Terminal fitting and connector

Abstract

To provide a terminal fitting and a connector that can reduce processing costs.SOLUTION: A terminal fitting 12 includes an electrical contact portion 20 to which a mating terminal 201 is connected along a first direction X1, and a flexible portion 50 having greater flexibility than the electrical contact portion 20. The electrical contact portion 20 is movable between a first position and a second position. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X1 and is a position different from the first position in a second direction Y1 perpendicular to the first direction X1. The flexible portion 50 is formed integrally with the electrical contact portion 20. The flexible portion 50 is capable of flexural deformation in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal fitting and a connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle is equipped with a connector that includes a terminal fitting and a housing that accommodates the terminal fitting. The terminal fitting has an electric contact member against which a mating terminal of a mating connector is butted, a braided wire joined to the electric contact member, and an external connection member joined to the braided wire. In the above connector, when the contact of the electric contact member and the contact of the mating terminal are butted against each other, the contacts are caused to slide against each other to remove foreign matter between the contacts (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-198323 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above connector, it is desired to reduce the processing costs of the terminal fittings. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal fitting and a connector that can reduce processing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The terminal fitting of the present disclosure is a terminal fitting electrically connected to a mating terminal, and includes an electrical contact portion to which the mating terminal is connected along a first direction, and a flexible portion having superior flexibility to the electrical contact portion, the electrical contact portion being movable between a first position and a second position, the second position being a position different from the first position in the first direction and a position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the flexible portion being formed integrally with the electrical contact portion, and the flexible portion being capable of flexural deformation in response to movement of the electrical contact portion. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The terminal fitting and connector of the present disclosure have the advantage of being able to reduce processing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5) showing the connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a terminal fitting according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the second divided body of one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The terminal fitting disclosed herein is a terminal fitting electrically connected to a mating terminal, and includes an electrical contact portion to which the mating terminal is connected along a first direction, and a flexible portion having superior flexibility to the electrical contact portion, the electrical contact portion being movable between a first position and a second position, the second position being a position different from the first position in the first direction and a position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the flexible portion being formed integrally with the electrical contact portion, and the flexible portion being capable of flexural deformation in response to movement of the electrical contact portion.

[0009] According to this configuration, the electrical contact portion and the flexible portion that can be flexibly deformed in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion are integrally formed. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a flexible conductor that is a separate part from the electrical contact portion. This makes it possible to reduce the processing costs of connecting the electrical contact portion and the separate flexible conductor by welding, crimping, etc. As a result, it is possible to reduce the processing costs of the terminal fittings, and therefore the costs associated with the terminal fittings.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the device may further include an external connection portion electrically connected to the electrical contact portion through the flexible portion, and the external connection portion may be formed integrally with the flexible portion. According to this configuration, the electrical contact portion, the flexible portion, and the external connection portion are integrally formed. Therefore, there is no need to provide an external connection member that is a separate component from the electrical contact portion and the flexible portion. This reduces the processing costs for connecting the flexible portion to the external connection member that is a separate component. As a result, the processing costs for the terminal fittings can be further reduced, and the costs associated with the terminal fittings can be further reduced.

[0011] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the flexible portion may extend along the second direction, and the flexible portion may have a bent portion that bends in a direction intersecting the second direction. According to this configuration, the flexible portion has a bent portion that bends in a direction intersecting the second direction in which the flexible portion extends, which allows the flexible portion to have an excess length, so that the flexible portion can be suitably flexed and deformed in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion.

[0012] [4] In the above [3], the flexible portion may have a meandering portion that extends in the second direction while meandering, and the meandering portion may have the bent portion. According to this configuration, since the flexible portion has a meandering portion, it is possible to provide the flexible portion with an appropriate amount of extra length. This allows the flexible portion to bend and deform appropriately in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion. Furthermore, since the provision of the meandering portion allows the overall length of the flexible portion to be made long, the stress applied to the flexible portion during bending and deformation can be appropriately dispersed by the meandering portion.

[0013] [5] In the above [4], the serpentine portion may be formed by one or more first bends and one or more second bends, the first bends being curved so as to protrude in the first direction, and the second bends being curved so as to protrude in a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0014] According to this configuration, the meandering portion is formed so as to meander alternately in a first direction and a first opposite direction by the first bent portion and the second bent portion. At this time, since each of the first bent portion and the second bent portion is formed to be curved, it is possible to suitably distribute the stress applied to the meandering portion when the flexible portion is flexed and deformed.

[0015] [6] In any of the above [1] to [5], the width of the flexible portion may be smaller than the width of the electrical contact portion. According to this configuration, the flexibility of the flexible portion is preferably improved, and therefore the flexible portion can be preferably flexed and deformed in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion. A terminal fitting having such a narrow flexible portion can be effectively used as a terminal for a signal line that does not need to carry a large current.

[0016] [7] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a terminal fitting described in any one of [1] to [6] above, and a retaining member that holds the electrical contact portion movably between the first position and the second position.

[0017] According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the terminal fitting [1] above. [8] In the above [7], the holding member may have a first inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction and inclined with respect to the second direction, the electrical contact portion may have a second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, and the electrical contact portion may be movable from the first position to the second position while the second inclined surface slides on the first inclined surface while contacting the first inclined surface when the mating terminal is connected along the first direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the mating terminal is connected to the electrical contact portion, the second inclined surface slides on the first inclined surface while contacting the first inclined surface of the holding member, so that the electrical contact portion is guided from the first position to the second position along the direction in which the first inclined surface extends. When the electrical contact portion is guided from the first position to the second position in this manner, the inclined surfaces of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface come into contact with each other. Therefore, the contact area of ​​the guide portion during the movement of the electrical contact portion, that is, the contact area between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, can be made larger than when the inclined surface and the vertical surface come into contact with each other. This makes it possible to reduce the surface pressure applied from the second inclined surface to the first inclined surface. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of wear during sliding on the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface. As a result, it is possible to improve the durability of the electrical contact portion and the holding member. In turn, it is possible to improve the durability of the connector.

