Relay connector

Abstract

This invention provides a relay connector that eliminates the need for a side core in the molding die during housing molding, thereby reducing the complexity of the mold structure and the increase in equipment cost. A first connector (101) is fitted into the housing (11) from one end, and a second connector (102) is fitted into the housing (11) from the other end. Multiple terminals (12) are held within the housing (11). A first engaging portion (13) is disposed within the housing (11) and engages with a first engaging arm (113) of the first connector (101). A second engaging portion (14) is disposed within the housing (11) and engages with a second engaging arm (116) of the second connector (102). Inside the housing (11), the entire first engaging portion (13) and the entire second engaging portion (14) are staggered in position along the height direction (X3) of the housing (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay connector for relaying a connection between two connectors, a first connector and a second connector. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, when relaying the connection between the first and second connectors, a relay connector is used to electrically connect the two connectors by mating them together. For example, the relay connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as such a relay connector.

[0003] The repeater connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured as a first connector and a second connector that are formed into the same shape for a mating connection. The first connector is mated from one end of the repeater connector housing, and the second connector is mated from the other end of the repeater connector housing. Therefore, insertion ports for inserting the first connector and the second connector into each other are formed on one end and the other end of the repeater connector housing, respectively. The insertion ports provided on one end and the other end of the repeater connector housing open in a direction parallel to the mating direction of the first connector and the second connector.

[0004] Furthermore, a locking hole is formed through the outer peripheral wall of the repeater connector housing for engaging with the locking tab of the first connector, and a locking hole is also formed through the outer peripheral wall of the repeater connector housing for engaging with the locking tab of the second connector. The locking holes in the repeater connector housing are oriented in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the insertion openings provided at one end and the other end of the repeater connector housing, and penetrate the outer peripheral wall of the repeater connector housing. In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the locking tabs of the first and second connectors engage with the locking holes provided in the outer peripheral wall of the repeater connector housing, respectively. Therefore, the first and second connectors can be connected to the repeater connector in a locked state relative to the repeater connector.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-317363 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] When molding the housing of the relay connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, a molding die consisting of an upper die and a lower die is used. The upper and lower dies of the molding die are used to mold the shape of the outer peripheral wall of the housing and the internal shape of the housing, such as the insertion port that opens at one end and the other end of the housing.

[0009] However, in the relay connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, a locking hole is formed through the outer peripheral wall of the housing to engage with the locking tabs of the first connector and the second connector. Furthermore, the locking hole in the housing of the relay connector in Patent Document 1 penetrates the outer peripheral wall of the housing on one end side and the other end side in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the insertion port opening.

[0010] Therefore, in the molding of the housing of the repeater connector in Patent Document 1, an insertion port needs to be formed using an upper and lower mold, and a locking hole penetrating the outer peripheral wall of the housing in a direction orthogonal to the opening direction of the insertion port needs to be formed using a different mold. That is, a side core is needed, which is a mold that combines with the upper and lower molds in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the upper and lower molds combine. Therefore, in order to mold the housing of the repeater connector in Patent Document 1, a side core is required as the molding mold in addition to the upper and lower molds. Consequently, in molding the housing of the repeater connector in Patent Document 1, the mold structure for molding the housing becomes complex, leading to an increase in the equipment cost required for molding the housing.

[0011] In view of the above-mentioned actual situation, the present invention aims to provide a relay connector that, when molding the housing, eliminates the need for a side core in the molding die, thereby reducing the complexity of the mold structure used for molding the housing and increasing equipment costs.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] (1) One aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objective relates to a relay connector for connecting a first connector and a second connector, characterized in that it comprises: a housing that is fitted and connected to the first connector from one end and to the second connector from the other end; a plurality of terminals held inside the housing; a first engaging portion disposed inside the housing and configured to engage with a first engaging arm of the first connector; and a second engaging portion disposed inside the housing and configured to engage with a second engaging arm of the second connector, the housing having an engaging direction, a width direction, and a height direction, the engaging direction being a direction parallel to the engaging direction of the first connector and the second connector, the width direction being a direction in which the plurality of terminals are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the engaging direction, and the height direction being a direction perpendicular to both the engaging direction and the width direction, wherein inside the housing, the entire first engaging portion and the entire second engaging portion are positioned offset in the height direction or the width direction.

[0014] According to this structure, when the first connector and the second connector are connected via a relay connector, the first connector engages with the housing of the relay connector from one end, and the second connector engages with the housing of the relay connector from the other end. Furthermore, the first connector, engaging from one end of the housing, is locked inside the housing by engaging with a first engaging portion via a first engaging arm. Similarly, the second connector, engaging from the other end of the housing, is locked inside the housing by engaging with a second engaging portion via a second engaging arm. Thus, the first and second connectors can be connected to the relay connector while the first and second connectors, engaged with the housing, are locked inside the housing.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the above structure, when molding the housing, the upper and lower molds of the molding die used to mold the housing are combined and used in a direction corresponding to the fitting direction of the housing. Moreover, during the molding of the housing, the upper and lower molds of the molding die form the shape of the outer peripheral wall of the housing, the shape of the area for the first connector to fit at one end of the housing, and the shape of the area for the second connector to fit at the other end of the housing.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the above structure, a first engaging portion that engages with the first engaging arm of the first connector and a second engaging portion that engages with the second engaging arm of the second connector are provided inside the housing. Inside the housing, the entire first engaging portion and the entire second engaging portion are staggered in position in either the height or width direction of the housing. Therefore, during housing molding, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion of the housing, staggered in position in either the height or width direction, can be molded using an upper and lower mold of a molding die combined in a direction corresponding to the fitting direction of the housing. Thus, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion inside the housing can be molded using only the upper and lower molds of the molding die. Therefore, a side core is not required, i.e., a mold combined with the upper and lower molds in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the upper and lower molds are combined. Furthermore, according to the above structure, a side core is not required in the molding die, and the housing, the first engaging portion, and the second engaging portion can be molded using only the upper and lower molds. Therefore, the complexity of the mold structure for molding the housing and the increase in equipment cost can be suppressed.

[0017] Therefore, based on the above structure, a relay connector can be provided in which, when the housing is molded, a side core is not required in the molding die, thereby reducing the complexity of the mold structure for molding the housing and the increase in equipment cost.

[0018] (2) Alternatively, inside the housing, the entire first engaging portion and the entire second engaging portion are arranged in a manner that is offset in the height direction. On the housing, between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, which are arranged offset in the height direction inside the housing, a through hole extending along the fitting direction is provided.

[0019] According to this structure, a through hole extending in the fitting direction is provided between the first and second engaging portions, which are staggered in the height direction, inside the housing. Therefore, the area of ​​the through hole can be effectively utilized, and the first and second engaging portions, which are staggered in the height direction, can be easily formed using only the upper and lower molds of the molding die. Furthermore, the through hole extending in the fitting direction between the first and second engaging portions can be effectively utilized to form an area where the first and second engaging portions are formed using only the upper and lower molds of the molding die. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first and second engaging portions from being significantly staggered in the height direction of the housing. This prevents the housing from becoming too large in the height direction, enabling a more compact housing.

[0020] (3) Alternatively, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may have protrusions that protrude in the same direction in a direction parallel to the height direction.

[0021] According to this structure, by engaging the first engaging arm of the first connector through the protrusion of the first engaging portion, and engaging the second engaging arm of the second connector through the protrusion of the second engaging portion, the first connector and the second connector can be locked to the relay connector. Therefore, a mechanism for locking the first connector and the second connector to the relay connector can be realized through a simple structure with protrusions provided inside the housing. Furthermore, the protrusions engaging the first engaging arm of the first connector and the second engaging arm of the second connector protrude in the same direction in the height direction inside the housing. Therefore, with the first engaging arm and the second engaging arm facing the same side in the height direction of the relay connector housing, the first connector can be engaged with the housing of the relay connector from one end, and the second connector can be engaged with the housing of the relay connector from the other end. Thus, the first connector and the second connector can be connected to the relay connector in the same orientation, and the connection operation between the first connector, the second connector, and the relay connector can be easily performed.

