Patent Description:
<CIT>, on which the preamble of claim <NUM> is based, discloses a plug connector assembly that includes first and second plug connectors each including a plug housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall forming a cavity. The side walls include a housing securing feature. The plug connector assembly includes a flex jumper assembly coupled between the plug connectors having a flex circuit extending between first and second paddle cards. The paddle cards each include a rigid substrate having a mating end and side edges extending to a flex circuit end. The rigid substrate includes a plug connector securing feature at the side edge engaging the housing securing feature to retain the paddle card in the corresponding plug housing. The flex circuit is flexible between the first and second paddle cards.

<CIT> discloses that, as a structure for electrically connecting conductors of a flat cable (flat wire member) with a circuit board, an end of the flat cable is split into split pieces, and connectors (second connectors) are mounted at the ends of the respective split pieces. A connector (first connector) provided with two connecting portions for the connectors are mounted on the circuit board. When the respective connectors mounted on the flat cable are connected with the connector, the respective conductors of the split pieces are brought into contact with terminals accommodated in the connector.

For example, this type of connector assembly is disclosed in <CIT> (Patent Document <NUM>), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to <FIG>, Patent Document <NUM> discloses a connector assembly comprising a first connector <NUM> and a mating connector (not shown), or a second connector, which are mateable with each other along a mating direction shown in <FIG>. The second connector is provided in a case <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> comprises three connectors (sub-connectors) <NUM> and an outer housing (housing) <NUM>. Each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is provided with two cables <NUM> attached thereto. Each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is held in the housing <NUM> and is movable relative to the housing <NUM> to some extent in a perpendicular plane perpendicular to the mating direction. In other words, each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is held by the housing <NUM> as if it is floatable in the perpendicular plane. The case <NUM> is formed with three attachment holes <NUM> which correspond to the sub-connectors <NUM>, respectively.

When the first connector <NUM> is mated with the second connector, each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is mated with the second connector through the corresponding attachment hole <NUM>. Each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is movable in the corresponding attachment hole <NUM> in the perpendicular plane when passing through the corresponding attachment hole <NUM>. According to Patent Document <NUM>, the first connector <NUM> has a floating structure which allows a movement of each of the sub-connectors <NUM>, and thereby all the three sub-connectors <NUM> can be simultaneously mated with the second connector while the floating structure adjusts misalignment of the sub-connectors <NUM> with the attachment holes <NUM> which might be caused because of manufacturing tolerances.

However, according to an existing connector assembly such as that of Patent Document <NUM>, when the sub-connectors are attached to the housing, the sub-connectors might be attached to incorrect positions of the housing.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly which comprises a connector including two or more floatably held sub-connectors and which enables the sub-connectors to be attached to correct positions of the housing.

The above mentioned object is achieved by the structure according to claim <NUM>.

The first connector of the present invention is a connector which comprises two or more of the floatably held sub-connectors. The sub-connectors of the present invention are configured to be connected to two or more of the branching end portions of the single FPC board, respectively. According to this structure, when the sub-connectors connected to the FPC board are attached to the housing, the order of the sub-connectors has been already determined. Accordingly, when the sub-connectors are attached to the housing, each of the sub-connectors can be attached to a correct position with no mistake. Thus, the present invention provides a structure comprising a connector assembly and a single FPC board, the connector assembly comprises the connector including two or more of the floatably held sub-connectors and which enables the sub-connectors to be attached to correct positions of the housing.

An appreciation of the objectives of the present invention and a more complete understanding of its structure may be had by studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to <FIG>, a structure <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a connector assembly <NUM> and a flexible printed circuits (FPC) board <NUM>. The connector assembly <NUM> comprises a first connector <NUM> and a second connector <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> are mateable with each other along a mating direction. The mating direction of the present embodiment is a front-rear direction which is the X-direction. In the present embodiment, "forward" means the positive X-direction, and "rearward" means the negative X-direction. Thus, the connector assembly <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> which are mateable with each other along the front-rear direction. In the explanation described below, a word such as the front-rear direction does not indicate an absolute direction or an absolute position relative to the ground but only indicates a relative direction or a relative position in the figures.

The structure <NUM> according to the present embodiment is incorporated in an automobile (not shown) when used. In detail, the first connector <NUM> is configured to be fixed to a first device (not shown) incorporated in the automobile and is configured to be connected to the bendable FPC board <NUM>. The second connector <NUM> is configured to be fixed to a second device (not shown) incorporated in the automobile. The first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> can be mated with each other by a robot (not shown). However, the present invention is not limited thereto but is applicable to various structures <NUM>.

Under a mated state where the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> are mated with each other as shown in <FIG>, the first device (not shown) to which the first connector <NUM> is fixed and the second device (not shown) to which the second connector <NUM> is fixed are electrically connected with each other via the FPC board <NUM> and the connector assembly <NUM>. Under a separated state where the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> are separated from each other as shown in <FIG>, the first device and the second device are electrically disconnected from each other.

Hereafter, explanation will be made about the FPC board <NUM> of the present embodiment.

The FPC board <NUM> has a single base portion <NUM> and two or more end portions <NUM>. The illustrated base portion <NUM> extends along an upper-lower direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The upper-lower direction of the present embodiment is the Z-direction. In the present embodiment, "upward" means the positive Z-direction, and "downward" means the negative Z-direction. Each of the end portions <NUM> is connected to an upper end of the base portion <NUM>. The end portions <NUM> are arranged in a left-right direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the upper-lower direction. The left-right direction of the present embodiment is the Y-direction. In the present embodiment, "leftward" means the positive Y-direction, and "rightward" means the negative Y-direction.

Every two of the end portions <NUM> adjacent to each other in the left-right direction are provided with a gap <NUM>. Each of the gaps <NUM> is located between two of the end portions <NUM>. Thus, every two of the end portions <NUM> adjacent to each other in the left-right direction are apart from each other with the gap <NUM> located therebetween. Each of the end portions <NUM> extends upward from the upper end of the base portion <NUM>. The FPC board <NUM> of the present embodiment has two or more of the end portions <NUM> which branch from the base portion <NUM> as described above. The number of the end portions <NUM> of the present embodiment is four. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the end portions <NUM> may be two, three, five or more.

The FPC board <NUM> is formed with a large number of conductive lines (not shown). For example, the number of the conductive lines is eighty. Each of the conductive lines extends along a surface of the base portion <NUM> and then extends along a surface of one of the end portions <NUM>. Each of the end portions <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed with a large number of the conductive lines. The end portions <NUM> of the present embodiment have structures same as each other. The arrangements of the conductive lines on the four end portions <NUM> are same as each other.