[0019] [9] In the above [8], the connector may further include an elastic member sandwiched between an inner surface of the retaining member facing a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction and the electrical contact portion, the retaining member having an opening that opens in the first opposite direction and through which the mating terminal enters along the first direction, the electrical contact portion is biased toward the opening by the elastic member, and the electrical contact portion may be movable from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the elastic member when the mating terminal is connected along the first direction.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the mating terminal is connected to the electrical contact portion, the biasing force of the elastic member can bring the electrical contact portion into favorable contact with the mating terminal, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact portion and the mating terminal.

[0021]

[10] In the above [8] or [9], the holding member may have a third inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, and the electrical contact portion may have a fourth inclined surface extending parallel to the third inclined surface, the third inclined surface being spaced apart from the first inclined surface in the second direction, and the fourth inclined surface being spaced apart from the second inclined surface in the second direction and facing the third inclined surface in the second direction, and the electrical contact portion may be movable from the second position to the first position while sliding on the third inclined surface with the fourth inclined surface in contact with the third inclined surface when the electrical contact portion is disconnected from the mating terminal.

[0022] According to this configuration, when the electrical contact portion and the mating terminal are disconnected, the fourth inclined surface slides on the third inclined surface while contacting the third inclined surface of the holding member, thereby guiding the electrical contact portion from the second position to the first position along the direction in which the third inclined surface extends. When the electrical contact portion is guided from the second position to the first position in this manner, the inclined surfaces of the third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface extending parallel to the third inclined surface come into contact with each other. Therefore, the contact area of ​​the guide portion during the movement of the electrical contact portion, that is, the contact area between the third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface, can be made larger than when the inclined surface and the vertical surface come into contact with each other. This makes it possible to reduce the surface pressure applied from the fourth inclined surface to the third inclined surface. Therefore, the amount of wear during sliding on the third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface can be reduced.

[0023]

[11] In the above

[10] , the electrical contact portion has a bottom wall that contacts the mating terminal, the second inclined surface protruding from a first edge of the bottom wall, and the fourth inclined surface protruding from a second edge of the bottom wall, the second inclined surface being formed integrally with the bottom wall, and the fourth inclined surface being formed integrally with the bottom wall.

[0024] According to this configuration, the electrical contact portion has a structure in which the bottom wall, the second inclined surface, and the fourth inclined surface are integrally formed, which makes it possible to simplify the structure of the electrical contact portion compared to a case in which the bottom wall, the second inclined surface, and the fourth inclined surface are each formed as separate parts.

[0025]

[12] In any of the above [7] to

[11] , the retaining member may be a resin housing, the housing having a first division and a second division formed so as to be combineable with the first division, and the housing may be formed into a cylindrical shape that accommodates the electrical contact portion therein by combining the first division and the second division.

[0026] According to this configuration, the housing is formed into a cylindrical shape by the first division body and the second division body to accommodate the electrical contact portion therein. As a result, while the housing is cylindrical, the housing is divided into the first division body and the second division body, so that the housing can be later attached to the electrical contact portion. This improves the ease of assembling the housing to the electrical contact portion.

[0027] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the terminal fittings and connectors of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some of the configurations may be exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ from one drawing to another. In this specification, "parallel," "orthogonal," "horizontal," and "right angle" do not only mean strictly parallel, orthogonal, horizontal, or right angle, but also include roughly parallel, orthogonal, horizontal, or right angle within the scope of the action and effect of this embodiment. In this specification, "same" includes not only exactly the same, but also a case where there is a slight difference between the compared objects due to the influence of dimensional tolerances, etc. The "cylindrical" used in the description of this specification includes not only those in which a peripheral wall is formed continuously around the entire circumference, but also those in which a plurality of parts are combined to form a cylindrical shape, and those having a notch in a part of the circumference, such as a C-shape or U-shape. The shape of the "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon with sharp or rounded corners. In this specification, "opposite" refers to surfaces or members facing each other, including not only the case where they are completely facing each other, but also the case where they are partially facing each other. In addition, in this specification, "opposite" includes both the case where a member other than the two parts is interposed between the two parts, and the case where nothing is interposed between the two parts. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in this specification are used simply to distinguish objects, and do not rank the objects. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0028] (Overall configuration of connector 10) 1 and 2, the connector 10 includes one or more terminal modules 11 (one in this embodiment) and a housing 100 that accommodates the terminal module 11 therein. The terminal module 11 has terminal fittings 12. The connector 10 electrically connects, for example, electrical devices for a vehicle to each other. Examples of electrical devices for a vehicle include a battery pack, an inverter, and a motor.

[0029] Each drawing shows an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are mutually orthogonal. Each drawing shows a first direction X1, which is a direction in the X-axis direction along the X-axis, and a first opposite direction X2, which is the opposite direction of the first direction X1. Each drawing shows a second direction Y1, which is a direction in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis, and a second opposite direction Y2, which is the opposite direction of the second direction Y1. Each drawing shows a third direction Z1, which is a direction in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis, and a third opposite direction Z2, which is the opposite direction of the third direction Z1. The directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the posture of the connector 10 when it is used. Note that FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only the housing 10 of the connector 10 as a cross section.

[0030] The connector 10 is electrically connected to a mating connector 200. For example, the mating connector 200 is connected to the connector 10 along a first direction X1. Here, the housing 100 has an opening 100X that opens in a first opposite direction X2 and into which a mating terminal 201, which is a terminal of the mating connector 200, enters along the first direction X1. The opening 100X is formed so as to expose a contact portion of the terminal fitting 12 to the outside. The mating terminal 201 is inserted into the housing 100 through the opening 100X along the first direction X1. Then, inside the housing 100, the mating terminal 201 is butted against the terminal fitting 12 along the first direction X1, so that the mating terminal 201 and the terminal fitting 12 are electrically connected to each other.

[0031] (Configuration of Mating Connector 200) The mating connector 200 includes, for example, one or more mating terminals 201 and a mating housing 202 that holds the mating terminals 201. The mating terminals 201 are made of metal. The mating housing 202 is made of resin.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the mating terminal 201 is formed, for example, in an L-shape by bending a metal plate extending in the Y-axis direction at a right angle in the first opposite direction X2. One or more (two in this embodiment) mating contacts 203 are provided on an end face of the mating terminal 201 in the first direction X1 facing the terminal fitting 12. Each mating contact 203 is formed, for example, so as to protrude in the first direction X1 from the end face of the mating terminal 201 in the first direction X1. Each mating contact 203 extends, for example, in the Z-axis direction. The two mating contacts 203 are provided side by side along the Y-axis direction. Each mating terminal 201 is integrally formed with the mating housing 202 by, for example, insert molding.

