Patent ID: 9509091
Filing Date: 2016-11-29
CPC Classification: H01R

Claim Text:
1. A connector assembly, comprising: a first connector having a first terminal and a second terminal which are used for fitting detection; a second connector adapted to be fitted with the first connector; a manipulation lever for use in fitting the second connector with the first connector along a fitting direction; a fitting lock mechanism adapted to lock a fitting state of the first connector and the second connector; and a fitting detection mechanism disposed at the second connector and adapted to short-circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal when the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, wherein the fitting detection mechanism is constituted by only two components that are a first socket and a second socket both of which are made of metal, and forms a first contact point, a second contact point and a third contact point that are arranged in series between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein the first contact point is established between the first terminal and the first socket which is disposed at the second connector and in which the first terminal is inserted along the fitting direction to be electrically connected to the first socket when the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, wherein the third contact point is established between the second terminal and the second socket which is disposed at the second connector and in which the second terminal is inserted along the fitting direction to be electrically connected to the second socket when the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, wherein the second contact point is established between a first spring piece integrally formed at the first socket and a second spring piece integrally formed at the second socket, wherein the second spring piece is in an initial position where the second spring piece is in contact with the first spring piece before the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other, wherein when the manipulation lever is manipulated to start fitting between the first connector and the second connector, the second spring piece is pushed by the manipulation lever and separated from the first spring piece so that the second contact point is opened, and the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively inserted in the first socket and the second socket and, as wiping in the fitting direction, brought into contact with the first socket and the second socket so that the first contact point and the third contact point are closed, and wherein when the manipulation lever is manipulated to fit the first connector and the second connector with each other, while the fitting lock mechanism locks the fitting state of the first connector and the second connector, the second spring piece is released by the manipulation lever from a position where the second spring piece is pushed so that the second spring piece is restored to the initial position and, as wiping in a direction different from the fitting direction, brought into contact with the first spring piece so that the second contact point is closed whereby the first terminal and the second terminal are short-circuited.