Connector

Abstract

Provided is a connector capable of effectively suppressing entry of foreign matter into an accommodation chamber. A connector (10) is provided with a terminal (20), a housing (30), and an additional member (40) provided separately from the terminal (20). The housing 30 has an accommodation chamber 32, and the terminal 20 has accommodated portions 25a, 26 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 32. The additional member (40) has an entry suppression section (41). The entry suppression unit (41) suppresses entry of foreign matter into the accommodation chamber (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] The connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes terminals and a housing. The terminals have a received portion housed within the housing and an exposed portion exposed from the housing. The housing has a receiving chamber for housing the received portion. The exposed portion has a connecting portion for connecting to an object to be mounted and an intermediate portion for connecting the received portion to the connecting portion.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-214093 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-093350 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve The primary objective of this disclosure is to provide a connector that can reduce the amount of sealing material used while providing protection against electric shock and exposure to workers.

[0004] A second objective of this disclosure is to provide a connector capable of effectively preventing foreign objects from entering the containment chamber.

[0005] Methods for solving problems (First method) The connector according to the first-1 method includes terminals, a housing, and additional components. The terminals have exposed portions that are exposed from the housing. The exposed portions have connecting portions that are connected to an object to be installed, and intermediate portions that are connected to the connecting portions. The additional components have contact prevention portions that are positioned at a location where the fingers of an operator would touch the intermediate portions, preventing the fingers from touching the intermediate portions. The additional components expose the connecting portions so that the connection status of the connecting portions relative to the object to be installed can be visually inspected.

[0006] In this embodiment, the connector includes terminals and a housing. The terminals have exposed portions that extend from the housing. The exposed portions have connecting portions that connect to the object being mounted, and intermediate portions that connect to the connecting portions.

[0007] However, when the exposed portion of the terminal is exposed from the housing, an operator's fingers may touch it. This could result in electric shock or damage to the exposed portion (plastic deformation, plating peeling, etc.). To prevent this, a sealant could be applied to and covered the exposed portion of the terminal; however, covering the entire exposed portion would require a large amount of sealant.

[0008] Therefore, in this embodiment, the connector includes an additional member. This additional member has a contact prevention section. The contact prevention section is positioned at the location where a worker's finger would touch the middle portion. Thus, the contact prevention section prevents the finger from touching the middle portion.

[0009] Therefore, protection against electric shock and protection of the exposed part are achieved in the portion of the exposed part corresponding to the contact prevention part. Thus, even without applying sealing material to the portion of the exposed part corresponding to the contact prevention part, protection against electric shock and protection of the exposed part for the worker can be achieved. As a result, the amount of sealing material used can be reduced.

[0010] Furthermore, when the terminal connection is connected to the object being mounted, a visual inspection of the connection status relative to the object is typically performed. This visual inspection includes methods such as visual inspection and automated optical inspection. However, if the terminal connection is hidden by additional components, this visual inspection cannot be performed when additional components are present.

[0011] Therefore, in this method, the additional component exposes the connection portion so that the connection status of the connection portion relative to the object being installed can be visually inspected.

[0012] Therefore, with the additional components configured, it is possible to perform a visual inspection of the connection status.

[0013] It should be noted that in the embodiments described later, the contact prevention portion covers the middle portion from the rear side (the side where the exposed portion extends from the housing), but the contact prevention portion in this embodiment is not limited to this. The contact prevention portion in this embodiment may also not cover the middle portion from the rear side. The protruding contact portion 33 of the housing in the embodiments described later (see...) Figure 4 Similarly, even if the separation extension of the middle part is not covered from the rear, contact with the separation extension can be prevented. The contact prevention part of this method can also prevent contact with the middle part even if the middle part is not covered from the rear.

[0014] It should be noted that in the embodiments described later, the visual inspection of the connection can be performed from a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the object being mounted, but this method is not limited to this. The visual inspection of the connection can also be performed from a direction inclined relative to the mounting surface of the object being mounted.

[0015] It should be noted that in the embodiments described later, the additional component is separately provided from the housing, but the additional component in this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the additional component may also be integrally formed with the housing and connected to the housing via a hinge.

[0016] It should be noted that in the embodiments described later, the housing has a receiving chamber that accommodates a portion of the terminal, but the housing disclosed herein is not limited to this. Furthermore, even when the housing has a receiving chamber, the additional member may not have an entry-restraining portion that prevents foreign objects from entering the receiving chamber.

[0017] The connector involved in the first-second method is based on the first-first method, and the additional component is an insulating component.

[0018] In this method, the additional component is an insulating component.

[0019] Therefore, the shape of the additional components has a high degree of freedom.

[0020] The connector involved in the first-third method, based on the first-first method or the first-second method, has a separation extension in the middle portion extending away from the object to be installed, and the contact prevention portion prevents the operator's fingers from touching at least a portion of the separation extension.

[0021] Furthermore, if the middle section has a separation extension that extends away from the object to be installed, the operator's fingers can easily touch the separation extension.

[0022] Therefore, in this method, the contact prevention part prevents the operator's fingers from touching at least a portion of the separation extension.

[0023] Therefore, it can effectively prevent electric shock, etc.

[0024] The connectors involved in methods 1-4, based on methods 1-3, have a protruding contact portion in the housing, which is formed to allow contact by the fingers of an operator who wishes to touch a portion other than the at least part of the separating extension.

[0025] In addition, the contact prevention features of the additional components sometimes fail to prevent workers' fingers from touching a portion of the separation extension.

[0026] Therefore, in this configuration, the housing has a protruding contact portion. This protruding contact portion is formed to allow contact by the fingers of an operator who wishes to touch a portion other than the aforementioned at least part of the separating extension.

[0027] Therefore, it can further and more effectively achieve protection against electric shock, etc.

[0028] The connectors involved in the first-fifth embodiments are based on any one of the first-1 to first-4 embodiments, wherein the housing has a receiving chamber, the terminal has a receiving portion received in the receiving chamber, and the additional member has an entry inhibition portion that inhibits foreign objects from entering the receiving chamber.

[0029] In this configuration, the housing has a receiving chamber, and the terminal has a receiving portion that is received within the receiving chamber.

[0030] In addition, there is a possibility that foreign objects may enter the containment chamber. Foreign objects are considered to include unhardened or uncured sealing materials, moisture, dust, etc.

[0031] Therefore, in this embodiment, the additional member has an entry inhibition section. The entry inhibition section inhibits foreign objects from entering the receiving chamber.

[0032] Therefore, it can prevent adverse situations caused by foreign objects entering the containment chamber.

[0033] Furthermore, in the connector disclosed in Patent Document 2, the entry suppression portion and the terminal are integral. In order to integrally form the entry suppression portion and the terminal, the entry suppression portion is formed by bending the terminal.

[0034] However, bending processes are prone to dimensional deviations. Therefore, it is possible for dimensional deviations to create large gaps that allow foreign objects to enter.

[0035] Therefore, in this method, the entry suppression part is formed in an additional member that is separate from the terminal.

[0036] Therefore, the aforementioned problems that occur when the entry inhibition part and the terminal are integrated will not occur, and foreign matter entry can be effectively suppressed.

[0037] The connectors involved in embodiments 1-6, based on embodiments 1-5, have an entry inhibition portion that protrudes into the receiving chamber.

[0038] In addition, a gap sometimes exists between the entrance to the containment chamber and the entry inhibition section, allowing foreign objects to enter.

[0039] Therefore, in this configuration, the entry inhibition section has a protrusion section. The protrusion section protrudes into the interior of the receiving chamber.

[0040] Therefore, for a foreign object to enter the depth of the receiving chamber, it needs to pass through the narrow gap between the side of the protrusion and the inner wall of the receiving chamber. As a result, the entry of foreign objects can be more reliably prevented.