Hereafter, explanation will be made about the first connector <NUM> of the present embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises two or more sub-connectors <NUM>, a housing <NUM> made of insulator, two or more retainers <NUM> each made of insulator and a large number of first terminals <NUM> each made of conductor. For example, the number of the first terminals <NUM> is eighty. Each of the first terminals <NUM> is held by one of the sub-connectors <NUM>. Each of the sub-connectors <NUM> holds two or more of the first terminals <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises the aforementioned members. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the retainers <NUM> may be provided as necessary. The first connector <NUM> may further comprise another member in addition to the aforementioned members.

Referring to <FIG>, the sub-connectors <NUM> are connected to the end portions <NUM> of the FPC board <NUM>, respectively, and are partially accommodated in the housing <NUM>. The retainers <NUM> are provided so that they correspond to the sub-connectors <NUM>, respectively. Each of the retainers <NUM> keeps the corresponding sub-connector <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. Each of the number of the sub-connectors <NUM> and the number of the retainers <NUM> of the present embodiment is four. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the sub-connectors <NUM> may be two, three, five or more. Only one of the retainers <NUM> may be provided for two or more of the sub-connectors <NUM>. Thus, the number of the retainers <NUM> may be one or more.

Referring to <FIG>, the sub-connectors <NUM> of the present embodiment have structures same as each other. In addition, the arrangements of the first terminals <NUM> of the four sub-connectors <NUM> are identical to each other. Thus, all the sub-connectors <NUM> are components same as each other, and thereby manufacturing cost of the sub-connectors <NUM> can be reduced. Referring to <FIG>, the sub-connectors <NUM> are configured to be connected to two or more of the branching end portions <NUM> of the single FPC board <NUM>, respectively. According to the present embodiment, the sub-connectors <NUM> having structures same as each other are connected to the end portions <NUM> having structures same as each other, respectively. According to the present embodiment, each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is connectable to any one of the end portions <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sub-connectors <NUM> may have structures different from each other.

Hereafter, explanation will be made about one of the sub-connectors <NUM> of the present embodiment. The following explanation is applicable to each of the sub-connectors <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the sub-connector <NUM> of the present embodiment has a main portion <NUM>, an upper projecting plate <NUM>, a lower projecting plate <NUM>, two upper keys <NUM>, two lower keys <NUM>, two rear projections <NUM> and two fixing members <NUM> each made of metal. The main portion <NUM>, the upper projecting plate <NUM>, the lower projecting plate <NUM>, the upper keys <NUM>, the lower keys <NUM> and the rear projections <NUM> are integrally molded of resin. The fixing members <NUM> are press-fit in the rear projections <NUM>, respectively. The fixing members <NUM> fix the sub-connector <NUM> on the end portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the FPC board <NUM> (see <FIG>) when the first connector <NUM> is used.

The sub-connector <NUM> of the present embodiment has the aforementioned members and portions. However, the structure of the sub-connector <NUM> of the present invention is not specifically limited. For example, the rear projections <NUM> and the fixing members <NUM> may be provided as necessary. Moreover, the structure of each portion of the sub-connector <NUM> described below can be modified as necessary.

Referring to <FIG>, the main portion <NUM> has a rectangular flat-plate shape in parallel to a horizontal plane (XY-plane) perpendicular to the upper-lower direction. The upper projecting plate <NUM> has a rectangular flat-plate shape in parallel to a vertical plane (YZ-plane) perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The upper projecting plate <NUM> is located at a rear end of the main portion <NUM>. The upper projecting plate <NUM> projects upward from the main portion <NUM> and extends along the left-right direction. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the upper keys <NUM> has a rectangular bar shape which extends along the front-rear direction. The upper keys <NUM> are provided on an upper surface of the main portion <NUM>. The upper keys <NUM> are apart from each other in the left-right direction and extend in parallel to each other from the upper projecting plate <NUM> to the vicinity of a front end of the main portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lower projecting plate <NUM> has a rectangular flat-plate shape in parallel to the YZ-plane. The lower projecting plate <NUM> is located at the rear end of the main portion <NUM>. The lower projecting plate <NUM> project downward from the main portion <NUM> and extends along the left-right direction. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the lower keys <NUM> has a rectangular bar shape which extends along the front-rear direction. The lower keys <NUM> are provided in the vicinity of a front end of a lower surface of the main portion <NUM>. The lower keys <NUM> are apart from each other in the left-right direction and extend in parallel to each other in the vicinity of the front end of the lower surface of the main portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the sub-connector <NUM> is inserted into the housing <NUM> from behind. Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the two upper keys <NUM> are located between the two lower keys <NUM> in the left-right direction. As described later, the upper keys <NUM> and the lower keys <NUM> which are arranged as described above prevent upside-down insertion of the sub-connector <NUM> into the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the sub-connector <NUM> of the present embodiment has three front definers <NUM> and two regulated portions <NUM>. The front definers <NUM> are parts for regulating a forward movement of the sub-connector <NUM> in the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) as described later. The front definers <NUM> of the present embodiment consist of one front definer <NUM> and two front definers <NUM>. The regulated portions <NUM> are parts for temporarily keeping the sub-connector <NUM> in the housing <NUM> as described later.

The lower projecting plate <NUM> of the present embodiment has a flat front surface, and this front surface has a middle part in the left-right direction which works as the front definer <NUM>. The upper projecting plate <NUM> of the present embodiment has a flat front surface, and this front surface has opposite parts thereof in the left-right direction which work as the front definers <NUM>, respectively. Each of the front definers <NUM> of the present embodiment is a flat surface in parallel to the YZ-plane. Each of the front definers <NUM> is not provided with a visible boundary. The three front definers <NUM> are located at vertexes of an imaginary downward-facing isosceles triangle, respectively. The three front definers <NUM> are located at positions same as each other in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the front definers <NUM> may be a part which protrudes forward from the upper projecting plate <NUM> or the lower projecting plate <NUM>. Moreover, the front definers <NUM> may be provided as necessary.

According to the present embodiment, the flat front surface of the upper projecting plate <NUM> has opposite parts thereof in the left-right direction which work as the regulated portions <NUM>, respectively. The two regulated portions <NUM> are located between the two front definers <NUM> in the left-right direction. Each of the regulated portions <NUM> of the present embodiment is a flat surface in parallel to the YZ-plane. Each of the regulated portions <NUM> is not provided with a visible boundary. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the regulated portions <NUM> may be provided as necessary.

Referring to <FIG>, the sub-connector <NUM> of the present embodiment has three rear definers <NUM>. The rear definers <NUM> are parts for regulating a rearward movement of the sub-connector <NUM> in the housing <NUM> as described later. The rear definers <NUM> of the present embodiment consist of one rear definer <NUM> and two rear definers <NUM>.

