disconnect from the mating connector to which they are connected. Then, the latch connector provided with the latch mechanism is proposed (for example, refer patent document 1).

  FIG. 17 is a view showing a conventional latch connector.

  In the figure, reference numeral 811 denotes a fitting portion of the housing of the latch connector connected to the tip of the cable 861, which is a portion fitting with a mating connector not shown. The housing including the fitting portion 811 is made of an insulating resin material. The fitting portion 811 has a rectangular opening, and a plurality of terminals 851 electrically connected to a counterpart terminal (not shown) are disposed in the opening. Further, the periphery of the fitting portion 811 is surrounded by a rectangular cylindrical shell 871 made of a metal plate.

  The main body behind the fitting portion 811 of the housing is covered by a cover member 821 made of an insulating resin material. Further, a cable 861 is connected to the rear end of the main body of the housing. A plurality of electric wires provided in the cable 861 are soldered to the plurality of terminals 851.

  A pair of left and right notches 873 are formed on the top plate of the shell 871. A latch member is accommodated in each of the notches 873. The latch member is a cantilevered elastic member made of an elongated metal plate extending in the front and rear direction, and a latch claw 881 projecting upward is formed at the tip end, that is, the free end, and the base end is , Fixed in the housing.

  On the other hand, at the center of the top plate of the cover member 821, a latch release button 826 is provided. The latch release button 826 is located between the distal end and the proximal end of the left and right latch members and immediately above the proximal end of the latch member.

  The latch member has a spring property and is always flush with the top plate of the shell 871, so the latch claw 881 always protrudes above the top plate of the shell 871. Therefore, when fitting the latch connector and the mating connector, when the fitting portion 811 is inserted into the insertion opening of the mating connector (not shown), the latch claw 881 is a hooking hole formed in the top plate of the insertion opening of the mating connector. It enters inside and is stopped. As a result, the fitting portion 811 of the latch connector is latched in the insertion opening of the mating connector and is prevented from being separated from the insertion opening.

  When the latch connector is released from the mating connector and the latch connector is removed, the operator depresses the latch release button 826 protruding upward from the top plate of the cover member 821 with a finger. Then, since the latch release button 826 pushes down a portion close to the proximal ends of the left and right latch members, the latch claws 881 at the tip of the latch members are displaced downward and formed on the top plate of the insertion opening of the mating connector. Pull out of the hooked hole. As a result, the latching state of the latch claw 881 and the locking hole is released, and the fitting portion 811 of the latch connector is released from the latch opening of the mating connector and can be pulled out of the mating opening of the mating connector. it can.

JP, 2009-026666, A

  However, in the conventional latch connector, since long and thin plate-like latch members are disposed on the left and right of the top plate of the shell 871, they are formed at the free ends of the respective latch members and the latch members. The strength of the latch claw 881 is low. Therefore, for example, when the operator or the like erroneously hooks the cable 861 in a state where the latch connector is engaged with the mating connector, the latch member or The latch claw 881 is deformed to release the latch, and the fitting between the latch connector and the mating connector is released.

  In order to prevent such a situation, it is necessary to increase the dimensions of the latch member and the latch claw 881 such as the plate thickness and the lateral width to improve the strength of the latch member and the latch claw 881. Under recent circumstances in which the size of the latch connector is reduced, it is difficult to increase the size of the latch member and the latch claw 881 which leads to the increase in size of the latch connector.

  In this case, the latch strength can be increased while solving the above-mentioned conventional problems and without increasing the size and having a simple structure, and the latch is released even if an unexpected external force is applied. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector and a connector assembly which can be reliably maintained in the mating state with the mating connector without being

  To that end, the connector includes a housing, a terminal loaded in the housing, and a latch member, and the top plate portion of the housing is a cantilevered spring portion, and the top plate A spring portion formed by cutting out a portion of the portion, the latch member being connected to the main body portion, an engagement portion connected to the front end of the main body portion, and a rear end of the main body portion; And an operation portion capable of abutting on a free end portion of the table, and is swingably attached to the top plate portion.

  In the other connector, the main body of the latch member further includes a fulcrum serving as a fulcrum of the swing and a held portion formed in the vicinity of the fulcrum, each of the held portions being It is hold | maintained by the holding part formed in the said top plate part, respectively.

  In still another connector, each of the holding portions is an arched member whose both ends are connected to the top plate portion, and further includes a holding opening formed between the holding portion and the top surface of the top plate portion. Each of the held portions may be loosely fitted and held in the holding opening.

  In still another connector, the main body portion of the latch member further includes a substantially rectangular notch hole extending in the front-rear direction, and each of the held portions is a main body portion at the rear edge of each notch hole Are integrally connected to each other and extend forward from the trailing edge, and each notch includes a restricting portion extending rearward from the front edge, the tip of the restricting portion and the held portion There is a gap between the tip of the

  In still another connector, the lower surface of the main body portion of the latch member is substantially flush with the upper surface of the top plate portion, and the operation portion is positioned above the upper surface of the top plate portion.

  In still another connector, a pair of left and right held portions are further formed on the main body portion of the latch member, and a pair of left and right holding portions for holding the held portion are formed on the top plate portion, The spring portion is a plate spring extending rearward from a proximal end connected to the top plate portion, and is formed between the pair of left and right holding portions.

  In still another connector, the upper surface of the main body of the spring portion is substantially flush with the upper surface of the top plate portion, and the free end portion of the spring portion is higher than the upper surface of the top plate portion Projected into

  The connector assembly comprises the connector of the present disclosure, and a mating engagement portion engageable with the engagement portion of the latch member, the mating connector being engageable with the connector.

  In another connector assembly, a cable end is further connected to either the connector or the mating connector.

  According to the present disclosure, the latch strength can be increased with a simple configuration without increasing the size, and the latch is not released even if an unexpected external force is applied. Therefore, the fitting state with the mating connector can be reliably maintained.

