Terminal module and connector

Abstract

To suppress wire breakage of a flexible conductor and to miniaturize a connector. A terminal module that is fitted to and electrically connected with an opposite connector approaching in opposition along a first direction from one side toward the other side, the terminal module including: a housing including a top wall and a pair of side walls extending from the top wall toward the one side; an elastic member housed in the housing and capable of stretching and contracting along the first direction; a first terminal supported by the elastic member in a state of being elastically pressed toward the one side by the elastic member and capable of moving toward the other side by being pressed by the opposite connector; a second terminal located at a position apart from the other side of the first terminal and extending in the first direction; and a flexible conductor electrically connecting the first terminal and the second terminal, the flexible conductor having a trace imparting portion imparting a trace in a manner of contracting toward the first direction when the first terminal moves toward the other side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to terminal modules and connectors. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in automobiles, the following technology is known: when connecting machines such as electric motors and PCUs (Power Control Units) to each other, space is saved by interlocking connectors respectively housed in the housings of the machines, thereby eliminating the need for wiring harnesses. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a connector serving as the receiving side interlocks with a connector serving as the insertion side.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the connector includes a helical spring and an electrical contact member disposed at the top of the helical spring. When the connectors are engaged, the opposing contact of the other connector compresses the helical spring via the electrical contact member. Thus, the electrical contact member is pressed against the opposing contact by the helical spring, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the electrical contact member and the opposing contact.

[0004] The electrical contact component is electrically connected to an external connecting component using a braided wire. The braided wire is configured to flex as the electrical contact component moves. By flexing the braided wire, the electrical contact component can move while maintaining its electrical connection to the external connecting component when the opposite contact is connected to it.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-101556 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] As described above, in connectors where components move during mating, flexible conductors such as braided wires are used to electrically connect the moving part (electrical contact component) and the fixed part (external connection component). These flexible conductors are made of relatively soft wires, making them susceptible to breakage through friction with other components included in the connector (e.g., the housing). Since it is difficult to fully predict the bending pattern of the flexible conductor during connector mating, additional space relative to the movable area of ​​the flexible conductor needs to be provided in the housing to prevent breakage. As a result, there are challenges related to connector size and the inability to achieve space-saving design.

[0010] In view of these issues, the present disclosure aims to provide a terminal module that can suppress breakage of flexible conductors and enable miniaturization of connectors. Furthermore, the present disclosure aims to provide a connector that can suppress breakage of flexible conductors and enable miniaturization.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The terminal module disclosed herein engages with and is electrically connected to a counterpart connector that approaches each other along a first direction from one side to the other. The terminal module comprises: a housing including a top wall and a pair of side walls extending from the top wall toward one side; an elastic member housed in the housing and capable of telescoping along the first direction; a first terminal supported on the pair of side walls in a state of being spring-pressed toward one side by the elastic member and movable toward the other side by being pressed by the counterpart connector; a second terminal located away from the other side of the first terminal and extending in the first direction; and a flexible conductor electrically connecting the first terminal and the second terminal, the flexible conductor having a marking portion that marks in a manner that retracts in the first direction when the first terminal moves toward the other side.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress wire breakage in flexible conductors and to miniaturize connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the connector and the other connector in the unfitted state of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the connector and the other connector during the fitting process in this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the connector and the other connector in the mating state of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the terminal module of this embodiment, viewed from the upper left.

[0019] Figure 5 Viewed from the front Figure 3 The front view of the terminal module.

[0020] Figure 6 Viewed from the left Figure 3 Side view of the terminal module.

[0021] Figure 7 Viewed from above Figure 3 Top view of the terminal module.

[0022] Figure 8 It is by Figure 5 The cut line indicated by arrow VIII is a cross-sectional view of the terminal module cut off.

[0023] Figure 9 This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of a method for forming an indentation in a flexible conductor.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a comparative example of this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the bending of the flexible conductor in the fitted state according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a modified example of a flexible conductor. Detailed Implementation

[0027] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0028] The embodiments of this disclosure, as their essence, include the following configuration.

[0029] (1) A terminal module of the present disclosure is fitted with and electrically connected to a counterpart connector that is relatively close to each other along a first direction from one side to the other. The terminal module comprises: a housing including a top wall and a pair of side walls extending from the top wall to one side; an elastic member housed in the housing and capable of telescoping along the first direction; a first terminal supported on the pair of side walls in a state of being spring-pressed to one side by the elastic member and movable to the other side by being pressed by the counterpart connector; a second terminal located away from the other side of the first terminal and extending in the first direction; and a flexible conductor electrically connecting the first terminal and the second terminal, the flexible conductor having a marking portion that marks in a manner that contracts in the first direction when the first terminal moves to the other side.

[0030] By applying grooves in a manner that contracts in the first direction, the movable area of ​​the flexible conductor during mating with the other connector is reduced. This reduces the space required inside the connector, thereby suppressing breakage of the flexible conductor and enabling connector miniaturization.

[0031] (2) Preferably, the marking portion is marked in a manner that flexes to both sides in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction when the first terminal moves to the other side. With this configuration, the movable area of ​​the flexible conductor in the second direction when the connector is engaged becomes smaller, thus suppressing wire breakage of the flexible conductor and making the connector more compact.

[0032] (3) Preferably, the marking portion is marked in a wave or spiral shape. With this configuration, the marking portion can be formed relatively easily.