The rear definer <NUM> is located at the middle of a flat rear surface of the upper projecting plate <NUM> in the left-right direction. The rear definer <NUM> protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the upper projecting plate <NUM>. The rear definers <NUM> are located at opposite sides of a flat rear surface of the lower projecting plate <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. Each of the rear definers <NUM> protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the lower projecting plate <NUM>. The three rear definers <NUM> are located at vertexes of an imaginary upward-facing isosceles triangle, respectively. The three rear definers <NUM> have rear end surfaces which are located at positions same as each other in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the rear definers <NUM> may be a part of the flat rear surface of the upper projecting plate <NUM> or the flat rear surface of the lower projecting plate <NUM>. Moreover, the rear definers <NUM> may be provided as necessary.

Referring to <FIG>, each of the first terminals <NUM> is press-fit into the main portion <NUM> from behind. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the first terminals <NUM> has a surface mount portion <NUM> and a first connection portion <NUM>. Each of the first connection portions <NUM> is held by the main portion <NUM> and extends along the front-rear direction in the main portion <NUM>. Each of the surface mount portions <NUM> is located rearward of the main portion <NUM>. Each of the surface mount portions <NUM> is a flat surface in parallel to the XY-plane. All the surface mount portions <NUM> are located in a common plane in parallel to the XY-plane. The first terminals <NUM> of the present embodiment have the aforementioned structures and are arranged as described above. However, the structures and the arrangement of the first terminals <NUM> are not specifically limited, provided that all the surface mount portions <NUM> are located in a common horizontal plane.

Referring to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> of the present embodiment is molded of resin and extends along the YZ-plane as a whole. In particular, the housing <NUM> extends longer along the left-right direction than along the upper-lower direction. The housing <NUM> is formed with two or more accommodation portions <NUM> which correspond to the sub-connectors <NUM>, respectively. Each of the accommodation portions <NUM> is a space which is enclosed by an accommodation wall <NUM> in the YZ-plane. The accommodation portions <NUM> are arranged in the left-right direction. Moreover, the housing <NUM> has a front surface <NUM>. The front surface <NUM> is located at a front end of the housing <NUM> and extends over all the accommodation portions <NUM> in the left-right direction. The thus-formed front surface <NUM> is located at a front end of each of the accommodation walls <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the accommodation portions <NUM> passes through the housing <NUM> in the front rear direction. In other word, each of the accommodation portions <NUM> opens rearward from the housing <NUM> and opens forward from the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed with four of the accommodation portions <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the accommodation portions <NUM> may be two, three, five or more.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, when the first connector <NUM> is assembled, first, each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is inserted into the corresponding accommodation portion <NUM> from behind and is accommodated in the corresponding accommodation portion <NUM>. When the four sub-connectors <NUM> are accommodated in the four accommodation portions <NUM>, respectively, an intermediate structure <NUM> shown in <FIG> is formed.

Referring to <FIG>, when the sub-connectors <NUM> are accommodated in the accommodation portions <NUM>, respectively, each of the main portions <NUM> is apart from an inner wall surface of the accommodation portion <NUM> in the YZ-plane. Each of the main portions <NUM> is movable by a predetermined distance in each of the upper-lower direction and the left-right direction until it is brought into abutment with the inner wall surface of the accommodation portion <NUM>. In other words, the housing <NUM> holds each of the sub-connectors <NUM>, and each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is floatable relative to the housing <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed with upper fixation holes <NUM> and lower fixation holes <NUM> in addition to the accommodation portions <NUM>. In detail, two of the upper fixation holes <NUM> and two of the lower fixation holes <NUM> are formed around each of the accommodation portions <NUM>. Every two of the lower fixation holes <NUM> which are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction communicate with each other in the left-right direction.

The accommodation portions <NUM> of the present embodiment, including portions which are provided for the respective accommodation portions <NUM>, have basic structures same as each other. For example, the upper fixation holes <NUM> have structures same as each other. The lower fixation holes <NUM> have structures same as each other although the two lower fixation holes <NUM> which are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction communicate with each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in an instance where the sub-connectors <NUM> have structures different from each other, the accommodation portions <NUM> may have structures which correspond to the sub-connectors <NUM>, respectively, and are different from each other. Hereafter, explanation will be made about one of the accommodation portions <NUM> of the present embodiment and about the portions which are provided for this accommodation portion <NUM>. The following explanation is applicable to each of the accommodation portions <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the accommodation portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed with an upper passage <NUM> and two lower passages <NUM>. Thus, the housing <NUM> of the present embodiment has the upper passage <NUM> and the lower passages <NUM>. The upper passage <NUM> is a space which is located at an upper end of the accommodation portion <NUM>. The upper passage <NUM> is a part of the accommodation portion <NUM> which partially protrudes upward. The upper passage <NUM> is located at the middle of the accommodation portion <NUM> in the left-right direction. Each of the lower passages <NUM> is a space which is located at a lower end of the accommodation portion <NUM>. Each of the lower passages <NUM> is a recess which is recessed downward. The two lower passages <NUM> are located at opposite sides of the accommodation portion <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. The upper passage <NUM> is located between the two lower passages <NUM> in the left-right direction.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, each of the upper passage <NUM> and the lower passages <NUM> passes through the housing <NUM> in the front-rear direction. In other words, each of the upper passage <NUM> and the lower passages <NUM> opens rearward from the housing <NUM> and opens forward from the housing <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the upper passage <NUM> opens at the front surface <NUM>. Similarly, each of the lower passages <NUM> opens at the front surface <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper passage <NUM> extends long in the left-right direction so as to cover positions which correspond to the two upper keys <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> in the YZ-plane. The thus-formed upper passage <NUM> allows the upper keys <NUM> to pass therethrough in a process in which the sub-connector <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation portion <NUM>. The two lower passages <NUM> are formed at positions which correspond to the two lower keys <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> in the YZ-plane, respectively. The thus-formed lower passages <NUM> allow the lower keys <NUM> to be pass therethrough, respectively, in the process in which the sub-connector <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, according to the present embodiment, when the sub-connector <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation portion <NUM>, the lower keys <NUM> are located only forward of the front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The thus-arranged lower keys <NUM> do not interfere with a movement of the sub-connector <NUM> in The YZ-plane. Moreover, when the sub-connector <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation portion <NUM>, the upper keys <NUM> are partially located in the upper passage <NUM> and is movable in the upper passage <NUM> in the YZ-plane.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper keys <NUM> and the lower keys <NUM> are located at positions different from each other in the left-right direction. Upon an attempt of accommodating the sub-connector <NUM> in the accommodation portion <NUM> upside-down, at least one of the upper keys <NUM> and the lower keys <NUM> is brought into abutment with a front inner wall surface of the accommodation portion <NUM>. As a result, the upside-down accommodation, or reverse accommodation, of the sub-connector <NUM> in the accommodation portion <NUM> is prevented.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the upper keys <NUM> and the lower keys <NUM> of the present embodiment are arranged as described above and work as described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the upper keys <NUM> may be provided in the vicinity of the front end of the main portion <NUM>, and the lower keys <NUM> may be provided so that they extend over the whole main portion <NUM> in the front-rear direction. Thus, when the sub-connector <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation portion <NUM>, one of the upper key <NUM> and the lower key <NUM> may be located only forward of the front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and a remaining one of the upper key <NUM> and the lower key <NUM> may be movable in the upper passage <NUM> or the lower passage <NUM>. Moreover, the upper passage <NUM> and the lower passages <NUM> may be provided as necessary. In an instance where the upper passage <NUM> and the lower passages <NUM> are not provided, the upper keys <NUM> and the lower keys <NUM> do not need to be provided.

