Plug connector and connector device

Abstract

Connectors (12), comprising: a plug connector (22) which is held in a plug housing (20); a tubular body (44) which projects from the plug housing (20) and surrounds a plug connection section (24) of the plug connector (22); an insulating cover section (32) for covering a tip part of the plug connection section (24); a socket connection receiving gap (46) which is formed between the plug connection section (24) and an adjacent surface of the tubular body (44); a socket connection receiving hole (48) which is open in a projecting end surface and a side surface of the tubular body (44); and a pair of contact-preventing ribs (50) which project radially outwards towards an outer circumferential side of the tubular body (44) from a pair of circumferential edge parts which define the socket connection receiving hole (48) in the tubular body (44), wherein the socket connection receiving hole (48) is configured to include the pair of contact-preventing ribs (50), wherein the socket connector receiving gap (46) and the socket connector receiving hole (48) are configured to allow the insertion of a socket connector (72) which includes a socket connecting section (70) to be connected to the plug connecting section (24) into a matching socket connector (14) and to prevent hand contact with the plug connecting section (24).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a plug connector which is provided with a function preventing hand contact, and to a connector device which uses the same. [State of the art]

[0002] Conventionally, a structure used to bring connections into a conductive state by connecting a pair of plug connectors and socket connectors, which hold the connections in housings, is employed in a connector device used in the electrical system of a motor vehicle or the like. When the plug and socket connectors are not connected, conductive sections of the connections are exposed to the outside environment. Therefore, particularly in a connector device or similar device carrying a high current, stringent safety measures are required, such as a hand-contact prevention function to prevent a worker from coming into contact with exposed sections of the connections.

[0003] For example, publication JP 2016-062699 A proposes a structure in which an insulating element is provided on the tip portion of a connector section, and a tubular body, extending around the connector section, projects further axially than the tip portion. Accordingly, hand contact with the connector section can be prevented by restricting the penetration of a hand through the tip portion of the tubular body and the insulating element provided on the tip portion of the connector section.

[0004] A connector device in which an opening is formed in a side surface of a tubular body surrounding a plug connector or a housing, and a socket connector can be received in a part of a plug connector designed as an opening, is proposed in publication JP 2016-522550 A.

[0005] Furthermore, publication WO 2018 / 054685 A1 discloses a pin-end connector for electrical connection with a socket-end connector, which comprises a pin-end connector housing with a connector base and a connector wall, an electrically conductive contact pin with a free pin end and a base-end pin end for securing the contact pin to the pin-end connector housing, and a protective element which is electrically insulating. The protective element is arranged spaced apart from the contact pin on the pin-end connector housing. The socket-end connector comprises a socket-end connector housing with a connector base and a connector wall, and a socket which is arranged in the socket-end connector housing and is designed to receive the contact pin in the connected state. The socket-end connector housing has a receptacle for receiving the protective element in the connected state.

[0006] Document US 2013 / 0090009 A1 also discloses a touch-safe right-angle power connector comprising a pin header assembly with a conductive pin, an inner sheath surrounding the pin, and an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath. The inner cover has through-slots. The power connector includes a power terminal connector with a plug housing that has a cavity and an insert assembly that is received in the cavity. The insert assembly has a terminal body configured to connect to one end of a conductor of a power cable and electrically connected to the pin of the pin header assembly. The insert assembly has a dielectric insert that holds the terminal body. The insert assembly has a shield that surrounds the dielectric insert and provides shielding for the terminal body.The connector housing optionally features ribs that fit into corresponding slots to align the power connection with the pin header assembly. [Summary of the invention][Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

[0007] In the design of document JP 2016-062699 A, a protruding dimension in the axial direction of the connector is unavoidable. Additionally, a wire extending from a socket terminal of the connector, which is fitted axially to the plug connection section of the connector, protrudes further in the axial direction. Therefore, the connector device described in document JP 2016-062699 A requires a large installation space in the axial direction, and achieving or saving space in the vehicle is not possible in recent years.

[0008] In the structure of publication JP 2016-522550 A, the height in the axial direction of the connector device can be reduced, but the opening provided in the housing or tubular body of the connector has a large area to accommodate the socket connector. In this way, contact between a worker's hand and the connector section, which is exposed to the outside environment through the opening, is unavoidable. Therefore, the insulating element is extended from a base to a tip of the exposed part of the connector section to prevent hand contact with the connector section.

[0009] Accordingly, the aim is to provide a plug connector and a connector device which have novel structures which are capable of reducing the protruding height of a socket connector connected to a plug connector and of realizing a function that prevents hand contact with a plug connection, while advantageously ensuring a cross-sectional area of ​​a plug connection section by a simple structure. [Means to solve the problem]

[0010] A connector of the present disclosure comprises a plug terminal which is held in a plug housing, a tubular body which projects from the plug housing and surrounds a plug connection section of the plug terminal, an insulating cover section for covering a tip portion of the plug connection section, a socket receiving gap which is formed between the plug connection section and an facing surface of the tubular body, a socket receiving hole which is open in a projecting end surface and a side surface of the tubular body, and a pair of non-contacting ribs which project radially outward toward an outer circumferential side of the tubular body from a pair of circumferential edge portions which define the socket receiving hole in the tubular body.wherein the socket receptacle receiving hole is configured to include the pair of contact-preventing ribs, wherein the socket receptacle receiving gap and the socket receptacle receiving hole are configured to allow the insertion of a socket connector, which includes a socket connecting section to be connected to the plug connecting section, into a mating socket connector, and to prevent hand contact with the plug connecting section.

[0011] A connector device of the present invention comprises the plug connector of the present disclosure and a socket connector which is to be connected to the plug connector, wherein the socket connector comprises a socket connection which includes a socket connection which is to be connected to the plug connection of the plug connector, and a socket housing for receiving the socket connection, and the socket housing comprises a section inserting the plug connection section and a section inserting the tubular body, and the socket connection which includes the socket connection section is held in position between the section inserting the plug connection section and the section inserting the tubular body. [Effect of the invention]

[0012] According to the connector and connector device of the present disclosure, the protruding height of the socket connector, which is connected to the plug connector, can be reduced by the plug connector. Furthermore, a function preventing hand contact with the plug connector can be implemented, while a cross-sectional area of ​​the plug connection section is advantageously ensured by a simple structure. [Brief description of the drawings] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a connector device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of Fig. 1. Viewed from one side of a ground surface, Fig. 3 is an enlarged section along III-III in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is an enlarged section along IV-IV in Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective exploded view showing the connection of a plug connector and a socket connector of one embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective exploded view of the plug connector and the socket connector, which is shown in Fig. 5 are shown, each viewed from the side of the ground surface, Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the connector, which is located in Fig. 5 is shown, Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective exploded view of the connector, which is located in Fig. Figure 7 shows the view from the side of the ground surface. Fig. Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a socket connector, which is located in the socket connector of Fig. 1 is used, Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective exploded view showing a state where the socket connector, which is in Fig. 9 is shown, which is or will be mounted in a socket housing body of the socket connector, Fig. 11 is a perspective exploded view of Fig. 10, viewed from the side of the ground surface, Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective exploded view showing a state where a receiving lower cover is or is being assembled with the socket housing body, which contains the socket connections that are in Fig. 10 are shown, which are mounted therein, Fig. Figure 13 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the assembly of the receiving lower cover with the socket housing body, which is in Fig. 12 is shown, and has the socket connections mounted therein when viewed from the side of the bottom surface, and Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective exploded view showing a state where the socket connector is completed, or is completed, by assembling a receiving upper cover and the like, together with the receiving lower cover and the socket housing body, which is in Fig. 12 is shown. [Embodiments of the invention][Description of embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0013] First, embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described.