[0041] The connectors involved in methods 1-7 are based on methods 1-6, wherein the receiving part is received in the receiving chamber by being inserted into the receiving chamber, and the direction in which the protruding part protrudes into the receiving chamber is the same as the direction in which the receiving part is inserted into the receiving chamber.

[0042] In this embodiment, the receiving part is received in the receiving chamber by being inserted into the receiving chamber.

[0043] Here, the direction in which the protruding part protrudes into the receiving chamber is the same as the direction in which the received part inserts into the receiving chamber.

[0044] Therefore, the protruding part can be protruded into the receiving chamber by using the inlet (insertion port) for inserting the receiving part of the terminal into the receiving chamber. Therefore, apart from the aforementioned insertion port, it is not necessary to form an opening for the protruding part to protrude into the receiving chamber.

[0045] The connector involved in the first-eighths method is based on any one of the first-eighths methods (1-1 to 1-7), wherein the connector has a plurality of said terminals, and the additional member has a short-circuit prevention portion located between adjacent intermediate portions to prevent short circuits between the adjacent intermediate portions.

[0046] Furthermore, the connector has multiple terminals. If two terminals have their middle parts close to each other, a short circuit may occur between the close middle parts.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, the additional member has a short-circuit prevention section. The short-circuit prevention section is located between adjacent intermediate sections. Thus, the short-circuit prevention section prevents a short circuit between the adjacent intermediate sections.

[0048] Therefore, it is possible to suppress short circuits at the exposed portion of the terminal.

[0049] The connectors involved in methods 1-9 are based on methods 1-8, wherein the short-circuit prevention part is not located between adjacent connection parts.

[0050] Furthermore, short circuits between adjacent connections can be prevented by sealing materials. However, if the short circuit prevention part is located between adjacent connections, it may hinder the sealing of the sealing material.

[0051] In this method, the short-circuit prevention section is not located between adjacent connection sections.

[0052] Therefore, it can prevent the sealing of the sealing material from being impaired.

[0053] In the connectors involved in methods 1-10, based on methods 1-8 or 1-9, the short-circuit prevention part does not contact the object to be installed.

[0054] In this method, the short-circuit protection unit does not come into contact with the object being installed.

[0055] Therefore, it is possible to avoid adverse situations caused by the additional component 40 coming into contact with the object 90 being installed.

[0056] In any of the embodiments 1-8 to 1-10, the connector involved in the first-11 embodiments has a protrusion formed between the adjacent intermediate portions to prevent short circuits between the adjacent intermediate portions, and a portion of the protrusion overlaps with the short circuit prevention portion in the direction adjacent to the adjacent intermediate portions.

[0057] In this configuration, the housing has protrusions. These protrusions are formed between adjacent intermediate portions. Thus, the protrusions prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate portions.

[0058] Furthermore, in the direction adjacent to the adjacent intermediate portions, a portion of the protrusion overlaps with the short-circuit prevention portion.

[0059] Therefore, it can further and more effectively prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate parts.

[0060] The connector involved in embodiments 1-12, based on embodiments 1-11, has a short-circuit prevention portion having a recess for accommodating the protrusion.

[0061] In this embodiment, the short-circuit prevention part has a receiving recess. The receiving recess accommodates the protrusion.

[0062] Therefore, it can further and more effectively prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate parts.

[0063] The connector involved in the first-13 embodiments, based on any one of the first-1 to first-12 embodiments, has an additional member having a deformation prevention part, which is formed at a position that abuts against a portion of the terminal when the terminal is deformed and the connection part is displaced, thereby preventing the terminal from deforming and causing the connection part to be displaced.

[0064] Furthermore, if workers touch the connector with their fingers, the terminals may deform and the connector may shift. This shift can lead to a poor connection between the connector and the object being installed.

[0065] Therefore, in this embodiment, the additional member has a deformation-preventing portion. The deformation-preventing portion is formed at a position that abuts against a portion of the terminal when deformation of the terminal causes displacement of the connection portion. Thus, the deformation-preventing portion prevents the terminal from deforming in a way that would cause displacement of the connection portion.

[0066] Therefore, it can prevent poor connection between the connecting part and the object to be installed.

[0067] The connector involved in the first-14 method, based on the first-13 method, has a deformation prevention part that prevents the terminal from deforming and causing the connection part to shift in the direction toward or away from the mounting object.

[0068] Furthermore, due to terminal deformation, the connection may shift in the direction toward or away from the object being mounted. This deformation can lead to poor connection between the connection and the object being mounted.

[0069] In this method, the deformation prevention part prevents the terminal from deforming and causing the connection part to shift in the direction toward or away from the object to be installed.

[0070] Therefore, it can prevent poor connection between the connecting part and the object to be installed.

[0071] In the connectors involved in embodiments 1-15, the additional component is retained in the housing, based on any one of embodiments 1-1 to 1-14.

[0072] Furthermore, if the additional component is not held in the housing, it needs to be held in place by other components. For example, if the additional component is held in place by a terminal, the terminal is prone to damage.

[0073] Therefore, in this method, the additional components remain in the housing.

[0074] Therefore, compared to methods where additional components are not held in the housing, this reduces the burden on other components outside the housing and inhibits damage to other components.

[0075] (Second method) The connector according to the second-1 method includes a terminal, a housing, and an additional member separately disposed from the terminal. The terminal has a receiving portion, the housing has a receiving chamber for receiving the receiving portion, and the additional member has an entry inhibition portion for inhibiting foreign objects from entering the receiving chamber.

[0076] In this configuration, the connector includes terminals and a housing. The terminals have a receiving portion. The housing has a receiving chamber. The receiving chamber houses the receiving portion of the terminals.

[0077] In addition, there is a possibility that foreign objects may enter the containment chamber. These foreign objects are considered to include unhardened sealing material, moisture, dust, etc.

[0078] Therefore, in this embodiment, the connector includes an additional component. This additional component has an entry inhibition section. The entry inhibition section inhibits foreign objects from entering the receiving chamber.

[0079] Therefore, it can prevent foreign objects from entering the containment chamber and causing adverse situations.

[0080] Furthermore, in the connector disclosed in Patent Document 2, the entry inhibition portion and the terminal are integrally formed. To integrally form the entry inhibition portion and the terminal, the terminal is bent to form the entry inhibition portion. However, bending is prone to dimensional deviations. Therefore, it is possible that large gaps, allowing foreign objects to enter, may occur due to these dimensional deviations.

[0081] Therefore, in this method, the additional component with the entry suppression part and the terminal are separately provided.

[0082] Therefore, the aforementioned problems that occur when the entry inhibition part and the terminal are integrated will not occur, and foreign matter entry can be effectively suppressed.

[0083] It should be noted that, in the embodiments described later, the additional member has a contact prevention part, which is disposed at the position where the finger of an operator intending to touch the middle part will touch, thereby preventing the finger from touching the middle part. However, the additional member in this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0084] It should be noted that in the embodiments described later, the additional component is separately provided from the housing, but the additional component in this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the additional component may also be integrally formed with the housing and connected to the housing via a hinge.

[0085] The connector involved in the 2-2 method, based on the 2-1 method, has an entry inhibition part that protrudes into the receiving chamber.

[0086] In addition, a gap may sometimes be created between the entrance to the containment chamber and the entry inhibition section, allowing foreign objects to enter.

[0087] Therefore, in this configuration, the entry inhibition section has a protrusion section. The protrusion section protrudes into the interior of the receiving chamber.

[0088] Therefore, for a foreign object to enter the depth of the receiving chamber, it needs to pass through the narrow gap between the side of the protrusion and the inner wall of the receiving chamber. As a result, the entry of foreign objects can be more reliably prevented.

[0089] The connector involved in the second-third method is based on the second-second method, wherein the receiving part is received in the receiving chamber by being inserted into the receiving chamber, and the direction in which the protruding part protrudes into the receiving chamber is the same as the direction in which the receiving part is inserted into the receiving chamber.