Referring to <FIG>, the accommodation portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the present embodiment is provided with two regulation portions <NUM>. The regulation portions <NUM> are located at opposite sides of the upper passage <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. Each of the regulation portions <NUM> extends along the front-rear direction in the accommodation portion <NUM> and is resiliently deformable. Referring to <FIG>, in a process in which the sub-connector <NUM> is inserted into the accommodation portion <NUM>, the upper projecting plate <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> is moved forward while each of the regulation portions <NUM> is moved upward. When the sub-connector <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation portion <NUM>, the regulated portions <NUM> of the upper projecting plate <NUM> are located forward of the regulation portions <NUM>, respectively. Thus, when the sub-connector <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation portion <NUM>, the regulation portions <NUM> and the regulated portions <NUM> face each other in the front-rear direction and prevent the sub-connector <NUM> from coming off the accommodation portion <NUM>.

According to the present embodiment, the sub-connector <NUM> can be temporarily kept in the housing <NUM> before the retainers <NUM> (see <FIG>) are attached. Accordingly, the first connector <NUM> (see <FIG>) can be easily assembled. According to the present embodiment, each of the regulation portions <NUM> is resiliently deformable, and each of the regulated portions <NUM> is unmovable relative to the sub-connector <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the regulation portions <NUM> may be provided so that it is unmovable relative to the housing <NUM>, and each of the regulated portions <NUM> may be resiliently deformable. Thus, one of the regulation portion <NUM> and the regulated portion <NUM> may be resiliently deformable. Moreover, the regulation portions <NUM> and the regulated portions <NUM> may be provided as necessary.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the accommodation portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is provided with three front facing portions <NUM>. Thus, the housing <NUM> of the present embodiment has the three front facing portions <NUM>. The front facing portions <NUM> of the present embodiment consist of one front facing portion <NUM> and two front facing portions <NUM>.

The front facing portion <NUM> and the front facing portions <NUM> are provided on a front inner wall surface of the accommodation portion <NUM>. The front facing portion <NUM> is located at a position same as those of the lower passages <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM> in the upper-lower direction and is located at the middle of the accommodation portion <NUM> in the left-right direction. The front facing portion <NUM> protrudes rearward from the front inner wall surface of the accommodation portion <NUM>. The front facing portions <NUM> are located at positions same as that of the upper passage <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM> in the upper-lower direction and are located at opposite sides of the upper passage <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. The two regulation portions <NUM> are located between the wo front facing portions <NUM> in the left-right direction. Each of the front facing portions <NUM> protrudes rearward from the front inner wall surface of the accommodation portion <NUM>. The three front facing portions <NUM> are located at vertexes of an imaginary downward-facing isosceles triangle, respectively. The three front facing portions <NUM> have rear end surfaces which are located at positions same as each other in the front-rear direction.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, when the sub-connector <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation portion <NUM>, the front facing portion <NUM> faces the front definer <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> in the front-rear direction, and the front facing portions <NUM> face the front definers <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> in the front-rear direction, respectively. As can be seen from this arrangement, the sub-connector <NUM> is movable forward to a front limit position. However, the sub-connector <NUM> cannot be moved forward beyond the front limit position. This front limit position is a position at which the front definers <NUM> are brought into abutment with the front facing portions <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the front limit position is a position at which a front end of the sub-connector <NUM> protrudes from the housing <NUM> to the maximum.

According to the present embodiment, the three front definers <NUM> are brought into abutment with the three front facing portions <NUM>, respectively, in a common plane in parallel to the YZ-plane. Moreover, abutment areas between the front definers <NUM> and the front facing portions <NUM> can be made small because small projections work as the front facing portions <NUM>. If flat surfaces and flat surfaces were brought into abutment with each other, abutment areas tend to be large. As the abutment areas are larger, it is more difficult to form the front definers <NUM> at proper positions because of problems such as warp which might be generated in a molding process. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the front facing portions <NUM> which are the small projections can be easily formed at proper positions when the housing <NUM> is molded. Even if a part which includes the front definers <NUM> warps in a molding process of the main portion <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM>, the three front definers <NUM> can be brought into abutment with the three front facing portions <NUM>, respectively.

According to the present embodiment, each of the front facing portions <NUM> is an abutment portion which protrudes in the front-rear direction, and each of the front definers <NUM> is a flat surface which faces this abutment portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the front definers <NUM> may be an abutment portion which protrudes in the front-rear direction, and each of the front facing portions <NUM> may be a flat surface which faces this abutment portion. Thus, one of the front definer <NUM> and the front facing portion <NUM> may be an abutment portion which protrudes in the front-rear direction, and a remaining one of the front definer <NUM> and the front facing portion <NUM> may be a flat surface which faces the abutment portion. Moreover, the front definers <NUM> and the front facing portions <NUM> may be provided as necessary.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the two upper fixation holes <NUM> of the present embodiment are located above the accommodation portion <NUM> and are located at opposite sides of the accommodation portion <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. The lower fixation holes <NUM> of the present embodiment are located below the accommodation portion <NUM> and are located at opposite sides of the accommodation portion <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. Each of the upper fixation holes <NUM> and the lower fixation holes <NUM> passes through the housing <NUM> in the front-rear direction. Each of the upper fixation holes <NUM> is provided with an upper engagement projection <NUM> located therein. Each of the upper engagement projections <NUM> projects upward. Each of the lower fixation holes <NUM> is provided with a lower engagement projection <NUM> located therein. Each of the lower engagement projections <NUM> projects downward.

The housing <NUM> of the present embodiment has the aforementioned structure. However, the structure of the housing <NUM> of the present invention is not specifically limited but can be modified as necessary.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> of the present embodiment can be formed by attaching the retainers <NUM> to the intermediate structure <NUM>. According to the present embodiment, each of the retainers <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM> from behind and covers the corresponding sub-connector <NUM> from behind. The thus-attached retainers <NUM> are fixed to the housing <NUM> and thereby securely prevent the sub-connectors <NUM> from coming off the accommodation portion <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the retainers <NUM> may be provided as necessary. For example, only some of all the sub-connectors <NUM> may be covered by the retainers <NUM>. Only one of the retainers <NUM> may cover the sub-connectors <NUM> from behind.