[0033] (4) Preferably, the flexible conductor is a braided wire, a wire with conductive stranded wire covered by an insulator, a laminate formed by stacking multiple conductive flat plates, or a conductive single wire.

[0034] (5) Preferably, in the unfitted state before fitting with the other connector, the length of the flexible conductor in the first direction is longer than the natural length of the flexible conductor in the first direction.

[0035] This configuration allows the flexible conductor to generate a restoring force that returns to its natural length in the unfitted state. Furthermore, this restoring force absorbs the load applied to the flexible conductor in the first direction during fitting, thus suppressing bending of the flexible conductor due to overload. Consequently, by further reducing the movable area of ​​the flexible conductor, the connector can be made more compact.

[0036] (6) Preferably, in the unfitted state, the length of the elastic member in the first direction is shorter than the natural length of the elastic member in the first direction, and in the unfitted state, the restoring force generated by the flexible conductor toward the other side is smaller than the restoring force generated by the elastic member toward the one side.

[0037] In the unengaged state, the flexible conductor generates a restoring force that will return to its natural length, and a force acts on the other side of the first terminal. With this configuration, the elastic member uses a greater restoring force to press the first terminal to one side, thus holding the first terminal in a predetermined position in the unengaged state.

[0038] (7) The connector of this disclosure comprises: a terminal module of any one of (1) to (6); and a housing that houses the terminal module.

[0039] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0040] Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Overall Structure of Connectors

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the connector 80 and the other connector 90 before mating in this embodiment. The state of the connector 80 before mating with the other connector 90 is referred to as the "unmating state". Figure 2 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the connector 80 and the other connector 90 in the middle of the mating process. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the mated connector 80 and the other connector 90. The state in which the other connector 90 is mated in the connector 80 is called the "matted state".

[0043] In the following description, the direction in which the connector 90 is attached or detached relative to the connector 80 is referred to as the "vertical direction (first direction of this disclosure)," and is shown as the z-direction in the accompanying drawings. The side on which the connector 90 is mounted to the connector 80 is the "upper side (the positive side of the z-direction, which is the other side of this disclosure)." Furthermore, in the connector 80, the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and in which the elastic member 30 is positioned relative to the flexible conductor 60 (described later) is referred to as the "front-back direction (second direction of this disclosure)," and is shown as the x-direction in the accompanying drawings. The side in which the elastic member 30 is positioned relative to the flexible conductor 60 is the "front side (positive side of the x-direction)." Additionally, the direction orthogonal to both the vertical and front-back directions is referred to as the "left-right direction," and is shown as the y-direction in the accompanying drawings. The side that is the left side when facing forward is the "left side (positive side of the y-direction)." Furthermore, the directions described above are relative directions used to explain the configuration of the connector 80, etc., and do not refer to the actual direction in which the connector 80 is mounted on the machine.

[0044] Connector 80 and the counterpart connector 90 are respectively installed in a machine mounted on a vehicle. For example, connector 80 is installed in a PCU (an example of a machine) including a phase inverter circuit, and counterpart connector 90 is installed in an electric motor (an example of a counterpart machine). Furthermore, counterpart connector 90 is connected via... Figures 1 to 2 The state shown is as follows: Figure 3 The connector is inserted into connector 80, thereby engaging connector 80 and the counterpart connector 90, and electrically connecting the PCU and the motor. The engagement of connector 80 and the counterpart connector 90 will be described later.

[0045] Connector 80 includes terminal module 10 and housing 70. The following refers appropriately to... Figures 4 to 8 The terminal module 10 is described below, refer to Figure 1 The outer casing 70 is described below.

[0046] Composition of Terminal Modules

[0047] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the terminal module 10 of this embodiment, viewed from the upper left. Figure 5 This is a front view of the terminal module 10. Figure 6 This is a side view of the terminal module 10 viewed from the left. Figure 7 This is a top view of the terminal module 10. Figure 8 It is by Figure 5 The cut line indicated by arrow VIII is shown in the cross-sectional view of the terminal module 10, which is cut off. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Showing with Figure 8 Connector 80 and its counterpart connector 90 are in the same cross section.

[0048] Terminal module 10 is used to connect the other terminal 91 included in the other connector 90. Figure 1 The terminal module 10 is an electrical module that connects to the circuitry (not shown) included in the machine. The terminal module 10 includes a housing 20, an elastic member 30, a first terminal 40, a second terminal 50, and a flexible conductor 60. The following description of the various components of the terminal module 10 is in an unfitted state (i.e.,...). Figure 1 The configuration of connector 80 in the state of ( ).

[0049] The housing 20 has a top wall 21, a pair of left and right side walls 22, 22, and a pair of front and rear side walls 23, 23. The housing 20 is made of metal (e.g., stainless steel) and is integrally formed by stamping sheet metal to include the top wall 21, side walls 22, 22, and side walls 23, 23. The top wall 21 is a flat plate-shaped area oriented in the front-back and left-right directions. The width of the top wall 21 in the front-back and left-right directions is greater than the width of the elastic member 30 in the front-back and left-right directions, such as... Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from above, the elastic member 30 is entirely covered by the top wall 21.

[0050] A pair of sidewalls 22, 22 are parallel walls extending downwards from the left and right edges of the top wall 21. The sidewalls 22, 22 each have a mirror-symmetrical shape; therefore, the left sidewall 22 will be described representatively below. Figure 6 As shown, the sidewall 22 has a base 22A, a first leg 22B, and a second leg 22C.