[0090] In this embodiment, the receiving part is received in the receiving chamber by being inserted into the receiving chamber.

[0091] Here, the direction in which the protruding part protrudes into the receiving chamber is the same as the direction in which the received part inserts into the receiving chamber.

[0092] Therefore, the protruding part can be protruded into the receiving chamber by using the inlet (insertion port) for inserting the receiving part of the terminal into the receiving chamber. Therefore, apart from the aforementioned insertion port, it is not necessary to form an opening for the protruding part to protrude into the receiving chamber.

[0093] The connector involved in the second-fourth method is based on any one of the second-first to third methods, wherein the connector has a plurality of terminals, each terminal having an exposed portion exposed from the housing, the exposed portion having a connecting portion connected to the object to be installed, and an intermediate portion connected to the connecting portion, and the additional member having a short-circuit prevention portion located between adjacent intermediate portions to prevent short circuits between the adjacent intermediate portions.

[0094] In this configuration, the terminal has an exposed portion that protrudes from the housing. The exposed portion has a connecting portion that connects to the object being mounted, and an intermediate portion that connects to the connecting portion.

[0095] Furthermore, if the connector has multiple terminals and there are two terminals whose middle portions are close to each other, a short circuit may occur between the close middle portions.

[0096] Therefore, in this embodiment, the additional member has a short-circuit prevention section. The short-circuit prevention section is located between adjacent intermediate sections. Thus, the short-circuit prevention section prevents a short circuit between the adjacent intermediate sections.

[0097] Therefore, it is possible to suppress short circuits at the exposed portion of the terminal.

[0098] The connectors involved in methods 2-5 are based on methods 2-4, wherein the short-circuit prevention part is not located between adjacent connection parts.

[0099] Furthermore, short circuits between adjacent connections can be prevented by sealing materials. However, if the short circuit prevention part is located between adjacent connections, it may hinder the sealing of the sealing material.

[0100] In this method, the short-circuit prevention section is not located between adjacent connection sections.

[0101] Therefore, it can prevent the sealing of the sealing material from being impaired.

[0102] In the connectors involved in methods 2-6, based on methods 2-4 or 2-5, the short-circuit prevention part does not contact the object being installed.

[0103] In this method, the short-circuit protection unit does not come into contact with the object being installed.

[0104] Therefore, it is possible to avoid adverse situations caused by the additional component 40 coming into contact with the object 90 being installed.

[0105] In any of the embodiments 2-4 to 2-6, the connector involved in the 2-7 embodiments has a protrusion formed between the adjacent intermediate portions to prevent short circuits between the adjacent intermediate portions, and a portion of the protrusion overlaps with the short circuit prevention portion in the direction adjacent to the adjacent intermediate portions.

[0106] In this configuration, the housing has protrusions. These protrusions are formed between adjacent intermediate portions. Thus, the protrusions prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate portions.

[0107] Furthermore, in the direction adjacent to the adjacent intermediate portions, a portion of the protrusion overlaps with the short-circuit prevention portion.

[0108] Therefore, it can further and more effectively prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate parts.

[0109] The connector involved in the second-eighth method is based on the second-eighth method, wherein the short-circuit prevention part has a receiving recess for accommodating the protrusion.

[0110] In this embodiment, the short-circuit prevention part has a receiving recess. The receiving recess accommodates the protrusion.

[0111] Therefore, it can further and more effectively prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate parts.

[0112] The connector involved in the 2-9 embodiments, based on any one of the 2-1 to 2-8 embodiments, has an exposed portion exposed from the housing, the exposed portion having a connecting portion connected to an object to be mounted, and an intermediate portion connected to the connecting portion, the additional member having a deformation-preventing portion formed at a position abutting against a part of the terminal when the terminal deforms and causes displacement of the connecting portion, thereby preventing the terminal from deforming and causing displacement of the connecting portion.

[0113] In this configuration, the terminal has an exposed portion that protrudes from the housing. The exposed portion has a connecting portion that connects to the object being mounted, and an intermediate portion that connects to the connecting portion.

[0114] Furthermore, if workers touch the connector with their fingers, the terminals may deform and the connector may shift. This shift can lead to a poor connection between the connector and the object being installed.

[0115] Therefore, in this embodiment, the additional member has a deformation-preventing portion. The deformation-preventing portion is formed at a position where it abuts against a portion of the terminal when deformation of the terminal causes displacement of the connection portion. Thus, the deformation-preventing portion prevents the terminal from deforming in a way that would cause displacement of the connection portion.

[0116] Therefore, it can prevent poor connection between the connecting part and the object to be installed.

[0117] The connector involved in the second-10 method, based on the second-9 method, has a deformation prevention part that prevents the terminal from deforming and causing the connection part to shift in the direction toward or away from the mounting object.

[0118] Furthermore, due to terminal deformation, the connection may shift in the direction toward or away from the object being mounted. This deformation can lead to poor connection between the connection and the object being mounted.

[0119] In this method, the deformation prevention part prevents the terminal from deforming and causing the connection part to shift in the direction toward or away from the object to be installed.

[0120] Therefore, it can prevent poor connection between the connecting part and the object to be installed.

[0121] In the connector involved in the 2-11 method, based on any one of the 2-1 to 2-10 methods, the additional component is retained in the housing.

[0122] Furthermore, if the additional component is not held in the housing, it needs to be held in place by other components. For example, if the additional component is held in place by a terminal, the terminal is prone to damage.

[0123] Therefore, in this method, the additional components remain in the housing.

[0124] Therefore, compared to methods where additional components are not held in the housing, this reduces the burden on other components outside the housing and inhibits damage to other components. Attached Figure Description

[0125] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the connector in its installed state on the object to be installed.

[0126] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the connector before the additional components are installed.

[0127] Figure 3 This is an exploded 3D view of the connector.

[0128] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the exposed portions of multiple terminals magnified.

[0129] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view (a section perpendicular to the width direction) of the connector at the position corresponding to the first terminal.

[0130] Figure 6It is a cross-sectional view (a section perpendicular to the width direction) of the connector at the position corresponding to the second terminal.

[0131] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 , Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line 7-7.

[0132] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 , Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line 8-8.

[0133] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 , Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line 9-9.

[0134] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 , Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line 10-10.

[0135] Figure 11 yes Figure 5 , Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line 11-11.

[0136] Figure 12 yes Figure 5 , Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line 12-12.

[0137] Figure 13 It is an enlarged 3D view of the additional components.

[0138] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional view of the first and second terminals.

[0139] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the installation structure with a sealing part. Detailed Implementation

[0140] The preferred embodiments of the connectors disclosed herein will now be described.

[0141] It should be noted that the X-direction of the arrows in each figure represents the front direction of the connector, the Y-direction represents one side of the connector's width direction, and the Z-direction represents the top direction of the connector, for illustrative purposes. However, this does not limit the orientation of the connector in its usage state.

[0142] Figures 1-12 The connector 10 involved in this embodiment is shown.

[0143] like Figure 3 As shown, the connector 10 includes a terminal portion 20, a housing 30, an additional member 40, and a reinforcing member 50.

[0144] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector 10 engages with the mounting object 90 via the terminal portion 20 and the reinforcing member 50, and is mounted on the upper surface 91 (mounting surface) of the mounting object 90.

[0145] Furthermore, connector 10 is configured to connect to the object to be connected (the mating connector) from the front. In other words, connector 10 is a right-angle type connector.

[0146] It should be noted that, as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the front end of connector 10 is located closer to the front side than the front end 93 of the object to be mounted 90.

[0147] (Terminal section 20) The terminal section 20 is composed of one or more terminals 20A and 20B.

[0148] In this embodiment, the terminal portion 20 includes a plurality of terminals 20A, 20B (see reference 20B). Figure 14 ).