Referring to <FIG>, the retainers <NUM> of the present embodiment have structures same as each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the retainers <NUM> may have structures different from each other. Hereafter, explanation will be made about one of the retainers <NUM> of the present embodiment. The following explanation is applicable to each of the retainers <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> of the present embodiment has a cover <NUM>, two upper fixation portions <NUM>, two lower fixation portions <NUM>, an upper projection <NUM> and two lower projections <NUM>. The cover <NUM>, the upper fixation portions <NUM>, the lower fixation portions <NUM>, the upper projection <NUM> and the lower projections <NUM> are integrally molded of resin. The cover <NUM> has a rectangular flat-plate shape in parallel to the YZ-plane as a whole. The upper fixation portions <NUM>, the lower fixation portions <NUM>, the upper projection <NUM> and the lower projections <NUM> extend forward from the cover <NUM>.

The retainer <NUM> of the present embodiment has the aforementioned portions. However, the structure of the retainer <NUM> of the present invention is not specifically limited. Moreover, the structure of each portion of the retainer <NUM> described below can be modified as necessary.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper fixation portions <NUM> and the lower fixation portions <NUM> are located at four corners of the retainer <NUM>, or four corners of the cover <NUM>, in the YZ-plane, respectively. In detail, the upper fixation portions <NUM> are located at an upper end of the cover <NUM> and are located at opposite sides of the cover <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. The lower fixation portions <NUM> are located at a lower end of the cover <NUM> and are located at opposite sides of the cover <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. The upper projection <NUM> and the lower projections <NUM> are located between the upper fixation portions <NUM> and the lower fixation portions <NUM> in the upper-lower direction. The lower projections <NUM> are located below the upper projection <NUM> and are located at opposite sides of the cover <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. The upper projection <NUM> extends in the left-right direction so as to cover the two lower projections <NUM> from above.

Each of the upper fixation portions <NUM> is formed of an upper received portion <NUM> and an upper engagement plate <NUM>. Each of the upper engagement plates <NUM> has a flat-plate shape in parallel to the XY-plane and extends along the front-rear direction. Each of the upper engagement plates <NUM> is resiliently deformable. Each of the upper received portions <NUM> extends along the front-rear direction so as to cover the upper engagement plate <NUM> from above.

Each of the lower fixation portions <NUM> is formed of a lower received portion <NUM> and a lower engagement plate <NUM>. Each of the lower engagement plates <NUM> has a flat-plate shape in parallel to the XY-plane and extends along the front-rear direction. Each of the lower engagement plates <NUM> is resiliently deformable. Each of the lower received portions <NUM> extends along the front-rear direction so as to cover the lower engagement plate <NUM> from below.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, when the retainer <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>, the upper fixation portions <NUM> are inserted into the upper fixation holes <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, respectively, and the lower fixation portions <NUM> are inserted into the lower fixation holes <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, respectively. The thus-inserted upper engagement plates <NUM> are engaged with the upper engagement projections <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, respectively, and the thus-inserted lower engagement plates <NUM> are engaged with the lower engagement projections <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, respectively. As a result, the retainer <NUM> attached to the housing <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM> at its four corners. However, the fixing method of the present invention for fixing the retainer <NUM> to the housing <NUM> is not specifically limited.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG> and <FIG>, the accommodation portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is provided with three stoppers <NUM> arranged around the accommodation portion <NUM>. The three stoppers <NUM> are located at vertexes of an imaginary upward-facing isosceles triangle, respectively. Each of the stoppers <NUM> is a small projection which protrudes rearward. Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, when the retainer <NUM> fixed to the housing <NUM> is further moved forward, the stoppers <NUM> are brought into abutment with a front surface of the retainer <NUM>, and thereby the forward movement of the retainer <NUM> is stopped. According to this structure, a gap, namely a slot <NUM>, is formed between the housing <NUM> and the retainer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the retainer <NUM> of the present embodiment has three rear facing portions <NUM>. The rear facing portions <NUM> of the present embodiment consist of one rear facing portion <NUM> and two rear facing portions <NUM>.

According to the present embodiment, the upper projection <NUM> has a flat front surface, and this front surface has a middle part in the left-right direction which works as the rear facing portion <NUM>. The two lower projections <NUM> have flat front surfaces, respectively, and these front surfaces have parts which work as the front definers <NUM>, respectively. Each of the rear facing portions <NUM> of the present embodiment is a flat surface in parallel to the YZ-plane. Each of the rear facing portions <NUM> is not provided with a visible boundary. The three rear facing portions <NUM> are located at vertexes of an imaginary upward-facing isosceles triangle, respectively. The three rear facing portions <NUM> are located at positions same as each other in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the rear facing portions <NUM> may be a part which protrudes forward from the upper projection <NUM> or the lower projection <NUM>. Moreover, the rear facing portions <NUM> may be provided as necessary.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, when the retainer <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM>, the rear facing portion <NUM> faces the rear definer <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> in the front-rear direction, and the rear facing portions <NUM> face the rear definers <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> in the front-rear direction, respectively. As can be seen from this arrangement, the sub-connector <NUM> is movable rearward to a rear limit position. However, the sub-connector <NUM> cannot be moved rearward beyond the rear limit position. This rear limit position is a position at which the rear definers <NUM> are brought into abutment with the rear facing portions <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the rear limit position is a position at which the front end of the sub-connector <NUM> is nearest to the housing <NUM>.

According to the present embodiment, the three rear definers <NUM> are brought into abutment with the three rear facing portions <NUM>, respectively, in a common plane in parallel to the YZ-plane. Moreover, abutment areas between the rear definers <NUM> and the rear facing portions <NUM> can be made small because small projections work as the rear definers <NUM>. If flat surfaces and flat surfaces were brought into abutment with each other, abutment areas tend to be large. As the abutment areas are larger, it is more difficult to form the rear facing portions <NUM> at proper positions because of problems such as warp which might be generated in a molding process. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the rear definers <NUM> which are the small projections can be easily formed at proper positions when the main portion <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> is molded. Even if a part which includes the rear facing portions <NUM> warps in a molding process of the retainer <NUM>, the three rear definers <NUM> can be brought into abutment with the three rear facing portions <NUM>, respectively.

According to the present embodiment, each of the rear definers <NUM> is an abutment portion which protrudes in the front-rear direction, and each of the rear facing portions <NUM> is a flat surface which faces this abutment portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the rear facing portions <NUM> may be an abutment portion which protrudes in the front-rear direction, and each of the rear definers <NUM> may be a flat surface which faces this abutment portion. Thus, one of the rear definer <NUM> and the rear facing portion <NUM> may be an abutment portion which protrudes in the front-rear direction, and a remaining one of the rear definer <NUM> and the rear facing portion <NUM> may be a flat surface which faces the abutment portion. Moreover, the rear definers <NUM> and the rear facing portions <NUM> may be provided as necessary.