[0051] The base 22A is the region connected to the top wall 21. The base 22A has the same width as the top wall 21 in the front-to-back direction. The base 22A has a protrusion 27 projecting to the right (i.e., inward in the left-to-right direction). Figure 5 As shown, the inner surface of the protrusion 27 in the left-right direction is positioned opposite the side portion of the elastic member 30 in the left-right direction with a slight gap. The protrusion 27 has the function of receiving the elastic member 30 when it is compressed or stretched, even if it bends in the left-right direction.

[0052] The first leg 22B is the region in the central part of the base 22A in the front-rear direction that extends downward from the base 22A and slopes forward. The width of the first leg 22B in the vertical direction is greater than the slope in the front-rear direction. The first leg 22B has a smaller width in the front-rear direction than the base 22A (specifically, about one-quarter the width of the base 22A).

[0053] When the first leg 22B is engaged with the other connector 90, the rear surface of the first leg 22B functions as a guide surface 22B1 for guiding the guided portion 44 (described later). The guide surface 22B1 extends downwards at a forward-backward angle, thus guiding the guided portion 44 both upwards and downwards along the guide surface 22B1, and also in a forward-backward direction. The first leg 22B has a first receiving portion 24 extending forwards at its lower end. The upper surface of the first receiving portion 24 is a surface extending in a forward-backward direction, capable of blocking the first engaging portion 43 (described later) included in the first terminal 40.

[0054] The second leg 22C is a region extending downward from the base 22A on its lower and rear sides. The second leg 22C is located behind the first leg 22B, and the first leg 22B and the second leg 22C are separated in the front-rear direction. The guided portion 44, described later, included in the first terminal 40, is inserted between the first leg 22B and the second leg 22C. The second leg 22C has a width smaller than that of the base 22A in the front-rear direction (specifically, about one-quarter the width of the base 22A). The second leg 22C has a lower end portion 25 and a second receiving portion 26 that protrudes rearward from the upper side of the lower end portion 25. The upper surface of the second receiving portion 26 is a surface extending in the front-rear direction, capable of blocking the second engaging portion 45, described later, included in the first terminal 40.

[0055] A pair of sidewalls 23, 23 are parallel walls extending downwards from the front-rear edge of the top wall 21. The pair of sidewalls 23, 23 have a width smaller than the top wall 21 in the left-right direction (specifically, about one-third the width of the top wall 21). Furthermore, the pair of sidewalls 23, 23 have a width smaller than the sidewall 22 in the vertical direction (specifically, about half the width of the sidewall 22). For example... Figure 8 As shown, the inner surfaces of a pair of sidewalls 23, 23 in the front-rear direction are positioned opposite the side portion of the elastic member 30 in the front-rear direction with a slight gap. The pair of sidewalls 23, 23 have the function of receiving the elastic member 30 bending in the front-rear direction when the elastic member 30 is compressed or stretched.

[0056] The elastic member 30 is a helical spring made by winding a metal wire (e.g., stainless steel) into a coil. Furthermore, the elastic member 30 can be any member capable of extending and contracting in the vertical direction and tilting in the forward and backward direction, and can be any member other than a helical spring. For example, the elastic member 30 can be other spring members (e.g., leaf springs) or a rubber member.

[0057] The elastic member 30 is housed within the housing 20. Specifically, the elastic member 30 is housed in a space that is open at the bottom and surrounded by a top wall 21, a pair of side walls 22, 22, and a pair of side walls 23, 23. The elastic member 30 is held in a compressed state in the vertical direction by the first portion 41, which is included by the top wall 21 and the first terminal 40. In this state, the elastic member 30 can be further compressed in the vertical direction. That is, the elastic member 30 is compressed by the top wall 21 and the first portion 41 within a range less than the natural length of the spring and longer than the length of the contact area.

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, the elastic member 30 has a main body portion 31, an upper end portion 32, and a lower end portion 33. The upper end portion 32 is a region extending around the top of the elastic member 30 and contacts the top wall 21. The lower end portion 33 is a region extending around the bottom of the elastic member 30 and contacts the first part 41. The main body portion 31 is the region located between the upper end portion 32 and the lower end portion 33.

[0059] The first terminal 40 is a terminal capable of physical contact with the opposite terminal 91, and is mounted on a pair of sidewalls 22, 22. The first terminal 40 has a first portion 41 and a second portion 42. The first terminal 40 is made of metal (e.g., copper alloy), and the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are integrally formed by stamping a sheet metal. The first portion 41 is arranged parallel to the top wall 21 (i.e., along the front-back and left-right directions) in a state that is separated from the lower side of the top wall 21. The second portion 42 is a region extending upward from the rear edge of the first portion 41. Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown, terminal 40 when viewed from the side (or as...) Figure 8 As shown, it has an L-shape when viewed from the side (section).

[0060] The upper surface 41A of part 1 41 functions as a receiving surface for receiving the lower end 33 of the elastic member 30. The lower surface 41B of part 1 41 functions as a contact surface that can contact the counterpart contact 93 included in the counterpart terminal 91.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the first part 41 has a pair of first engaging portions 43, 43 on the left and right, and a pair of guided portions 44, 44 on the left and right. The first engaging portion 43 is a region that protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the leading edge of the first part 41, and abuts against the first receiving portion 24 of the first leg 22B in the vertical direction. The guided portion 44 is a region that protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the central part in the front-rear direction of the first part 41, and is inserted into the gap between the first leg 22B and the second leg 22C.