[0014] A connector of the present disclosure comprises a plug terminal which is held in a plug housing, a tubular body which projects from the plug housing and surrounds a plug connection section of the plug terminal, an insulating cover section for covering a tip portion of the plug connection section, a socket receiving gap which is formed between the plug connection section and an facing surface of the tubular body, a socket receiving hole which is open in a projecting end surface and a side surface of the tubular body, and a pair of non-contacting ribs which project towards an outer circumferential side of the tubular body from a pair of circumferential edge portions which define the socket receiving hole in the tubular body, wherein the socket receiving hole is configuredto include the pair of contact-preventing ribs, wherein the socket receptacle receiving gap and socket receptacle receiving hole are configured to allow the insertion of a socket receptacle, which includes a socket connecting section to be connected to the plug connecting section, into a mating socket connector, and to prevent hand contact with the plug connecting section.

[0015] According to the connector of the present disclosure, the socket receiving hole, which is open in the projecting end surface and the side surface, is provided in the tubular body that surrounds the connector section, and the socket receiving gap is formed between the connector section and the facing surface of the tubular body. In this way, the socket connection can be received in an axially projecting region of the connector section, and the projecting dimensions of the socket connection and the connector containing the socket connection can be reduced. Therefore, a reduction in the height of a connector device can be advantageously achieved.

[0016] Furthermore, the socket connector receiving slot and the socket connector receiving hole are dimensioned to allow the insertion of the socket connector, which includes the socket connection section to be connected to the plug connection section, into the socket connector, while preventing hand contact with the plug connection section. Thus, even if the socket connector receiving hole is open in the side surface of the tubular body, a hand can come into contact with the tubular body without being able to pass through the socket connector receiving hole. In this way, hand contact with the plug connection section is reliably prevented by the socket connector receiving hole. Furthermore, the tip of the plug connection section is covered by the insulating cover section.The outer circumferential surface of the plug connection section is surrounded by the socket receiving gap, which is dimensioned to either allow or prevent hand contact. In this way, even if a hand approaches from a pointed end of the plug connection section, the hand comes into contact with the pointed surfaces of the insulating cover section and the tubular body, thus preventing contact with the plug connection section. Therefore, a reduction in the protruding height of the socket connector relative to the plug connector and a reduction in the overall height of the connector assembly can be advantageously achieved through a simple structure.

[0017] Additionally, the insulating cover section can be provided at least on the tip portion of the connector connection section. This simplifies the connector structure compared to a conventional structure where an insulating element must extend from the base end to the tip portion of the connector connection section. Furthermore, a sufficient cross-sectional area of ​​the connector connection section within the connector can be advantageously ensured. In this way, cost reduction, a reduction in the diameter of the connector connection, and ultimately, miniaturization of the connector can be advantageously achieved.

[0018] The receptacle receptacle hole is configured to include a pair of anti-contact ribs, each projecting towards the outer circumferential side of the pair of circumferential edge sections that define the receptacle receptacle hole. This allows a hand to be held further away from the connector by the projecting dimensions of the anti-contact ribs. Providing the anti-contact ribs ensures a large separation dimension in one circumferential direction of the pair of circumferential edge sections within the receptacle receptacle hole, while maintaining the anti-hand contact function. Furthermore, it improves the degree of freedom in designing the receptacle of the mating connector partner. Providing the pair of anti-contact ribs can also enhance the strength and durability of the connector.The rigidity and durability of the tubular body are improved by providing the socket connection receiving hole in the form of a cutout.

[0019] Preferably, part of the plug connection section of the plug connector, with the exception of the tip part, is not covered by an insulating element.

[0020] It is possible to exclude the entire outer circumferential surface of the plug connection section, including the portion exposed to the outside environment via the socket receptacle of the tubular element, from being covered by the insulating element. This advantageously ensures a contact surface or contact area between the plug connection section and the socket connection section of the socket, thus improving line reliability. Additionally, a more advantageous cross-sectional area of ​​the plug connection section itself can be ensured, which can advantageously contribute to a reduction in the diameter of the plug connection section and the miniaturization of the connector.

[0021] Preferably, the connector housing includes a body section for receiving a base end part of the connector, the body section has a socket connector mounting surface on which the socket connector is to be mounted, the plug connection section of the connector and the tubular body surrounding the plug connection section are provided to project into a central part of the socket connector mounting surface, a plug-side housing fitting section, which projects in the same direction as the tubular body, is provided to project onto a circumferential edge part of the socket connector mounting surface, and a region between the tubular body and the plug-side housing fitting section serves as a socket housing receiving section for receiving a socket housing of the socket connector.

[0022] The body section of the connector housing for receiving the base end of the connector termination has the socket connector mounting surface, and the connector connection section and the tubular body are provided to project outwards from the socket connector mounting surface. Furthermore, the housing fitting section is provided to project onto the circumferential edge of the socket connector mounting surface, and the socket housing receiving section is formed, utilizing a space between the tubular body and the housing fitting section. In this way, in addition to the socket termination, the socket housing of the socket connector can also be received in axially projecting regions of the connector connection section and the tubular body.The protruding dimension of the socket connector, which includes the socket connection, can be reliably reduced from the plug connector, and a height reduction of the connector device can be advantageously achieved.

[0023] Preferably, a projecting dimension of the plug-side housing fitting section from the socket connector mounting surface is larger than the projecting dimensions of the plug connection section and the tubular body from the socket connector mounting surface, and the plug-side housing fitting section is fitted to a socket-side housing fitting section which is provided in the socket housing, whereby the socket terminal of the socket connector is positioned in the socket terminal receiving slot and the socket terminal receiving hole.

[0024] By making the protruding height of the plug-side housing insertion section greater than those of the plug connection section and the tubular body, the plug-side housing insertion section of the plug connector can be fitted to the socket-side housing insertion section of the socket connector. As a result, the socket can be positioned advantageously and easily into the socket receiving slot and socket receiving hole. Even if the socket receiving slot and socket receiving hole are dimensioned to be narrow or tight to prevent hand contact, a stable assembly process of the plug and socket connector can be carried out.

[0025] A connector device of the present disclosure comprises the plug connector according to one of the embodiments described above, and a socket connector which is to be connected to the plug connector, wherein the socket connector comprises a socket terminal which includes a socket connection section which is to be connected to the plug connection section of the plug terminal, and a socket housing for receiving the socket terminal, and the socket housing includes a section inserting the plug connection section and a section inserting the tubular body, and the socket terminal which includes the plug connection section is held in position between the section inserting the plug connection section and the section inserting the tubular body.

[0026] According to the connector device of the present disclosure, the section inserting the plug connection section and the section inserting the tubular body are formed in the socket housing, which constitutes or forms the socket connector to be connected to the plug connector of the present disclosure, and the socket connection section of the socket connector is held in position between the section inserting the plug connection section and the section inserting the tubular body. In this way, the insertion of the plug connection section and the tubular body into the socket housing of the socket connector is permitted by assembling the socket connector from above in an axial direction of the plug connection section and the tubular body of the plug connector.As a result, the socket connector, which includes the socket connection section positioned between the section inserting the plug connection section and the section inserting the tubular body, can be received in the socket connector receiving slot and the socket connector receiving hole of the plug connector. Therefore, the compact connector device, which is reduced in height, can advantageously be realized with a simple structure.