It is a perspective view which shows the state before the electric wire connector in embodiment, and a board | substrate connector fit. It is an exploded view of the wire connector in an embodiment, and a substrate connector. It is an exploded view of parts other than a cover housing of a wire connector in an embodiment. It is the perspective view seen from the upper direction of a part of wire connector in an embodiment. It is the perspective view seen from the lower part of a part of wire connector in an embodiment. It is a perspective view of a latch member of a wire connector in an embodiment, and (a) is a perspective view seen from the upper part, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the lower part. It is the perspective view seen from the lower part of the upper side cover housing of the wire connector in embodiment. It is a top view of a part of electric wire connector in an embodiment. It is sectional drawing of a part of electric wire connector in embodiment, Comprising: (a) is an AA arrow sectional view in FIG. 8, (b) is a BB arrow sectional view in FIG. It is a principal part expanded sectional view of the electric wire connector in embodiment, Comprising: (a) is the D section enlarged view in Fig.9 (a), (b) is the E section enlarged view in FIG.9 (b). It is a top view which shows the state before the wire connector in embodiment, and a board | substrate connector fit. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state before the electric wire connector in embodiment, and a board | substrate connector fit, and is a CC arrow directional cross-sectional view in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state in the middle of the wire connector in embodiment, and a board | substrate connector fitting. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which the wire connector and board | substrate connector in embodiment fitted. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which started the operation | movement which cancels | releases fitting with the electric wire connector and board | substrate connector in embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state in the middle of releasing the fitting with the electric wire connector and board | substrate connector in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the conventional latch connector.

  Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state before the electric wire connector and the board connector are fitted in the embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the electric wire connector and the board connector in the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an electric wire connector in the embodiment 4 is a perspective view of a part of the wire connector according to the embodiment as viewed from above, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the part of the wire connector according to the embodiment as viewed from below 6 is a perspective view of the latch member of the wire connector in the embodiment, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the upper cover housing of the wire connector in the embodiment, viewed from below, and FIG. 8 is a part of the wire connector in the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a top view, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the wire connector in the embodiment, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of main parts of the wire connector in the embodiment. 6A is a perspective view as viewed from above, FIG. 9B is a perspective view as viewed from below, and FIG. 9A is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 8; in FIG. 10, (a) is an enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. 9 (a) and (b) is an enlarged view of a portion E in FIG. is there.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a wire connector as a connector in the present embodiment, which is connected to the end of a cable 61 having a plurality of wires 63, and is a kind of latch connector having a latch mechanism. Reference numeral 101 denotes a board connector (other connector) as a mating connector with which the wire connector 1 is fitted, and is mounted on a board such as a printed circuit board provided in an electric device, an electronic device or the like (not shown). In the present embodiment, the cable 61 is an elongated member, but the whole illustration thereof is omitted in the drawing for convenience, and only the vicinity of the wire connector 1 is shown.

  The wire connector 1 and the substrate connector 101 constitute the connector assembly in the present embodiment, and for example, various electronic devices such as personal computers and smart phones, household devices, medical devices, industrial devices, automobiles, etc. Although it is used in various apparatuses, such as a transportation apparatus, it may be used in any use.

  In the present embodiment, the expressions indicating the directions of upper, lower, left, right, front, rear, etc. which are used to explain the configuration and operation of each part of the wire connector 1 and the substrate connector 101 are absolute Although it is relative not relative to each other, it is appropriate when each part of the wire connector 1 and the substrate connector 101 is in the posture shown in the figure, but when the posture changes, it is possible to respond to the change in the posture. It should be changed and interpreted.

  The wire connector 1 includes a fitting portion 1 a that fits with the substrate connector 101. The wire connector 1 further includes a housing 11 integrally formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin, and a plurality of metal terminals 51 loaded in the housing 11. The housing 11 is a box having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the wire connector 1 and the fitting direction with the mating connector 101, that is, in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the wire connector 1 It is a member of The housing 11 is provided with an opening 15 and a connection recess 13 opened at the front end 11 f thereof, and a plurality of terminal receiving grooves are formed in the upper and lower side walls of the opening 15. Is accommodated in the front half of the connection circuit board 16. And the contact part 54 of each terminal 51 protrudes toward the inside of the opening part 15 from each terminal accommodation groove | channel. Further, although the tail portion 52 of each terminal 51 is electrically connected to each of the terminal connection pads exposed on the surface of the front half portion of the connection circuit board 16 by the elastic force of the terminal 51, It may be electrically connected by connection means such as soldering.

  The cable 61 may be of any type such as a single-core electric wire, a coaxial cable, a twisted pair cable, a flexible flat cable, a flexible printed circuit board, etc. In the present embodiment, a plurality of different types of electric wires 63 are used. It is described as a shielded cable covered with an outer conductor (not shown) formed of a bundle, a braided wire or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the cable 61 includes a plurality of intermediate cables 62 in which a plurality of electric wires 63 are accommodated in an intermediate coating 62a made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and is accommodated in the intermediate coating 62a. A plurality of unintended electric wires 63 are included. Then, all the intermediate cables 62 and the electric wires 63 are accommodated in an outer sheath 61a made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The outer conductor covers the inner peripheral surface of the outer cover 61a over substantially the entire length of the cable 61, and a portion protruding forward from the front end of the outer cover 61a is folded back, and the outer peripheral surface of the outer cover 61a near the front end Shall be covered. Further, at the end of each wire 63, the conductive core wire 64 from which the wire covering 63a made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin is removed is exposed, and the core wire 64 is a surface of the rear half portion of the connection circuit board 16. Are electrically connected to the exposed wire connection pads 18 by connection means such as soldering. Each of the wire connection pads 18 is connected to each of the terminal connection pads exposed on the surface of the front half of the connection circuit board 16 through the conductive traces (not shown). 51 are electrically connected. In addition, the number of the said electric wire 63 and the terminal 51 can be set arbitrarily.

  The wire connector 1 is formed by punching, bending or the like a conductive metal plate such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel in order to shield a signal passing through the inside from EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference). A shell 71 covering at least a part of the periphery of the housing 11 and the connection circuit board 16 and a conductive metal plate such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel are formed by punching, bending or the like. And a crimp shell 78 attached to the side. When the shell 71 and the crimp shell 78 are described integrally, they will be described as a housing. The shell 71 and the crimp shell 78 may be made of synthetic resin or the like.