[0062] like Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the front surface 42A of the second part 42 faces the elastic member 30 and is positioned slightly spaced from the rear sidewall 23 in the front-rear direction. The rear surface 42B of the second part 42 faces the opposite side of the elastic member 30. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second part 42 has a pair of second engaging portions 45, 45 on the left and right. The second engaging portion 45 is a region on the second part 42 that protrudes slightly below the central part in the vertical direction and outward in the horizontal direction, and abuts against the second receiving portion 26 of the second leg 22C in the vertical direction.

[0063] The first terminal 40 is pressed downward by the elastic member 30. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 43 abuts against the first receiving portion 24, and the second engaging portion 45 abuts against the second receiving portion 26, thereby restricting the downward movement of the first terminal 40. That is, in the unengaged state, the first terminal 40 is held by the elastic member 30 and a pair of sidewalls 22, 22 (specifically, a pair of first receiving portions 24, 24 and a pair of second receiving portions 26, 26).

[0064] The second terminal 50 is a flat, plate-shaped terminal that is electrically connected to the circuitry (not shown) included in the PCU and is fitted into the housing 70 described later. Figure 6 As shown, the second terminal 50 is a component that extends vertically away from the first terminal 40. The second terminal 50 has an upper portion 51, a lower portion 52, and a necked portion 53. The second terminal 50 is made of metal (e.g., copper alloy) and the upper portion 51, lower portion 52, and necked portion 53 are integrally formed by stamping a sheet metal.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper portion 51 is located on the outer side of the housing 70 and is the area connected to the circuit (not shown). The lower portion 52 is the area extending downwards from the upper portion 51 and is located on the inner side of the housing 70. Figure 6 As shown, the lower portion 52 is located above the top wall 21. A flexible conductor 60 is connected to the rear surface 52B of the lower portion 52. The front surface 52A of the lower portion 52 is connected to the outer casing 70. Figure 1 They are positioned slightly apart in the front-to-back direction. The necked portion 53 is a region that is recessed inward in the left-to-right direction in the boundary region between the upper portion 51 and the lower portion 52, and is provided in the opening Ap2, which will be described later, formed in the housing 70.

[0066] The flexible conductor 60 is a flexible conductor that electrically connects the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50. In this embodiment, the flexible conductor 60 is a braided strip made of multiple conductive metal wires (e.g., copper wires).

[0067] Furthermore, the flexible conductor 60 is not particularly limited to any conductor that is flexible. For example, the flexible conductor 60 can be a tubular braided wire or a sheathed wire in which conductive strands are covered with an insulator. Alternatively, the flexible conductor 60 can also be a laminate (also called a laminated busbar or flexible busbar) formed by stacking multiple conductive flat plates (such as thin copper plates).

[0068] The flexible conductor 60 has a first joint 61 connected to the first terminal 40, a second joint 62 connected to the second terminal 50, and an indentation 63 located between the first joint 61 and the second joint 62.

[0069] More specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first joint 61 is connected to the rear surface 42B of the first terminal 40 with the end 60a of the flexible conductor 60 facing downward and the marking portion 63 facing upward. Similarly, the second joint 62 is connected to the rear surface 52B of the second terminal 50 with the end 60b of the flexible conductor 60 (the end opposite to end 60a) facing upward and the marking portion 63 facing downward. The first joint 61 and the second joint 62 are resistance welded or press-fitted to the rear surfaces 42B and 52B respectively, and their rigidity is higher than that of the marking portion 63.

[0070] The second portion 42 of the first terminal 40 and the lower portion 52 of the second terminal 50 overlap in the front-back direction while being separated in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the first joint portion 61 and the second joint portion 62 also overlap in the front-back direction while being separated in the vertical direction.

[0071] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the marking portion 63 is a portion that is marked in a vertically retracting manner when the connector 80 and the counterpart connector 90 are engaged and the first terminal 40 moves upward. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6 As shown, the etched portion 63 is etched in a wave-like (Z-shaped) pattern. The etched portion 63 includes a plurality of first vertex portions 63a that convex to the front and a plurality of second vertex portions 63b that convex to the rear. The positions of the first vertex portions 63a and the second vertex portions 63b alternate.

[0072] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for forming an indentation 63 on a flexible conductor 60. This method is part of a manufacturing method for a terminal module 10. First, as... Figure 9 As shown in (a), the flexible conductor 60 is resistance welded or crimped to the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50. This forms the first joint 61 and the second joint 62. The area to be resistance welded or crimped is designated as "region R1". Next, as... Figure 9As shown in (b), by using a stamping press P1 to stamp the area between the first joint 61 and the second joint 62 in the flexible conductor 60, applying pressure and heating, the area is thus shaped into a predetermined waveform. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown in (c), an indentation portion 63 is formed on the flexible conductor 60.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 .

[0074] Here, when no load is applied to the flexible conductor 60, the vertical length of the flexible conductor 60 becomes its natural length L1. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the unfitted state shown, the vertical length of the flexible conductor 60 is set to a length L2 that is longer than the natural length L1. That is, in the unfitted state, the flexible conductor 60 is stretched by a predetermined length L3 (=L2-L1) in the vertical direction compared to the natural length L1. At this time, the flexible conductor 60 generates a restoring force F1 to shrink back to the natural length L1, and the first terminal 40 is stretched upward by the restoring force F1 of the flexible conductor 60. The restoring force F1 can be expressed using the spring constant K1 of the indented portion 63 of the flexible conductor 60 by the following equation (1).