[0027] In the embodiment described above, the socket connection section of the socket connector and a region near the socket connection section are preferably received in the socket connector receiving slot and the socket connector receiving hole, which are provided in the connector, and a wire connection section of the socket connector is received outside the tubular body.

[0028] The socket connection section, which can be designed to be relatively thin, and the region near the socket connection section in the socket terminal are accommodated within the socket terminal receiving slot and the socket terminal receiving hole. The wire connection section, which is designed to be relatively thick, is accommodated outside the tubular body. In this way, the dimensions of the socket terminal receiving slot and the socket terminal receiving hole can be minimized while still allowing the connection of the plug connection section and the socket connection section of the socket terminal. Therefore, the function preventing hand contact can be advantageously reduced.

[0029] In the embodiment described above, the socket connection section of the socket connector is preferably received into the socket connector receiving slot and pressed into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the plug connection section, and a wire extending from the wire connection section of the socket connector extends outwards from the socket connector receiving hole in a direction orthogonal to a projecting direction of the tubular body.

[0030] The socket connection section, which is to be pressed or crimped into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the plug connection section, can be inserted into the socket receiving slot. Furthermore, the wire extending from the wire connection section of the socket connection extends outwards in a direction orthogonal to an axis perpendicular to the projecting direction of the tubular body of the socket receiving hole. In this way, the extension of the wire, which extends axially upwards from the socket connector towards the tubular body of the plug connector, etc., can be avoided. A reduction in the overall height of the connector device using the plug connector can be advantageously achieved by utilizing the socket receiving slot and the socket receiving hole.

[0031] In the embodiment described above, the socket connection of the socket connector preferably comprises a plug connection insertion tube section, which forms or represents the socket connection section by means of an inner surface, and into which the plug connection section is to be press-fitted; a pair of overlapping plate sections, which are connected to a pair of first separate sections, which are separated from each other by a part in a circumferential direction of the plug connection insertion tube section over its entire length in an axial direction, and which project outwards; and actuating means, which are held in the socket connection for actuating the pair of overlapping plate sections in a direction to overlap the overlapping plate sections with each other, and for holding the plug connection insertion tube section in a reduced-diameter state.The plug connector insertion tube section is configured to be deformed in a direction increasing in diameter against an acting force of the acting means so that the plug connection section can be press-fitted into the plug connector insertion tube section, and the acting means of the socket connection are received outside the tubular body of the plug connector.

[0032] The socket connection section of the socket connector is represented or constructed by the plug connector insertion tube section. The plug connector insertion tube section comprises a pair of first separate sections, which are separated along their entire length in the axial direction within a circumferential portion. The pair of overlapping plate sections, which are separated from each other and project outwards, is connected to the pair of first separate sections. The actuating or pre-tensioning means, which are held in the socket connector, act on the pair of overlapping plate sections in such a direction that the overlapping plate sections approach each other and overlap. In this way, the pair of first separate sections of the plug connector insertion tube section is elastically deformed in the direction of the first separate section.The connector-insert tube section is deformed to be brought closer together and overlap, and the connector-insert tube section is held in the reduced-diameter state by the applied force or preload of the applying means. Furthermore, if the connector-connecting section is press-fitted into the connector-insert tube section, the connector-insert tube section is deformable in the diameter-increasing direction against the applied force, thus allowing the connector-connecting section to be press-fitted into the connector-insert tube section. In the socket connection of the present disclosure, a force in the diameter-reducing direction is applied to the connector-insert tube section by the applied force of the applying means.Therefore, the socket connection section, which is configured or built up by the inner surface of the plug connection insertion tube section, can be pressed or pushed into contact with the plug connection section, which is press-fitted into the plug connection insertion tube section, with a high contact pressure.

[0033] Additionally, since the actuating elements are held within the socket connector, a separate spring element or similar component does not need to be mounted or arranged to sandwich-like enclose a connected part after the plug connector is connected to the socket connector. Therefore, the actuation process can be simplified, and a high contact pressure between the plug and socket connectors can be achieved through excellent design and handling.

[0034] Furthermore, when the plug connection section is press-fitted into the plug connection insertion tube section, the restorable deformation of the plug connection insertion tube section in the direction increasing the diameter is permitted against the force exerted by the applying means. In this way, a press-fit condition can be maintained stably, while the insertion force when inserting the connection section to be received into the socket connection section of the socket connection is advantageously reduced.

[0035] Furthermore, the contact elements of the socket connector, which are relatively large, are located outside the tubular body of the connector. Therefore, even when using the socket connector of the present disclosure, it is not necessary to increase the dimensions of the socket connector receiving gap and the socket connector receiving hole provided in the tubular body of the connector. Consequently, both an improvement in the contact quality of the plug and socket connections and a reduction in the insertion force can be achieved.

[0036] In the embodiments described above, the connector is preferably configured or constructed by using the connector of the fifth type of the following invention, which relates to the connector. The socket housing is formed with a socket-side housing fitting section to which the connector-side housing fitting section is to be fitted, and when the connector and the socket connector are connected, the connector-side housing fitting section and the socket-side housing fitting section are fitted, whereby the socket terminal of the socket connector is positioned relative to the socket terminal receiving slot and the socket terminal receiving hole of the connector.is and the section inserting the plug connection section and the section inserting the tubular body of the socket connector are positioned relative to the connection section to be received and the tubular body of the plug connector.

[0037] When the plug connector and the socket connector are connected, the plug-side housing insert section and the socket-side housing insert section are fitted first. This positions the socket terminal of the socket connector relative to the socket terminal receiving slot and the socket terminal receiving hole of the plug connector. Next, the plug-connecting section and the tubular body insertion section of the socket connector are positioned relative to the plug-connecting section and the tubular body of the plug connector. A guiding function is achieved through the alternating fitting of the plug-side housing insert section and the socket-side housing insert section, ensuring the stable insertion of each of the socket terminal, plug-connecting section, and tubular body into a narrow gap or space.Both a reduction in the height of the connector device and ease of fitting are advantageously achieved through a simple structure. [Details of an embodiment of the present disclosure]

[0038] Specific examples of a plug connector and a connector device of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these illustrations and is intended to be represented by claims and to include all modifications in the scope and meaning of the claims and in the meaning and scope of equivalents.

[0039] Fig. Figures 1 to 6 show a connector device 10 as an embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector device 10 is illustrated for use on a connector for supplying current or power to a device not illustrated in a vehicle (e.g., engine, inverter, or the like, which are mounted in a hybrid vehicle or the like). The connector device 10 includes a plug connector 12, which is to be fixed to one side of the device, and a socket connector 14, wherein the connectors 12 and 14 can be connected to each other. This device includes a mounting body 16, which is made of a metal and has a shielding function, and the mounting body 16 is equipped with a connector mounting hole 18 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) formed, which penetrates the mounting body 16 in an inward-outward direction. It should be noted that in the following description an upper side an upper side in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 means a bottom side, a bottom side in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 means a front side, a right side in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 means and a back side a left side in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 means. Furthermore, a longitudinal direction means a lateral direction in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, and it means a latitude direction, a lateral direction in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the mounting body 16 is shown in a dashed line in Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 is shown to facilitate understanding.