  The shell 71 has a rectangular cylindrical connection portion 71 a which covers the periphery of the housing 11 and can be connected to the substrate connector 101, and a first main portion 71 b which covers the upper side of the rear half portion of the connection circuit substrate 16. Further, the top plate portion (top plate surface) 72 of the shell 71 exists over the entire range of the connection portion 71a and the first main portion 71b. A first tongue piece 71c extending rearward (in the negative direction of the X-axis) is integrally connected to the rear end of the top plate 72, and is connected to the rear end of the first tongue 71c. The first outer conductor connecting portion 71 d extending rearward is integrally connected. The first tongue portion 71 c is a portion covering the upper side of the intermediate cable 62 and the electric wire 63 existing between the front end of the sheath 61 a of the cable 61 and the rear end of the connection circuit board 16. The first outer conductor connection portion 71 d is electrically connected to the outer conductor covering the outer peripheral surface of the outer jacket 61 a in the vicinity of the front end while covering a part near the front end of the outer jacket 61 a of the cable 61. Part of the

  Further, the crimp shell 78 covers the lower side of the engagement portion (locking portion) 78 a which is attached by being engaged with and attached to the rear end vicinity portion of the connection portion 71 a of the shell 71 and the rear half portion of the connection circuit board 16. And a second main body 78b. A second tongue piece 78c extending rearward is integrally connected to a rear end of the second body 78b, and a rear end of the second tongue 78c is directed rearward. The second outer conductor connection portion 78 d extending integrally is connected integrally. The second tongue portion 78 c is a portion covering the lower side of the intermediate cable 62 and the electric wire 63 which is present between the front end of the jacket 61 a of the cable 61 and the rear end of the connection circuit board 16. The second outer conductor connection portion 78d is crimped in a state of covering the vicinity of the front end of the jacket 61a of the cable 61, that is, crimped and crimped and covering the outer peripheral surface of the jacket 61a in the vicinity of the front end It is a portion electrically connected to the outer conductor.

  The casing formed by attaching the crimp shell 78 to the shell 71 includes a tubular connection portion, a tubular main portion including the first main portion 71 b and the second main portion 78 b, and a first tongue piece. A tongue piece portion comprising a portion 71c and a second tongue piece portion 78c, and an outer conductor connection portion comprising a first outer conductor connection portion 71d and a second outer conductor connection portion 78d.

  Furthermore, the wire connector 1 is integrally formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin, and is a cover housing that covers the rear end vicinity portion, the main body portion, the tongue portion and the outer conductor connection portion in the connection portion of the housing. An upper cover housing 21 and a lower cover housing 31 are provided. The upper cover housing 21 includes an upper plate portion 22 located on the upper side of the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71, and an upper side wall portion 23 connected to both side ends of the upper plate portion 22. Further, the lower cover housing 31 includes a lower plate portion 32 positioned below the crimp shell 78 and a lower side wall portion 33 extending upward from both side ends of the lower plate portion 32. A locking opening 24 a, which is an opening formed in the connecting leg 24 extending downward from the lower end of the upper side wall 23, engages with the locking projection 33 a protruding from the lower side wall 33 of the lower cover housing 31. By being stopped, the upper cover housing 21 and the lower cover housing 31 are coupled to each other to cover the periphery of the housing. As shown in FIG. 1, in the state where the housing is covered by the upper cover housing 21 and the lower cover housing 31, the connection portion 71 a of the shell 71 and the front end 11 f of the housing 11 covered by the connection portion 71 a The front portion of the front cover 21 projects forward of the front end 21 f of the cover housing which is the front end of the upper cover housing 21 and functions as the fitting portion 1 a.

  A latch member 81 as a cantilever-like engaging member, which is a member constituting a latch mechanism, is attached to a top plate portion 72 of a shell 71 as a top plate portion of the housing. The latch member 81 is a plate-like member integrally formed by punching, bending or the like on a metal plate having a thickness of, for example, about 0.3 mm made of stainless steel or the like, It includes a flat main body 82, an engaging portion 83 connected to the front end of the main body 82, and an operation portion 84 connected to the rear end of the main body 82.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the main body 82 includes a wide rear half 82b and a front half 82a narrower than the rear half 82b, and has a flat plate at the front end of the front half 82a. The engaging portion 83 of is connected. The engaging portion 83 is connected to the front end of the front half 82a via a connecting step 83b having a substantially crank-like side shape, whereby the engaging portion 83 is substantially parallel to the main body 82, and the main body It is located above the portion 82. Further, at the front end of the engaging portion 83, a claw portion 83a extending obliquely downward and backward is connected. The front surface 83c of the claw 83a is an inclined surface that inclines obliquely downward and rearward. The operation unit 84 is connected to the rear end of the rear half 82b via a connecting step 84b having a substantially crank-like side surface shape, whereby the operation unit 84 is substantially parallel to the main body 82. It is located above the main body 82. The operation unit 84 is a flat plate member having a planar shape and a substantially isosceles triangle, and an operation convex piece 84a extending rearward is connected to a portion corresponding to the apex of the isosceles triangle. The connecting portion between the lower end of the connection step 84b and the rear end of the rear half 82b is a fulcrum 82d whose side surface is curved, and functions as a fulcrum when the latch member 81 swings.

  Further, substantially rectangular notched holes (notched portions) 82c extending in the front-rear direction are respectively formed at the left and right two places of the rear half 82b, and extend toward the front in the notched holes 82c. A portion to be held (a supported portion) 85 a that comes out and a restricting portion 85 b that extends rearward are disposed. The holding portion 85a formed in the vicinity of the fulcrum portion 82d is integrally connected to the rear half portion 82b at the rear edge of the notch hole 82c, and extends in a cantilever shape extending forward from the rear edge It is a substantially rectangular plate-like member. The restricting portion 85b is a cantilever-like elongated substantially rectangular plate-like member integrally connected to the rear half 82b at the front edge of the notch 82c and extending rearward from the front edge. However, it is wider than the held portion 85a. A gap is formed between the tip of the held portion 85a and the tip of the restricting portion 85b. The restricting portion 85b can be easily bent by thinning or hollowing.