[0075] F1=K1·L3…(1)

[0076] Here, in the unfitted state, the elastic member 30 is compressed from its natural length to a predetermined length L4, and the first terminal 40 is pressed downward by the restoring force F2 of the elastic member 30. The restoring force F2 can be expressed using the spring constant K2 of the elastic member 30 by the following equation (2).

[0077] F2=K2·L4…(2)

[0078] Furthermore, by setting the downward restoring force F2 of the elastic member 30 to be greater than or equal to the upward restoring force F1 of the flexible conductor 60 (F2 ≥ F1), the first terminal 40 can be held in place even when the restoring force F1 is applied to the first terminal 40 in the unengaged state. Figure 1 The position shown is the location where the lower surface 41B abuts against the lower segment 72 described later. In this embodiment, the spring constant K2 of the elastic member 30 is sufficiently larger than the spring constant K1 of the indented portion 63 (K2>>K1), therefore the restoring force F2 is larger than the restoring force F1.

[0079] The Composition of the Shell

[0080] Reference Figure 1The outer casing 70 is a resin component that houses the terminal module 10. The outer casing 70 has an upper partition 71, a lower partition 72, and a cover 73. The upper partition 71 and lower partition 72 are components that are divided vertically. The outer casing 70 is constructed by assembling the upper partition 71 and lower partition 72, and further assembling the cover 73. The upper partition 71 is an open-bottomed housing with an upper wall 71A, a front wall 71B, and a rear wall 71C. The portions 71A to 71C of the upper partition 71 are integrally formed, for example, by injection molding.

[0081] The upper wall 71A is a wall that abuts against the top wall 21 in the vertical direction, and is provided along the front-back and left-right directions. The front wall 71B is a wall that abuts against a pair of side walls 22 in the front-back direction, and extends downward from the front edge of the upper wall 71A. The lower end of the front wall 71B is located below the lower surface 41B of the first terminal 40. The rear wall 71C is a wall that extends upward from the rear edge of the upper wall 71A. The rear wall 71C is opposite the lower portion 52 of the second terminal 50 in the front-back direction. The upper end of the rear wall 71C is located at the same position as the necked portion 53 of the second terminal 50 in the vertical direction.

[0082] The lower segment 72 is a cylindrical body with an opening Ap1 that is open in the vertical direction. The lower segment 72 has a cylindrical portion 72A, a front wall 72B, a partition wall 72C, and a rear wall 72D. Each portion 72A to 72D of the lower segment 72 is integrally formed, for example, by injection molding.

[0083] The cylindrical portion 72A is a rectangular tubular region located on the lower side of the lower segment 72. An opening Ap1 is formed in the cylindrical portion 72A to allow the counterpart connector 90 to enter from the lower side. The inner dimension of the cylindrical portion 72A is larger than the outer dimension of the counterpart terminal 91 and the mating portion 94 included in the counterpart connector 90 (described later), allowing the counterpart terminal 91 and the mating portion 94 to enter the cylindrical portion 72A.

[0084] The upper end of the cylindrical portion 72A abuts against the lower surface 41B of the first terminal 40. Therefore, the terminal module 10 is held within the housing 70 in a clamped state by the upper wall 71A and the upper end of the cylindrical portion 72A. The lower surface 41B of the first terminal 40 is exposed on the underside of the connector 80 via the opening Ap1. The width of the cylindrical portion 72A in the front-rear direction is greater than the width of the first terminal 40 in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of the cylindrical portion 72A is located further rearward than the second portion 42.

[0085] The front wall 72B is a wall that protrudes forward and extends upward midway from the vertical direction of the cylindrical part 72A. The front wall 71B of the upper segment 71 abuts against the rear side of the front wall 72B, and the lower end of the front wall 71B is inserted into the gap formed by the front wall 72B and the cylindrical part 72A.

[0086] The partition wall 72C is a wall that extends from the upper end of the rear side of the cylindrical part 72A to the front side. The partition wall 72C has the function of separating the space in which the counterpart connector 90 enters (the space where the opening Ap1 is located) and the space where the flexible conductor 60 is located when the counterpart connector 90 is engaged.

[0087] The rear wall 72D is a wall that protrudes rearward and extends upward from midway in the vertical direction of the cylindrical portion 72A. The cover 73 abuts against the front side of the rear wall 72D, and the lower end of the cover 73 is inserted into the gap formed by the rear wall 72D and the cylindrical portion 72A.

[0088] The cover 73 is a component located behind the first terminal 40, the second terminal 50, and the flexible conductor 60. A space S1 is formed inside the housing 70, surrounded by the rear wall 71C, the partition wall 72C, and the cover 73. The flexible conductor 60 is housed within the space S1.

[0089] An opening Ap2, which is open in the vertical direction, is formed between the cover 73 and the rear wall 71C. The second terminal 50 is inserted into the housing 70 through the opening Ap2. The necked portion 53 is located at the opening Ap2, and the upper portion 51 and the lower portion 52 clamp the cover 73 located in the left-right direction of the opening Ap2, thereby fixing the second terminal 50 to the housing 70.

[0090] Composition of the counterparty connector

[0091] The counterpart connector 90 has a counterpart terminal 91 and a counterpart housing 92. The counterpart terminal 91 is disposed in the counterpart housing 92 by insert molding. The counterpart terminal 91 is a conductive material (e.g., a copper alloy) and has an L-shape including a region extending in a vertical direction and a region extending forward from that region. The counterpart terminal 91 has a counterpart contact 93 that abuts against the lower surface 41B of the first terminal 40. The counterpart contact 93 is formed into a reinforcing rib on the upper surface of the counterpart terminal 91 by plastically deforming a portion of the counterpart terminal 91.