Referring to <FIG>, the sub-connector <NUM> of the present embodiment is movable in the accommodation portion <NUM> along the front-rear direction. In addition, as previously described, the sub-connector <NUM> is movable in the accommodation portion <NUM> along each of the upper-lower direction and the left-right direction. In other words, the sub-connector <NUM> of the present embodiment is three-dimensionally floatable in the accommodation portion <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, even when the sub-connector <NUM> floats, regardless of the position and the posture of the sub-connector <NUM>, the upper keys <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> extend forward beyond the front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and the lower keys <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> are located only forward of the front surface <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the three rear definers <NUM> which define the rear limit position form an imaginary upward-facing triangle. Referring to <FIG>, the three front facing portions <NUM> which defines the front limit position forms an imaginary downward-facing triangle. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the upward-facing triangle and the downward-facing triangle face opposite each other in the upper lower direction. According to this arrangement, change of the posture of the sub-connector <NUM> which might be caused in accordance with a three-dimensional floating of the sub-connector <NUM> can be easily controlled, and thereby the sub-connector <NUM> can float three-dimensionally and stably. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the triangle formed of the three front facing portions <NUM> and the triangle formed of the three rear definers <NUM> may be arranged in the same orientation as each other in the upper-lower direction.

Referring to <FIG>, according to the explanation described above, the retainer <NUM> seems to be attached to the intermediate structure <NUM> immediately after the formation of the intermediate structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and thereby the first connector <NUM> shown in <FIG> is assembled. However, referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> is actually assembled as described below. First, the end portions <NUM> of the FPC board <NUM> are connected to the sub-connectors <NUM>, respectively. Then, the sub-connectors <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are combined into the intermediate structure <NUM>. Then, the retainers <NUM> are attached to the intermediate structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the FPC board <NUM> connected to the sub-connectors <NUM> and the retainers <NUM> fixed to the housing <NUM> do not substantially interfere with the three-dimensional floating of each of the sub-connectors <NUM>. Thus, each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is partially and floatably accommodated in the corresponding accommodation portion <NUM>.

Hereafter, explanation will be made about the first connector <NUM> connected to the FPC board <NUM> of the present embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> is formed with two or more of the slots <NUM> which correspond to the accommodation portions <NUM>, respectively. Each of the slots <NUM> is a space which is formed between the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> in the front-rear direction. Thus, each of the slots <NUM> is located between the housing <NUM> and the retainer <NUM> in the front-rear direction.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, each of the slots <NUM> communicates with the corresponding accommodation portion <NUM>. Each of the slots <NUM> has a size in the front-rear direction which is larger than a thickness of the flat FPC board <NUM>. The end portions <NUM> of the FPC board <NUM> are configured to be connected to the sub-connectors <NUM> through the slots <NUM>, respectively. In detail, the conductive lines (not shown) of the end portions <NUM> are fixed and connected to the surface mount portions <NUM> of the first terminals <NUM>, respectively, via soldering, etc. According to the present embodiment, since the slots <NUM> are provided, the four end portions <NUM> of the single FPC board <NUM> can be connected to the four sub-connectors <NUM>, respectively.

Summarizing the explanation described above with reference to <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> of the present embodiment is a connector which comprises two or more of the floatably held sub-connectors <NUM>. The sub-connectors <NUM> of the present embodiment are configured to be connected to two or more of the branching end portions <NUM> of the FPC board <NUM>, respectively.

According to the present embodiment, when the sub-connectors <NUM> connected to the FPC board <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>, the order of the sub-connectors <NUM> in the left-right direction has been already determined. Therefore, when the sub-connectors <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>, each of the sub-connectors <NUM> can be attached to a correct position with no mistake. Referring to <FIG>, the present embodiment provides the connector assembly <NUM> which comprises the first connector <NUM> including two or more of the floatably held sub-connectors <NUM> and which enables the sub-connectors <NUM> to be attached to correct positions of the housing <NUM>. In addition, according to the present embodiment, manufacturing cost can be reduced in comparison with an instance where the sub-connectors <NUM> are provided with mating keys different from each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> is a surface mount connector. In general, as the number of terminals of the surface mount connector is larger, it is more difficult to locate surface mount portions of the terminals in a common plane because of problems such as warp which might be generated in a molding process of the connector. However, the connector may be divided into the four sub-connectors <NUM> so that the number of the first terminals <NUM> of each of the thus-provided sub-connectors <NUM> is not more than a predetermined number. According to this structure, the surface mount portions <NUM> of all the first terminals <NUM> of each of the sub-connectors <NUM> can be arranged in a common plane in parallel to the XY-plane. The thus-arranged surface mount portions <NUM> can be properly soldered by a reflow process, for example.

Referring to <FIG>, the sub-connectors <NUM> of the first connector <NUM> which is assembled as described above are mateable with the second connector <NUM>. Hereafter, explanation will be made about the second connector <NUM> of the present embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the second connector <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises a second housing <NUM> made of insulator, a plurality of second terminals <NUM> each made of conductor, a locator <NUM> made of insulator and two fixing members <NUM> each made of metal. For example, the number of the second terminals <NUM> is eighty. The second terminals <NUM> are provided so that they correspond to the first terminals <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the first connector <NUM>, respectively. The second terminals <NUM> are held by the second housing <NUM>. The fixing members <NUM> are press-fit in opposite sides of the second housing <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. The fixing members <NUM> fix the second connector <NUM> on the second device (not shown) when the second connector <NUM> is used. The second connector <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises the aforementioned members. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the locator <NUM> and the fixing members <NUM> may be provided as necessary. The second connector <NUM> may further comprise another member in addition to the aforementioned members.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second housing <NUM> of the present embodiment extends longer in the left-right direction than in the upper-lower direction. The second housing <NUM> has a partition <NUM>, a connection portion <NUM> and a mountable portion <NUM>. The partition <NUM>, the connection portion <NUM> and the mountable portion <NUM> are integrally molded of resin. The partition <NUM> extends in parallel to the YZ-plane as a whole. The connection portion <NUM> is configured to be connected to the first connector <NUM>. The connection portion <NUM> protrudes rearward from the partition <NUM> and extends in the left-right direction. The mountable portion <NUM> is configured to be mounted on the second device (not shown). The mountable portion <NUM> protrudes forward from the partition <NUM> and extends in the left-right direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the second connector <NUM> of the present embodiment has two or more mating portions <NUM> which correspond to the sub-connectors <NUM>, respectively. Each of the mating portions <NUM> is a space which is enclosed by a mating wall <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> in the YZ-plane. Each of the mating portions <NUM> opens rearward and extends to the partition <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The mating portions <NUM> are arranged in the left-right direction. Referring to <FIG>, each of the sub-connectors <NUM> is mateable with the corresponding mating portion <NUM>. Each of the mating portions <NUM> holds the second terminals <NUM> which correspond to the first terminals <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM>, respectively. Each of the second terminals <NUM> has a second connection portion <NUM> and a fixed portion <NUM>. The fixed portions <NUM> are fixed and connected to the second device (not shown).