[0040] As this is in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the connector 12 is formed or cast with parts of two connector terminals 22, which are made of a conductive metal material and are embedded in a connector housing 20, which is made of an insulating synthetic resin. Fig. Figure 8 is one of the connector pins 22, which are partially embedded in the connector housing 20. The figure is taken from the connector housing 20 to facilitate understanding. The two connector pins 22 have the same shape and form, and one pointed end (rear side) faces the other. Fig. 8) Each serves as a plug-connection section 24, which has a substantially solid cylindrical shape. A base end part 26 of the plug-connection section 24 has a substantially solid cylindrical shape, which has a larger diameter than the plug-connection section 24. A device-side connection section 28, substantially in the form of a flat plate, which projects towards a rear end and is to be connected to the device side, is located on one end side (front side in Fig. 8) provided behind the base end section 26. As shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows a receiving hole 30 of an insulating cover section, which points towards a pointed side (top side in Fig. 3) is provided in a tip portion of the connector connection section 24. A base end face of an insulating cover section 32, essentially in the form of a rivet and made of an insulating synthetic or resin, is press-fitted into the receiving hole 30 of the insulating cover section or is molded or cast into it to be held in place. In this way, the tip portion of the connector connection section 24 is covered by the insulating cover section 32. Only the tip portion of the connector connection section 24 of the connector terminal 22 is covered by the insulating cover section 32, which has an insulating property, and a portion thereof, with the exception of the tip portion, is not covered by an insulating element.Therefore, compared to a conventional structure in which part, with the exception of a tip, is covered by an insulating element, the reliability of the line or conductivity can be improved by advantageously ensuring a contact area or contact surface between the plug connection section 24 and a socket connection section 70 of a socket connector 72, which will be described later. Furthermore, since a cross-sectional area of ​​the plug connection section 24 itself can advantageously be ensured by the insulating element, miniaturization of the plug connection section 24 and that of the plug connector 12 is also possible.

[0041] The connector housing 20 includes a plate-like body section 34, which has a substantially elliptical shape in a top view. The base end parts 26 of the two connector terminals 22 are located at two positions, which are in the longitudinal direction (lateral direction in Fig. 7) are separated, embedded in a central part of the body section 34. The plug connection section 24 of each plug connection 22 projects onto a surface of the body section 34. A circumferential wall 36, which projects upwards, i.e., in the same projecting direction as the plug connection sections 24, is provided around the entire circumference on an outer circumferential edge portion of the body section 34. Mounting foot or leg sections 38, which project outwards in the width direction of the body section 34 from two positions separated in the longitudinal direction of the body section 34, are formed on each of portions of the outer circumferential surface on both lateral sides of the circumferential wall 36, which are separated from each other in the width direction (vertical direction in Fig. 7) of the body section 34 are directed towards each other. A bolt insertion hole 40 passes through each of the mounting leg sections 38. The surface of the body section 34 constitutes a socket connector mounting surface 42 on which a socket housing body 66a, representing the socket connector 14, which will be described later, is to be mounted. A pair of tubular bodies 44, 44, which surround the plug connection sections 24 of the two plug terminals 22, which are arranged at a distance in the longitudinal direction of the body section 34 from an outer circumferential side, is each provided to project upwards in a central part of the socket connector mounting surface 42. Each tubular body 44 includes a pair of semicircular plate sections 44a, 44b, which are substantially curved along the outer circumferential surface of the plug connection section 24 of the plug connector 22.are curved. The pair of semicircular plate sections 44a, 44b are oriented towards each other via a gap or distance in a radial direction of the plug connection section 24. Circumferential edge portions of the semicircular plate section 44a and those of the semicircular plate section 44b are oriented towards each other via gaps or distances in a circumferential direction. A socket connection receiving gap 46 is formed between each plug connection section 24 and the facing surface of each tubular body 44. A pair of socket connection receiving holes 48, 48, which are open in the side surface and projecting end surface of the tubular body 44, is located at two positions (top and bottom side in ). Fig. 7) formed, which are directed towards each other in a radial direction of the tubular body 44 via gaps, over which the pair of semicircular plate sections 44a, 44b are directed towards each other in the circumferential direction. The socket connection receiving gap 46 and the socket connection receiving holes 48 are dimensioned to allow the insertion of the socket connection 72, which includes the socket connection section 70, into the matching socket connector 14, which will be described later, while preventing hand contact with the plug connection section 24. In this embodiment, the tip surface of each tubular body 44 is arranged above the tip surface of the plug connection section 24 and below the tip surface of the insulating cover section 32 (see Fig. 3) Therefore, when a hand approaches from the tip side of the plug connection section 24, the hand comes into contact with the tip surfaces of the insulating cover section 32 and the tubular body 44, thus enabling or preventing hand contact with the plug connection section 24.

[0042] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, in each tubular body 44, the respective circumferential edge portions of the semicircular plate sections 44a, 44b, which define each socket connection receiving hole 48, are provided with a pair of contact-preventing ribs 50, 50, which project radially outward, i.e., toward an outer circumferential side of each tubular body 44. Since the socket connection receiving hole 48 is configured to include the pair of contact-preventing ribs 50, 50 in this embodiment, a hand can be held further away from the connection section 24 to be received by a projecting dimension of the contact-preventing ribs 50 toward the outer circumferential side.By providing contact-preventing ribs 50, a large separation dimension in the circumferential direction between the circumferential edge portions of the semicircular plate sections 44a, 44b, which define each socket connection receiving hole 48, can be ensured, while simultaneously guaranteeing the function of preventing manual contact. Therefore, a degree of freedom can be ensured when developing or designing the matched socket connection 72 of the matched or mating partner of the connector 12. Additionally, by providing the pair of contact-preventing ribs 50, 50, the rigidity and durability of the tubular body 44, which are reduced by providing the socket connection receiving holes 48 in the form of cutouts, can be improved.

[0043] Furthermore, as is shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows plate-like sections 52a, 52b, which fit the connector-side housing and are connected to the circumferential wall 36, project further upwards than the circumferential wall and are curved into a bent shape, in order to project into parts of the circumferential wall 36 that are oriented towards each other in the longitudinal direction of the body section 34. In addition, a connector-side housing fitting section 52b in the form of a flat plate, which is connected to the circumferential wall 36 and projects further upwards than the circumferential wall, is also provided to project into a part of the circumferential wall 36 that is curved on one side in the width direction (upper side in Fig. 7) of the body section 34. A region between the tubular bodies 44 and the connector-side housing fitting sections 52a, 52b and 52b serves as a socket housing receiving section 53 for receiving the socket housing body 66a, which represents or forms a socket housing 66 of the socket connector 14, which will be described later. In the connector housing 20, the connector connection sections 24 and the tubular bodies 44, which surround the connector connection sections 24, are provided to project from the central part of the socket connector mounting surface 42. The plug-side housing fitting sections 52a, 52a and 52b are provided to protrude on the circumferential edge part of the socket connector mounting surface 42, and the socket housing receiving section 53 is formed, utilizing the space between the tubular bodies 44 and the plug-side housing fitting sections 52a, 52a and 52b.