[0033] (Terminal module 11 configuration) 3, 4 and 5, the terminal module 11 includes a terminal fitting 12 and a coil spring 70. The coil spring 70 biases the terminal fitting 12 toward the opening 100X of the housing 100.

[0034] (Overall configuration of terminal fitting 12) The terminal fitting 12 includes an electric contact portion 20, a flexible portion 50, and an external connection portion 60. The terminal fitting 12 is, for example, a single component in which the electric contact portion 20, the flexible portion 50, and the external connection portion 60 are integrally formed. The terminal fitting 12 is formed, for example, by bending a single metal plate. The terminal fitting 12 is made of metal. The material of the terminal fitting 12 may be, for example, copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or stainless steel (SUS). The plate thickness of the terminal fitting 12 is set according to the current capacity required for the terminal fitting 12, and the terminal fitting 12 has a degree of rigidity that does not deform due to the biasing force of the coil spring 70.

[0035] (Configuration of Electrical Contact Portion 20) As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the electrical contact portion 20 is accommodated inside the housing 100. The electrical contact portion 20 is movable between a first position (see FIG. 6) and a second position (see FIG. 7). That is, the electrical contact portion 20 is held by the housing 100 so as to be movable between the first position and the second position. As shown in FIG. 6, the first position is a position before the mating terminal 201 enters the inside of the housing 100, and is a position in a state in which the electrical contact portion 20 is biased toward the opening 100X by the biasing force of the coil spring 70. As shown in FIG. 7, the second position is a position in a state in which the electrical contact portion 20 is pressed toward the first direction X1 by the mating terminal 201. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X1 and a position different from the first position in the second direction Y1. The second position in this embodiment is a position shifted in the first direction X1 from the first position in the first direction X1, and is a position shifted in the second direction Y2 from the first position in the second direction Y1. When the electrical contact portion 20 is pressed in the first direction X1 by the mating terminal 201, the electrical contact portion 20 moves from the first position to the second position while compressing the coil spring 70 in the X-axis direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 70.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 8, the electrical contact portion 20 has a bottom wall 21, a contact portion 30 protruding from a first edge of the bottom wall 21, and a contact portion 35 protruding from a second edge of the bottom wall 21. The electrical contact portion 20 has an engagement portion 40 provided at an end of the contact portion 30 in the first direction X1, and a connection piece portion 45 provided at an end of the contact portion 35 in the first direction X1. The electrical contact portion 20 has a structure in which the bottom wall 21, the contact portions 30, 35, the engagement portion 40, and the connection piece portion 45 are continuously and integrally formed. For example, the electrical contact portion 20 has an overall Ω-shaped planar shape as viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0037] The bottom wall 21 is formed in a flat plate shape. The bottom wall 21 has a thickness direction extending along the X-axis. The bottom wall 21 has a length direction extending along the Y-axis. The bottom wall 21 has a width direction extending along the Z-axis.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the end face of the bottom wall 21 in the first opposite direction X2 is a contact surface (contact point) that comes into contact with the mating contact 203 of the mating terminal 201. The end face of the bottom wall 21 in the first opposite direction X2 is exposed to the outside of the housing 100 through the opening 100X of the housing 100. The end face of the bottom wall 21 in the first direction X1 is a spring bearing surface that receives the end of the coil spring 70 in the first opposite direction X2. The dimension of the bottom wall 21 along the Y-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the coil spring 70 along the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the dimension of the bottom wall 21 along the Z-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the coil spring 70 along the Z-axis direction.

[0039] 8, the contact portion 30 protrudes in an oblique direction S1 from a first edge, which is an end portion of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction Y1. Here, the oblique direction S1 is a direction inclined with respect to both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. The contact portion 30 is formed, for example, by bending from the end portion of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction Y1 toward the first direction X1. The contact portion 30 is formed by bending from the end portion of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction Y1 by 90° or more.

[0040] The contact portion 30 has an inclined surface 31. The inclined surface 31 faces the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 31 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 21, for example. The inclined surface 31 is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and is also inclined with respect to the second direction Y1.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the inclined surface 31 is inclined toward the second opposite direction Y2, for example, from the end of the contact portion 30 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the end of the contact portion 30 in the first direction X1. The end of the inclined surface 31 in the first direction X1 is provided at a position shifted in the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the inclined surface 31 in the first opposite direction X2, that is, at a position shifted in a direction shifted laterally with respect to the approach direction of the mating terminal 201 (here, the first direction X1). Each inclined surface 31 extends at an inclination at a constant inclination angle, for example. That is, each inclined surface 31 extends along an oblique direction S1 inclined with respect to both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. As shown in FIG. 3, each inclined surface 31 is formed on a plane that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1. The inclined surface 31 extends, for example, along the width direction of the bottom wall 21 (here, the Z-axis direction) over the entire width direction of the bottom wall 21.

[0042] The contact portion 35 protrudes in the oblique direction S1 from a second edge, which is the end of the bottom wall 21 in the second opposite direction Y2. The contact portion 35 extends, for example, parallel to the contact portion 30. The contact portion 35 faces the contact portion 30 in the Y-axis direction while being spaced apart from it. The contact portion 35 is formed, for example, by bending from the end of the bottom wall 21 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the first direction X1. The contact portion 35 is formed by bending from the end of the bottom wall 21 in the second opposite direction Y2 at an angle of 90° or less parallel to the contact portion 30.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the contact portion 35 has an inclined surface 36. The inclined surface 36 faces the second opposite direction Y2. The inclined surface 36 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 21, for example. The inclined surface 36 extends, for example, parallel to the inclined surface 31. That is, the inclined surface 36 extends at the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 31. In other words, the inclined surface 36 extends along the oblique direction S1. As shown in FIG. 8, the inclined surface 36 is formed as a plane that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1. The inclined surface 36 extends, for example, along the width direction of the bottom wall 21 (here, the Z-axis direction) over the entire width direction of the bottom wall 21.