[0022] (4) Alternatively, each of the plurality of terminals may have: a first contact portion connected to a first counterpart terminal disposed on the first connector; a second contact portion disposed at a position offset from the first contact portion in the height direction and connected to a second counterpart terminal disposed on the second connector; and a connecting portion that connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion into one unit.

[0023] According to this structure, the first connector is fitted into the housing, the first parallel terminal is connected to the first contact portion, the second connector is fitted into the housing, and the second parallel terminal is connected to the second contact portion. Furthermore, the first and second connectors are electrically connected via the first and second contact portions integrated through a connecting portion. Additionally, according to the above structure, the second contact portion connected to the second parallel terminal is positioned offset from the first contact portion connected to the first parallel terminal in the height direction of the housing. Therefore, within the housing, the height positions of the first parallel terminal and the first contact portion when the first connector is fitted into the housing and the height positions of the second parallel terminal and the second contact portion when the second connector is fitted into the housing can be offset in the height direction. Therefore, the offset amount of the height positions of the first parallel terminal and the first contact portion and the second parallel terminal and the second contact portion can be set to match the offset amount of the height positions of the first and second engaging portions inside the housing. Thus, even if the first and second connectors have the same shape, a structure for fitting and connecting with the housing of a relay connector can be easily achieved.

[0024] (5) Alternatively, each of the plurality of terminals may also have an extension portion integrally disposed with the connecting portion, and disposed at a position offset from the first contact portion in the height direction, such that it extends along the engagement direction and is in the same straight line as the second contact portion. The extension portion is configured to extend from the connecting portion toward the second contact portion in the opposite direction to the direction in which the connecting portion extends along the engagement direction.

[0025] According to this structure, the extension portion can be configured in a space that is offset in the height direction from the first contact portion and is arranged in a straight line with the second contact portion, with good space efficiency and compactness inside the housing. Furthermore, when performing the operation of pressing the terminals into and placing them into the housing during the assembly of the relay connector, the terminal pressing operation into the housing can be easily performed while the extension portion is held by the holding part of the pressing device.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to the present invention, a relay connector can be provided in which, when the housing is formed, a side core is not required in the molding die, thereby reducing the complexity of the mold structure for forming the housing and the increase in equipment cost. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a relay connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (A) is a top view. Figure 1 (B) is the left-side view. Figure 1 (C) is the view. Figure 1 (D) is the right-side view.

[0029] Figure 2 It is represented by a state including the cross section. Figure 1 The perspective view of the relay connector, the first connector, and the second connector shown is a diagram representing the state of the first connector and the second connector before they are connected to the relay connector.

[0030] Figure 3 It is represented by a state including the cross section. Figure 1 The front view of the relay connector, the first connector, and the second connector shown is a diagram representing the state of the first connector and the second connector before they are connected to the relay connector.

[0031] Figure 4 It is an enlarged representation Figure 2 The diagram shows the relay connector.

[0032] Figure 5 It is an enlarged representation Figure 3 The diagram shows the relay connector.

[0033] Figure 6 It is represented by a state including the cross section. Figure 2 The perspective view of the relay connector, the first connector, and the second connector shown is a diagram illustrating the state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected to the relay connector.

[0034] Figure 7 It is represented by a state including the cross section. Figure 3 The front view of the relay connector, the first connector, and the second connector shown is a diagram illustrating the state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected to the relay connector.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the relay connector, the first connector, and the second connector of the first modified embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram showing the state of the first connector and the second connector before they are connected to the relay connector.

[0036] Figure 9 It means Figure 8The perspective view of the relay connector, the first connector, and the second connector shown is a diagram illustrating the state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected to the relay connector.

[0037] Figure 10 (A) is with the first connector and Figure 8 The side connected by the relay connector shown is viewed from the front. Figure 8 The front view shown indicates the status of the relay connector. Figure 10 (B) is Figure 10 The sectional view at the position of the arrow on line AA in (A).

[0038] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The perspective view of the relay connector shown in (A) is based on... Figure 10 A three-dimensional diagram representing the state of the cross section at the position of the arrow on line AA in (A).

[0039] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the relay connector, the first connector, and the second connector of the second modification of the present invention, and is a diagram showing the state of the first connector and the second connector before they are connected to the relay connector.

[0040] Figure 13 It means Figure 12 The perspective view of the relay connector, the first connector, and the second connector shown is a diagram illustrating the state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected to the relay connector.

[0041] Figure 14 (A) is with the first connector and Figure 12 The side connected by the relay connector shown is viewed from the front. Figure 12 The front view shown indicates the status of the repeater connector. Figure 14 (B) is Figure 14 The top view of the relay connector shown in (A) is shown.

[0042] Figure 15 (A) is Figure 14 The cross-sectional view of the relay connector shown in (A) is Figure 14 The sectional view at the position of the arrow on line BB in (A). Figure 15 (B) is Figure 14 The perspective view of the relay connector shown in (A) is based on... Figure 14 A three-dimensional diagram showing the state of the cross section at the position of the arrow on line BB in (A).

[0043] Figure 16 (A) is Figure 14 The cross-sectional view of the relay connector shown in (A) is Figure 14The sectional view at the position of the CC line arrow in (A), Figure 16 (B) is Figure 14 The perspective view of the relay connector shown in (A) is based on... Figure 14 A three-dimensional diagram representing the state of the cross section at the position of the CC line arrow in (A).

[0044] Label Explanation

[0045] 1, 1A, 1B: Relay connectors; 11: Housing; 12: Terminal; 13: First engaging part; 14: Second engaging part; 19: First through hole; 21: First contact part; 22: Second contact part; 23: Connecting part; 101: First connector; 102: Second connector; 112: First counterparty terminal; 113: First engaging arm; 115: Second counterparty terminal; 116: Second engaging arm. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the present invention, as a relay connector for relaying a connection between a first connector and a second connector, can be widely applied to various applications.

[0047] [Overview of repeater connectors, first connector, second connector]

[0048] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a relay connector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (A) is a top view. Figure 1 (B) is the left-side view. Figure 1 (C) is the front view. Figure 1 (D) is the right-side view. Figure 2 It is represented by a state including the cross section. Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the relay connector 1, the first connector 101, and the second connector 102. Figure 3 It is represented by a state including the cross section. Figure 1 The diagram shows a front view of the repeater connector 1, the first connector 101, and the second connector 102. Additionally, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows the state before the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are connected to the relay connector 1. Additionally, in Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In the figure, a cross section is shown along the direction in which the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are fitted and connected to the relay connector 1, with regard to the relay connector 1, the first connector 101 and the second connector 102.

[0049] Figures 1 to 3The relay connector 1 shown is configured to relay the connection between two connectors (101, 102), namely the first connector 101 and the second connector 102. The first connector 101 is configured as a plug-type connector, which is mechanically and electrically connected to the relay connector 1 by mating with it. The second connector 102 is also configured as a plug-type connector, which is mechanically and electrically connected to the relay connector 1 by mating with it. In this embodiment, the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are configured as connectors of the same shape.

[0050] The first connector 101 is connected to a plurality of wires 110, which extend from one end along the length of the first connector 101. Additionally, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the diagram, only a portion of the wire 110 is shown. Furthermore, the first connector 101 is configured such that its other end in the longitudinal direction engages with the relay connector 1. Additionally, the first connector 101 is configured to include: a first opposing-side housing 111, a plurality of first opposing-side terminals 112, and a first engaging arm 113 integrally disposed within the first opposing-side housing 111.