[0092] The outer casing 92 is a resin component. The outer casing 92 has a fitting portion 94 that allows entry into the opening Ap1, and a flange portion 95 extending in the front-back and left-right directions. The fitting portion 94 has an upwardly convex shape, holding the outer terminal 91 on its upper surface. The flange portion 95 is larger than the opening Ap1 in the front-back and left-right directions. Figure 3 In the mating state shown, by abutting against the lower end of the cylindrical portion 72A included in the housing 70, the other connector 90 is prevented from entering the connector 80 beyond the predetermined position.

[0093] "Matching of Connector and Partner Connector"

[0094] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This describes the engagement of connector 90 with connector 80. For example... Figures 1 to 2As shown, when the other connector 90 moves upward and approaches the connector 80, the other terminal 91 and the mating portion 94 of the other connector 90 enter the interior of the housing 70 through the opening Ap1. Furthermore, the other contact 93 of the other terminal 91 contacts the lower surface 41B of the first terminal 40. Moreover, when the other connector 90 and the connector 80 are mated, the connector 80 and the other connector 90 only need to approach each other in the vertical direction; the connector 80 can also move downward to approach the other connector 90.

[0095] After the contact 93 contacts the lower surface 41B, when the connector 90 moves further upward, the first terminal 40 is pressed by the contact 93, thereby compressing the elastic member 30 while moving upward. At this time, the guided portion 44 of the first terminal 40 ( Figure 6 ) and slides on the guide surface 22B1 of the first leg 22B, thus as shown by arrow AR1 ( Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal 40 moves upward, and the guide surface 22B1 also moves backward by an amount of tilting in the front-to-back direction. Because the width of the guide surface 22B1 in the vertical direction is longer than the tilting amplitude in the front-to-back direction, the amount of upward movement of the first terminal 40 during engagement is greater than the amount of backward movement.

[0096] The lower surface 41B of the first terminal 40, which moves rearward, slides in the front-rear direction with the opposite contact 93, which moves upward. As a result, foreign matter (such as a coating of sulfides, oxides, etc. formed on the lower surface 41B) adhering between the lower surface 41B and the opposite contact 93 is removed.

[0097] And, as Figure 3 As shown, when the other connector 90 moves further upward, it engages with the connector 80. In this state, the first portion 41 of the first terminal 40 receives a downward elastic force from the elastic member 30 and an upward pressing force from the other contact 93, and is clamped in the vertical direction by the elastic member 30 and the other contact 93. Thus, by pressing the first portion 41 against the other contact 93 by the elastic member 30, the first terminal 40 can achieve a more reliable electrical connection with the other contact 93.

[0098] Effects of this implementation method

[0099] First, let me explain the effect of setting the marking section 63.

[0100] When the connector 90 and connector 80 are engaged, the first terminal 40 moves upward toward the second terminal 50, which is in a position separated from it in the vertical direction. Simultaneously, the indented portion 63 of the flexible conductor 60 contracts in a vertically folding manner. More specifically, as... Figures 2 to 3As shown, multiple first vertex portions 63a move forward while approaching each other in the vertical direction. Meanwhile, multiple second vertex portions 63b move backward while approaching each other in the vertical direction.

[0101] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a comparative example of this embodiment. Figure 10 In this embodiment, instead of the flexible conductor 60, a flexible conductor W9 (braided wire) without the marking portion 63 is used to electrically connect the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50. Figure 10 In the diagram, (a) represents the flexible conductor W9 in its unclamped state. Figure 10 (b) in the figure represents the flexible conductor W9 in the interlocking state.

[0102] Because the flexible conductor W9 lacks the marking portion 63, it only flexes rearward (towards the side away from the elastic member 30) when engaged with the other connector 90. Therefore, to prevent friction between the housing and the flexible conductor W9, a cover C9 is provided instead of the cover 73, positioned further separated from the flexible conductor W9 in the unengaged state in the front-back direction. The space S9, surrounded by the rear wall 71C of the upper partition 71, the partition wall 72C of the lower partition 72, and the cover C9, becomes wider in the front-back direction.

[0103] In contrast, such as Figures 2 to 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the flexible conductor 60 flexes forward and backward and contracts vertically when the counterpart connector 90 is engaged. Therefore, the movable area of ​​the flexible conductor 60 in the front-back direction when the counterpart connector 90 is engaged is further reduced, allowing for a further reduction in the space S1 provided for the movable area of ​​the flexible conductor 60. Space S1 is smaller than space S9, particularly in the front-back direction. This suppresses breakage of the flexible conductor 60 and enables miniaturization of the connector 80.

[0104] Furthermore, the marking portion 63, by marking, restricts the bending mode compared to the flexible conductor W9. Specifically, the marking portion 63 is prone to bending at the first vertex portion 63a and the second vertex portion 63b, therefore bending begins at the first vertex portion 63a and the second vertex portion 63b. That is, the bending mode of the marking portion 63 is more predictable compared to the flexible conductor W9. Therefore, the allowance provided in space S1 to suppress contact between the flexible conductor 60 and the housing 70 can be reduced, enabling the connector 80 to be further miniaturized.

[0105] Next, the effect of stretching the flexible conductor 60 in its unfitted state to its natural length L1 will be explained.