  Further, a spring portion 75 and a holding portion (supporting portion) 76 are formed on the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 as the top plate portion of the housing. More specifically, a spring portion 75 as an elastic portion and a holding portion 76 are formed on the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 made of a metal plate having a thickness of, for example, about 0.4 mm. There is. The spring portion 75 is a plate-like elastic member formed by cutting out a part of the top plate portion 72, and a base end (fixed end) 75a thereof is integrally connected to the top plate portion 72. The peripheral edge of the spring portion 75 other than the base end 75a is separated from the top plate portion 72 by a notch portion 72a formed in the top plate portion 72 as a result of cutting out the spring portion 75. The base end 75 a is at a position corresponding to the vicinity of the front end of the first main body 71 b in the top plate 72. The spring portion 75 is a cantilevered plate spring member extending rearward from the base end 75a, and is a plate-like main portion (engaging main portion having a substantially isosceles triangular planar shape). And 75b, and a projection 75c as a free end connected to the free end of the main body 75b, that is, the tip. In the initial state where no force is applied, the upper surface of the main body portion 75 b is substantially flush with the upper surface of the surrounding top plate portion 72, whereas the convex portion 75 c is closer to the upper surface of the top plate portion 72. It also has a curved shape to project upward.

  In addition, since the planar shape of the said main-body part 75b is a triangle, the elastic force of the main-body part 75b can be easily adjusted by adjusting the width | variety and length of this triangle. The planar shape of the main body 75b is not limited to a triangle, and may be a rectangle or a trapezoid. Furthermore, the elastic displacement range of the free end of the main body portion 75b can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of upward protrusion of the convex portion 75c. For example, if the amount of upward protrusion of the convex portion 75c is increased, the range in which the free end of the main body portion 75b elastically displaces downward can be widened, and the amount of upward protrusion of the convex portion 75c is reduced. Alternatively, if it is zero, the range in which the free end of the main body 75b is elastically displaced downward can be narrowed.

  The holding portions 76 are formed one on each of the left and right sides of the main body portion 75 b of the spring portion 75. As shown in FIG. 9, the holding portion 76 is an arch-shaped or U-shaped member formed by cutting and raising a part of the top plate portion 72, and both ends thereof are the top plate It is integrally connected to the portion 72, and has a curved shape such that the central portion protrudes upward beyond the upper surface of the top plate portion 72. A holding opening (through hole) 76a extending in the front-rear direction is formed between the lower surface of the central portion of the holding portion 76 and the upper surface of the top plate portion 72, and the latch member 81 is formed in the holding opening 76a. The held portion 85a is inserted and held. Specifically, a state where there is a gap between the outer surface of the held portion 85a and the inner surface of the holding opening 76a, that is, the gap is fitted and held. Further, since the width of the restricting portion 85b is set sufficiently larger than the holding opening 76a, the restricting portion 85b does not enter the holding opening 76a. Thereby, the displacement of the latch member 81 with respect to the top plate portion 72 in the front-rear direction can be restricted. The top plate portion 72 is formed with a notch portion 72 b as a result of cutting and raising the holding portion 76.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 4, 8 and 9, the latch member 81 of the shell 71 is inserted by inserting the pair of left and right held portions 85 a from the rear into the corresponding holding openings 76 a of the corresponding holding portions 76. It is attached to the top plate portion 72. Specifically, the posture of the latch member 81 is controlled such that the tip of the held portion 85a is located slightly behind the holding portion 76, and the vicinity of the tip of the regulating portion 85b is located directly above the holding portion 76. After the latch member 81 is positioned above the top plate portion 72, the latch member 81 is relatively lowered and pressed against the upper surface of the top plate portion 72. Then, the tip of the restricting portion 85b is pressed against the upper surface of the holding portion 76 and elastically deformed so as to face obliquely upward, and the vicinity of the tip of the held portion 85a faces the holding opening 76a. The member 81 is advanced. Then, the held portion 85a is inserted into the holding opening 76a from behind, and the vicinity of the tip of the regulating portion 85b is separated from the upper surface of the holding portion 76 and has the same height as the held portion 85a due to the elasticity of the regulating portion 85b itself. Return to become Thus, the latch member 81 is attached to the top plate portion 72.

  When the latch member 81 is attached to the top plate portion 72, the upper side of the main body portion 75b of the spring portion 75 can contact the rear half portion 82b of the main body portion 82 of the latch member 81 and the convex portion 75c of the spring portion 75 The operation convex piece 84 a of the operation portion 84 is positioned immediately above the convex portion 75 c of the spring portion 75. The engaging portion 83 is located near the middle in the front-rear direction of the connecting portion 71 a of the shell 71. The free end of the main body portion 75b of the spring portion 75 is downwardly moved by projecting the operation convex piece 84a downward and adjusting the projection amount instead of projecting the convex portion 75c of the spring portion 75 upward. The range of elastic displacement can also be adjusted.

  In the initial state in which no force is applied, the main body 82 of the latch member 81 attached to the top plate 72 is placed on the upper surface of the top plate 72 in parallel with the top plate 72. The operation portion 84 is positioned above the top plate portion 72 in parallel with the top plate portion 72, and the operation convex piece 84a is in a state in which the operation convex piece 84a approaches or abuts on the upper surface of the convex portion 75c of the spring portion 75. ing. Further, since the convex portion 75c does not receive a downward force (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the operation convex piece 84a, the main body portion 75b of the spring portion 75 is not deformed, and the top plate portion 72 and the surrounding surface It is in one state.