[0044] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the projecting dimensions of the plug-side housing insertion sections 52a, 52b and 52b from the socket connector mounting surface 42 are equal to each other and larger than the projecting dimensions of the plug connection sections 24 and the tubular bodies 44 from the socket connector mounting surface 42. The socket housing 66 includes plug connection section insertion sections 116 and tubular body insertion sections 118, which will be described later, and the socket terminals 72, which include the socket connection sections 70, are held in position between the plug connection section insertion sections 116 and the tubular body insertion sections 118. The protruding heights of the connector-side housing fitting sections 52a, 52a and 52b are set or will be greater than those of the connector connection sections 24 and the tubular bodies 44.In this way, a guiding function is achieved by guiding the fitting of the plug-side housing insertion sections 52a, 52b and 52b onto the socket-side housing insertion sections 146a, 146b and 146b, which are provided on the socket connector 14 and are described later. Thus, the plug contacts 22 can be advantageously and easily positioned in the socket connection receiving slots 46 and the socket connection receiving holes 48. Therefore, even if the socket connection receiving slots 46 and the socket connection receiving holes 48 are narrowed or must be narrowed to prevent hand contact, the smooth assembly of the plug connector 12 and the socket connector 14 can be reliably achieved.

[0045] An essentially block-like embedding section 54, in which the base end parts 26 of the two plug terminals 22 and the device-side connection sections 28 are embedded, is provided to project on the rear surface of the body section 34 of the plug housing 20 opposite the surface mounting the socket connector or socket connector mounting surface 42. The embedding section 54 is formed with a pair of openings 58, 58 and the device-side connection sections 28 of the respective plug terminals 22 are exposed to the outside or surroundings through the respective openings 58. A nut 60, which is made of a metal and arranged to overlap the device-side connection or connection section 28, is received in each opening 58. A cover body 62, which is made of a synthetic orThe resin used to cover the pair of openings 58 is assembled with the embedding section 54, and the nuts 60, which are received in the respective openings 58, are held in place. A through-hole for fixing the matching section to the nut 60 by means of a bolt passes through each of the device-side connection sections 28, the nuts 60, and the cover body 62. An annular, watertight element 64, which extends substantially over the entire circumference of the outer circumferential edge, is mounted on the rear surface opposite the bushing connector mounting surface 42.

[0046] In the socket connector 14, two wires 68 equipped with a socket terminal are positioned and received in the socket housing 66, which is made of a synthetic resin. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the wire 68 equipped with the socket connector includes the socket connector 72, which is made of a conductive metal and has the socket connection section 70, which is to be connected to the plug connection section 24 of the plug connector 22, which has a substantially cylindrical pin or pin shape. The wire 68 equipped with the socket connector includes a spring-receiving housing 74, which is to be assembled with the socket connector 72 and has a receiving space. In this embodiment, the socket connector 72 is formed by using a strip-like flat metal plate, and a longitudinal end part of the flat metal plate is folded in two towards the other end part.A substantially hollow, cylindrical plug-connector insertion tube section 76 is formed by bending longitudinal intermediate parts of overlapping surfaces in directions that are separated from each other. The socket connection section 70 is represented or formed by the inner surface of this plug-connector insertion tube section 76.

[0047] An end face of the socket connector 72, where the portion of the metallic flat plate that is folded in two is located, serves as a wire connection section 78, and a core 82 of a wire 80 is connected to the wire connection section 78. The wire 80 is structured such that the core 82, which is formed by twisting or stranding a plurality of metal wires made of copper, aluminum, or another metal that is a conductor, is covered by an insulating coating 82 made of an ethylene resin, styrene resin, or the like, which has electrical insulating properties. The core 82, which is exposed by stripping or removing the insulating coating 84 from one end of the wire 80, isThe core 82 of the wire 80 is fixed to the wire connection section 78 of the socket terminal 72 using a known technique, such as resistance welding, whereby the core 82 of the wire 80 is connected to the socket terminal 72.

[0048] The spring retaining housing 74 is assembled with the socket connector 72. The spring retaining housing 74 is assembled with the socket connector 72 such that the receiving space is arranged above the part of the socket connector 72 where one longitudinal end part of the metallic flat plate is folded in two towards the other end part. A helical spring 86, made of metal, is received in a compressed state in the receiving space of the assembled spring retaining housing 74, and the overlapping one and the other end part of the metallic flat plate are pre-tensioned in one direction by the helical spring 86 to bring them closer together.

[0049] Specifically, the socket connector 72, which represents the wire 68 equipped with the socket connector, includes the plug connector insertion tube section 76, into which the plug connection section 24 is to be press-fitted, and the socket connection section 70 is represented or formed by the inner surface of the plug connector insertion tube section 76. Thus, by pressing the plug connection section 24 of the plug connector 22 into contact with the inner surface of the plug connector insertion tube section 76 of the socket connector 72, the socket connector 72 is connected to the plug connector 22. The socket connector 72 is provided with a pair of first separate sections 88, 88, by a circumferential part (left side in Fig. 9) of the plug connector insertion tube section 76 is separated along its entire length in an axial direction. A pair of overlapping plate sections 90, 90 essentially in the form of flat plates, which slope outwards (towards an oblique, left, lower side in Fig. 9) protruding while separated from one another, is connected to the pair of first separated sections 88, 88. The helical spring 86, which constitutes an actuating means for actuating the pair of overlapping plate sections 90, 90 in one direction to overlap the overlapping plate sections 90, 90 with one another, and which is held in the spring-receiving housing 74, is mounted or arranged on the pair of overlapping plate sections 90, 90 essentially in the form of flat plates. The plug-connection insertion tube section 76 is held in a reduced-diameter state by these actuating means.Specifically, in the case of a press fit of the plug connection section 24 into the plug connection insertion tube section 76, the plug connection insertion tube section 76 is deformed or deformed in a direction increasing in diameter against an acting force of the helical spring 86, which represents or forms the acting means in order to allow the plug connection section 24 to be press-fitted into the plug connection insertion tube section 76.

[0050] According to the socket connection 72 of this embodiment, a force in a diameter-reducing direction is applied to the plug connection insertion tube section 76 by the acting force of the helical spring 86, which constitutes the acting means. In this way, the socket connection section 70, which is formed by the inner surface of the plug connection insertion tube section 76, can be pressed into contact with the plug connection section 24, which is press-fitted into the plug connection insertion tube section 76 with a high contact pressure. Since the helical spring 86, which constitutes the acting means, is pre-assembled with the socket connection 72, it is not necessary to have a separate spring element or the like.The assembly is carried out as before to ensure contact pressure between the plug and socket connections after the plug connection 22 is connected to the socket connection 72. Therefore, a connection can be achieved through high contact pressure between the plug connection 22 and the socket connection 72, resulting in excellent machinability and handling. Additionally, the plug connection insertion tube section 76 is allowed to deform elastically in the direction of increasing diameter, counteracting the force exerted by the helical spring 86. In this way, a stable press-fit condition can be maintained, while the insertion force during a press fit of the plug connection section 24 into the socket connection section 70 is advantageously reduced.

[0051] The two wires 68, each equipped with a socket connector, are held in position relative to the socket housing 66, thereby configuring or assembling the socket connector 14. As shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 12, Fig. As shown in Figure 14 and the like, the socket housing 66 is configured to include the socket housing body 66a for receiving and holding the two wires 68 equipped with a socket connector, a receiving lower cover 66b for covering the socket housing body 66a from below, and a receiving upper cover 66c for covering the socket housing body 66a from above.