The second connection portions <NUM> are brought into contact with the first connection portions <NUM> of the first terminals <NUM>, respectively, under the mated state, and thereby the second connector <NUM> is electrically connected with all the sub-connectors <NUM>. According to the present embodiment, all the first terminals <NUM> divided in the four sub-connectors <NUM> can be simultaneously connected to all the second terminals <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the second connector <NUM> of the present embodiment has the aforementioned structure. The second connector <NUM> of the present embodiment has four of the mating portions <NUM>. However, the structure of the second connector <NUM> is not specifically limited, provided that the second connector <NUM> has two or more of the mating portions <NUM> which correspond to the sub-connectors <NUM>, respectively. For example, the number of the mating portions <NUM> may be two, three, five or more.

Referring to <FIG>, the mating portions <NUM> of the present embodiment, including portions which are provided for the respective mating portions <NUM>, have basic structures same as each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in an instance where the sub-connectors <NUM> have structures different from each other, the mating portions <NUM> may have structures which correspond to the sub-connectors <NUM>, respectively, and are different from each other. Hereafter, explanation will be made about one of the mating portions <NUM> of the present embodiment and about the portions which are provided for this mating portion <NUM>. The following explanation is applicable to each of the mating portions <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the mating portion <NUM> of the second connector <NUM> has a lateral size MW in the left-right direction and a vertical size MH in the upper-lower direction. The lateral size MW is larger than the vertical size MH. In other words, the mating portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is wide. According to this structure, the second connector <NUM> can be reduced in height. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the lateral size MW may be smaller than the vertical size MH.

The mating portion <NUM> of the present embodiment is provided with a tapered surface <NUM>, two side ribs <NUM> and four vertical ribs <NUM>. The tapered surface <NUM> is formed of two side tapered surfaces <NUM> and two vertical tapered surfaces <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the tapered surface <NUM> is a rear end portion of the mating wall <NUM> and encloses the mating portion <NUM> in the YZ-plane. Thus, the tapered surface <NUM> is located at a rear end of the mating portion <NUM>. The side tapered surfaces <NUM> are located at opposite sides of the mating portion <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. Each of the side tapered surfaces <NUM> extends forward while being inclined inward in the left-right direction. The vertical tapered surfaces <NUM> are located at opposite sides of the mating portion <NUM> in the upper-lower direction, respectively. Each of the vertical tapered surfaces <NUM> extends forward while being inclined inward in the upper-lower direction. In other words, the tapered surface <NUM> is provided so that the mating portion <NUM> is gradually narrowed as it extends forward.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, in a process in which the sub-connector <NUM> is inserted into the mating portion <NUM>, when a position of the main portion <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> in the YZ-plane is misaligned with another position of the middle part of the mating portion <NUM> in the YZ-plane, the front end of the main portion <NUM> is brought into abutment with the tapered surface <NUM>. As a result, the sub-connector <NUM> receives a force directed toward the middle part of the mating portion <NUM> in the YZ-plane and is moved to a proper position. Thus, in a mating process in which the sub-connector <NUM> is mated with the mating portion <NUM>, the tapered surface <NUM> guides the sub-connector <NUM> into the mating portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the side ribs <NUM> and the vertical ribs <NUM> are located forward of the tapered surface <NUM>. Each of the side ribs <NUM> and the vertical ribs <NUM> has a rear end formed with a sloping surface which is inclined into the mating portion <NUM>. The side ribs <NUM> are located at opposite sides of the mating portion <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively, and are located at the middle of the mating portion <NUM> in the upper-lower direction. The side ribs <NUM> protrude inward in the left-right direction and extend along the front-rear direction. Two of the vertical ribs <NUM> are provided on an upper surface of the mating wall <NUM>, namely an upper mating wall <NUM>, and remaining two of the vertical ribs <NUM> are provided on a lower surface of the mating wall <NUM>, namely a lower mating wall <NUM>. The two upper vertical ribs <NUM> are located at opposite sides of the upper mating wall <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively. The two lower vertical ribs <NUM> are located at opposite sides of the lower mating wall <NUM> in the left-right direction, respectively.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the sub-connector <NUM> is brought into abutment with the inclined rear ends of the side ribs <NUM> and the vertical ribs <NUM> after guided into the mating portion <NUM>, and thereby a position of the sub-connector <NUM> in the YZ-plane is further adjusted. The sub-connector <NUM> is moved forward in the mating portion <NUM> while being sandwiched between the side ribs <NUM> in the left-right direction and sandwiched between the vertical ribs <NUM> in the upper-lower direction. When the sub-connector <NUM> is mated with the mating portion <NUM>, the side ribs <NUM> define a movable range of the sub-connector <NUM> in the left-right direction, and the vertical ribs <NUM> define another movable range of the sub-connector <NUM> in the upper-lower direction.

According to the present embodiment, the floatable sub-connector <NUM> can be accurately positioned to the mating portion <NUM> by the tapered surface <NUM>, the side ribs <NUM> and the vertical ribs <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the tapered surface <NUM>, the side ribs <NUM> and the vertical ribs <NUM> may be provided as necessary.

The two side ribs <NUM> of the present embodiment are located at positions same as each other in the upper-lower direction. The upper two of the four vertical ribs <NUM> of the present embodiment are located at positions same as those of the lower two in the left-right direction, respectively. According to this arrangement, the sub-connector <NUM> can be more accurately positioned to the mating portion <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mating portion <NUM> may be provided with only two of the vertical ribs <NUM>. In an instance where the number of the vertical ribs <NUM> is two, the vertical ribs <NUM> may be located at opposite sides of the mating portion <NUM> in the upper-lower direction, respectively, may protrude inward in the upper-lower direction and may extend along the front-rear direction. In another instance where the number of the vertical ribs <NUM> is three, the three vertical ribs <NUM> may be arranged so that they are located at vertexes of an imaginary triangle. Moreover, the side ribs <NUM> may be located at positions different from each other in the upper-lower direction.