[0044] In the electrical contact portion 20, a pair of contact portions 30, 35 provided on both longitudinal ends of the bottom wall 21 are formed to extend parallel to each other. The bottom wall 21, the contact portion 30, and the contact portion 35 are formed into a U-shape as a whole when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0045] The engagement portion 40 extends from an end of the contact portion 30 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1. The engagement portion 40 extends horizontally along the second direction Y1, for example. The engagement portion 40 is formed, for example, by bending at a right angle from an end of the contact portion 30 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1. The engagement portion 40 is provided, for example, only at a middle position of the contact portion 30 in the width direction of the contact portion 30 (here, the Z-axis direction).

[0046] The connection piece portion 45 extends from an end portion of the contact portion 35 in the first direction X1 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The connection piece portion 45 extends horizontally along the second opposite direction Y2, for example. The connection piece portion 45 is formed, for example, by bending at a right angle from an end portion of the contact portion 35 in the first direction X1 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The connection piece portion 45 extends, for example, along the width direction of the contact portion 35 (here, the Z-axis direction) over the entire width direction of the contact portion 35.

[0047] The connection piece portion 45 has one or more (two in this embodiment) notches 46. Each notch 46 is formed such that the connection piece portion 45 is cut from an end face of the connection piece portion 45 in the width direction (here, the Z-axis direction) toward the inside of the connection piece portion 45. Each notch 46 opens in both the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2. Each notch 46 is provided at a middle position of the connection piece portion 45 in the length direction of the connection piece portion 45 (here, the Y-axis direction). Each notch 46 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the connection portion between the contact portion 35 and the connection piece portion 45 in the length direction of the connection piece portion 45.

[0048] (Configuration of flexible portion 50) The flexible portion 50 is more flexible and supple than the electrical contact portion 20. The flexible portion 50 is more flexible and supple than, for example, the external connection portion 60. An end portion of the flexible portion 50 in the second direction Y1 is formed integrally and continuously with an end portion of the connection piece portion 45 of the electrical contact portion 20 in the second opposite direction Y2. An end portion of the flexible portion 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 is formed integrally and continuously with an end portion of the external connection portion 60 in the second direction Y1. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the flexible portion 50 is accommodated inside the housing 100. The flexible portion 50 is elastically deformable in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion 20. The flexible portion 50 is flexibly deformable in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion 20. For example, when the electrical contact portion 20 moves relative to the external connection portion 60, the flexible portion 50 flexibly deforms.

[0049] 8, the flexible portion 50 has, for example, an extension portion 51, an extension portion 52, and a serpentine portion 53 that extends in a serpentine manner in the Y-axis direction. The serpentine portion 53 is provided between the extension portion 51 and the extension portion 52 in the Y-axis direction. The flexible portion 50 has a structure in which the extension portion 51, the serpentine portion 53, and the extension portion 52 are continuously and integrally formed in this order.

[0050] 5, the width of the flexible portion 50, i.e., the dimension of the flexible portion 50 along the Z-axis direction, is smaller than the width of the connection piece portion 45 of the electrical contact portion 20, i.e., the dimension of the connection piece portion 45 along the Z-axis direction. The width of the flexible portion 50 is, for example, ½ or less of the width of the connection piece portion 45. The width of the flexible portion 50 is smaller than the width of the external connection portion 60, i.e., the dimension of the external connection portion 60 along the Z-axis direction. The width of the flexible portion 50 is, for example, ½ or less of the width of the external connection portion 60.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the extension portion 51 is formed integrally and continuously with the end portion of the connection piece portion 45 in the second opposite direction Y2. The extension portion 51 extends from the end face of the connection piece portion 45 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The extension portion 51 extends horizontally along the second opposite direction Y2, for example. The extension portion 51 is provided only at the middle position of the connection piece portion 45 in the width direction of the connection piece portion 45 (here, the Z-axis direction). The extension portion 51 is provided, for example, in the center of the connection piece portion 45 in the width direction of the connection piece portion 45.

[0052] The extension portion 52 is formed integrally and continuously with the end portion in the second direction Y1 of the external connection portion 60. The extension portion 52 extends from the end face in the second direction Y1 of the external connection portion 60 toward the second direction Y1. The extension portion 52 extends horizontally along the second direction Y1, for example. The extension portion 52 is provided only at the middle position of the external connection portion 60 in the width direction of the external connection portion 60 (here, the Z-axis direction). The extension portion 52 is provided, for example, at the center of the external connection portion 60 in the width direction of the external connection portion 60.

[0053] The meandering portion 53 is formed so as to meander in the X-axis direction intersecting with the Y-axis direction. The meandering portion 53 is formed, for example, so as to meander alternately in a first direction X1 and a first opposite direction X2. The meandering portion 53 has, for example, one or more (two in this embodiment) first bent portions 54 and one or more (one in this embodiment) second bent portions 55. Each of the first bent portion 54 and the second bent portion 55 is bent in a direction intersecting with the second direction Y1 in which the flexible portion 50 extends.

[0054] Each first bent portion 54 is curved so as to protrude in the first direction X1 beyond the end faces of the extensions 51 and 52 in the first direction X1. Each first bent portion 54 is curved in a U-shape that protrudes in the first direction X1. The second bent portion 55 is curved so as to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 beyond the end faces of the extensions 51 and 52 in the first opposite direction X2. The second bent portion 55 is curved in a U-shape that protrudes in the first opposite direction X2. The second bent portion 55 is provided between the two first bent portions 54. The dimension of the second bent portion 55 along the X-axis direction is, for example, the same as the dimension of each first bent portion 54 along the X-axis direction. The meandering portion 53 having such first bent portions 54 and second bent portions 55 is formed such that the planar shape viewed from the Z-axis direction is a U-shape that continues along the Y-axis direction.