[0106] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the bending of the flexible conductor 60 in the fitted state according to the embodiment.

[0107] When the flexible conductor 60 contracts in the vertical direction due to the fitting of the mating connector 90, in order to release the load applied to the flexible conductor 60 during contraction in the front-rear direction, the flexible conductor 60 may be bent in the front-rear direction. For example, as Figure 11 shown, sometimes at least a part of the first vertex portion 63a is deformed in such a way that it flexes rearward with respect to the front surface 42A of the second portion 42 and the front surface 52A of the lower portion 52. When such bending of the flexible conductor 60 occurs, compared to the case where no bending occurs ( Figure 3 ), the movable area of the flexible conductor 60 in the front-rear direction becomes larger, so it is necessary to further increase the space S1 provided for the movable area of the flexible conductor 60.

[0108] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the vertical length L2 of the flexible conductor 60 in the non-fitted state is longer than the natural vertical length L1 of the flexible conductor 60 by a predetermined length L3. And the flexible conductor 60 stretched longer than the natural length L1 in the non-fitted state contracts due to the fitting of the mating connector 90 and approaches the natural length L1. Therefore, when the flexible conductor 60 contracts, the restoring force F1 of the flexible conductor 60 decreases, and thus the load applied to the flexible conductor 60 in the vertical direction is consumed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the bending of the flexible conductor 60 in the front-rear direction during contraction.

[0109] More specifically, in the Figure 3 shown fitted state, the vertical length of the flexible conductor 60 is set to a length L5 that is greater than or equal to the natural length L1 and less than the length L2. That is, in the fitted state, the flexible conductor 60 becomes a state where it is stretched in the vertical direction by a predetermined length L6 ( = L5 - L1) compared to the natural length L1. The predetermined length L6 is 0 or more and less than the predetermined length L3. At this time, a restoring force F3 for contracting to the natural length L1 is generated in the flexible conductor 60, and the first terminal 40 is pulled upward by the restoring force F3 of the flexible conductor 60. In addition, when the length L5 is equal to the natural length L1, the restoring force F3 becomes 0, and the first terminal 40 is not pulled upward or downward. The restoring force F3 can be expressed by the following formula (3).

[0110] F3 = K1·L6…(3)

[0111] Since the predetermined length L6 is less than the predetermined length L3, the restoring force F3 of the flexible conductor 60 in the fitted state is less than the restoring force F1 of the flexible conductor 60 in the non-fitted state (F3 < F1). The load applied to the flexible conductor 60 in the vertical direction when contracting the flexible conductor 60 can absorb the difference in this restoring force (F1 - F3), so it is possible to suppress the bending of the flexible conductor 60 due to an overload.

[0112] Furthermore, the length L5 of the flexible conductor 60 in the fitted state can also be less than the natural length L1. In this case, the flexible conductor 60 in the fitted state is in a state where it is contracted by a predetermined length L7 (=L1-L5) in the vertical direction compared to the natural length L1, and a restoring force F4 (=K1·L7) is generated in the flexible conductor 60 to stretch to the natural length L1. The direction of the restoring force F4 is opposite to that of the restoring forces F1 and F3. In this case, it is also possible to absorb the amount of the restoring force F1 under the load applied to the flexible conductor 60 in the vertical direction when it contracts, thus suppressing the bending of the flexible conductor 60 caused by overload.

[0113] Variations

[0114] The following describes variations of the embodiments. In these variations, parts that remain unchanged from the embodiments are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0115] Variations of the marking section

[0116] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the flexible conductor 600. Figure 12 (a) in the diagram represents the flexible conductor 600 in its unclamped state. Figure 12 (b) in the diagram represents the flexible conductor 600 in its mated state. In the above embodiment, the marking portion 63 has a waveform. However, the marking portion may also have a shape other than a waveform.

[0117] The flexible conductor 600 is a flexible conductor that electrically connects the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50. In this variation, the flexible conductor 600 can be either a braided wire or a sheathed wire. Alternatively, the flexible conductor 600 can also be a single wire with conductivity (e.g., made of a copper alloy).

[0118] The flexible conductor 600 has: a first joint 610, which is resistance-welded or press-fitted to the rear surface 42B of the first terminal 40; a second joint 620, which is resistance-welded or press-fitted to the rear surface 52B of the second terminal 50; and a marking portion 630 located between the first joint 610 and the second joint 620. Figure 12 As shown, the marking portion 630 is marked in a spiral shape. The marking portion 630 is marked, for example, by heating while the flexible conductor 600 is wound in a rod.

[0119] The marking portion 630 has a spiral shape, so when the first terminal 40 moves upward, the marking portion 630 contracts in the vertical direction. Thus, similar to the embodiment described above, the movable area of ​​the flexible conductor 600 during mating can be reduced, wire breakage of the flexible conductor 600 can be suppressed, and the connector 80 can be miniaturized.

[0120] By setting the marking portion to a wave or spiral shape as described in the above embodiments or variations, the marking portion can be formed relatively easily.

[0121] "other"

[0122] In the above embodiment, the flexible conductor 60 is connected to the rear surface 42B of the first terminal 40 and the rear surface 52B of the second terminal 50. However, the flexible conductor 60 may also be connected to the front surface 42A of the first terminal 40 and the front surface 52A of the second terminal 50.