[0051] The first parallel-side housing 111 is formed of an insulating resin material and is configured to fit into the housing 11 described later in the repeater connector 1. A plurality of first parallel-side terminals 112 are formed of a conductive metal material and are held inside the first parallel-side housing 111. One end of each first parallel-side terminal 112 in the longitudinal direction is crimped to the end of the wire 110, thereby connecting the first parallel-side terminal 112 to the wire 110. Furthermore, when the first connector 101 is connected to the repeater connector 1, the other end of each first parallel-side terminal 112 in the longitudinal direction is electrically connected to a terminal 12 described later in the repeater connector 1.

[0052] The first engaging arm 113 is configured such that, when the first connector 101 is connected to the relay connector 1, it engages with the first engaging portion 13 (described later) in the relay connector 1 to lock the first connector 101 to the relay connector 1. The first engaging arm 113 is integrally disposed on the first counterpart housing 111, located on one side of the first counterpart housing 111 in the height direction. Furthermore, the first engaging arm 113 has: a cantilever beam portion 113a, which is supported in a cantilever beam shape relative to the first counterpart housing 111; and an engaging protrusion 113b, which is provided to protrude from the cantilever beam portion 113a and engage with the first engaging portion 13 of the relay connector 1. The cantilever beam portion 113a is configured to extend along the direction in which the first counterpart housing 111 and the housing 11 of the relay connector 1 are fitted together, and one end of the cantilever beam portion 113a in the length direction is integrally connected to the first counterpart housing 111. The engaging protrusion 113b is provided at the end of the cantilever beam portion 113a that extends in a cantilever beam shape from the first opposing side housing 111.

[0053] The second connector 102 is connected to a plurality of wires 110, which extend from one end of the second connector 102 along its length. The second connector 102 is configured such that its other end in the length direction engages with the relay connector 1. Furthermore, the second connector 102 is configured to include: a second counterpart housing 114, a plurality of second counterpart terminals 115, and a second engaging arm 116 integrally disposed on the second counterpart housing 114.

[0054] The second parallel-side housing 114 is formed of an insulating resin material and is configured to fit into the housing 11 (described later) of the relay connector 1. Furthermore, the second parallel-side housing 114 has the same shape as the first parallel-side housing 111 of the first connector 101. A plurality of second parallel-side terminals 115 are formed of a conductive metal material and are held inside the second parallel-side housing 114. One end of each second parallel-side terminal 115 in the longitudinal direction is crimped to the end of the wire 110, thereby connecting the second parallel-side terminal 115 to the wire 110. Additionally, when the second connector 102 is connected to the relay connector 1, the other end of each second parallel-side terminal 115 in the longitudinal direction is electrically connected to the terminal 12 (described later) of the relay connector 1. Furthermore, the second parallel-side terminal 115 has the same shape as the first parallel-side terminal 112 of the first connector 101.

[0055] The second engaging arm 116 is configured such that, when the second connector 102 is connected to the relay connector 1, it engages with the second engaging portion 14 (described later) in the relay connector 1, thereby locking the second connector 102 to the relay connector 1. The second engaging arm 116 is integrally disposed on the second counterpart housing 114, located on one side of the second counterpart housing 114 in the height direction. Furthermore, the second engaging arm 116 has: a cantilever beam portion 116a, which is supported in a cantilever beam shape relative to the second counterpart housing 114; and an engaging protrusion 116b, which is provided to protrude from the cantilever beam portion 116a and engage with the second engaging portion 14 of the relay connector 1. The cantilever beam portion 116a is configured to extend along the direction in which the second counterpart housing 114 and the housing 11 of the relay connector 1 are fitted together, and one end of the cantilever beam portion 116a in the length direction is integrally connected to the second counterpart housing 114. The engaging protrusion 116b is provided at the end of the cantilever beam portion 116a extending in a cantilever beam shape from the second opposing housing 114. In addition, the second engaging arm 116 is formed with the same shape as the first engaging arm 113 of the first connector 101.

[0056] The relay connector 1 is configured to engage with both a first connector 101 and a second connector 102, thereby relaying the connection between the first connector 101 and the second connector 102. The first connector 101 engages with the relay connector 1 from one end, and the second connector 102 engages with the relay connector 1 from the other end. The relay connector 1 is configured to electrically connect the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 by engaging with both the first connector 101 and the second connector 102. Furthermore, the relay connector 1 is configured to include: a housing 11, a plurality of terminals 12 held inside the housing 11, and a first engaging portion 13 and a second engaging portion 14 disposed inside the housing 11.

[0057] [case]

[0058] Figure 4 It is an enlarged representation Figure 2 The diagram shows relay connector 1. Figure 5 It is an enlarged representation Figure 3 The diagram shows relay connector 1. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 5The housing 11 is formed of an insulating resin material and has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 11 is configured to fit and connect to the first connector 101 from one end along the length of its generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. Furthermore, the housing 11 is configured to fit and connect to the second connector 102 from the other end along the length of its generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. Additionally, the housing 11 is configured to hold a plurality of terminals 12 inside. The plurality of terminals 12 are arranged inside the housing 11. Furthermore, a first engaging portion 13 and a second engaging portion 14 are provided inside the housing 11.

[0059] As defining the basic shape of a generally rectangular parallelepiped, the housing 11 has a mating direction X1, a width direction X2, and a height direction X3. The mating direction X1 is configured to be parallel to the mating direction of the first connector 101 and the second connector 102, and is the length direction of the housing 11, which forms the basic shape of a generally rectangular parallelepiped. The width direction X2 is perpendicular to the mating direction X1 and is configured to be the direction in which the plurality of terminals 12 are arranged. The height direction X3 is configured to be perpendicular to both the mating direction X1 and the width direction X2. Furthermore, in Figures 1 to 5 In the diagram, a double-headed arrow X1 indicates the fitting direction X1 of the housing 11, a double-headed arrow X2 indicates the width direction X2 of the housing 11, and a double-headed arrow X3 indicates the height direction X3 of the housing 11.

[0060] Additionally, the housing 11 includes an outer peripheral wall portion 15 formed in the shape of a square tube with a generally rectangular cross-section. The outer peripheral wall portion 15 is configured to have a top wall 15a, a bottom wall 15b, and a pair of side walls (15c, 15d). The top wall 15a, bottom wall 15b, side walls 15c, and side walls 15d are all provided to extend along the mating direction X1. Furthermore, the top wall 15a and the bottom wall 15b are arranged opposite each other in the height direction X3, and the side walls 15c and the side walls 15d are arranged opposite each other in the width direction X2. In addition, the top wall 15a has a portion in the height direction X3 where the distance relative to the bottom wall 15b changes in a stepped manner in the mating direction X1. Therefore, the distance between the top wall 15a and the bottom wall 15b in the height direction X3 is set such that the portion at the end where the first connector 101 is mated is larger than the portion at the other end where the second connector 102 is mated. Furthermore, the two ends of the top wall 15a in the width direction X2 are integrally connected to one end of the side wall 15c in the height direction X3 and one end of the side wall 15d in the height direction X3. Similarly, the two ends of the bottom wall 15b in the width direction X2 are integrally connected to the other ends of the side wall 15c in the height direction X3 and the other end of the side wall 15d in the height direction X3. The housing 11 has the aforementioned structure of top wall 15a, bottom wall 15b, side wall 15c, and side wall 15d. Thus, the plurality of terminals 12, the first engaging portion 13, and the second engaging portion 14 disposed inside the housing 11 are configured to be protected from the outside in the circumferential direction of the rectangular outer peripheral wall portion 15. That is, the plurality of terminals 12, the first engaging portion 13, and the second engaging portion 14 disposed inside the housing 11 are protected from the outside in the width direction X2 and the height direction X3, and are not exposed to the outside in the width direction X2 and the height direction X3.

[0061] Additionally, the housing 11 is provided with an insertion port 16a with an opening at one end in the mating direction X1 and an insertion port 16b with an opening at the other end in the mating direction X1. Insertion port 16a is configured to allow the end of the first counterpart housing 111 of the first connector 101 to be inserted when the first connector 101 is connected to the relay connector 1. By inserting the end of the first counterpart housing 111 into insertion port 16a, the first counterpart housing 111 is fitted into the housing 11 at one end. Furthermore, insertion port 16b is configured to allow the end of the second counterpart housing 114 of the second connector 102 to be inserted when the second connector 102 is connected to the relay connector 1. By inserting the end of the second counterpart housing 114 into insertion port 16b, the second counterpart housing 114 is fitted into the housing 11 at the other end.