[0149] Terminals 20A and 20B are conductive components used to transmit electrical signals. Terminals 20A and 20B are manufactured by punching and bending conductive sheet metal.

[0150] The multiple terminals 20A and 20B provided in the terminal section 20 are all held to a carrier 29 (see reference). Figure 3 The connected state is pressed into the housing 30 to be held in place within the housing 30. Subsequently, the multiple terminals 20A, 20B are disconnected from the carrier 29. The rear end of the first horizontal portion 21, described later, corresponds to the disconnected portion with the carrier 29.

[0151] The multiple terminals 20A and 20B each have multiple first terminals 20A and multiple second terminals 20B. The first terminals 20A and the second terminals 20B are arranged alternately along the arrangement direction, i.e., the Y direction.

[0152] The first terminal 20A and the second terminal 20B have different shapes. However, when the first terminal 20A and the second terminal 20B are not specifically distinguished, they are simply referred to as terminal 20.

[0153] First, the common structure of the first terminal 20A and the second terminal 20B will be explained.

[0154] like Figure 14 As shown, terminal 20 has a first horizontal portion 21, a first curved portion 22, a separation extension portion 23, a second curved portion 24, a second horizontal portion 25, and a contact elastic sheet 26.

[0155] The first horizontal portion 21 extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface 91 of the object to be mounted 90, i.e., in the front-to-back direction. The first horizontal portion 21 extends rearward from the first curved portion 22.

[0156] The separation extension 23 extends in the direction away from the object to be installed 90, i.e., upward. The first curved portion 22 bends along the thickness direction of the plate, connecting the first horizontal portion 21 to the separation extension 23.

[0157] The first horizontal portion 21 and the first curved portion 22 are connected by a solder pad 94 formed on the upper surface 91 of the mounting object 90 (see reference). Figure 7 The first horizontal portion 21 and the first curved portion 22 are joined by welding. Thus, the first horizontal portion 21 and the first curved portion 22 are connected to the object 90. Hereinafter, the first horizontal portion 21 and the first curved portion 22 will sometimes be referred to as connecting portions 21 and 22. Additionally, the narrow portion 25b of the separating extension 23, the second curved portion 24, and the second horizontal portion 25 will sometimes be referred to as intermediate portions 23, 24, and 25b.

[0158] The second horizontal portion 25 extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface 91 of the object to be mounted 90, i.e., in the front-to-back direction. The second horizontal portion 25 extends forward from the second curved portion 24. The second curved portion 24 bends along the thickness direction of the plate, connecting the second horizontal portion 25 to the separate extension portion 23.

[0159] The second horizontal portion 25 has a wide portion 25a and a narrow portion 25b. The narrow portion 25b of the second horizontal portion 25 is formed on the rear end side of the second horizontal portion 25. The width dimension of the narrow portion 25b of the second horizontal portion 25 is the same as the width dimension of the second curved portion 24. It should be noted that the width dimension of the separate extension portion 23 is the same as the width dimension of the second curved portion 24.

[0160] The width of the first horizontal portion 21 is the same as the width of the first curved portion 22. The widths of the first horizontal portion 21 and the first curved portion 22 are smaller than the widths of the separated extension portion 23, the second curved portion 24, and the narrow portion 25b of the second horizontal portion 25. In other words, the widths of the connecting portions 21 and 22 are smaller than the widths of the intermediate portions 23, 24, and 25b. As a result, it is difficult for a short circuit to occur between the connecting portions 21 and 22 and the adjacent terminals 20.

[0161] On both sides of the width of the wide portion 25a of the second horizontal portion 25, protrusions 27 are formed for embedding into the housing 30. The protrusions 27 are formed at two different positions in the front-rear direction. The wide portion 25a of the second horizontal portion 25 is pressed into and held in the receiving chamber 32 of the housing 30. Hereinafter, the wide portion 25a of the second horizontal portion 25 is sometimes referred to as the held portion 25a.

[0162] The second horizontal portion 25 has a press-in shoulder 28. The press-in shoulder 28 is the part that collides with the clamp or the like when the holding portion 25a is pressed into the housing 30. The press-in shoulder 28 is formed at the boundary position between the wide portion 25a and the narrow portion 25b of the second horizontal portion 25.

[0163] The contact elastic piece 26 extends forward from the front end of the second horizontal portion 25 and then bends upward in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the second horizontal portion 25. The contact elastic piece 26 has a folded-back portion 26a and a contact portion 26b. The contact portion 26b contacts the terminal of the mating connector. The terminal of the mating connector has a pin shape.

[0164] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, terminal 20 can be divided into a portion housed within housing 30 and a portion exposed from housing 30. In other words, as Figure 14 As shown, terminal 20 has received portions 25a and 26 housed in housing 30 and exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b exposed from housing 30.

[0165] The contact elastic sheet 26 and the wide portion 25a of the second horizontal portion 25 correspond to the received portions 25a and 26. The narrow portion 25b, the second curved portion 24, the separation extension portion 23, the first curved portion 22, and the first horizontal portion 21 of the second horizontal portion 25 correspond to the exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b.

[0166] The narrow section 25b, the second curved section 24, and the separate extension section 23 of the second horizontal section 25 correspond to the middle sections 23, 24, and 25b that connect the receiving sections 25a and 26 with the connecting sections 21 and 22.

[0167] However, as Figure 8 , Figure 10 As shown, since the press-in shoulder 28 is slightly exposed from the housing 30, to be precise, the area near the rear end of the wide portion 25a (the held portion 25a) of the second horizontal portion 25 (near the press-in shoulder 28) also corresponds to the "exposed portion" and the "middle portion".

[0168] Next, the differences between the first terminal 20A and the second terminal 20B will be explained.

[0169] like Figure 14 As shown, the separation extension 23 of the second terminal 20B is longer than the separation extension 23 of the first terminal 20A. In other words, the separation extension 23 of the second terminal 20B is composed of a first portion 23a and a second portion 23b. In contrast, the separation extension 23 of the first terminal 20A is composed only of the first portion 23a.

[0170] Therefore, the receiving portions 25a and 26 of the second terminal 20B are located closer to the upper side than the receiving portions 25a and 26 of the first terminal 20A.

[0171] (Shell 30) The housing 30 is formed of an insulating material. Specifically, the housing 30 is a molded article of synthetic resin.

[0172] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the housing 30 has a holding portion 31 for holding a plurality of terminals 20.

[0173] The retaining part 31 has multiple receiving chambers 32.

[0174] The receiving chamber 32 receives a portion of the terminal 20 (received portions 25a, 26).

[0175] The plurality of receiving chambers 32 include a plurality of first receiving chambers 32A and a plurality of second receiving chambers 32B. The first receiving chambers 32A are the receiving chambers 32 corresponding to the first terminal 20A, and the second receiving chambers 32B are the receiving chambers 32 corresponding to the second terminal 20B. The first receiving chambers 32A and the second receiving chambers 32B are positioned at different heights, but their structures are the same.

[0176] Without distinguishing between the first receiving chamber 32A and the second receiving chamber 32B, it is simply referred to as receiving chamber 32.

[0177] The receiving chamber 32 opens to the rear. Thus, the receiving chamber 32 is configured to allow the receiving portions 25a and 26 of the terminal 20 to be inserted from the rear.

[0178] The receiving chamber 32 is configured to allow the terminals of the mating connector to be inserted from the front side.

[0179] Specifically, the retaining part 31 has a mating terminal insertion port 31a, which corresponds to a plurality of receiving chambers 32 respectively. The terminals of the mating connector are inserted into the receiving chambers 32 through the mating terminal insertion port 31a.

[0180] The accommodating chamber 32 is a space that is roughly rectangular in shape.

[0181] The lower end of the receiving chamber 32 is the portion where the terminal 20 is held 25a. The portion closer to the upper side than the lower end of the receiving chamber 32 is the portion through which the contact elastic piece 26 of the terminal 20 passes.