  The upper plate portion 22 of the upper cover housing 21 is formed with a plate-like latch operation portion 26 formed by cutting out a part of the upper plate portion 22. The latch operation portion 26 is a member constituting a latch mechanism, and is a plate-like elastic member integrally formed with the upper plate portion 22, and a base end 26 a thereof is integrally formed with the upper plate portion 22. It is connected. Further, the latch operation portion 26 is a cantilevered flat spring-like member whose proximal end 26a is located at the rear half of the upper plate portion 22 and extends forward from the proximal end 26a. The free end 26 b is located near the front end of the upper plate 22. The upper surface of the latch operating portion 26 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper plate portion 22 and, as shown in FIG. 7, at a position near the middle between the proximal end 26a and the distal end 26b on the lower surface of the latch operating portion 26. The protrusion 26c is formed to project downward.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 1, in a state in which the housing is covered by the upper cover housing 21 and the lower cover housing 31, the front half of the connecting portion 71 a of the shell 71 and the engaging portion of the latch member 81 Although 83 projects forward of the cover housing front end 21 f of the upper cover housing 21, the other part of the housing is covered by the upper cover housing 21 and the lower cover housing 31. Further, in a state where the housing is covered by the upper cover housing 21 and the lower cover housing 31, the convex portion 26c is positioned directly above the operation convex piece 84a of the latch member 81, whereby the operator can When the latch operation portion 26 is pushed down by this, the operation convex piece 84 a of the latch member 81 is pushed down. When the operation convex piece 84a is pushed down, the latch member 81 swings with a fulcrum portion (standing portion) 82d in contact with the upper surface of the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 as a fulcrum, and the front end of the main body portion 82 rises. Thus, the engaging portion 83 is lifted upward.

  Since the projection 75c is pushed down by the operation projection 84a when the operation projection 84a is pushed down, the main body 75b of the spring 75 is elastically deformed so that the free end is displaced downward. Be Thereby, the spring portion 75 which is a cantilevered plate spring member exerts a reaction force, so that the operation convex piece 84a receives a spring force upward (in the Z-axis positive direction) from the convex portion 75c. Therefore, when the operator releases the force to depress the latch operation portion 26, the latch member 81 swings in the opposite direction with the fulcrum portion 82d in contact with the upper surface of the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 as a fulcrum. Is lowered and the engaging portion 83 is displaced downward, so that the posture in the initial state is restored. Similarly, the latch operating portion 26 also returns to the attitude in the initial state, and the upper surface of the latch operating portion 26 becomes substantially flush with the upper surface of the upper plate portion 22.

  On the other hand, the substrate connector 101 is integrally formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin, and is provided with a mating housing 111 fitted with the wire connector 1 and a plurality of metallic mating terminals 151 loaded in the mating housing 111. Equipped with The mating housing 111 is a box-like member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the width direction of the substrate connector 101 and the fitting direction with the wire connector 1, that is, in the front-rear direction of the substrate connector 101. The mating housing 111 is provided with a tongue 115 projecting forward, and contact portions 154 of a plurality of mating terminals 151 of the upper surface and the lower surface of the tongue 115 have a width of the substrate connector 101. They are arranged side by side in the direction (Y-axis direction). The tail portions 152 of the plurality of mating terminals 151 are disposed side by side in the width direction of the board connector 101, and are electrically connected to connection pads on the surface of the board (not shown) by means such as soldering. In addition, the number of the said other party terminal 151 can be changed arbitrarily.

  Further, the substrate connector 101 is made of a conductive metal plate such as stainless steel and has a mating shell 171 as a mating housing covering the periphery of the mating housing 111 in order to shield the signal passing inside by EMI. The mating shell 171 includes a top plate portion 172 covering the upper surface of the mating housing 111, and side wall portions 173 connected to both side ends of the top plate portion 172 and covering left and right side surfaces of the mating housing 111. The side wall portion 173 includes a plurality of (four in the example shown) attachment legs 177 extending downward from the lower end thereof. The mounting leg 177 is inserted into and fixed to a mounting hole formed in a substrate (not shown), whereby the substrate connector 101 is securely fixed to the substrate. Further, at the front end 172f of the top plate portion 172, a mating engagement portion (reception portion) 172a which is gently curved upward is integrally formed.

  Next, the operation of the wire connector 1 will be described. First, an operation of fitting the wire connector 1 to the board connector 101 will be described.

  11 is a top view showing the state before the wire connector and the board connector are fitted in the embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state before the wire connector and the board connector in the embodiment are fitted. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in the middle of fitting the wire connector and the board connector in the embodiment, and FIG. 14 is the wire connector in the embodiment It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which the board | substrate connector fitted.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 1, 11 and 12, the operator causes the wire connector 1 to face the substrate connector 101 mounted on the substrate. That is, the front end 11 f of the housing 11 is made to face the tongue 115 of the counterpart housing 111 housed in the cavity of the counterpart shell 171. At this time, although the latch member 81 placed on the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 is in the initial state and the held portion 85a is inserted into the holding opening 76a of the holding portion 76, no force is applied. Not applied, not deformed or displaced. Similarly, the spring portion 75 is also in the initial state, and no force is applied, and neither deformation nor displacement occurs.

  Then, the operator relatively moves the wire connector 1 so as to approach the substrate connector 101, and causes the front end 11f of the housing 11 to approach the front end 172f of the top plate portion 172.

  Subsequently, the operator further moves the wire connector 1 to insert the fitting portion 1a into the cavity of the mating shell 171 as shown in FIG. 13, and the mating housing 111 into the opening 15 of the housing 11. The tongue 115 is relatively inserted. In this case, the mating engagement portion 172a of the top plate portion 172 is gently curved upward, while the claw portion at the front end of the engagement portion 83 of the latch member 81 located above the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 The front surface 83c of 83a is an inclined surface that inclines obliquely downward toward the rear, so the operator does not press down on the latch operation portion 26 to engage the engagement portion 83 of the latch member 81 without engaging it. The portion 83 can be smoothly pushed up by moving forward while the front surface 83c of the claw portion 83a is in sliding contact with the mating engagement portion 172a of the top plate portion 172, and easily ride over the mating engagement portion 172a. it can.