Referring to <FIG>, two of the vertical ribs <NUM> are apart from each other by a predetermined distance RH in the upper-lower direction. The tapered surface <NUM> has a size TW in the left-right direction and a size TH in the upper-lower direction. In detail, each of the side tapered surfaces <NUM> has the size TW in the left-right direction. Each of the vertical tapered surfaces <NUM> has the size TH in the upper-lower direction. Each of the size TW and the size TH is equal to or more than one fifth of the predetermined distance RH. In other words, the tapered surface <NUM> has a size which is equal to or more than one fifth of the predetermined distance RH in each of the left-right direction and the upper-lower direction.

The size TW and the size TH of the tapered surface <NUM> of the present embodiment are rather larger than those of the existing technique. According to the present embodiment, even in a case where a position of the first connector <NUM> in the YZ-plane is relatively largely misaligned to another position of the second connector <NUM> in the YZ-plane in the mating process in which the first connector <NUM> is mated with the second connector <NUM>, the tapered surface <NUM> can adjust the position of the sub-connector <NUM> in the YZ-plane when a slight forward force is applied to the sub-connector <NUM>. Therefore, when one of the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> is held by an arm of the robot (not shown) and is relatively moved toward a remaining one of the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM>, the sub-connector <NUM> is mated with the second connector <NUM> with a small insertion force. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the size of the tapered surface <NUM> may be determined as necessary.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the mating portion <NUM> is formed with two upper channels <NUM> located over the mating portion <NUM> and is formed with two lower channels <NUM> located under the mating portion <NUM>. Each of the upper channels <NUM> and the lower channels <NUM> extends through the connection portion <NUM> along the front-rear direction and opens rearward. The upper channels <NUM> and the lower channels <NUM> are located at positions different from each other in the left-right direction.

When the sub-connector <NUM> is inserted into the mating portion <NUM> under a proper posture in which the upper keys <NUM> are located above the lower keys <NUM>, the upper keys <NUM> are received in the upper channels <NUM>, respectively, and the lower keys <NUM> are received in the lower channels <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the second connector <NUM> is formed with the upper channels <NUM> which correspond to the upper keys <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> and the lower channels <NUM> which correspond to the lower keys <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM>. In the mating process in which the sub-connector <NUM> is mated with the mating portion <NUM> of the second connector <NUM>, the upper keys <NUM> are received in the upper channels <NUM>, and the lower keys <NUM> are received in the lower channels <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, according to the present embodiment, upon an attempt of mating the first connector <NUM> with the second connector <NUM> upside-down, the upper keys <NUM> and the lower keys <NUM> are brought into abutment with the tapered surface <NUM> of the mating portion <NUM>. and thereby the first connector <NUM> cannot be mated with the second connector <NUM>. Thus, the upper keys <NUM> and the lower keys <NUM> not only work as keys which prevent the reverse accommodation of the sub-connector <NUM> in the housing <NUM> but also work as mating keys which prevent reverse mating of the first connector <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> of the present embodiment are mateable with each other as described above. Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, when the first connector <NUM> is relatively moved toward the second connector <NUM>, each of the sub-connectors <NUM> receives a rearward force from the second connector <NUM>, and the sub-connectors <NUM> are simultaneously mated with the second connector <NUM> while being moved to the rear limit positions. Meanwhile, the rear definers <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> are brought into abutment with the rear facing portions <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> in a plane in parallel to the YZ-plane. As previously described, the abutment areas between the rear definers <NUM> and the rear facing portions <NUM> are small. Accordingly, even when the position of the sub-connector <NUM> in the YZ-plane is misaligned, the sub-connector <NUM> is smoothly moved to a proper position in the YZ-plane substantially with no friction force and extends straight along the front-rear direction. Thus, the rear definers <NUM> and the rear facing portions <NUM> make the posture of the sub-connector <NUM> stable when the sub-connector <NUM> is mated.

When the first connector <NUM> mated with the second connector <NUM> is pulled rearward, each of the sub-connectors <NUM> receives a forward force from the second connector <NUM>, and the sub-connectors <NUM> are simultaneously removed from the second connector <NUM> while being moved to the front limit positions. Meanwhile, the front facing portions <NUM> of the housing <NUM> are brought into abutment with the front definers <NUM> of the sub-connector <NUM> in a plane in parallel to the YZ-plane. As previously described, the abutment areas between the front facing portions <NUM> and the front definers <NUM> are small. Accordingly, even when a direction along which the first connector <NUM> is pulled is oblique to the front-rear direction, the sub-connector <NUM> is smoothly moved in the YZ-plane substantially with no friction force and extends straight along the front-rear direction. Thus, the front definers <NUM> and the front facing portions <NUM> make the posture of the sub-connector <NUM> stable when the sub-connector <NUM> is removed.

Referring to <FIG>, the connector assembly <NUM> of the present embodiment forms the structure <NUM> together with the FPC board <NUM> as previously described. Thus, the structure <NUM> of the present embodiment comprises the connector assembly <NUM> and the single FPC board <NUM> which has two or more of the branching end portions <NUM>. The sub-connectors <NUM> are connected to the end portions <NUM>, respectively.

The present invention is further variously applicable in addition to the already described embodiment and various modifications. For example, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the mating portions <NUM> of the second connector <NUM> of the present embodiment is formed with two key grooves <NUM> located over the mating portion <NUM>. In each of the mating portions <NUM>, the two upper channels <NUM> are located between the two key grooves <NUM> in the left-right direction. Each of the key grooves <NUM> extends along the front-rear direction and opens rearward. The arrangements of the key grooves <NUM> of the four mating portions <NUM> are different from each other.

For example, the second connector <NUM> may be connected to four connectors (not shown) which are independent of each other and are attached to discrete cables, respectively, instead of the first connector <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the present embodiment. In this instance, each of the connectors may be provided with mating keys which correspond to the key grooves <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A structure (<NUM>) comprising a connector assembly (<NUM>) and a single flexible printed circuits (FPC) board (<NUM>); wherein:
the connector assembly (<NUM>) comprises a first connector (<NUM>) and a second connector (<NUM>) which are mateable with each other along a front-rear direction;
the first connector (<NUM>) comprises two or more sub-connectors (<NUM>) and a housing (<NUM>);
the housing (<NUM>) holds each of the sub-connectors (<NUM>);
each of the sub-connectors (<NUM>) is floatable relative to the housing (<NUM>);
the second connector (<NUM>) comprises two or more mating portions (<NUM>) which correspond to the sub-connectors (<NUM>), respectively; and
each of the sub-connectors (<NUM>) is mateable with a corresponding one of the mating portions (<NUM>), characterized in that
the first connector (<NUM>) is a surface mount connector, via surface mount portions (<NUM>) of first terminals (<NUM>) of each of the sub-connectors (<NUM>); the FPC board (<NUM>) has two or more branching end portions (<NUM>); and
the sub-connectors (<NUM>) are configured to be connected to the end portions (<NUM>) of the FPC board, respectively.