[0182] Thus, in the receiving chamber 32, not only the holding part 25a of the terminal 20 needs to be inserted from the rear side, but also the contact elastic piece 26 needs to be inserted, so the entrance of the receiving chamber 32 needs to be of a certain size.

[0183] It should be noted that the vertical dimensions of the accommodating chamber 32 and its entrance are larger than the width dimensions of the accommodating chamber 32 and its entrance.

[0184] The housing 30 is configured to fit into a mating connector.

[0185] Specifically, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the housing 30 has cylindrical walls 30a, 30b, and 30c. The cylindrical walls 30a, 30b, and 30c have a top wall 30a, a bottom wall 30b, and a pair of side walls 30c. In the connected state, a portion of the mating connector is disposed in the fitting space 30s enclosed by the cylindrical walls 30a, 30b, and 30c.

[0186] The cylindrical walls 30a, 30b, and 30c are connected to the retaining part 31 via the rear wall 30d of the housing 30.

[0187] The retaining part 31 is formed in such a way that it protrudes from the rear wall 30d toward the fitting space 30s on the front side of the rear wall 30d. The front end of the retaining part 31 is located inside the fitting space 30s.

[0188] The contact portion 26b of the terminal 20 is disposed inside the receiving chamber 32 formed in the holding portion 31, so even if the operator inserts his finger into the fitting space 30s, his finger will not touch the terminal 20.

[0189] The housing 30 has a structure that prevents the connection with the connected object (mating connector) from being released. Specifically, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the housing 30 has a locking hole 30a1 for locking the mating connector. The locking hole 30a1 is formed in the top wall 30a of the cylindrical walls 30a, 30b, and 30c.

[0190] (Prominent contact part 33) like Figures 4-7 As shown, the housing 30 has a plurality of protruding contact portions 33.

[0191] The protruding contact portion 33 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 30d of the housing 30.

[0192] The front end (rear end) of the protruding contact portion 33 is located closer to the rear side than the separation extension portion 23.

[0193] The protruding contact portions 33 are formed on both sides of a first portion 23a in the width direction. As a result, the fingers of an operator who wants to touch the first portion 23a of the separation extension 23 of the terminal 20 will come into contact with multiple protruding contact portions 33, thereby preventing the fingers from touching the first portion 23a of the separation extension 23.

[0194] It should be noted that among the multiple protruding contact portions 33, the two protruding contact portions 33 located on both sides in the width direction have different shapes from the other protruding contact portions 33 (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0195] Of the plurality of protruding contact portions 33, except for the two protruding contact portions 33 located at both ends in the width direction, the rest are arranged between adjacent first portions 23a. Thus, the protruding contact portions 33 also have the function of preventing short circuits between adjacent first portions 23a.

[0196] (First protrusion 34) like Figure 4 , Figure 8 As shown, the housing 30 has a plurality of first protrusions 34.

[0197] The first protrusion 34 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 30d of the housing 30.

[0198] The front end (rear end) of the first protrusion 34 is located closer to the front side than the separation extension 23.

[0199] The first protrusion 34 protrudes rearward from the portion between the adjacent first receiving chambers 32A on the rear wall 30d. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the first protrusion 34 is located between the second horizontal portions 25 of adjacent first terminals 20A to prevent short circuits between the second horizontal portions 25 of adjacent first terminals 20A.

[0200] (Second protrusion 35) like Figure 4 , Figure 10 As shown, the housing 30 has a plurality of second protrusions 35.

[0201] The second protrusion 35 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 30d of the housing 30.

[0202] The front end (rear end) of the second protrusion 35 is located closer to the front side than the separation extension 23.

[0203] The front end of the second protrusion 35 is positioned in the same front-rear direction as the front end of the first protrusion 34.

[0204] The second protrusion 35 protrudes rearward from the portion between the adjacent second receiving chambers 32B on the rear wall 30d. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the second protrusion 35 is located between the second horizontal portions 25 of adjacent second terminals 20B to prevent short circuits between the second horizontal portions 25 of adjacent second terminals 20B.

[0205] like Figure 4As shown, the position of the first protrusion 34 in the width direction is consistent with the position of the second terminal 20B in the width direction. The second portion 23b of the separate extension 23 of the second terminal 20B is located in the rear direction of the first protrusion 34.

[0206] The second protrusion 35 is positioned in the same direction as the first terminal 20A in the same direction. The second protrusion 35 is located on the upper side of the first receiving chamber 32A.

[0207] (Tail protection section 36) like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 30 has a pair of tail protection sections 36.

[0208] A pair of tail protection sections 36 protrude rearward relative to the rear wall 30d of the housing 30. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the rear end of the tail protection portion 36 is located further rearward than the rear end of the first horizontal portion 21 of the terminal 20. Thus, the tail protection portion 36 protects the connection portion 21 of the plurality of terminals 20.

[0209] In addition, the tail protection part 36 is configured to completely hide the additional member 40 when the connector 10 is viewed from the side.

[0210] (Upper protrusion 37) like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the housing 30 has an upper protrusion 37.

[0211] The upper protrusion 37 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 30d of the housing 30.

[0212] The front end (rear end) of the upper protrusion 37 is located closer to the rear side than the separation extension 23.

[0213] The front end of the upper protrusion 37 and the front end of the protruding contact portion 33 are positioned in the front-back direction.

[0214] The upper protrusion 37 is disposed on the upper side of the additional member 40.

[0215] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper protrusion 37 extends in the width direction. The upper protrusion 37 extends in the width direction to connect a pair of tail protection portions 36 in the width direction. The rear end of the upper protrusion 37 is located closer to the front than the rear end of the pair of tail protection portions 36.

[0216] It should be noted that the housing 30 can be considered to have a recess formed at a position between the upper protrusion 37 and the plurality of protruding contact portions 33. This recess functions as a recess for arranging at least a portion of the additional member 40 (the majority of the body portion 41).

[0217] (Strengthening component 50) The reinforcing member 50 strengthens the fixation between the housing 30 and the object 90 to be installed.

[0218] The reinforcing member 50 consists of a pair of reinforcing members 51. The pair of reinforcing members 51 engage with the object to be mounted 90 while being pressed into a pair of sidewalls 30c of the housing 30.

[0219] (Additional component 40) The additional component 40 is separately configured with multiple terminals 20A, 20B and housing 30.

[0220] The additional member 40 is configured to be mounted on the housing 30. The additional member 40 is mounted on the housing 30 and held in place by the additional member 40.

[0221] Additional component 40 is an insulating component. Specifically, additional component 40 is a molded article of synthetic resin.

[0222] Figure 13 As shown, the additional member 40 has a body portion 41, a plurality of protrusions 42A, 42B and a pair of engaging portions 43.

[0223] (Main body part 41) The body part 41 is rectangular.

[0224] The body part 41 has a front surface 41a and a rear surface 41b.

[0225] The front surface 41a of the body part 41 is a plane in which the normal direction is oriented in the forward direction.

[0226] The rear surface 41b of the body part 41 is a plane in which the normal direction is oriented in the rearward direction.

[0227] The rear surface 41b of the body portion 41 is disposed behind the middle portions 24, 25b of the plurality of first terminals 20A, and also behind the middle portions 23b, 24, 25b of the plurality of second terminals 20B. Therefore, the body portion 41 prevents fingers or the like from contacting the middle portions of the plurality of terminals 20. Hereinafter, the body portion 41 will sometimes be referred to as the contact prevention portion 41.

[0228] Furthermore, the main body 41 covers the entrances to the multiple receiving chambers 32 from the rear. Thus, the main body 41 functions to prevent foreign objects from entering the receiving chambers 32. Hereinafter, the main body 41 will sometimes be referred to as the entry-prevention part 41. It should be noted that the multiple protrusions 42A and 42B also function to prevent foreign objects from entering the receiving chambers 32. Therefore, the protrusions 42A and 42B will sometimes be referred to as entry-prevention parts 42A and 42B.