[0055] (Configuration of external connection unit 60) The external connection part 60 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The external connection part 60 has a thickness direction extending along the X-axis. The external connection part 60 has a length direction extending along the Y-axis. The external connection part 60 has a width direction extending along the Z-axis. An end of the external connection part 60 in the second opposite direction Y2 has a bolt hole 61. The bolt hole 61 penetrates the external connection part 60 in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 6, a part of the external connection part 60, here the end of the external connection part 60 in the second direction Y1, is accommodated inside the housing 100. The remaining part of the external connection part 60, here the end of the external connection part 60 in the second opposite direction Y2, is disposed outside the housing 100. The end of the external connection part 60 in the second opposite direction Y2 is drawn out along the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the housing 100 in the second opposite direction Y2. That is, the external connection portion 60 is drawn out to the outside of the housing 100 along a second opposite direction Y2 perpendicular to the direction in which the mating terminal 201 enters.

[0056] (Configuration of coil spring 70) 2, the coil spring 70 is an elastic member sandwiched between the inner surface of the housing 100 and the electrical contact portion 20. The coil spring 70 is formed by winding a metal wire into a coil shape. The coil spring 70 is accommodated inside the housing 100 in a state where it is compressed in the X-axis direction by the inner surface of the housing 100 and the bottom wall 21 of the electrical contact portion 20. The coil spring 70 biases the electrical contact portion 20 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0057] (Configuration of the housing 100) A terminal module 11 is accommodated inside the housing 100. The housing 100 holds the terminal module 11 such that an end of the external connection portion 60 in the second opposite direction Y2 is led out in the second opposite direction Y2. The housing 100 holds the electrical contact portion 20 of the terminal fitting 12 so that the electrical contact portion 20 can be moved between a first position (see FIG. 6) and a second position (see FIG. 7).

[0058] The housing 100 is configured, for example, by a plurality of division bodies (two in this embodiment), namely, a first division body 110 and a second division body 130. The first division body 110 and the second division body 130 are formed so as to be capable of being combined with each other. The housing 100 is formed into a cylindrical shape that accommodates the terminal module 11 therein by combining the first division body 110 and the second division body 130. The housing 100 is made of resin. For example, each of the first division body 110 and the second division body 130 is made of synthetic resin.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 6, the housing 100 has a first housing portion 101 provided at an end in the second direction Y1, a second housing portion 102 provided at an end in the second opposite direction Y2, and a third housing portion 103 provided between the first housing portion 101 and the second housing portion 102. The internal space of the first housing portion 101, the internal space of the second housing portion 102, and the internal space of the third housing portion 103 are mutually connected. The first housing portion 101 accommodates therein the electric contact portion 20 and the coil spring 70. The internal space of the first housing portion 101 accommodates a portion of the electric contact portion 20 other than the connection piece portion 45.

[0060] The second housing portion 102 has an outlet port for leading out the external connection portion 60 to the outside. The second housing portion 102, for example, accommodates an end portion of the external connection portion 60 in the second direction Y1 inside. The second housing portion 102 is formed, for example, so that the internal space is narrower than the other portions, that is, the first housing portion 101 and the third housing portion 103. The dimension of the second housing portion 102 along the X-axis direction is smaller than the dimension of the first housing portion 101 along the X-axis direction and is smaller than the dimension of the third housing portion 103 along the X-axis direction.

[0061] The third accommodating section 103 accommodates, for example, the connection piece section 45 of the electrical contact section 20 and the flexible section 50 therein. The internal space of the third accommodating section 103 is formed to have a size capable of accommodating the serpentine section 53 of the flexible section 50. The internal space of the third accommodating section 103 is formed to have a size capable of allowing the flexible section 50 to undergo flexural deformation, for example.

[0062] (Configuration of first divided body 110) 4, the first divided body 110 is disposed in the first direction X1 relative to the second divided body 130. The first divided body 110 is formed, for example, in a box shape. The first divided body 110 is open, for example, in the first opposite direction X2 and in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0063] The first partition 110 has a peripheral wall 111 provided in a first direction X1, a pair of side walls 112 protruding from both side edges of the peripheral wall 111, a peripheral wall 113 protruding from an end of the peripheral wall 111 in a second direction Y1, and a peripheral wall 114 protruding from an end of the peripheral wall 111 in a second opposite direction Y2.

[0064] The peripheral wall 111 is formed in a plate shape. The peripheral wall 111 has a thickness direction extending along the X-axis. The peripheral wall 111 has a length direction extending along the Y-axis. The peripheral wall 111 has a width direction extending along the Z-axis. An inner surface of the peripheral wall 111, i.e., an end face of the peripheral wall 111 in the first opposite direction X2, faces the terminal module 11.

[0065] The pair of side walls 112 protrude from both side edges of the peripheral wall 111 in the first opposite direction X2. Each of the pair of side walls 112 protrudes from each end of the peripheral wall 111 in the width direction (here, the Z-axis direction) in the first opposite direction X2. The pair of side walls 112 face each other in the width direction of the peripheral wall 111. Each side wall 112 is formed in a plate shape. Each side wall 112 extends linearly along the X-axis direction. Each side wall 112 extends along the entire length of the peripheral wall 111 in the longitudinal direction (here, the Y-axis direction). A portion of each side wall 112 that constitutes the first housing portion 101 has a larger dimension along the X-axis direction than other portions, for example.

[0066] The peripheral wall 113 protrudes from an end of the peripheral wall 111 in the second direction Y1 toward the first opposite direction X2. The peripheral wall 113 is formed in a plate shape. The peripheral wall 113 extends linearly along the X-axis direction. The peripheral wall 113 extends along the width direction of the peripheral wall 111 over the entire length of the peripheral wall 111 in the width direction. The peripheral wall 113 connects the pair of side walls 112 to each other.

[0067] The peripheral wall 114 protrudes from an end of the peripheral wall 111 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the first opposite direction X2. The peripheral wall 114 faces the peripheral wall 113 in the second direction Y1. The peripheral wall 114 is formed in a plate shape. The peripheral wall 114 extends linearly along the X-axis direction. The peripheral wall 114 extends along the width direction of the peripheral wall 111 over the entire length of the peripheral wall 111 in the width direction. The peripheral wall 114 connects a pair of side walls 112 to each other.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, the first divided body 110 has a guide portion 120. The guide portion 120 is provided in the first housing portion 101. The guide portion 120 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 113. The guide portion 120 protrudes from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 113 in the second opposite direction Y2. The guide portion 120 extends, for example, from the vicinity of the peripheral wall 113 in the first opposite direction X2 in the first direction X1. The guide portion 120 is formed, for example, so that the amount of protrusion from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 113 increases as it approaches the peripheral wall 111.