[0052] As this is in Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the socket housing body 66a comprises two substantially hollow cylindrical socket connection receiving tube sections 92 for each receiving and holding the two wires 68 equipped with a socket connection, and a coupling tube section 94 which couples the two socket connection receiving tube sections 92. Each socket connection receiving tube section 92 has an open base end to allow the wire 68 equipped with a socket connection to be received inside. The coupling tube section 94 is designed to overlap between the two socket connection receiving tube sections 92, so that longitudinally intersecting portions of the two socket connection receiving tube sections 92, which are arranged parallel across a gap or space, are coupled.The engaging sections 96 are provided to project at two positions, separated in a longitudinal direction of the socket connection receiving tube section 92, on a side surface of each socket connection receiving tube section 92, which is arranged on an outer surface in an opposite position to the two socket connection receiving tube sections 92. The engaging sections 96 are directed upwards (right side in ). Fig. 10) projecting, where the receiving upper cover 66c is to be mounted, and engaging projections or extensions are formed on projecting end parts. As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the coupling pipe section 94 includes a central coupling section 97, which couples the mutually facing side surfaces of the two socket connection receiving pipe sections 92 in the adjacent or opposite direction; a ceiling wall section 98, which is connected to the central coupling section 97 and extends over the upper surfaces of the two socket connection receiving pipe sections 92 (surfaces on projecting sides of the engaging sections 96); and a tubular receptacle 99, which is connected to the central coupling section 97 and extends over the lower surfaces of the two socket connection receiving pipe sections 92 (surfaces on which the receiving lower cover or lower socket cover 66b is to be mounted). A recess orThe recess 100, which is provided in the central coupling section 97, is open in a central part of the ceiling wall section 98. The tubular receptacle 99 has a substantially elliptical shape in a bottom view of the socket housing body 66a (see . Fig. 11 and Fig. 13) and opening windows 101, which are provided in the lower surfaces of the respective socket connection receiving tube sections 92, are surrounded by the tubular receptacle 99. An annular watertight element 102, which is made of rubber, is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the tubular receptacle 99. The socket connection 72 of the wire 68 equipped with the socket connection is press-fitted into each socket connection receiving tube section 92 of the receiving housing body 66a through an opening on the base end of the socket connection receiving tube section 92. A substantially annular watertight element 104, which is made of a synthetic resin, and a pair of substantially semi-cylindrical fixing or fastening elements 106, 106, which are made of a synthetic resin, areare successively assembled on the insulating coating 84 of the wire 80 of the wire 68 equipped with the socket terminal, starting from the side of the socket terminal 72. As shown in . Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the socket connector 72 is received in such a way that an axial direction of the plug connector insertion tube section 76 is aligned with a vertical direction of the socket connector receiving tube section 92, and an opening of the plug connector insertion tube section 76 is exposed to the outside via the opening window 101.

[0053] The receiving lower cover 66b is then assembled with the tubular receptacle 99 in the coupling tube section 94 of the bushing housing body 66a, and the opening windows 101, which are provided in the respective bushing connection receiving tube sections 92, are covered by the receiving lower cover 66b. As shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the receiving lower cover 66b includes a substantially elliptical bottom wall section 108, which is configured to be large enough to be received into the tubular receptacle 99 and to cover the opening of the tubular receptacle 99. A pair of partitions 110, 110, which are separated longitudinally and directed towards each other, is provided to separate the longitudinal (vertical) partitions in a central part of the tubular receptacle 99. Fig. 12) of the floor wall section 108. Each partition wall 110 extends orthogonally in one direction to the longitudinal direction of the floor wall section 108 over its entire length in one width direction and has a substantially rectangular or right-angled flat plate shape, which projects upwards from the floor wall section 108 in the direction of the tubular receptacle 99. Engaging or engagement sections 112, which project forward and are formed with engaging extensions or projections on projecting end parts, are provided near the partition walls 110 on both edge or border parts in the width direction of the floor wall section 108. A pair of fitting walls 114, 114, which project upwards while being curved or bent along an outer circumferential edge part, is provided on both side edge or edge parts in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall section 108.A central part in the circumferential direction of each fitting wall 114 is or will be cut. An engaging section 112, which projects and is formed with an engaging projection on a projecting end part, is or will also be provided in this cut part. As shown in . Fig. As shown in Figure 13, sections 116, which have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and into which the plug-connector sections 24 are to be inserted, are provided to pass through central parts of regions enclosed by the partitions 110 and the fitting walls 114 in the bottom wall section 108. Sections 118, which insert a tubular body into which the tubular body 44, which has a substantially curved cross-sectional shape, is to be inserted, are provided to pass transversely on both sides over the section 116 inserting the plug-connector section. The receiving lower cover 66b is assembled while it is being inserted into the tubular receptacle 99. At this time, the engaging sections 112, which are provided on the receiving lower cover 66b, engage with the gripped orSections under intervention 120 (see . Fig. 3), which are provided on the socket housing body 66a. In this way, the receiving lower cover 66b is fixed to the socket housing body 66a. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the socket terminals 72, which contain the socket connection sections 70, are positioned between the sections 116 inserting the plug connection section and the sections 118 inserting the tubular body. The plug connection insertion tube sections 76 of the socket terminals 72, which are exposed through the opening windows 101, are arranged below and essentially coaxially with the sections 116 inserting the connection section to be received.

[0054] The receiving upper cover 66c is then assembled with the socket housing body 66a, which is assembled with the receiving lower cover 66b. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the receiving upper cover or upper socket cover 66c comprises a ceiling wall section 130 essentially in the form of a rectangular or right-angled flat plate and a perimeter wall 132, which projects towards the socket housing body 66a from an outer perimeter edge portion of the ceiling wall section 130. The perimeter wall 132 consists of a pair of side walls 132a, 132a (upper and lower wall in Fig. 14) for being surrounded by both side surfaces of the socket housing body 66a and a front wall 132b (right wall in Fig. 14) for covering the tip surface of the socket housing body 66a. No circumferential wall 132 is on a rear side (left side in Fig. 14) of the ceiling wall section 130 corresponding to the base end sides of the socket connection receiving tube sections 92, 92. Engaged sections 134, which have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, are provided to pass through at four positions corresponding to the engaging sections 96 of the socket housing body 66a on the outer circumferential edge part of the ceiling wall section 130. A projection 136, which has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape and extends forward from behind the ceiling wall section 130, is formed in a central part of the ceiling wall section 130. A bolt-fixing section 138 is provided to project from a central part of a rear side of the ceiling wall section 130. The receiving upper cover 66c is or is provided from above the socket housing body 66a (lower side in Fig. 14) is assembled or arranged to cover the bushing body 66a with the receiving upper cover or upper bushing cover 66c. At this time, the projection 136 of the receiving upper cover 66c is received into the recess 100 of the central coupling section 97 of the bushing body 66a. In this way, the engaging sections 96 of the bushing body 66a engage with the gripped sections 134 of the receiving upper cover 66c, and the bushing body 66a is held on the receiving upper cover 66c. Subsequently, an intermediate element 140, which includes a pair of wire insertion tube sections and is externally fitted to the bushing connection receiving tube sections 92 for fixation, is assembled with the bushing connection receiving tube sections 92 of the bushing body 66a. A mounting element 144, which is configured oris constructed to include a shielding element 142 (see . Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) for covering the wires 80, and which includes a pair of wire insertion tube sections, is fitted or is fitted from the outside onto the intermediate link 140 in order to be fixed. The socket connector 14 is completed, in which the wires 68 equipped or fitted with the socket connection are received and arranged in the socket housing body 66a, wherein the receiving lower cover 66b and the receiving upper cover 66c constitute or form the socket housing 66. In this socket connector 14, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the pair of socket-side housing fitting sections 146a, 146a are formed in mutually facing gaps or spaces between the pair of side walls 132a, 132a of the receiving upper cover 66c and both side surfaces of the socket housing body 66. The receiving-side housing fitting section 146b is also formed between the front wall 132b of the receiving upper cover 66c and the tip surface of the socket housing body 66a.