[0229] The body portion 41 has a plurality of first recesses 44.

[0230] The first recess 44 is a recess that is recessed in the rearward direction relative to the front surface 41a of the body portion 41.

[0231] like Figure 5 As shown, the first recess 44 is a recess for the middle portions 24 and 25b of the first terminal 20A. Specifically, the second curved portion 24 and the narrow portion 25b of the second horizontal portion 25 of the first terminal 20A are disposed in the first recess 44.

[0232] The body portion 41 has a plurality of second recesses 45.

[0233] The second recess 45 is a recess that is recessed in the rearward direction relative to the front surface 41a of the main body 41.

[0234] like Figure 6 As shown, the second recess 45 is a recess for the middle portions 23b, 24, and 25b of the second terminal 20B. Specifically, the second recess 45 is provided with the second portion 23b of the separation extension 23 of the second terminal 20B, the second curved portion 24, and the narrow portion 25b of the second horizontal portion 25.

[0235] like Figure 8 As shown, the second recess 45 is also a recess (accommodating recess) that accommodates the first protrusion 34 of the housing 30.

[0236] The body portion 41 has a plurality of third recesses 46.

[0237] like Figure 10 As shown, the third recess 46 is a recess (accommodating recess) that accommodates the second protrusion 35 of the housing 30.

[0238] like Figure 8 As shown, the second recess 45, while accommodating the first protrusion 34 of the housing 30, also provides a separate extension 23 for the second terminal 20B. In contrast, as... Figure 10 As shown, the third recess 46 only accommodates the second protrusion 35 of the housing 30. Therefore, the third recess 46 is shallower than the first recess 44 and the second recess 45.

[0239] (Protruding portions 42A, 42B) like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the protrusions 42A and 42B protrude into the receiving chamber 32 from the rear side. Specifically, the protrusions 42A and 42B protrude into the vicinity of the entrance of the receiving chamber 32, that is, near the rear end. Since the terminal 20 is held in a holding portion 25a at the lower end of the receiving chamber 32, the protrusions 42A and 42B protrude into the portion of the receiving chamber 32 other than the lower end of the receiving chamber 32.

[0240] The plurality of protrusions 42A, 42B have a plurality of first protrusions 42A and a plurality of second protrusions 42B.

[0241] The first protrusion 42A is a protrusion 42 corresponding to the first receiving chamber 32A, and the second protrusion 42B is a protrusion 42 corresponding to the second receiving chamber 32B.

[0242] The first protrusion 42A and the second protrusion 42B have the same shape. Hereinafter, without distinguishing between the two, they will simply be referred to as protrusion 42.

[0243] The protrusion 42 is roughly rectangular.

[0244] like Figure 9 , Figure 11 As shown, the normal direction of the pair of side surfaces 42c of the protrusion 42 is parallel to the Y direction.

[0245] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the normal direction of the upper surface 42a of the protrusion 42 is towards the +Z direction. The normal direction of the lower surface 42b of the protrusion 42 is towards the -Z direction.

[0246] The pair of side surfaces 42c and the upper surface 42a of the protrusion 42 are positioned parallel to the inner wall of the receiving chamber 32.

[0247] The lower surface 42b of the protrusion 42 is positioned parallel to the second horizontal portion 25 of the terminal 20.

[0248] like Figure 13 As shown, the first recess 44 and the second recess 45 open toward the lower surface 41c of the body portion 41.

[0249] The first protrusion 42A is located above the first recess 44, and the second protrusion 42B is located above the second recess 45.

[0250] The first recess 44 extends vertically from the lower end of the body portion 41 to the position of the first protrusion 42A.

[0251] The second recess 45 extends vertically from the lower end of the body portion 41 to the position of the second protrusion 42B.

[0252] Near the lower end of the body portion 41, the first recess 44 and the second recess 45 are adjacent to each other.

[0253] It can be assumed that a protruding wall 47 protruding in the forward direction is formed between the first recess 44 and the second recess 45 in the body portion 41.

[0254] like Figure 8As shown, the protruding wall 47 functions to prevent short circuits between adjacent first terminal 20A and second terminal 20B.

[0255] like Figure 8 As shown, in the body portion 41, the portion between adjacent first recesses 44 functions as first short-circuit prevention portions 47, 45, 47 to prevent short circuits between the intermediate portions 24, 25b of adjacent first terminals 20A. Specifically, the two protruding walls 47 and the second recess 45 function as first short-circuit prevention portions 47, 45, 47.

[0256] The first short-circuit prevention portions 47, 45, and 47 can be considered as portions protruding forward relative to the bottom surface of the first recess 44. If this is considered, then the first short-circuit prevention portions 47, 45, and 47 can be considered to have a second recess 45 that is recessed in the rearward direction. The second recess 45 is a receiving recess 45 for receiving the first protrusion 34 of the housing 30.

[0257] like Figure 10 As shown, in the body portion 41, the portion between adjacent second recesses 45 functions as second short-circuit prevention portions 48, 46, 48 to prevent short circuits between the intermediate portions 24, 25b of adjacent second terminals 20B. Specifically, the two protruding walls 48 and the third recess 46 function as second short-circuit prevention portions 48, 46, 48.

[0258] The second short-circuit prevention portions 48, 46, and 48 can be considered as portions protruding forward relative to the bottom surface of the second recess 45. If this is considered, then the second short-circuit prevention portions 48, 46, and 48 can be considered to have a third recess 46 recessed in the rearward direction. The third recess 46 is a receiving recess 46 for the second protrusion 35 of the housing 30.

[0259] (Kahobu 43) A pair of engaging portions 43 protrude outward from the body portion 41 in the width direction.

[0260] A pair of engaging portions 43 engage with locking grooves 36a formed in a pair of tail protection portions 36.

[0261] The engaging part 43 is formed at the middle position in the vertical direction of the main body part 41.

[0262] In the tail protection section 36, a guide surface 36b is formed at a position corresponding to the engaging section 43. The guide surface 36b is inclined outward in the width direction as it faces rearward.

[0263] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the front surface 41a of the main body 41 is configured to contact the housing 30 from the rear direction.

[0264] In the housing 30, the surface that can contact the front surface 41a of the body part 41 is called the housing side contact surface 30d1 (refer to...). Figure 4 ).

[0265] The housing-side contact surface 30d1 is a plane with its normal direction pointing rearward. The housing-side contact surface 30d1 is formed to extend along the width direction at a height position closer to the upper side than the entrances of the plurality of second receiving chambers 32B. Additionally, the housing-side contact surface 30d1 is also formed at a height position corresponding to the entrances of the plurality of second receiving chambers 32B. Specifically, the housing-side contact surface 30d1 is formed on both sides of the entrances of the second receiving chambers 32B in the width direction (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 12 ).

[0266] (Installation Structure 100) Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 The installation configuration 100 is shown.

[0267] Mounting configuration 100 is a configuration in which connector 10 is mounted on mounting object 90. Mounting configuration 100 includes mounting object 90 and connector 10.

[0268] The object to be installed 90 is, for example, a circuit board.

[0269] like Figure 15 As shown, the mounting structure 100 may also include a sealing portion 80. The sealing portion 80 is formed of a sealing material. The sealing material is an insulating material. The sealing material is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, epoxy resin, silicone, polyurethane, or polyester.

[0270] The sealing portion 80 is formed after the connector 10 is mounted onto the mounting object 90. Specifically, after the connection portions 21 of the plurality of terminals 20 of the connector 10 are joined to the mounting object 90 by welding, a visual inspection of the connection state of the connection portions 21 relative to the mounting object 90 is performed (see reference). Figure 15 Then, the sealing material is applied to the connection portion 21 of the multiple terminals 20 and hardened or cured.