[0062] Additionally, a plurality of terminal holding grooves 17 for holding a plurality of terminals 12 are provided on the inner side of the housing 11. The plurality of terminal holding grooves 17 are provided on the bottom wall 15b side on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall portion 15. The plurality of terminal holding grooves 17 are provided such that they extend along the mating direction X1, and are configured to allow the plurality of terminals 12 to be pressed in respectively. That is, each terminal holding groove 17 is configured to hold each terminal 12 by inserting each terminal 12 in a pressed-in state.

[0063] Furthermore, an inner wall 18a and an inner wall 18b are provided inside the housing 11. A first engaging portion 13 (described later) is integrally provided on the inner wall 18a, and a second engaging portion 14 (described later) is integrally provided on the inner wall 18b. The inner walls 18a and 18b are disposed inside the outer peripheral wall portion 15, and are located in the central portion of the inner side of the outer peripheral wall portion 15 in the engagement direction X1. Both the inner walls 18a and 18b are provided in a plate-like manner extending from the side wall 15c to the side wall 15d along the width direction X2, and are configured as plate-like portions bridging the side walls 15c and 15d. The two ends of the inner wall 18a in the width direction X2 are integrally connected to the side walls 15c and 15d. Similarly, the two ends of the inner wall 18b in the width direction X2 are integrally connected to the side walls 15c and 15d.

[0064] Furthermore, the surfaces of the inner walls 18a and 18b of the plate-like portion bridging sidewalls 15c and 15d are each perpendicular to the height direction X3. The inner walls 18a and 18b are arranged from the top wall 15a toward the bottom wall 15b in the height direction X3 within the region inside the outer peripheral wall portion 15. That is, inside the housing 11, which is the region inside the outer peripheral wall portion 15, the inner wall 18a is positioned relative to the inner wall 18b on the top wall 15a side in the height direction X3, and the inner wall 18b is positioned relative to the inner wall 18a on the bottom wall 15b side in the height direction X3. Therefore, the inner walls 18a and 18b are staggered in position throughout the height direction inside the housing 11.

[0065] Furthermore, a first through hole 19 extending along the fitting direction X1 is provided between the inner wall 18a and the inner wall 18b on the housing 11. The first through hole 19 is formed to penetrate the space between the inner wall 18a and the inner wall 18b along the fitting direction X1. Additionally, a second through hole 20 extending along the fitting direction X1 is provided between the inner wall 18a and the top wall 15a on the housing 11. The second through hole 20 is formed to penetrate the space between the inner wall 18a and the top wall 15a along the fitting direction X1.

[0066] [First Card Combination Section, Second Card Combination Section]

[0067] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The first engaging portion 13 is configured to be disposed inside the housing 11 and engage with the first engaging arm 113 of the first connector 101. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 13 is configured as a mechanism for locking the first connector 101 to the relay connector 1 by engaging with the first engaging arm 113 when the first connector 101 is connected to the relay connector 1.

[0068] In addition, the first engaging portion 13 is integrally provided inside the housing 11 with the inner wall 18a of the housing 11, and is configured to have a base 13a and a protrusion 13b.

[0069] The base 13a is configured as a plate-shaped portion integrally formed with the inner wall 18a. Relative to the inner wall 18a, the base 13a extends in a plate-like manner towards the insertion port 16a along the fitting direction X1. Furthermore, the dimension in the height direction X3 of the base 13a, i.e., the thickness dimension of the base 13a, is set to be smaller than the dimension in the height direction X3 of the inner wall 18a, i.e., the thickness dimension of the inner wall 18a. In other words, the thickness dimension of the base 13a is set to be thinner than the thickness dimension of the inner wall 18a. And, when viewed along the fitting direction X1, the base 13a is positioned within the thickness dimension of the inner wall 18a.

[0070] The protrusion 13b is formed as a portion that protrudes from the base 13a along the height direction X3 toward the top wall 15a. Furthermore, the protrusion 13b is configured in the first engaging portion 13 to engage with the first engaging arm 113 of the first connector 101. Additionally, an inclined surface 13c is provided on the protrusion 13b on the insertion port 16a side in the engagement direction X1, and a stepped portion 13d is provided on the insertion port 16b side in the engagement direction X1.

[0071] The inclined surface 13c is formed to be inclined relative to the mating direction X1. By providing the inclined surface 13c, the protrusion 13b is formed such that its height increases slopingly from the base 13a toward the height direction X3. When the first connector 101 is mated with the insertion port 16a and connected to the relay connector 1, the engagement protrusion 113b on the end side of the first engagement arm 113 inserted from the insertion port 16a shifts upward along the inclined surface 13c.

[0072] The stepped portion 13d is configured such that the height of the protrusion 13b from the base 13a in the height direction X3 varies in a stepped manner to the height of the base 13a. The stepped portion 13d is configured to engage with the engaging protrusion 113b of the first engaging arm 113 in a hook-like manner. When the first connector 101 is engaged with the insertion port 16a and connected to the relay connector 1, the engaging protrusion 113b of the first engaging arm 113, which is inserted from the insertion port 16a and rises along the inclined surface 13c, crosses the inclined surface 13c and engages with the stepped portion 13d.

[0073] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The second engaging portion 14 is configured to be disposed inside the housing 11 and engage with the second engaging arm 116 of the second connector 102. Furthermore, the second engaging portion 14 is configured as a mechanism for locking the second connector 102 to the relay connector 1 by engaging with the second engaging arm 116 when the second connector 102 is connected to the relay connector 1.

[0074] In addition, the second engaging portion 14 is integrally provided inside the housing 11 with the inner wall 18b of the housing 11, and is configured to have a base 14a and a protrusion 14b.

[0075] The base 14a is configured as a plate-like portion integrally formed with the inner wall 18b. Relative to the inner wall 18b, the base 14a extends in a plate-like manner towards the insertion port 16b along the fitting direction X1. Furthermore, the dimension in the height direction X3 of the base 14a, i.e., the thickness dimension of the base 14a, is set to be smaller than the dimension in the height direction X3 of the inner wall 18b, i.e., the thickness dimension of the inner wall 18b. That is, the thickness dimension of the base 14a is set to be thinner than the thickness dimension of the inner wall 18b. And, when viewed along the fitting direction X1, the base 14a is positioned within the thickness dimension of the inner wall 18b.

[0076] The protrusion 14b is formed as a portion that protrudes from the base 14a along the height direction X3 toward the top wall 15a. Furthermore, the protrusion 14b is configured in the second engaging portion 14 to engage with the second engaging arm 116 of the second connector 102. Additionally, the protrusion 14b has an inclined surface 14c on the insertion port 16b side in the engagement direction X1, and a stepped portion 14d on the insertion port 16a side in the engagement direction X1.

[0077] The inclined surface 14c is formed to be inclined relative to the mating direction X1. By providing the inclined surface 14c, the protrusion 14b is formed such that its height increases slopingly from the base 14a toward the height direction X3. When the second connector 102 is mated with the insertion port 16b and connected to the relay connector 1, the engagement protrusion 116b on the end side of the second engagement arm 116 inserted from the insertion port 16b shifts upward along the inclined surface 14c.

[0078] The stepped portion 14d is a portion where the height of the protrusion 14b from the base 14a in the height direction X3 varies in a stepped manner to the height of the base 14a. The stepped portion 14d is configured to engage with the engaging protrusion 116b of the second engaging arm 116 in a hook-like manner. When the second connector 102 is engaged with the insertion port 16b and connected to the relay connector 1, the engaging protrusion 116b of the second engaging arm 116, which is inserted from the insertion port 16b and rises along the inclined surface 14c, crosses the inclined surface 14c and engages with the stepped portion 14d.