  In this case, when the engaging portion 83 is pushed up, the latch member 81 swings with the fulcrum portion 82d as a fulcrum, and the operation convex piece 84a descends to depress the convex portion 75c of the spring portion 75, thereby the main body portion 75b. Therefore, a downward biasing force is exerted on the engaging portion 83 by the spring force of the spring portion 75, and the biasing portion causes the mating portion 83 to engage with the mating engagement portion 172 a of the top plate portion 172. It can be a resistance when riding over However, since the distance from the fulcrum portion 82 d to the engagement portion 83 is sufficiently longer than the distance from the operation convex piece 84 a, the downward biasing force acting on the engagement portion 83 is the spring portion 75 according to the principle of forceps. Since the spring force acting from the convex portion 75c to the operation convex piece 84a is considerably smaller, it does not become a substantial resistance when the engaging portion 83 rides over the mating engaging portion 172a of the top plate portion 172. Further, when the main body portion 75b is lowered below the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 by pressing down the convex portion 75c of the spring portion 75, the electric wire 63 etc. located below the top plate portion 72. Interference is a concern. However, since the distance from the engaging portion 83 to the fulcrum portion 82d is sufficiently longer than the distance from the operation convex piece 84a to the fulcrum portion 82d, the amount of downward displacement of the convex portion 75c and the main body portion 75b is the engaging portion Since the displacement amount of the projection 83 is considerably smaller than the amount of displacement of the projection 83 upward, the projection 75 c and the main body 75 b do not interfere with the wire 63 and the like.

  Subsequently, when the operator further moves the wire connector 1, as shown in FIG. 14, the fitting of the wire connector 1 and the substrate connector 101 is completed. As a result, the entire tongue-like portion 115 of the counterpart housing 111 is inserted into the opening 15 of the housing 11, and the contact portions 54 of the respective terminals 51 come into contact with the corresponding contact portions 154 of the corresponding counterpart terminals 151 to conduct. In addition, the engaging portion 83 of the latch member 81 biased downward by the spring force of the spring portion 75 is displaced downward because it is over the mating engaging portion 172 a of the top plate portion 172 of the mating shell 171, The claws 83 a of the engaging portion 83 engage with the mating engaging portion 172 a of the top plate 172. As a result, the shell 71 of the wire connector 1 is latched to the counterpart shell 171 of the board connector 101, and the wire connector 1 is prevented from being detached from the board connector 101 and being released from the fitting.

  In the present embodiment, the engaging portion 83 including the claw portion 83a is a wide member having a half or more size of the shell 71 in the width direction of the wire connector 1 as shown in FIG. Since the strength is high, the wire connector 1 is not deformed even when a large tensile force is applied, and the engagement of the top plate portion 172 of the opposite shell 171 with the opposite engagement portion 172a is It will be maintained securely. Therefore, the wire connector 1 can be reliably prevented from being disengaged from the substrate connector 101 and released from the fitting. In the latch member 81, a pair of left and right held portions 85a extending forward is formed on the holding openings 76a of the pair of left and right holding portions 76 integrally formed on the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 from the rear The inserted portion is supported, so that the holding portion 85a is a holding opening even when receiving a pulling force forward with respect to the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 when a large tensile force is applied to the wire connector 1 The latch member 81 is not separated from the top plate portion 72 without being separated from 76a. Furthermore, when the latch member 81 receives a force for pulling the front plate portion 72 of the shell 71 forward, the wide connection step portion 84b positioned behind the held portion 85a abuts on the rear surfaces of the pair of left and right holding portions 76. Since they are in contact with each other, detachment of the latch member 81 from the top plate portion 72 is reliably prevented. Furthermore, since the holding portion 76 is an arch-shaped member whose both ends are integrally connected to the top plate portion 72, the strength is high, and the force by which the latch member 81 pulls forward with respect to the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71. Since the latch member 81 is not broken even if it is received, detachment of the latch member 81 from the top plate portion 72 is further reliably prevented. Furthermore, in the state where the fitting between the wire connector 1 and the substrate connector 101 is completed, the spring portion 75 is in the initial state where no force is applied, and therefore, the setback does not occur and the durability is high.

  Next, an operation of releasing the fitting between the wire connector 1 and the substrate connector 101 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the operation of releasing the engagement between the wire connector and the substrate connector in the embodiment is started, and FIG. 16 is in the middle of releasing the engagement between the wire connector and the substrate connector in the embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state of.

  First, when the operator depresses the latch operation portion 26 with a finger, as shown in FIG. 15, the operation convex piece 84a of the latch member 81 is depressed. Then, the latch member 81 pivots with the fulcrum portion 82d as a fulcrum, and the front end of the main body portion 82 is raised to lift the engaging portion 83 upward. That is, the engagement between the claw portion 83 a of the engagement portion 83 and the mating engagement portion 172 a of the top plate portion 172 of the mating shell 171 is released. As a result, the shell 71 of the wire connector 1 is released from the latch with the counterpart shell 171 of the board connector 101, and the wire connector 1 is disengaged from the board connector 101 and can be disengaged.

  In addition, since the distance from the fulcrum portion 82d to the engaging portion 83 is sufficiently longer than the distance from the operation convex piece 84a, the displacement amount of the engaging portion 83 to the upper side is determined by the principle of forceps. The amount of operation by which the operator depresses the latch operation portion 26 does not have to be large because the amount of displacement is significantly larger than the amount of downward displacement. Further, when the operation convex piece 84a of the latch member 81 is pushed down, the operation convex piece 84a is lowered to push down the convex portion 75c of the spring portion 75 to deform the main body portion 75b. The upward biasing force acts by the spring force of the spring portion 75, and the biasing force can be a resistance when pushing down the latch operation portion 26. However, since the force exerted by the finger of the operator is sufficiently larger than the spring force of the spring portion 75, the upward biasing force acting on the operation convex piece 84a is substantially resistant when the latch operation portion 26 is pushed down. It does not become.