[0271] like Figure 15 As shown, the sealing portion 80 is preferably tightly attached to the lower surface 41c of the body portion 41 of the additional member 40. Thus, the sealing portion 80 covers the lower edge of the body portion 41 of the additional member 40 from the upper surface 91 (mounting surface) of the object to be mounted 90, preventing any gaps between the sealing portion 80 and the additional member 40. Therefore, protection against electric shock can be achieved more reliably. Furthermore, short circuits between adjacent terminals 20 can be reliably prevented.

[0272] <Effects> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained.

[0273] In this embodiment, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, connector 10 includes terminals 20 and a housing 30. Figure 14 As shown, terminal 20 has exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b that are exposed from housing 30. Exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b have connecting portions 21 and 22 that are connected to the object 90 to be mounted, and intermediate portions 23, 24, and 25b that are connected to the connecting portions 21 and 22.

[0274] Furthermore, if the exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b of terminal 20 are exposed from the housing 30, it is possible that an operator's fingers could touch these exposed portions. If an operator's fingers touch these exposed portions, it is possible that the operator will be electrocuted, or the exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b of terminal 20 will be damaged (plastic deformation, plating peeling, etc.). To prevent this, it is advisable to attach a sealing material to and cover the exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b of terminal 20. However, to cover the entire exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b, a large amount of sealing material would be required.

[0275] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, connector 10 includes an additional member 40. The additional member 40 has a contact prevention portion 41. The contact prevention portion 41 is positioned at the location where an operator's finger would touch the intermediate portions 23b, 24, and 25b. Thus, the contact prevention portion 41 prevents the finger from touching the intermediate portions 23b, 24, and 25b.

[0276] Therefore, protection against electric shock and protection of the exposed parts are achieved in the portions of exposed parts 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b corresponding to the contact prevention portion 41. Thus, even without applying sealing material to the portions of exposed parts 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b corresponding to the contact prevention portion 41, protection against electric shock and protection of the exposed parts for workers is achieved. As a result, the amount of sealing material used can be reduced.

[0277] Furthermore, when the connecting portions 21 and 22 of the terminals 20 are connected to the mounting object 90, a visual inspection of the connection status of the connecting portions 21 and 22 relative to the mounting object 90 is usually performed. This visual inspection includes visual inspection, automated optical inspection, etc. However, if the connecting portions 21 and 22 of the terminals 20 are hidden by the additional member 40 when it is in place, a visual inspection of the connection status cannot be performed.

[0278] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the additional member 40 exposes the connecting parts 21 and 22 so that the connection status of the connecting parts 21 and 22 relative to the mounting object 90 can be visually inspected.

[0279] Therefore, with the additional component 40 configured, a visual inspection of the connection status can be performed (see reference). Figure 15 ).

[0280] In addition, in this embodiment, the additional member 40 is an insulating member.

[0281] Therefore, the shape of the additional component 40 has a high degree of freedom.

[0282] In addition, the middle portions 23, 24, and 25b have a separation extension 23 that extends away from the object 90 to be installed, and the separation extension 23 is easily touched by the fingers of the operator.

[0283] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, the contact prevention part 41 prevents the operator's fingers from touching at least a portion 23b of the separation extension part 23.

[0284] Therefore, it can effectively prevent electric shock, etc.

[0285] Furthermore, sometimes the contact prevention part 41 of the additional member 40 cannot prevent the operator's fingers from touching part 23a of the separation extension 23.

[0286] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the housing 30 has a protruding contact portion 33. The protruding contact portion 33 is formed to allow the fingers of an operator to touch the portion 23a other than the at least portion 23b of the separation extension 23.

[0287] Therefore, it can further and more effectively achieve protection against electric shock, etc.

[0288] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, the housing 30 has a receiving chamber 32, and the terminal 20 has receiving portions 25a and 26 that are received in the receiving chamber 32.

[0289] In addition, it is possible that foreign objects may enter the containment chamber 32. Foreign objects are considered to include unhardened sealing material, moisture, dust, etc.

[0290] Therefore, in this embodiment, the additional member 40 has an entry inhibition section 41. The entry inhibition section 41 inhibits foreign objects from entering the receiving chamber 32.

[0291] Therefore, it is possible to prevent adverse situations caused by foreign objects entering the containment chamber 32.

[0292] Furthermore, in the connector disclosed in Patent Document 2, the entry suppression portion and the terminal are integral. In order to integrally form the entry suppression portion and the terminal, the entry suppression portion is formed by bending the terminal.

[0293] However, bending processes are prone to dimensional deviations. Therefore, it is possible for dimensional deviations to create large gaps that allow foreign objects to enter.

[0294] Therefore, in this embodiment, the entry suppression part 41 is formed in the additional member 40 which is separately provided from the terminal 20.

[0295] Therefore, the aforementioned problems that occur when the entry inhibition part and the terminal are integrated will not occur, and foreign matter entry can be effectively suppressed.

[0296] In addition, a gap may sometimes be created between the entrance to the receiving chamber 32 and the entry inhibition section 41, allowing foreign objects to enter.

[0297] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the entry inhibition section 41 has a protrusion section 42. The protrusion section 42 protrudes into the interior of the receiving chamber 32.

[0298] Therefore, for a foreign object to enter the depth of the receiving chamber 32, it needs to pass through the narrow gap between the side of the protrusion 42 and the inner wall of the receiving chamber 32. As a result, the entry of foreign objects can be more reliably prevented.

[0299] In addition, in this embodiment, the receiving portions 25a and 26 of the terminal 20 are received in the receiving chamber 32 by being inserted into the receiving chamber 32.

[0300] Here, the direction in which the protruding part 42 protrudes into the receiving chamber 32 is the same as the direction in which the received parts 25a and 26 are inserted into the receiving chamber 32 (connector front direction).

[0301] Therefore, the protruding part 42 can be protruded into the receiving chamber 32 by utilizing the inlet (insertion port) for inserting the receiving portions 25a and 26 of the terminal 20 into the receiving chamber 32. Therefore, apart from the aforementioned insertion port, it is not necessary to form an opening for the protruding part 42 to protrude into the receiving chamber 32.

[0302] Furthermore, if the connector 10 has multiple terminals 20 and there are two terminals 20 whose middle portions 23, 24, 25b are close to each other, a short circuit may occur between the close middle portions 23, 24, 25b.

[0303] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, the additional member 40 has first short-circuit prevention portions 47, 45, and 47. The first short-circuit prevention portions 47, 45, and 47 are located between the intermediate portions 24 and 25b of adjacent first terminals 20A. Thus, the first short-circuit prevention portions 47, 45, and 47 prevent short circuits between the intermediate portions 24 and 25b of the adjacent first terminals 20A.

[0304] Therefore, it is possible to suppress short circuits in the exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b of the first terminal 20A.

[0305] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the additional member 40 has second short-circuit prevention portions 48, 46, and 48. The second short-circuit prevention portions 48, 46, and 48 are located between the intermediate portions 24 and 25b of adjacent second terminals 20B. Thus, the second short-circuit prevention portions 48, 46, and 48 prevent short circuits between the intermediate portions 24 and 25b of the adjacent second terminals 20B.

[0306] Therefore, it is possible to suppress short circuits in the exposed portions 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25b of the second terminal 20B.

[0307] Furthermore, short circuits between adjacent connecting portions 21 and 22 can be prevented by sealing material. However, if the short circuit prevention part (part of the additional member 40) is located between adjacent connecting portions 21 and 22, it may hinder the sealing of the sealing material.

[0308] In this embodiment, the short-circuit prevention part of the additional member 40 is not located between adjacent connecting parts 21 and 22.

[0309] Therefore, it can prevent the sealing of the sealing material from being impaired.

[0310] In this embodiment, the short-circuit prevention part of the additional component 40 does not come into contact with the object to be installed 90.