[0079] Furthermore, the first engaging portion 13 has a protrusion 13b that protrudes from the base 13a toward the top wall 15a along the height direction X3. Similarly, the second engaging portion 14 has a protrusion 14b that protrudes from the base 14a toward the top wall 15a along the height direction X3. Therefore, the protrusions 13b of the first engaging portion 13 and 14b of the second engaging portion 14 protrude in the same direction parallel to the height direction X3. That is, in the relay connector 1, the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 are configured to have protrusions (13b, 14b) that protrude in the same direction parallel to the height direction X3.

[0080] Furthermore, the first engaging portion 13 is integrally provided on the inner wall 18a of the housing 11, and the second engaging portion 14 is integrally provided on the inner wall 18b of the housing 11. Inside the housing 11, the inner walls 18a and 18b are positioned offset from each other in the height direction X3. Therefore, inside the housing 11, the entire first engaging portion 13 and the entire second engaging portion 14 are positioned offset from each other in the height direction X3. That is, the base 13a and protrusion 13b of the first engaging portion 13, and the base 14a and protrusion 14b of the second engaging portion 14, are positioned offset from each other in the height direction X3 inside the housing 11. Therefore, when viewing the interior of the housing 11 along a direction parallel to the engagement direction X1, the entire first engaging portion 13 (base 13a and protrusion 13b) and the entire second engaging portion 14 (base 14a and protrusion 14b) are arranged such that there is no overlap in the height direction X3.

[0081] Furthermore, inside the housing 11, the inner walls 18a and 18b are offset from each other in the height direction X3, and a first through hole 19 extending in the fitting direction X1 is provided between the inner walls 18a and 18b. A first engaging portion 13 is integrally provided on the inner wall 18a, and a second engaging portion 14 is integrally provided on the inner wall 18b. Therefore, in the housing 11, a first through hole 19 extending in the fitting direction is provided between the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14, which are offset from each other in the height direction. Furthermore, when viewing the interior of the housing 11 from the insertion port 16a side in a direction parallel to the fitting direction X1, the protrusion 14b is positioned within the dimension of the first through hole 19 in the height direction X3. In addition to the first through hole 19, a second through hole 20 extending in the fitting direction X1 is also provided between the inner wall 18a and the top wall 15a in the housing 11. Furthermore, when viewing the interior of the housing 11 from the insertion port 16b side along a direction parallel to the fitting direction X1, the protrusion 14b is positioned within the dimension range of the height direction X3 of the second through hole 20.

[0082] [Terminal]

[0083] Each of the multiple terminals 12 is configured to electrically connect a plurality of first counterparty terminals 112 and a plurality of second counterparty terminals 115 respectively when the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are connected to the relay connector 1. The multiple terminals 12 are pressed into a plurality of terminal holding slots 17 provided in the housing 11, thereby holding the multiple terminals 12 inside the housing 11.

[0084] Multiple terminals 12 are configured to have a first contact portion 21, a second contact portion 22, a connecting portion 23, and an extension portion 24. The first contact portion 21, the second contact portion 22, the connecting portion 23, and the extension portion 24 are formed integrally. Furthermore, the terminals 12, when held in the housing 11, have a length direction extending along the engagement direction X1. In this embodiment, the second contact portion 22, the connecting portion 23, and the extension portion 24 of the terminal 12 are arranged in series along the length direction of the terminal 12. Moreover, the first contact portion 21 is configured to branch off from and extend from the connecting portion 23 relative to the direction in which the second contact portion 22, the connecting portion 23, and the extension portion 24 are arranged in series.

[0085] The first contact portion 21 is configured to electrically connect to the first counterpart terminal 112 by contacting it. The first contact portion 21 is configured to have a pair of contact pieces (21a, 21b). The pair of contact pieces (21a, 21b) are arranged in a forked manner to contact the first counterpart terminal 112 while clamping the end portions of the first counterpart terminal 112 from both sides. That is, when connecting the first contact portion 21 to the first counterpart terminal 112, the end portions of the first counterpart terminal 112 are inserted and clamped between the contact pieces 21a and 21b of the first contact portion 21, and the contact pieces 21a and 21b contact the first counterpart terminal 112, thereby electrically connecting the first contact portion 21 to the first counterpart terminal 112.

[0086] The second contact portion 22 is configured to electrically connect to the second counterpart terminal 115 by contacting it. The second contact portion 22 is configured to have a pair of contact pieces (22a, 22b). The pair of contact pieces (22a, 22b) are arranged in a forked manner to contact the second counterpart terminal 115 when the end portions of the second counterpart terminal 115 are clamped from both sides. That is, when connecting the second contact portion 22 to the second counterpart terminal 115, the end portions of the second counterpart terminal 115 are inserted and clamped between the contact pieces 22a and 22b of the second contact portion 22, and the contact pieces 22a and 22b contact the second counterpart terminal 115, thereby electrically connecting the second contact portion 22 to the second counterpart terminal 115.

[0087] Furthermore, with the terminal 12 held in the housing 11, the second contact portion 22, the connecting portion 23, and the extension portion 24 are arranged in series along the mating direction X1. The first contact portion 21 is configured such that, relative to the direction in which the second contact portion 22, the connecting portion 23, and the extension portion 24 are arranged in series, it branches from the connecting portion 23 in the height direction X3 and further extends along the mating direction X1. Therefore, the second contact portion 22 is configured such that, with the terminal 12 held in the housing 11, it is positioned offset from the first contact portion 21 in the height direction X3.

[0088] The connecting portion 23 is configured to connect the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22 integrally. Furthermore, the connecting portion 23 is configured such that the extension portion 24 is also integrally connected to both the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22. With the terminal 12 held in the housing 11, the pair of contact pieces (22a, 22b) of the second contact portion 22 extend from the connecting portion 23 toward the insertion port 16b in the fitting direction X1. Additionally, with the terminal 12 held in the housing 11, the extension portion 24 extends from the connecting portion 23 toward the insertion port 16a in the fitting direction X1. Furthermore, with the terminal 12 held in the housing 11, the first contact portion 21 branches from the connecting portion 23 toward the top wall 15a in the height direction X3, and the pair of contact pieces (21a, 21b) of the first contact portion 21 extend toward the insertion port 16a in the fitting direction X1.

[0089] The extension portion 24 is integrally provided with the connecting portion 23 and is provided in a plate-like manner extending from the connecting portion 23. The extension portion 24 is configured to be held by the holding portion (not shown) of the device that performs the pressing action when the terminal 12 is pressed into the terminal holding groove 17 disposed in the housing 11.

[0090] Furthermore, the extension portion 24 is configured to extend along the engagement direction X1 and in a straight line with the second contact portion 22 at a position offset in the height direction from the first contact portion 21, while the terminal 12 is held in the housing 11. Moreover, the extension portion 24 is configured to extend in the opposite direction from the connecting portion 23 toward the second contact portion 22, in the direction in which the connecting portion 23 extends along the engagement direction X1. That is, the extension portion 24 is configured to extend from the connecting portion 23 along the engagement direction X1 and toward the insertion port 16a side, which is the opposite direction to the direction in which the second contact portion 22 extends from the connecting portion 23 toward the insertion port 16b side along the engagement direction X1.

[0091] [Connection operation between the relay connector and the first and second connectors]

[0092] Next, the connection operation when the above-mentioned relay connector 1 is connected to the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 will be described. Figure 6 It is represented by a state including the cross section. Figure 2 The perspective view of the relay connector 1, the first connector 101, and the second connector 102 shown is a diagram showing the state in which the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are connected to the relay connector 1. Figure 7 It is represented by a state including the cross section. Figure 3The front view of the relay connector 1, the first connector 101, and the second connector 102 shown is a diagram showing the state in which the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are connected to the relay connector 1.