  Furthermore, when the operator depresses the latch operation portion 26 in a large amount, the amount by which the convex portion 75c of the spring portion 75 is pushed down becomes large, and the main body portion 75b descends largely downward below the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71. Then, there is a concern about interference with the electric wire 63 and the like located below the top plate portion 72. However, as can be understood from FIGS. 4 and 8, the dimension of the substantially isosceles triangular operating portion 84 in the width direction of the wire connector 1 in plan view is the spring portion of the substantially isosceles triangular located below it. The dimensions of the main body 75b of 75 and the notch 72a of the substantially isosceles triangle with respect to the width direction of the wire connector 1 are larger. Therefore, when the operation convex piece 84a positioned at the vertex of the isosceles triangle of the operation unit 84 is lowered together with the protrusion 75c positioned at the vertex of the isosceles triangle of the main body portion 75b, the amount of descent becomes large. The two equilateral sides of the isosceles triangle 84 interfere with the two equilateral sides of the isosceles triangle of the notch 72a formed in the top plate 72 as a result of cutting out the spring portion 75. The descent of 84 a and the convex portion 75 c is stopped. That is, when the latch operation portion 26 is pressed down and the projection 75c of the spring portion 75 is pressed down via the operation projection piece 84a, the operation portion 84 interferes with the notch portion 72a, whereby the projection 75c of the spring portion 75 Since the amount of downward displacement of the main body 75b is limited and does not increase, the protrusion 75c and the main body 75b do not interfere with the wire 63 and the like.

  Subsequently, the electric wire is maintained while the operator depresses the latch operation portion 26 to release the engagement between the claw portion 83a of the engagement portion 83 and the mating engagement portion 172a of the top plate portion 172. When the connector 1 is pulled backward and moved away from the substrate connector 101, as shown in FIG. 16, the claw 83a at the front end of the engaging portion 83 of the latch member 81 is a mating shell 171. Of the top plate portion 172 is behind the mating engagement portion 172a.

  Subsequently, when the wire connector 1 is further moved rearward, the engagement release between the wire connector 1 and the substrate connector 101 is completed, and the wire connector 1 is pulled away from the substrate connector 101.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the wire connector 1 includes the housing 11 and the shell 71, the terminal 51 loaded in the housing 11, and the latch member 81. The top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 is a cantilevered spring portion 75, and includes a spring portion 75 formed by cutting out a portion of the top plate portion 72, and the latch member 81 and the main body portion 82. And an operating portion 84 connected to the rear end of the main body 82 and capable of being in contact with the projection 75 c of the spring 75, and the top plate 72 It is attached swingably.

  As a result, the latch member 81 has high strength and deformation such as twisting is unlikely to occur, so that the latch strength can be increased without increasing the size, and even if an unexpected external force is applied, the latch is performed. Will not be released.

  The main body portion 82 of the latch member 81 includes a fulcrum portion 82d serving as a fulcrum of swing, and a pair of left and right held portions 85a formed in the vicinity of the fulcrum portion 82d. It is held by the pair of left and right holding portions 76 formed on the top plate portion 72, respectively. As described above, since the latch member 81 is held at two places on the left and right, the stability is high, and the latch is not released even if an unexpected external force is applied.

  Furthermore, each of the holding portions 76 is an arch-shaped member whose both ends are connected to the top plate portion 72, and includes a holding opening 76a formed between the holding portion 76 and the upper surface of the top plate portion 72. Each is held by being loosely fitted in the holding opening 76a. As a result, the strength of the holding portion 76 is increased, so that the latch member 81 is not separated from the shell 71 even if an unexpected external force is applied. Further, since the change in the posture of the latch member 81 is permitted, the latch is not released.

  Furthermore, the main body portion 82 of the latch member 81 includes a pair of left and right substantially rectangular notch holes 82c extending in the front-rear direction, and each of the held portions 85a is a main body portion 82 at the rear edge of each notch hole 82c. And each notch hole 82c includes a restricting portion 85b extending rearward from the front edge, and the distal end of the restricting portion 85b and the held portion There is a gap between it and the tip of 85a. Therefore, even if a large tensile force is applied, the latch member 81 does not separate from the shell 71.

  Furthermore, the lower surface of the main body portion 82 of the latch member 81 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the top plate portion 72, and the operation portion 84 is positioned above the upper surface of the top plate portion 72. Further, the spring portion 75 is a plate spring extending rearward from the base end 75 a connected to the top plate portion 72, and is formed between the pair of left and right holding portions 76. Furthermore, the upper surface of the main body portion 75 b of the spring portion 75 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the top plate portion 72, and the convex portion 75 c of the spring portion 75 protrudes above the upper surface of the top plate portion 72.

  In addition, since the held portion 85a of the latch member 81 is movably held vertically and horizontally by the holding portion 76, the latch member 81 is engaged when the wire connector 1 and the board connector 101 are fitted and released. Even if it tilts, it does not elastically deform. That is, the latch member 81 itself does not generate an elastic force, the held portion 85a is not damaged or deformed, and the latch member 81 can be prevented from coming off.

  In addition, the wire connector 1 includes a spring portion 75 and a latch member 81 formed in the shell 71, and the spring portion 75 elastically deforms to the inside of the shell 71 to turn the latch member 81 clockwise in FIGS. Since the biasing is performed, it is not necessary to secure an extra space for elastic deformation of the spring portion 75, and the wire connector 1 can be miniaturized.

  Furthermore, since the convex portion 75c is formed at the tip of the spring portion 75, even if the spring portion 75 is elastically deformed to the inside of the shell 71, the elastic deformation region can be sufficiently secured.

  In the present embodiment, although the case where the spring portion 75 is formed on the top plate portion 72 of the shell 71 has been described, the spring portion 75 may be formed on the crimp shell 78, and the shell 71 and the crimp shell It may be formed on both of 78. When the spring portion 75 is formed in the crimp shell 78, the latch operation portion 26 can be formed in the lower cover housing 31.