[0311] Therefore, it is possible to avoid adverse situations caused by the additional component 40 coming into contact with the object 90 being installed.

[0312] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the housing 30 has a first protrusion 34. The first protrusion 34 is formed between the intermediate portions 24 and 25b of adjacent first terminals 20A. Thus, the first protrusion 34 prevents short circuits between the intermediate portions 24 and 25b of adjacent first terminals 20A.

[0313] Furthermore, in the direction adjacent to the adjacent intermediate portions 24, 25b (connector width direction), a portion of the first protrusion 34 overlaps with the first short-circuit prevention portions 47, 45, 47.

[0314] Therefore, it is possible to prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate parts 24 and 25b more effectively.

[0315] In particular, in this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first short-circuit prevention portions 47, 45, 47 have a receiving recess 45. The receiving recess 45 receives the first protrusion 34.

[0316] Therefore, it is possible to prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate parts 24 and 25b more effectively.

[0317] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the housing 30 has a second protrusion 35. The second protrusion 35 is formed between the intermediate portions 24 and 25b of adjacent second terminals 20B. Thus, the second protrusion 35 prevents short circuits between the intermediate portions 24 and 25b of adjacent second terminals 20B.

[0318] Furthermore, in the direction adjacent to the adjacent intermediate portions 24, 25b (connector width direction), a portion of the second protrusion 35 overlaps with the second short-circuit prevention portions 48, 46, 48.

[0319] Therefore, it is even more effective to prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate parts 24 and 25b.

[0320] Specifically, in this embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, the second short-circuit prevention portions 48, 46, 48 have a receiving recess 46. The receiving recess 46 receives the second protrusion 35.

[0321] Therefore, it is possible to prevent short circuits between adjacent intermediate parts 24 and 25b more effectively.

[0322] Furthermore, if an operator touches the connecting parts 21 and 22 with their fingers, the terminal 20 may deform and the connecting parts 21 and 22 may shift. This shift in the connecting parts 21 and 22 can lead to poor connection between the connecting parts 21 and 22 and the object 90 being installed.

[0323] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the additional member 40 has deformation-preventing portions 44a and 45a. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the deformation-preventing portions 44a and 45a are the surfaces inside the first recess 44 and the second recess 45, facing downwards. The deformation-preventing portions 44a and 45a are formed at positions that abut against a portion of the terminal 20 when the terminal 20 deforms, causing displacement of the connecting portions 21 and 22. Therefore, the deformation-preventing portions 44a and 45a prevent the terminal 20 from deforming in a way that would cause displacement of the connecting portions 21 and 22.

[0324] Therefore, it is possible to prevent poor connection between the connecting parts 21, 22 and the object to be installed 90.

[0325] Furthermore, due to the deformation of terminal 20, the connecting portions 21 and 22 may shift in the direction toward the mounting object 90 (downward direction) or away from the mounting object 90 (upward direction). This deformation can lead to poor connection between the connecting portions 21 and 22 and the mounting object 90.

[0326] Therefore, in this embodiment, the deformation prevention parts 44a and 45a prevent the terminal 20 from deforming, resulting in displacement in the direction away from the mounting object 90 (upward direction).

[0327] Therefore, it is possible to prevent poor connection between the connecting parts 21, 22 and the object to be installed 90.

[0328] Furthermore, if the additional member 40 is not held in the housing 30, it needs to be held in another member. For example, if the additional member 40 is held in the terminal 20, the terminal 20 is prone to damage.

[0329] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the additional member 40 is held in the housing 30.

[0330] Therefore, compared to the method where the additional member 40 is not held in the housing 30, the burden on other members outside the housing 30 is reduced, and damage to other members is suppressed.

[0331] [Supplementary Explanation of the Above Implementation Methods] While preferred embodiments of the connector of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The following supplementary descriptions are provided for reference.

[0332] In the above embodiments, the additional member 40 is entirely formed of an insulating and heat-resistant resin, but the additional member of this disclosure is not limited to this. The additional member of this disclosure may also be formed wholly or partially of a conductive component.

[0333] In the above embodiments, the connector is a right-angle type connector, but the connector disclosed herein is not limited to this.

[0334] In the above embodiment, the additional member 40 is mounted on the housing 30, but the additional member of this disclosure is not limited to this. The additional member of this disclosure may also be mounted on a component different from the housing (e.g., a terminal).

[0335] In the above embodiment, the installation process of configuring the additional member 40 before connecting the connecting portions 21, 22 to the object to be installed 90 has been described. However, the installation process of the connector of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the additional member may be configured after the connecting portion is connected to the object to be installed.

[0336] [Explanation of the labeling in the attached diagram] 10 Connectors 20 terminals 20A First Terminal 20B Second Terminal 21 First horizontal section (connecting section, exposed section) 22 First section (connecting section, exposed section) 23. Separation extension (middle section, exposed section) 23a Part 1 (Middle Section, Exposed Section) 23b Part Two (Middle Section, Exposed Section) 24 Second section (middle section, exposed section) 25 Second Level 25a Wide section (accommodating section, retaining section) 25b Narrow section (middle section, exposed section) 26. Contact elastic sheet (accommodated part) 30. Housing 31. Maintenance Section 32A First Accommodation Room (Accommodation Room) 32B Second Accommodation Chamber (Accommodation Chamber) 33 Protruding contact area 34 First protrusion 35 Second protrusion 36. Tail protection section 37. Upper protrusion 40 Additional components 41. Body section (contact prevention section, entry inhibition section) 42A First Penetration Section (Penetrating Section, Entry Inhibition Section) 42B Second Penetration Section (Penetrating Section, Entry Inhibition Section) 44 First recess 44a Deformation prevention part 45 Second recess (accommodating recess) 45a Deformation Prevention Section 46 Third recess (accommodating recess) 47. Protruding wall 48. Protruding wall 47, 45, 47 First Short Circuit Prevention Section (Short Circuit Prevention Section) 48, 46, 48 Second Short Circuit Prevention Section (Short Circuit Prevention Section) 80 Sealing section 90 Installation objects 91. Top surface (mounting surface) 100 Installation Structure

Claims

1. A connector, wherein, The connector includes: terminal, shell, and Additional components that are separately provided from the terminals The terminal has a receiving portion. The housing has a receiving chamber for accommodating the received portion. The additional component has an entry inhibition part that inhibits foreign objects from entering the receiving chamber.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The entry inhibition part has a protrusion part that protrudes into the receiving chamber.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The receiving part is received in the receiving chamber by being inserted into it. The direction in which the protruding part protrudes into the receiving chamber is the same as the direction in which the received part inserts into the receiving chamber.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connector has a plurality of terminals. The terminal has an exposed portion that is exposed from the housing. The exposed portion has: The connection part that connects to the object being installed; and The middle part connected to the connecting part. The additional component has a short-circuit prevention section located between adjacent intermediate sections to prevent short circuits between the adjacent intermediate sections.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The short-circuit prevention section is not located between adjacent connecting sections.

6. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The short-circuit prevention unit does not come into contact with the object being installed.

7. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The housing has a protrusion formed between adjacent intermediate portions to prevent short circuits between the adjacent intermediate portions. In the direction adjacent to the adjacent intermediate portions, a portion of the protrusion overlaps with the short-circuit prevention portion.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein, The short-circuit prevention part has a receiving recess for accommodating the protrusion.

9. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal has an exposed portion that is exposed from the housing. The exposed portion has: The connection part that connects to the object being installed; and The middle part connected to the connecting part. The additional member has a deformation prevention part, which is formed at a position where it abuts against a portion of the terminal when the terminal deforms and causes displacement of the connection portion, thereby preventing the terminal from deforming and causing displacement of the connection portion.

10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein, The deformation prevention part prevents the terminal from deforming and causing the connection part to shift in the direction toward or away from the object to be installed.

11. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The additional component is held in the housing.

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