[0093] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 When the relay connector 1 is connected to the first connector 101 and the second connector 102, for example, firstly, the first connector 101 is connected to one end of the relay connector 1 in the mating direction X1. Then, the second connector 102 is connected to the other end of the relay connector 1 in the mating direction X1.

[0094] When the first connector 101 is connected to the relay connector 1, the first counterpart housing 111 is inserted into the housing 11 through the insertion port 16a of the housing 11, and the first counterpart housing 111 is fitted into the housing 11 from one end. When the first counterpart housing 111 is fitted into the housing 11, the first counterpart terminal 112 held in the first counterpart housing 111 is inserted between a pair of contact pieces (21a, 21b) of the first contact portion 21 of the terminal 12 held in the housing 11, and contacts the pair of contact pieces (21a, 21b). Thus, the first counterpart terminal 112 of the first connector 101 is electrically connected to the terminal 12 of the relay connector 1.

[0095] Furthermore, when the first opposing housing 111 is inserted into the insertion port 16a, the distal portion of the first engaging arm 113 is also inserted into the housing 11 along with the first opposing housing 111 through the insertion port 16a. As the distal portion of the first engaging arm 113 is inserted into the insertion port 16a, the engaging protrusion 113b of the first engaging arm 113 shifts upwards towards the inclined surface 13c of the first engaging portion 13, and the first engaging arm 113 temporarily flexes in the height direction X3. Then, as the first engaging arm 113 is further inserted into the inner side of the insertion port 16a, the engaging protrusion 113b of the first engaging arm 113 passes over the protrusion 13b of the first engaging portion 13. As a result, the flexural elasticity of the first engaging arm 113 in the height direction X3 recovers and returns, and the engaging protrusion 113b engages with the stepped portion 13d of the protrusion 13b of the first engaging portion 13. The first engaging arm 113 engages with the first engaging part 13 inside the housing 11, thereby locking the first connector 101 to the relay connector 1, and completing the mating connection between the first connector 101 and the relay connector 1.

[0096] Next, when the second connector 102 is connected to the relay connector 1, the second counterpart housing 114 is inserted into the housing 11 through the insertion port 16b of the housing 11, and the second counterpart housing 114 is fitted into the housing 11 from the other end side. When the second counterpart housing 114 is fitted into the housing 11, the second counterpart terminal 115 held in the second counterpart housing 114 is inserted between a pair of contact pieces (22a, 22b) of the second contact portion 22 of the terminal 12 held in the housing 11, and contacts the pair of contact pieces (22a, 22b). Thus, the second counterpart terminal 115 of the second connector 102 is electrically connected to the terminal 12 of the relay connector 1.

[0097] Furthermore, when the second opposing housing 114 is inserted into the insertion port 16b, the end portion of the second engaging arm 116 is also inserted into the housing 11 along with the second opposing housing 114 through the insertion port 16b. As the end portion of the second engaging arm 116 is inserted into the insertion port 16b, the engaging protrusion 116b of the second engaging arm 116 shifts upwards on the inclined surface 14c of the second engaging portion 14, and the second engaging arm 116 temporarily flexes in the height direction X3. Then, as the second engaging arm 116 is further inserted into the inner side of the insertion port 16b, the engaging protrusion 116b of the second engaging arm 116 passes over the protrusion 14b of the second engaging portion 14. As a result, the flexural elasticity of the second engaging arm 116 in the height direction X3 recovers and returns, and the engaging protrusion 116b engages with the stepped portion 14d of the protrusion 14b of the second engaging portion 14. The second engaging arm 116 engages with the second engaging part 14 inside the housing 11, thereby locking the second connector 102 to the relay connector 1, and completing the mating connection between the second connector 102 and the relay connector 1.

[0098] As described above, the first connector 101 is fitted and connected from one end of the relay connector 1, and the second connector 102 is fitted and connected from the other end of the relay connector 1, thereby connecting the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 via the relay connector 1.

[0099] [The function and effects of this implementation method]

[0100] According to this embodiment, when the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are connected via the relay connector 1, the first connector 101 is fitted into the housing 11 of the relay connector 1 from one end, and the second connector 102 is fitted into the housing 11 of the relay connector 1 from the other end. Furthermore, the first connector 101, fitted into one end of the housing 11, engages with the first engaging portion 13 inside the housing 11 via the first engaging arm 113, and is locked to the housing 11. Similarly, the second connector 102, fitted into the other end of the housing 11, engages with the second engaging portion 14 inside the housing 11 via the second engaging arm 116, and is locked to the housing 11. Thus, with the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 locked to the housing 11, the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 can be connected to the relay connector 1.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the relay connector 1 of this embodiment, when molding the housing 11, the upper mold and the lower mold of the molding die for molding the housing 11 are combined and used in a direction corresponding to the mating direction X1 of the housing 11. Moreover, when molding the housing 11, the upper mold and the lower mold of the molding die form the shape of the outer peripheral wall portion 15 of the housing 11, the shape of the area on one end of the housing 11 for the first connector 101 to mate with, and the shape of the area on the other end of the housing 11 for the second connector 102 to mate with.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the relay connector 1 of this embodiment, a first engaging portion 13 that engages with the first engaging arm 113 of the first connector 101 and a second engaging portion 14 that engages with the second engaging arm 116 of the second connector 102 are provided inside the housing 11. Inside the housing 11, the entirety of the first engaging portion 13 (base 13a and protrusion 13b) and the entirety of the second engaging portion 14 (base 14a and protrusion 14b) are offset in position along the height direction X3 of the housing 11. Therefore, during the molding of the housing 11, the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 offset in the height direction X3 of the housing 11 can be molded using an upper mold and a lower mold of a molding die combined in a direction corresponding to the fitting direction X1 of the housing 11. Thus, the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 inside the housing 11 can be molded using only the upper mold and the lower mold. Therefore, a side core is not required, i.e., a mold that combines with the upper and lower molds in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the upper and lower molds combine. Furthermore, according to the relay connector 1 of this embodiment, a side core is not required in the molding die, and the housing 11, the first engaging part 13, and the second engaging part 14 can be molded using only the upper and lower molds. Therefore, the complexity of the mold structure for molding the housing 11 and the increase in equipment cost can be suppressed.

[0103] Therefore, according to this embodiment, a relay connector 1 can be provided in which, when molding the housing 11, a side core is not required in the molding die, thereby reducing the complexity of the mold structure for molding the housing 11 and the increase in equipment cost.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the relay connector 1 of this embodiment, a through hole 19 (first through hole 19) extending in the fitting direction X1 is provided between the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14, which are offset in the height direction X3, inside the housing 11. Therefore, the area of ​​the through hole 19 can be effectively utilized to easily form the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14, which are offset in the height direction X3, using only the upper and lower molds of the molding die. In addition, the through hole 19 extending in the fitting direction between the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 can be effectively utilized to form an area for forming the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 using only the upper and lower molds of the molding die. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 from being significantly offset in the height direction X3 of the housing 11. As a result, it is possible to prevent the size of the housing 11 from becoming large in the height direction X3, and to achieve a compact housing 11.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the relay connector 1 of this embodiment, by engaging the first engaging arm 113 of the first connector 101 with the protrusion 13b of the first engaging portion 13, and engaging the second engaging arm 116 of the second connector 102 with the protrusion 14b of the second engaging portion 14, the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 can be locked to the relay connector 1. Therefore, by providing a simple structure with protrusions (13b, 14b) inside the housing 11, a mechanism for locking the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 to the relay connector 1 can be realized. Moreover, the protrusions (13b, 14b) that engage with the first engaging arm 113 of the first connector 101 and the second engaging arm 116 of the second connector 102 protrude in the same direction in the height direction X3 inside the housing 11. Therefore, in both the first connector 101 and the second connector 102, with the first engaging arm 113 and the second engaging arm 116 facing the same side in the height direction X3 of the housing 11 of the relay connector 1, the first connector 101 can be engaged with the housing 11 of the relay connector 1 from one end, and the second connector 102 can be engaged with the housing 11 of the relay connector 1 from the other end. Thus, the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 can be connected to the relay connector 1 in the same orientation, and the connection operation between the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 and the relay connector 1 can be easily performed.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the relay connector 1 of this embodiment, the first connector 101 is fitted into the housing 11, the first counterpart terminal 112 is connected to the first contact portion 21, the second connector 102 is fitted into the housing 11, and the second counterpart terminal 115 is connected to the second contact portion 22. Moreover, the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are electrically connected via the first contact portion 21 and the second contact portion 22, which are integrated through the connecting portion 23. Additionally, according to the relay connector 1, the second contact portion 22 connected to the second counterpart terminal 115 is positioned offset from the first contact portion 21 connected to the first counterpart terminal 112 in the height direction X3 of the housing 11. Therefore, in the housing 11, the height position at which the first counterpart terminal 112 connects to the first contact portion 21 when the first connector 101 is fitted into the housing 11, and the height position at which the second counterpart terminal 115 connects to the second contact portion 22 when the second connector 102 is fitted into the housing 11, are offset in the height direction X3. Therefore, the offset between the height position of the first mating terminal 112 connecting to the first contact portion 21 and the height position of the second mating terminal 115 connecting to the second contact portion 22 can be set to match the offset in the height direction X3 between the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 inside the housing 11. Thus, even if the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 have the same shape, a structure that can be easily fitted and connected to the housing 11 of the relay connector 1 can be achieved.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the relay connector 1 of this embodiment, the extension portion 24 can be arranged in a region that is offset from the first contact portion 21 in the height direction X3 and is arranged in a straight line with the second contact portion 22, with good space efficiency and compactness inside the housing 11. Moreover, when the terminal 12 is pressed into the housing 11 during the assembly of the relay connector 1, the pressing operation of the terminal 12 into the housing 11 can be easily performed while the extension portion 24 is held by the holding part of the pressing device.