[0069] The guide portion 120 has an inclined surface 121. The inclined surface 121 is an end surface of the guide portion 120 in the second opposite direction Y2. The inclined surface 121 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing portion 101. The inclined surface 121 faces the second opposite direction Y2. The inclined surface 121 faces the inclined surface 31 in the Y-axis direction. The inclined surface 121 is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and is inclined with respect to the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 121 extends parallel to the inclined surface 31. The inclined surface 121 extends at the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 31. In other words, the inclined surface 121 extends along the oblique direction S1. As shown in FIG. 4, the inclined surface 121 is formed on a plane that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1. The inclined surface 121 extends, for example, along the width direction of the peripheral wall 111 over the entire length of the width direction of the peripheral wall 111. The inclined surface 121 can come into contact with the inclined surface 31, for example. The inclined surface 121 can come into surface contact with the inclined surface 31, for example.

[0070] The first divided body 110 has an engaging portion 122. The engaging portion 122 is provided, for example, at a middle position in the Z-axis direction of the guide portion 120. The engaging portion 122 is formed, for example, in a groove shape into which the engaging portion 40 (see FIG. 3) of the electrical contact portion 20 can be inserted. The engaging portion 122 is formed, for example, so as to be recessed from an end face of the guide portion 120 in the first direction X1 toward the first opposite direction X2. As shown in FIG. 6, the end face of the engaging portion 122 in the first direction X1 is formed so as to be able to engage with the engaging portion 40 in the first direction X1.

[0071] The first divided body 110 has a restricting portion 123 that restricts the movement of the coil spring 70. The restricting portion 123 is provided in the first housing portion 101. The restricting portion 123 is provided, for example, on an inner surface of the first housing portion 101 facing the first opposite direction X2, that is, on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111. The restricting portion 123 protrudes from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 toward the first opposite direction X2. The restricting portion 123 is formed, for example, so as to surround the end of the coil spring 70 in the first direction X1. The restricting portion 123 is provided, for example, so as to be able to engage with the end of the coil spring 70 in the first direction X1. Here, the end of the coil spring 70 in the first direction X1 is in contact with the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 exposed from the restricting portion 123. In other words, the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 exposed from the restricting portion 123 is a spring receiving surface that receives the end of the coil spring 70 in the first direction X1.

[0072] The end of the first divided body 110 in the second opposite direction Y2 is formed to be recessed toward the first opposite direction X2 more than the other parts. As a result, the internal space of the second storage section 102 is formed narrower than the other parts. The first divided body 110 has a pressing portion 124 provided on the inner surface of the portion of the peripheral wall 111 that constitutes the second storage section 102. The pressing portion 124 protrudes from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 toward the external connection section 60. The pressing portion 124 extends, for example, from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 along the first opposite direction X2. The pressing portion 124 is formed, for example, to press the external connection section 60 from the first direction X1. The pressing portion 124 restricts the movement of the external connection section 60 in the first direction X1.

[0073] 4, the first divided body 110 has a pressing portion 125. The first divided body 110 has, for example, a pair of pressing portions 125 provided on a pair of side walls 112. Each pressing portion 125 is provided on a portion of each side wall 112 that constitutes the third housing portion 103. Each pressing portion 125 is provided on an end portion of each side wall 112 in the first opposite direction X2. Each pressing portion 125 protrudes from the side wall 112 toward the paired side wall 112. Each pressing portion 125 is formed to a size that allows it to be inserted into the cutout portion 46 of the electrical contact portion 20.

[0074] 9, each pressing portion 125 is formed to be able to engage with an end face in the first opposite direction X2 of the connection piece portion 45 of the electrical contact portion 20. Each pressing portion 125 is formed to press the connection piece portion 45 from the first opposite direction X2. Each pressing portion 125 restricts movement of the connection piece portion 45 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0075] 3, the first divided body 110 has an engagement portion 126. The engagement portion 126 is, for example, a protrusion that protrudes from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 113, i.e., the end face of the peripheral wall 113 in the second direction Y1, toward the radially outward direction of the housing 100 (here, in the second direction Y1).

[0076] 4, the first divided body 110 has an engagement groove 127. The engagement groove 127 is provided, for example, in the peripheral wall 114. The engagement groove 127 is provided in the peripheral wall 114 in the vicinity of the first opposite direction X2.

[0077] (Configuration of second divided body 130) The second divided body 130 is provided, for example, in the first opposite direction X2 from the first divided body 110. The second divided body 130 is provided, for example, so as to close an opening of the first divided body 110 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0078] 10, the second divided body 130 has an accommodating recess 131 that constitutes the first accommodating portion 101. The accommodating recess 131 is formed to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 more than other portions. The accommodating recess 131 has an opening 100X that opens in the first opposite direction X2.

[0079] The accommodating recess 131 has, for example, a peripheral wall 132 provided at an end of the second divided body 130 in the second direction Y1, a peripheral wall 133 facing the peripheral wall 132 in the Y-axis direction, and a pair of connecting walls 134 connecting these peripheral walls 132, 133. The pair of connecting walls 134 face each other in the Z-axis direction. Each connecting wall 134 connects an end of the peripheral wall 132 in the first opposite direction X2 to an end of the peripheral wall 133 in the first opposite direction X2. In the accommodating recess 131, an opening 100X is formed by a space surrounded by the peripheral walls 132, 133, and the pair of connecting walls 134.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, the second divided body 130 has an inclined surface 141. The inclined surface 141 is provided on the inner surface of the first storage portion 101. The inclined surface 141 is provided on the inner surface of the storage recess 131. The inclined surface 141 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 133. The inclined surface 141 is provided, for example, at an end of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 133 in the first direction X1. The inclined surface 141 faces the inclined surface 121 in the Y-axis direction while being spaced apart from it. The inclined surface 141 faces the inclined surface 36 in the Y-axis direction. The inclined surface 141 extends, for example, parallel to the inclined surface 121. The inclined surface 141 extends parallel to the inclined surface 36. That is, the inclined surface 141 extends at the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 36. In other words, the inclined surface 141 extends along the oblique direction S1. As shown in FIG. 10, the inclined surface 141 is formed on a plane that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1. The inclined surface 141 extends, for example, along the entire width direction of the peripheral wall 133 (here, the Z-axis direction) of the peripheral wall 133. As shown in FIG. 7, the inclined surface 141 can contact, for example, the inclined surface 36. The inclined surface 141 can come into surface contact with, for example, the inclined surface 36. The inclined surface 141 has a size smaller than that of the inclined surface 121 in a plan view seen from, for example, the Y-axis direction. The dimension of the inclined surface 141 along the oblique direction S1 is smaller than the dimension of the inclined surface 121 along the oblique direction S1, for example.