  Furthermore, since the holding portions 76 are formed on both sides in the width direction of the housing 11 orthogonal to the fitting direction, the dimensions of the spring portions 75 are changed without being influenced by the position of the holding portions 76. The elastic force of the portion 75 can be adjusted. Although the example in which the holding portion 76 is formed on both sides of the spring portion 75 and near the center in the fitting direction has been described, the holding portion 76 is formed at a position parallel to the fitting direction of the spring portion 75 The number and position can be changed as appropriate.

  Furthermore, since the latch member 81 is not provided with the spring portion 75, there is no need to provide a complicated spring portion 75, and the configuration of the wire connector 1 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Although only the example in which the material of the spring portion 75 is metal has been described, the material of the spring portion 75 may be any material as long as the fitting with the substrate connector 101 can be reliably maintained. Good.

  Furthermore, since the operation portion 84 of the latch member 81 is a portion that acts on the fitting and disengagement process with the substrate connector 101 by tilting the latch member 81, the force acting on the operation portion 84 is a fulcrum portion It is desirable that the power is transmitted to the engagement portion 83 via 82d. That is, it is desirable that the engaging portion 83 be smoothly displaced by transmitting the force acting on the convex portion 75c of the spring portion 75 to the entire lateral direction of the fulcrum portion 82d without being dispersed. Therefore, by making the operation portion 84 substantially triangular, the acting force can be transmitted to the entire fulcrum portion 82d, and the engaging portion 83 can be reliably displaced.

  Furthermore, since the latch member 81 can move within the movement restriction range with respect to the shell 71, when the wire connector 1 is fitted to the board connector 101, the latch member 81 is affected by a non-fit due to dimensional tolerance or the like. It can be fitted reliably without.

  Furthermore, although the material of the shell 71 and the counterpart shell 171 has been described as being phosphor bronze, stainless steel or the like, any kind of material can be selected as long as the mechanical strength, electrical characteristics and the like are satisfied. It is desirable that it is a sex, but it may be an insulation.

  The disclosure of the present specification is merely an example, and modifications which can be appropriately modified while keeping the spirit of the disclosure of the present specification, and which can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art are included in the disclosure of the present specification. The width, thickness, shape, and the like of each part shown in the drawings are schematically represented, and the interpretation of the disclosure of the present specification is not limited.

  In addition, the disclosure of the present specification describes features of the preferred and exemplary embodiments. Various other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope of the claims appended hereto and within the purview thereof will naturally occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure of the present specification. is there.

  The present disclosure can be applied to connectors and connector assemblies.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 electric wire connector 1a, 811 fitting part 11 housing 11f, 172f front end 13 connection recessed part 15 opening part 16 connection circuit board 18 electric wire connection pad 21 upper cover housing 21f cover housing front end 22 upper plate part 23 upper side wall part 24 joint leg 24a Locking opening 26 Latch operating part 26a, 75a Base end 26b Tip 26c, 75c Convex part 31 Lower cover housing 32 Lower plate part 33 Lower side wall part 33a Locking projection 51, 851 Terminal 52, 152 Tail part 54, 154 Contact part 61, 861 Cable 61a Outer cover 62 Intermediate cable 62a Intermediate cover 63 Electric wire 63a Electric wire cover 64 Core 71, 871 Shell 71a Connection 71b First body 71c First tongue piece 71d First outer conductor connection 72 72 Top plate Portions 72a, 72b, 873 Notches 75 Spring portions 75b, 8 Reference Signs List 2 main body 76 holding portion 76a holding opening 78 crimp shell 78a, 83 engaging portion 78b second main body portion 78c second tongue piece portion 78d second external conductor connection portion 81 latch member 82a front half portion 82b rear half portion 82c notch hole 82d Fulcrum 83a claw 83b, 84b connection step 83c front surface 84 operation portion 84a operation convex piece 85a holding portion 85b restricting portion 101 substrate connector 111 counter housing 115 tongue 151 counter terminal 171 counter shell 172a counter engaging section 173 side wall Part 177 Mounting leg 821 Cover member 826 Latch release button 881 Latch claw

Claims (9)

(A) a housing, a terminal loaded in the housing, and a latch member;
(B) The top plate portion of the housing is a cantilevered spring portion, and includes a spring portion formed by cutting out a portion of the top plate portion,
(C) The latch member is connected to the main body, an engagement portion connected to the front end of the main body, and a rear end of the main body, and an operation portion capable of abutting on the free end of the spring portion And a connector that is swingably attached to the top plate portion.   The main body portion of the latch member includes a fulcrum portion serving as a fulcrum of swinging and a held portion formed in the vicinity of the fulcrum portion, and each of the held portions is formed on the top plate portion The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connectors are respectively held by the holding portions.   Each of the holding portions is an arch-shaped member whose both ends are connected to the top plate portion, and includes a holding opening formed between the upper surface of the top plate portion, and each of the held portions is The connector according to claim 2, wherein the connector is held by being fitted into the holding opening.   The main body portion of the latch member includes substantially rectangular notch holes extending in the front-rear direction, and each of the held portions is integrally connected to the main body portion at the rear edge of each notch hole, and the rear portion Extending forward from the edge, each notch includes a restricting portion extending rearward from the front edge, and there is a gap between the tip of the restricting portion and the tip of the held portion The connector according to claim 2 or 3.   The lower surface of the main body portion of the latch member is substantially flush with the upper surface of the top plate portion, and the operation portion is positioned above the upper surface of the top plate portion. Connector described.   A pair of left and right held portions is formed on the main body portion of the latch member, a pair of left and right holding portions for holding the held portion is formed on the top plate portion, and the spring portion is formed on the top plate portion. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connector is a leaf spring extending rearward from the connected proximal end, and formed between the pair of left and right holding portions.   The upper surface of the main body portion of the spring portion is substantially flush with the upper surface of the top plate portion, and the free end portion of the spring portion protrudes above the upper surface of the top plate portion. The connector according to any one of the above.   A connector assembly comprising: the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a mating engaging portion engageable with the engaging portion of the latch member, the mating connector being engageable with the connector .   The connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein a cable end is connected to one of the connector and the mating connector.

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