[0108] [Variation Example]

[0109] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, it can also be implemented with modifications as follows.

[0110] (1) In the embodiment described above, the example is given where the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the terminal of the relay connector have a pair of contact pieces formed in a fork shape, but this is not the case. Regarding the shape of the first contact portion and the second contact portion, various changes can be made, such as socket-type contact portion, pin-type contact portion, post-type contact portion, or contact piece type contact portion.

[0111] (2) In the described embodiment, an example was given in which an extension portion is provided on the terminal of the relay connector, but this is not always the case. A relay connector with terminals that do not have an extension portion may also be implemented.

[0112] (3) In the described embodiment, the example is given in which the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the terminal of the relay connector are integrally formed via a connecting portion, but this is not always the case. It is also possible to implement a relay connector with terminals in such a manner that the first contact portion and the second contact portion are formed from different components and are connected inside the housing.

[0113] (4) In the described embodiment, it is exemplified that the entire first engaging portion 13 and the entire second engaging portion 14 are arranged offset in the height direction X3 inside the housing 11, but this is not always the case. It is also possible to implement an arrangement in which the entire first engaging portion 13 and the entire second engaging portion 14 are offset in the width direction X2 instead of offset in the height direction X3 inside the housing 11. For example, an arrangement in which the entire first engaging portion 13 and the entire second engaging portion 14 are offset in the width direction X2 could also be implemented. Figures 8 to 11 The relay connector 1A of the first modified example shown is in the manner of or Figures 12 to 16 The relay connector 1B of the second variant shown is in this manner.

[0114] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the relay connector 1A, the first connector 101, and the second connector 102 of the first modified example of the present invention, and is a diagram showing the state of the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 before they are connected to the relay connector 1A. Figure 9 It means Figure 8 The perspective view of the relay connector 1A, the first connector 101, and the second connector 102 shown is a diagram showing the state in which the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are connected to the relay connector 1A. Figure 10 (A) is with the first connector 101 and Figure 8 The side connected to the relay connector 1A shown is viewed from the front. Figure 8 The front view shown indicates the state of the repeater connector 1A. Figure 10 (B) is Figure 10 The sectional view at the position of the arrow on line AA in (A). Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The perspective view of the relay connector 1A shown in (A) is based on the inclusion of Figure 10A perspective view showing the state of the cross-section at the position of the arrow on line AA in (A). Furthermore, in the following description of the first modified example, elements constructed in the same manner as those in the aforementioned embodiment, and elements constructed corresponding to those in the aforementioned embodiment, will be labeled with the same reference numerals or referenced using the same reference numerals in the drawings, thus omitting further explanation.

[0115] Figures 8 to 11 The repeater connector 1A shown in the first modified example is constructed in the same manner as the repeater connector 1 in the aforementioned embodiment. However, the difference between repeater connector 1A and repeater connector 1 is that, inside the housing 11, the entire first engaging portion 13 and the entire second engaging portion 14 are arranged in a manner that they are offset in position in the width direction X2.

[0116] In repeater connector 1A, a plurality of terminals 12 are arranged inside housing 11. The direction in which the plurality of terminals 12 are arranged within housing 11 is the width direction X2 of housing 11. The width direction X2 of housing 11 is the direction in which the plurality of terminals 12 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction X1, which is parallel to the mating direction of the first connector 101 and the second connector 102. The plurality of terminals 12 are respectively configured to electrically connect each of a plurality of first counterparty terminals 112 to each of a plurality of second counterparty terminals 115 when the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are connected to repeater connector 1A. In repeater connector 1A, each terminal 12 is, for example, configured as a pin-shaped terminal extending linearly along the mating direction X1.

[0117] Inside the housing 11 of the repeater connector 1A, there is an inner wall 25, which is a plate-shaped portion extending along a plane perpendicular to the height direction X3, and a terminal holding wall 26 that holds a plurality of terminals 12. The terminal holding wall 26 is a plate-shaped portion extending along a plane perpendicular to the mating direction X1 in the mating direction inside the housing 11. The terminal holding wall 26 is provided with a press-in hole, which serves as a through hole for pressing each terminal 12 into. By pressing each terminal 12 into the press-in hole, the terminal holding wall 26 holds a plurality of terminals 12. In addition, inside the housing 11, the terminal holding wall 26 is provided in a state where it is not disposed in the region on the side of the top wall 15a in the height direction X3 relative to the inner wall 25.

[0118] The first engaging portion 13 of the repeater connector 1A is disposed inside the housing 11 and engages with the first engaging arm 113 of the first connector 101. The first engaging portion 13 is a mechanism that locks the first connector 101 into the repeater connector 1A by engaging with the first engaging arm 113 when the first connector 101 is connected to the repeater connector 1A. The first engaging portion 13 is integrally disposed inside the housing 11 with the inner wall 25 of the housing 11 and is formed as a protruding portion protruding from the inner wall 25 along the height direction X3 toward the top wall 15a. In the first engaging portion 13, an inclined surface 13c is provided on the insertion port 16a side in the engagement direction X1, and a stepped portion 13d is provided on the insertion port 16b side in the engagement direction X1. When the first connector 101 is engaged with the insertion port 16a and connected to the relay connector 1A, the engaging protrusion 113b of the first engaging arm 113, which is inserted from the insertion port 16a and rises along the inclined surface 13c, crosses the inclined surface 13c and engages with the step portion 13d in a hook-like manner.

[0119] The second engaging portion 14 of the repeater connector 1A is disposed inside the housing 11 and engages with the second engaging arm 116 of the second connector 102. The second engaging portion 14 is a mechanism that locks the second connector 102 to the repeater connector 1A by engaging with the second engaging arm 116 when the second connector 102 is connected to the repeater connector 1A. The second engaging portion 14 is integrally disposed inside the housing 11 with the inner wall 25 of the housing 11, and is formed as a protruding portion extending from the inner wall 25 along the height direction X3 toward the top wall 15a. In the second engaging portion 14, an inclined surface 14c is provided on the insertion port 16b side in the engagement direction X1, and a stepped portion 14d is provided on the insertion port 16a side in the engagement direction X1. When the second connector 102 is engaged with the insertion port 16b and connected to the relay connector 1A, the engagement protrusion 116b of the second engagement arm 116, which is inserted from the insertion port 16b and rises along the inclined surface 14c, crosses the inclined surface 14c and engages with the step portion 14d in a hook-like manner.