[0081] 3, the second divided body 130 has an engagement portion 142. The engagement portion 142 is provided at an end of the second divided body 130 in the second direction Y1. The engagement portion 142 is, for example, an elastic piece that protrudes from the peripheral wall 132 toward the engagement portion 126 and is formed to be elastically deformable in the radial direction of the housing 100. The engagement portion 142 is, for example, formed in a rectangular frame body and has an engagement hole in the center of the frame body that can engage with the engagement portion 126.

[0082] 4, the second divided body 130 has an engagement piece 143. The engagement piece 143 is provided, for example, at an end of the second divided body 130 in the second opposite direction Y2. The engagement piece 143 is formed to be able to fit into the engagement groove 127 of the first divided body 110.

[0083] 6, the second divided body 130 has an accommodating recess 145 that constitutes the third accommodating portion 103. The accommodating recess 145 is formed to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 further than the portion that constitutes the second accommodating portion 102. The accommodating recess 145 is formed to be able to accommodate the second bent portion 55 of the serpentine portion 53. The accommodating recess 145 is provided to overlap with the accommodating recess 131 in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 3, when manufacturing the connector 10, first, the terminal fitting 12 in which the electrical contact portion 20, the flexible portion 50, and the external connection portion 60 are integrally formed is prepared. Next, the coil spring 70 is arranged on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 exposed from the restricting portion 123. Next, the electrical contact portion 20 is housed inside the first divided body 110 while the pressing portion 125 of the first divided body 110 is inserted into the notch portion 46 of the electrical contact portion 20. After that, the electrical contact portion 20 is slid in the second direction Y1. Then, the engaging portion 40 of the electrical contact portion 20 is engaged with the engaging portion 122 of the first divided body 110, and the end face in the first opposite direction X2 of the connection piece portion 45 of the electrical contact portion 20 is engaged with the pressing portion 125 of the first divided body 110. These engagements can prevent the electrical contact portion 20 from moving in the first opposite direction X2 when the electrical contact portion 20 is biased in the first opposite direction X2 by the coil spring 70. This allows the terminal module 11 to be temporarily fixed inside the first divided body 110, as shown in FIG.

[0085] Next, the second division body 130 is attached to the first division body 110. More specifically, first, the engagement piece 143 of the second division body 130 is fitted into the engagement groove 127 of the first division body 110. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, the engagement portion 142 of the second division body 130 is engaged with the engagement portion 126 of the first division body 110 by a snap-fit ​​method utilizing elastic deformation of the engagement portion 142. This maintains the combined state of the first division body 110 and the second division body 130, and the terminal module 11 is accommodated in the internal space between the first division body 110 and the second division body 130.

[0086] Next, the operation of the connector 10 will be described. When the mating connector 200 is fitted to the connector 10, the mating contact 203 of the mating terminal 201 is disposed so as to face the bottom wall 21 of the electrical contact portion 20 exposed from the opening 100X of the housing 100. At this time, before the mating connector 200 enters the inside of the housing 100, the electrical contact portion 20 is urged toward the opening 100X by the urging force of the coil spring 70. As a result, the engaging portion 40 of the electrical contact portion 20 is pressed against the engaging portion 122 of the housing 100, and the connecting piece portion 45 of the electrical contact portion 20 is pressed against the end face of the second divided body 130 in the first direction X1. As a result, the movement of the electrical contact portion 20 in the first opposite direction X2 is restricted, and the electrical contact portion 20 is held in the first position.

[0087] Next, the mating terminal 201 is connected to the electrical contact portion 20 along the first direction X1. More specifically, the mating connector 200 is inserted into the housing 100 through the opening 100X along the first direction X1. Then, the mating contact 203 of the mating terminal 201 hits the end face of the bottom wall 21 of the electrical contact portion 20 in the first opposite direction X2. When the mating connector 200 is further inserted into the housing 100 along the first direction X1, the electrical contact portion 20 is pressed toward the first direction X1 by the mating terminal 201. As a result, the coil spring 70 is further compressed in the X-axis direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 70, and the electrical contact portion 20 is moved toward the first direction X1. At this time, the electrical contact portion 20 is guided in the oblique direction S1 (i.e., diagonally upward to the right in the figure) in which the inclined surface 121 extends by sliding on the inclined surface 121 while the inclined surface 31 is in contact with the inclined surface 121 of the housing 100. Therefore, as the electrical contact portion 20 moves in the first direction X1 due to the pressing by the mating terminal 201, the electrical contact portion 20 slides in the second opposite direction Y2. As a result, the bottom wall 21 of the electrical contact portion 20 slides along the second opposite direction Y2 while in contact with the mating contact 203, that is, it is displaced laterally with respect to the direction of entry of the mating terminal 201. By such a lateral displacement, foreign matter between the contact point between the bottom wall 21 and the mating contact 203 can be removed.

[0088] Here, when the electrical contact portion 20 is guided in the oblique direction S1, the inclined surfaces of the inclined surface 31 and the inclined surface 121 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the contact area between the contact portion 30 of the electrical contact portion 20 and the guide portion 120 of the housing 100 during the movement of the electrical contact portion 20 can be made larger than when an inclined surface and a vertical surface are in contact with each other. This can reduce the surface pressure applied from the inclined surface 31 to the inclined surface 121, thereby reducing the amount of wear on the inclined surfaces 31, 121 during sliding (sliding).