[0123] In the above embodiment, an example was described where the first terminal 40 moves obliquely upward and backward when the other connector 90 is engaged. However, it is not necessary for the first terminal 40 to move backward when engaged; the first terminal 40 may also move only upward. In this case, the guide surface 22B1 of the first leg 22B has a shape that extends straight downward and is guided only in the upward and downward direction by the guide portion 44.

[0124] Postscript

[0125] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and various modifications can be arbitrarily combined with each other, at least some of them. Additionally, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects, not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is set forth in the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0126] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0127] 10-terminal module

[0128] 20. Housing

[0129] 21. Top Wall

[0130] 22 Sidewalls

[0131] 22A base

[0132] 22B First Leg

[0133] 22B1 guide surface

[0134] 22C Second Leg

[0135] 23 Sidewalls

[0136] 24 First Reception Department

[0137] 25 Lower end

[0138] 26. Second Reception Department

[0139] 27 convex part

[0140] 30 Elastic Components

[0141] 31 Main Body

[0142] 32 Upper end

[0143] 33 Lower end

[0144] 40 Terminal 1

[0145] 41 Part 1

[0146] 41A upper surface

[0147] 41B Lower surface

[0148] 42 Part 2

[0149] 42A Front Surface

[0150] 42B rear surface

[0151] 43 First Card Section

[0152] 44 Guided Department

[0153] 45. Second Card Section

[0154] 50 Terminal 2

[0155] 51. Upper Part

[0156] 52 Lower Part

[0157] 52A Front Surface

[0158] 52B rear surface

[0159] 53. Neck section

[0160] 60 Flexible conductor

[0161] 600 Flexible Conductor

[0162] 60a end

[0163] 60b end

[0164] 61 First joint

[0165] 610 First joint

[0166] 62 Second joint

[0167] 620 Second joint

[0168] 63 Marks Department

[0169] 630 Marks Department

[0170] 63a First Vertex

[0171] 63b Second Vertex

[0172] 70 Outer shell

[0173] 71 Upper segment

[0174] 71A Upper Wall

[0175] 71B Anterior Wall

[0176] 71C Rear Wall

[0177] 72 Lower segment

[0178] 72A cylindrical section

[0179] 72B Anterior Wall

[0180] 72C partition wall

[0181] 72D Rear Wall

[0182] 73 covers

[0183] 80 connector

[0184] 90 Counterparty connector

[0185] 91. Counterparty terminal

[0186] 92. The other party's outer shell

[0187] 93. Counterparty contact point

[0188] 94 Chimeric part

[0189] 95 Flange portion

[0190] Ap1 Opening

[0191] Ap2 opening

[0192] S1 Space

[0193] S9 Space

[0194] W9 Flexible Conductor

[0195] C9 cover

[0196] P1 stamping machine

[0197] L1 Natural Length

[0198] L2 length

[0199] L3 Pre-determined length

[0200] L4 Pre-determined length

[0201] L5 length

[0202] L6 Pre-determined length

[0203] L7 Pre-order length

[0204] F1 Resilience

[0205] F2 Restoration Force

[0206] F3 Resilience

[0207] F4 Resilience

[0208] K1 Spring constant

[0209] K2 spring constant

[0210] AR1 Arrow

Claims

1. A terminal module that engages with and is electrically connected to a counterpart connector that approaches each other along a first direction from one side to the other, the terminal module comprising: The housing includes a top wall and a pair of side walls extending from the top wall toward one side; An elastic member is housed within the housing and is capable of extending and retracting along the first direction; The first terminal is supported on the pair of sidewalls in a state where it is spring-pressed to one side by the elastic member, and can be moved to the other side by being pressed by the other connector; The second terminal is located at a position away from the other side of the first terminal and extends in the first direction; as well as A flexible conductor electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal. The flexible conductor has a marking portion that marks itself in a first direction as the first terminal moves toward the other side. The marking portion is marked in a manner that flexes to both sides of a second direction orthogonal to the first direction when the first terminal moves to the other side. When no load is applied to the flexible conductor, the marking portion includes a first vertex portion that convexes to one side of the second direction and a second vertex portion that convexes to the other side of the second direction, and flexes with the first vertex portion and the second vertex portion as the starting point.

2. The terminal module according to claim 1, wherein, The marking part is marked into a waveform.

3. The terminal module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flexible conductor is a braided wire, a sheathed wire in which conductive stranded wire is covered with an insulator, a laminate formed by stacking multiple conductive flat plates, or a conductive single wire.

4. A terminal module that engages with and is electrically connected to a counterpart connector that approaches each other along a first direction from one side to the other, the terminal module comprising: The housing includes a top wall and a pair of side walls extending from the top wall toward one side; An elastic member is housed within the housing and is capable of extending and retracting along the first direction; The first terminal is supported on the pair of sidewalls in a state where it is spring-pressed to one side by the elastic member, and can be moved to the other side by being pressed by the other connector; The second terminal is located at a position away from the other side of the first terminal and extends in the first direction; as well as A flexible conductor electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal. The flexible conductor has a marking portion that marks itself in a first direction as the first terminal moves toward the other side. In the unfitted state before mating with the other connector, the length of the flexible conductor in the first direction is longer than the natural length of the flexible conductor in the first direction.

5. The terminal module according to claim 4, wherein, In the disengaged state, the length of the elastic member in the first direction is shorter than the natural length of the elastic member in the first direction. In the unfitted state, the restoring force generated by the flexible conductor toward the other side is smaller than the restoring force generated by the elastic member toward the same side.

6. A connector comprising: a terminal module as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; and The outer casing houses the terminal module.

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