[0120] The first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 are integrally provided on the inner wall 25, and protrude from the inner wall 25 toward the top wall 15a along the height direction X3. Furthermore, inside the housing 11, the entirety of the first engaging portion 13 and the entirety of the second engaging portion 14 are staggered in the width direction X2. Therefore, when viewed in a direction parallel to the engagement direction X1, the entirety of the first engaging portion 13 and the entirety of the second engaging portion 14 are arranged such that there is no overlap in the width direction X2.

[0121] According to the relay connector 1A of the first modified example, when the housing 11 is molded, the upper mold and the lower mold of the molding die for molding the housing 11 are combined and used in a direction corresponding to the mating direction X1 of the housing 11. Furthermore, when molding the housing 11, the upper mold and the lower mold of the molding die are used to mold the shape of the outer peripheral wall portion 15 of the housing 11, the shape of the area on one end side of the housing 11 for the first connector 101 to be mated, and the shape of the area on the other end side of the housing 11 for the second connector 102 to be mated.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the relay connector 1A of the first modified example, a first engaging portion 13 that engages with the first engaging arm 113 of the first connector 101 and a second engaging portion 14 that engages with the second engaging arm 116 of the second connector 102 are provided inside the housing 11. Inside the housing 11, the entire first engaging portion 13 and the entire second engaging portion 14 are positioned offset in the width direction X2 of the housing 11. Therefore, when molding the housing 11, the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14, which are offset in the width direction X2 of the housing 11, can be molded using an upper mold and a lower mold of a molding die combined in a direction corresponding to the mating direction X1 of the housing 11. Therefore, the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 inside the housing 11 can be molded using only the upper mold and the lower mold. Therefore, a side core, i.e., a mold combined with the upper mold and the lower mold in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the upper mold and the lower mold are combined, is not required. Furthermore, according to the relay connector 1A of the first modified example, no side core is required in the molding die, and the housing 11, the first engaging part 13 and the second engaging part 14 can be formed using only the upper and lower dies, which can suppress the complexity of the mold structure for molding the housing 11 and the increase in equipment cost.

[0123] Therefore, according to the first modification, a relay connector 1A can be provided in which, when molding the housing 11, a side core is not required in the molding die, thereby reducing the complexity of the mold structure for molding the housing 11 and the increase in equipment cost.

[0124] Next, the relay connector 1B of the second variation will be described. Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the relay connector 1B, the first connector 101, and the second connector 102 of the second modification of the present invention. It is a diagram showing the state of the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 before they are connected to the relay connector 1B. Figure 13 It means Figure 12 The perspective view of the relay connector 1B, the first connector 101, and the second connector 102 shown is a diagram illustrating the state in which the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are connected to the relay connector 1B. Figure 14 (A) is with the first connector 101 and Figure 12 The side connected to the relay connector 1B shown is viewed from the front side. Figure 12 The front view shown indicates the state of the repeater connector 1B. Figure 14 (B) is Figure 14 (A) is a top view of the relay connector 1B. Figure 15 (A) is Figure 14 The cross-sectional view of the relay connector 1B shown in (A) is Figure 14 A sectional view at the position of the arrow on line BB in (A). Figure 15 (B) is Figure 14 The perspective view of the relay connector 1B shown in (A) is based on the inclusion of Figure 14 A three-dimensional diagram showing the state of the cross section at the position of the arrow on line BB in (A). Figure 16 (A) is Figure 14 The cross-sectional view of the relay connector 1B shown in (A) is Figure 14 The sectional view at the position of the CC line arrow in (A), Figure 16 (B) is Figure 14 The perspective view of the relay connector 1B shown in (A) is based on the inclusion of Figure 14 A perspective view showing the state of the cross-section at the position of the CC line arrow in (A). Furthermore, in the following description of the second modification, elements constructed in the same manner as those in the aforementioned embodiment, and elements constructed corresponding to those in the aforementioned embodiment, will be labeled with the same reference numerals or reference numerals in the drawings, and thus descriptions will be omitted. Also, in the following description of the second modification, elements constructed in the same manner as those in the aforementioned first modification, and elements constructed corresponding to those in the aforementioned first modification, will be labeled with the same reference numerals or reference numerals in the drawings, and thus descriptions will be omitted.

[0125] Figures 12 to 16 The repeater connector 1B of the second modified example shown is constructed in the same manner as the repeater connector 1A of the first modified example. However, the difference between the repeater connector 1B and the repeater connector 1A of the first modified example lies in the external shape of the housing 11.

[0126] The housing 11 of the repeater connector 1A is configured such that the outer peripheral wall portion 15, which is formed as a square tube with a generally rectangular cross-section, extends along the mating direction X1 and extends in a crank-like shape along the width direction X2 midway along the mating direction X1. That is, the outer peripheral wall portion 15 of the housing 11 of the repeater connector 1B extends in a straight line parallel to the mating direction X1, then bends to extend obliquely relative to the mating direction X1 along the width direction X2, and then extends in a straight line parallel to the mating direction X1.

[0127] In the relay connector 1B, the first engaging portion 13 and the second engaging portion 14 are integrally disposed on the inner wall 25, protruding from the inner wall 25 toward the top wall 15a along the height direction X3. Furthermore, inside the housing 11, the entirety of the first engaging portion 13 and the entirety of the second engaging portion 14 are staggered in the width direction X2. Therefore, when viewed in a direction parallel to the mating direction X1, the entirety of the first engaging portion 13 and the entirety of the second engaging portion 14 are configured such that there is no overlap in the width direction X2.

[0128] According to the second modification, the same effect as the first modification can be achieved. That is, according to the second modification, a relay connector 1B can be provided in which, when molding the housing 11, a side core is not required in the molding die, thereby reducing the complexity of the mold structure for molding the housing 11 and the increase in equipment cost.

[0129] Industrial availability

[0130] This invention can be widely used as a relay connector for relaying the connection between the first connector and the second connector.

Claims

1. A relay connector for connecting a first connector and a second connector, characterized in that, have: The housing is fitted and connected to the first connector from one end and to the second connector from the other end. Multiple terminals are held inside the housing; A first engaging portion is disposed inside the housing and configured to engage with the first engaging arm of the first connector; and The second engaging portion is disposed inside the housing and configured to engage with the second engaging arm of the second connector. The housing has a mating direction, a width direction, and a height direction. The mating direction is parallel to the mating directions of the first connector and the second connector. The width direction is the direction in which the plurality of terminals are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The height direction is perpendicular to both the mating direction and the width direction. Inside the housing, the entire first engaging portion and the entire second engaging portion are positioned offset in the height direction or the width direction, so that when viewed in a direction parallel to the engaging direction, the entire first engaging portion and the entire second engaging portion are configured such that there is no overlap in the height direction or the width direction.

2. The relay connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Inside the housing, the entire first engaging portion and the entire second engaging portion are configured to be offset in position along the height direction. On the housing, between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, which are staggered in position in the height direction, a through hole extending in the engagement direction is provided inside the housing.

3. The relay connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion have protrusions that protrude in the same direction in a direction parallel to the height direction.

4. The relay connector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of terminals has: The first contact portion is connected to the first counterpart terminal disposed on the first connector; The second contact portion is disposed at a position offset from the first contact portion in the height direction and is connected to the second counterpart terminal disposed on the second connector; as well as The connecting part connects the first contact part and the second contact part into one unit.

5. The relay connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of terminals further comprises an extension portion integrally disposed with the connecting portion, and disposed at a position offset relative to the first contact portion in the height direction, such that it extends along the engagement direction in a straight line with the second contact portion. The extension is configured to extend in the opposite direction from the connecting portion toward the second contact portion, from the direction in which the connecting portion extends along the engagement direction.

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