[0055] When the receiving lower cover or lower socket cover 66b of the socket connector 14 is directed towards the socket connector mounting surface 42 of the plug connector 12, the socket connector 14 is fitted into the plug connector 12. At this time, the plug-side housing fitting sections 52a, 52b and 52c are first fitted to the socket-side housing fitting sections 146a, 146c and 146c (see Fig. 4) In this way, the socket connection sections 70 of the socket terminals 72 of the socket connector 14 and regions near the socket connection sections 70 are positioned relative to the socket terminal receiving columns 46 and the socket terminal receiving holes 48 of the plug connector 12. Additionally, the plug connection section inserting sections 116 and the tubular body inserting sections 118 of the socket connector 14 are positioned relative to the plug connection sections 24 and the tubular bodies 44 of the plug connector 12. By fitting the socket connector 14 to the plug connector 12, maintaining such a positioned state, the socket connection sections 70 of the socket terminals 72 are received into the socket terminal receiving slot 46 and pressed or pushed into contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the plug connection sections 24.The plug connection sections 24 and the tubular bodies 44 of the plug connector 12 are inserted into the sections 116 and the tubular bodies 118 of the socket connector 14. When the plug connector 12 and the socket connector 14 are connected, the wire connection sections 78 of the socket terminals 72 are located outside the tubular bodies 44 (left side in ). Fig. 4) recorded, as described in Fig. 4 is shown. The wires 80, which extend from the wire connection sections 78 of the socket terminals 72, extend outwards from the socket terminal receiving holes 48 in a direction orthogonal to the projecting direction of the tubular bodies 44 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 4) The coil springs 86 of the socket terminals 72 are also located outside the tubular bodies 44 of the plug connector 12 (right side in Fig. 4) included. The coil springs 86, which represent the actuating means, can be larger, but the actuating means can be accommodated outside the tubular bodies 44. In this way, both an improvement in the press-fit condition of the socket terminals 72 and the plug terminals 22 and a reduction in the insertion force can be achieved, while the function of preventing hand contact by the tubular bodies 44 is maintained. When the plug connector 12 and the socket connector 14 are connected, through-holes of a fixing or fastening section 148 are (see Fig.14), which are provided on the intermediate member 140, and the bolt-fixing section 138, which is provided on the receiving upper cover 66c, are aligned with each other, and a bolt is fixed to a fixing part of the mounting body 16. In this way, the intermediate member 140 and the receiving upper cover 66c are mounted on the mounting body 16. As a result, the plug connector 12 and the socket connector 14 are mounted on the mounting body 16 while being connected.

[0056] According to the connector 12 and the connector device 10, the tubular bodies 44, which surround the connector connection sections 24, are designed to project onto the body section 34 of the connector 12, onto which the connector connection sections 24 of the connector terminals 22 project. The tubular body 44 is provided with socket terminal receiving holes 48, which are open in the projecting end surface and the side surface (at two positions in this embodiment). The socket terminal receiving gap 46 is formed between the connector connection section 24 and the facing surface of the tubular body 44.The socket connector receiving slot 46 and the socket connector receiving holes 48 are configured to allow the insertion of the socket connector 72, which includes the socket connection section 70, to be connected to the plug connection section 24, into the socket connector 14, while preventing or preventing manual contact with the plug connection section 24. The socket connector 72, which includes the socket connection section 70, can be received and positioned in the socket connector receiving slot 46 and the socket connector receiving holes 48. In this way, the protruding dimensions of the socket connectors 72 and the socket connector 14, which includes the socket connectors 72, can be reduced from the plug connector 12, and a reduction in the height of the connector device 10 can be advantageously achieved.Additionally, the socket connection receiving gap 46 and the socket connection receiving holes 48 are dimensioned to allow or prevent hand contact with the plug connection section 24. In this way, even when the tubular body 44 with the socket connection receiving holes 48 is configured as in this embodiment, hand contact with the plug connection section 24 is reliably prevented. Since the tip portion of the plug connection section 24 is covered by the insulating cover section 32, even if a hand approaches the tip of the plug connection section 24, hand contact is prevented by the interaction of the insulating cover section 32 and the tubular body 44.

[0057] According to the connector device 10 of this embodiment, the socket terminals 72, which include the socket connection sections 70, are held in position in the socket connector 14 between the sections 116 inserting the plug connection section and the sections 118 inserting the tubular body. This allows the insertion of the plug connection sections 24 and the tubular body 44 of the plug connector 12 into the socket housing 66 of the socket connector 14 when assembling the socket connector 14 from above in the axial direction of the plug connection sections 24 and the tubular body 44 of the plug connector 12. In this way, the socket terminals 72, which include the socket connection sections 70, can be gently received and arranged in the socket terminal receiving slots 46 and the socket terminal receiving holes 48 of the plug connector 12.The compact connector device 10, which is reduced in height, can advantageously be realized by a simple structure. The socket connection section 70, which can be designed to be relatively thin, and the region near the socket connection section 70 in the socket terminal 72 are received and arranged in the socket terminal receiving slot 46 and the socket terminal receiving holes 48. The wire connection section 78, which is designed to be relatively thick, and the spring receiving housing 74 are received and arranged outside the tubular body 44. In this way, the dimensions of the socket terminal receiving slot 46 and the socket terminal receiving holes 48 can be reduced to a maximum, and the function of preventing hand contact can be reliably realized.

[0058] The wire 80, extending from the wire connection section 78 of the socket connector 72, is arranged to extend outwards from the socket connector receiving hole 48 in a direction orthogonal to the projecting direction of the tubular body 44. In this way, the axial upward extension of the wire 80 from the tubular body 44 and the like can be avoided. Thus, a reduction in the overall height of the connector device 10, which uses the plug connector 12, can be achieved more advantageously. Additionally, when the plug connector 12 and the socket connector 14 are connected, the plug-side housing fitting sections 52a, 52b and 52b and the socket-side housing fitting sections 146a, 146a and 146b are fitted first.In this way, the socket terminals 72 of the socket connector 14 are positioned relative to the socket terminal receiving slots 46 and the socket terminal receiving holes 48 of the plug connector 12. The sections 116 inserting the plug connection section and the sections 118 inserting the tubular body of the socket connector 14 are positioned relative to the plug connection sections 24 and the tubular bodies 44 of the plug connector 12. Specifically, the guiding function is achieved by the alternating fitting of the plug-side housing fitting sections 52a, 52b and 52b and the socket-side housing fitting sections 146a, 146a and 146b, and the insertion of the socket terminals 72, the plug connection sections 24 and the tubular bodies 44 into narrow slots is stably realized.Both the realization of a height reduction of the connector device 10 and the ease of fitting are advantageously achieved through a simple structure. <verschiedenes>

[0059] Although the embodiment described in detail above as a specific example of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to or restricted by this specific description. Modifications, variations, improvements, and the like, within a scope capable of achieving the objective of the present disclosure, are included in the present disclosure. For example, the following embodiments are also included within the technical framework or scope of the present disclosure. (1) Although the plug connection section 24 is in the form of a pin or prong in the above embodiment, a plug connection section having a flat shape or form or the like may be used. (2) Although the socket connection receiving holes 48 are provided in two positions in the above embodiment, the socket connection receiving hole(s) may be provided in one or three positions. (3) The present disclosure can be configured or constructed such that the socket connection receiving gap 46 and the socket connection receiving holes 48, which are defined by the tubular body 44, are dimensioned to allow the insertion of the receiving or socket connection section 70 and to prevent manual contact with the plug connection 22. Of course, arbitrary or any configurations can be applied or used for the other housings, plug and socket connections, wires, and the like. [List of reference symbols]

[0060] 10: Connector device, 12: Plug connector, 14: Socket connector, 20: Plug housing, 22: Plug terminal, 24: Plug connection section, 32: Insulating cover section, 34: Body section, 42: Socket connector mounting surface, 44: Tubular body, 44a, 44b: Semicircular plate section (tubular body), 46: Socket terminal receiving gap, 48: Socket terminal receiving hole, 50: Contact-preventing rib, 52a, 52b: Plug-side housing fitting section, 53: Socket housing receiving section, 66: Socket housing, 66a: Socket housing body (socket housing), 66b: Receiving lower cover or lower socket cover (socket housing), 66c: Receiving upper cover or upper socket cover (socket housing), 70: Socket connection section, 72: Socket connection, 76: Plug connection insertion tube section, 78: Wire connection section, 80: Wire, 86: Coil spring (acting orPre-tensioning means), 88: first separate section, 90: overlapping plate section, 116: section inserting a plug-connection section, 118: section inserting a tubular body.< / verschiedenes>

Claims

[1] Connectors (12), comprising: a plug connector (22) which is held in a plug housing (20); a tubular body (44) which projects from the plug housing (20) and surrounds a plug connection section (24) of the plug connector (22); an insulating cover section (32) for covering a tip part of the plug connection section (24); a socket connection receiving gap (46) which is formed between the plug connection section (24) and an adjacent surface of the tubular body (44); a socket connection receiving hole (48) which is open in a projecting end surface and a side surface of the tubular body (44); and a pair of contact-preventing ribs (50) which project radially outwards towards an outer circumferential side of the tubular body (44) from a pair of circumferential edge parts which define the socket connection receiving hole (48) in the tubular body (44), wherein the socket connection receiving hole (48) is configured to include the pair of contact-preventing ribs (50), wherein the socket connector receiving gap (46) and the socket connector receiving hole (48) are configured to allow the insertion of a socket connector (72) which includes a socket connecting section (70) to be connected to the plug connecting section (24) into a matching socket connector (14) and to prevent hand contact with the plug connecting section (24). [2] Connector (12) according to claim 1, wherein a part of the connector connection section (24) of the connector terminal (22) except for the tip part is not covered by an insulating element. [3] Connector (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the connector housing (20) includes a body section (34) for receiving a base end part (26) of the connector connector (22), the body section (34) has a socket connector mounting surface (42) on which the socket connector (14) is to be mounted, the plug connection section (24) of the plug connector (22) and the tubular body (44) which surrounds the plug connection section (24) are provided to protrude into a central part of the socket connector mounting surface (42), a connector-side housing fitting section (52a, 52b), which projects in the same direction as the tubular body (44), is provided to project onto a circumferential edge portion of the socket connector mounting surface (42), and a region between the tubular body (44) and the plug-side housing fitting section (52a, 52b) serves as a socket housing receiving section (53) for receiving a socket housing (66) of the socket connector (14). [4] Connector (12) according to claim 3, wherein: a projecting dimension of the plug-side housing fitting section (52a, 52b) from the socket connector mounting surface (42) is larger than projecting dimensions of the plug connection section (24) and the tubular body (44) from the socket connector mounting surface (42), and the plug-side housing fitting section (52a, 52b) can be fitted to a socket-side housing fitting section (146a, 146b) which is provided in the socket housing (66), whereby the socket connection (72) of the socket connector (14) can be positioned in the socket connection receiving slot (46) and the socket connection receiving hole (48). [5] Connector device (10) comprising: a connector (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a socket connector (14) which is to be connected to the plug connector (12), wherein: the socket connector (14) includes a socket connector (72) which comprises a socket connection section (70) to be connected to the plug connection section (24) of the plug connector (22), and a socket housing (66) for receiving the socket connector (72), and the socket housing (66) includes a section (116) inserting the plug connection section (24) and a section (118) inserting the tubular body (44), and the socket connector (72), which includes the socket connection section (70), is held in position between the section (116) inserting the plug connection section (24) and the section (118) inserting the tubular body (44). [6] Connector device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the socket connection section (70) of the socket connector (72) and a region near the socket connection section (70) are received in the socket connector receiving slot (46) and the socket connector receiving hole (48) which are provided in the connector (12), and a wire connection section (78) of the socket connector (72) is received outside the tubular body (44). [7] Connector device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the socket connection section (70) of the socket connector (72) is received in the socket connector receiving slot (46) and pressed into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the plug connection section (24), and a wire (80) extending from the wire connection section (78) of the socket connector (72) extends outwards from the socket connector receiving hole (48) in a direction orthogonal to a projecting direction of the tubular body (44). [8] Connector device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the socket connection (72) of the socket connector (14) has a plug connection insertion tube section (76) which forms the socket connection section (70) by means of an inner surface and into which the plug connection section (24) is to be press-fitted, wherein a pair of overlapping plate sections (90) which are connected to a pair of first separate sections (88) which are provided by separating a part in a circumferential direction of the plug connector insertion tube section (76) over its entire length in an axial direction, are separated from each other and project outwards, wherein actuating means (86) are provided in the socket connection (72) for actuating the pair of overlapping plate sections (90) in a direction to overlap the overlapping plate sections (90) with each other, and for holding the plug connection insertion tube section (76) in a reduced diameter state, wherein the plug connector insertion tube section (76) is configured to be deformed in a direction increasing in diameter against an acting force of the acting means (86) so that the plug connection section (24) can be press-fitted into the plug connector insertion tube section (76), and wherein the actuating means (86) of the socket connection (72) are accommodated outside the tubular body (44) of the plug connector (12). [9] Connector device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: the connector (12) is designed according to claim 4, the socket housing (66) is designed with a socket-side housing fitting section (146a, 146b) to which the plug-side housing fitting section (52a, 52b) is to be fitted, and when the plug connector (12) and the socket connector (14) are connected, the plug-side housing fitting section (52a, 52b) and the socket-side housing fitting section (146a, 146b) are fitted, whereby the socket terminal (72) of the socket connector (14) is positioned relative to the socket terminal receiving gap (46) and the socket terminal receiving hole (48) of the plug connector (12), and the plug-connecting section (116) and the tubular body-inserting section (118) of the socket connector (14) are positioned relative to the plug-connecting section (24) and the tubular body (44) of the plug connector (12).

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