[0089] As shown in FIG. 7, when the electrical contact portion 20 is moved from the first position (see FIG. 6) to the second position by the pressing of the mating terminal 201, the flexible portion 50 of the terminal fitting 12 is bent and deformed. At this time, since the width of the flexible portion 50 is formed smaller than the other portions, that is, the electrical contact portion 20 and the external connection portion 60, the flexible portion 50 can be bent and deformed suitably with the movement of the electrical contact portion 20. For example, the flexible portion 50 is bent and deformed starting from a position near the extension portions 51 and 52 in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion 20. By the flexible portion 50 being bent and deformed in this manner, even if the external connection portion 60 is fixed, the electrical contact portion 20 can be moved suitably relative to the external connection portion 60. In other words, when the electrical contact portion 20 moves from the first position to the second position, even if the external connection portion 60 is fixed, the flexible portion 50 can be prevented from being bent and deformed to hinder the movement of the electrical contact portion 20. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the movement of the electrical contact portion 20 from being hindered by, for example, a connection structure between the external connection portion 60 and an external device.

[0090] When the mating connector 200 is fitted to the connector 10, the electrical contact portion 20 is clamped by the biasing force of the coil spring 70 and the pressing force of the mating contact 203. This electrically connects the electrical contact portion 20 and the mating terminal 201, and holds the electrical contact portion 20 in the second position.

[0091] Thereafter, when the mating connector 200 is removed from the connector 10 and the mating of the mating connector 200 and the connector 10 is released, the pressing force from the mating terminal 201 is eliminated and the electrical contact portion 20 is moved toward the first opposite direction X2 by the biasing force of the coil spring 70. At this time, the electrical contact portion 20 is guided in the opposite direction of the diagonal direction S1 (i.e., diagonally downward to the left in the figure) by the inclined surface 36 sliding on the inclined surface 141 of the housing 100 while contacting the inclined surface 141. Therefore, as the electrical contact portion 20 moves in the first opposite direction X2, the electrical contact portion 20 slides in the second direction Y1. As a result, the electrical contact portion 20 is guided to a position shifted in the second direction Y1 compared to before the mating of the mating connector 200 is released, and the electrical contact portion 20 returns to the first position shown in FIG. 6. Here, when the electrical contact portion 20 is guided in the opposite direction of the diagonal direction S1, the inclined surfaces of the inclined surface 36 and the inclined surface 141 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the contact area between the inclined surface 36 of the electrical contact portion 20 and the inclined surface 141 of the housing 100 during movement of the electrical contact portion 20 can be increased compared to when an inclined surface and a vertical surface are in contact with each other. This makes it possible to reduce the surface pressure applied from the inclined surface 36 to the inclined surface 141, thereby reducing the amount of wear on the inclined surfaces 36, 141 during sliding (sliding).

[0092] As shown in Fig. 6, when the electrical contact portion 20 is moved from the second position (see Fig. 7) to the first position, the flexible portion 50 returns to its original shape before bending deformation. By deforming the flexible portion 50 in this manner, even if the external connection portion 60 is in a fixed state, the electrical contact portion 20 can be suitably moved relative to the external connection portion 60. In other words, when the electrical contact portion 20 moves from the second position to the first position, even if the external connection portion 60 is in a fixed state, the flexible portion 50 can be prevented from bending and deforming to impede the movement of the electrical contact portion 20.

[0093] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The terminal fitting 12 includes an electrical contact portion 20 to which a mating terminal 201 is connected along a first direction X1, and a flexible portion 50 having greater flexibility than the electrical contact portion 20. The electrical contact portion 20 is movable between a first position and a second position. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X1 and is a position different from the first position in a second direction Y1 perpendicular to the first direction X1. The flexible portion 50 is formed integrally with the electrical contact portion 20. The flexible portion 50 is capable of flexural deformation in response to movement of the electrical contact portion 20.

[0094] According to this configuration, the electrical contact portion 20 and the flexible portion 50 that is capable of flexing and deforming in response to movement of the electrical contact portion 20 are integrally formed. This eliminates the need to provide a flexible conductor that is a separate component from the electrical contact portion 20. This makes it possible to reduce the processing costs of connecting the electrical contact portion 20 and the separate flexible conductor by welding, crimping, or the like. As a result, it is possible to reduce the processing costs of the terminal fittings 12, and therefore the costs associated with the terminal fittings 12. In turn, it is possible to reduce the costs associated with the connector 10. Furthermore, because the component costs of the separate flexible conductor can be reduced, the costs associated with the terminal fittings 12 can be further reduced.

[0095] (2) The terminal fitting 12 further includes an external connection portion 60 electrically connected to the electrical contact portion 20 through the flexible portion 50. The external connection portion 60 is formed integrally with the flexible portion 50. With this configuration, the electrical contact portion 20, the flexible portion 50, and the external connection portion 60 are formed integrally. This eliminates the need to provide an external connection member that is a separate part from the electrical contact portion 20 and the flexible portion 50. This reduces the component cost of the external connection member and the processing cost for connecting the flexible portion 50 to the external connection member that is a separate part. As a result, the cost of the terminal fitting 12 can be further reduced.

[0096] (3) The flexible portion 50 has a meandering portion 53 that extends in the second direction Y1 while meandering. This allows the flexible portion 50 to have an appropriate amount of extra length. This allows the flexible portion 50 to bend and deform appropriately in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion 20. Furthermore, since the flexible portion 50 can be formed long by providing the meandering portion 53, the stress applied to the flexible portion 50 during bending and deforming can be appropriately dispersed by the meandering portion 53.

[0097] (4) The meandering portion 53 is formed to alternately meander in the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2 by the first bent portion 54 and the second bent portion 55. Since the first bent portion 54 and the second bent portion 55 are each formed to be curved, the stress acting on the meandering portion 53 when the flexible portion 50 is flexed and deformed can be suitably distributed.

[0098] (5) The width of the flexible portion 50 is smaller than the width of the electrical contact portion 20. With this configuration, the flexibility of the flexible portion 50 is suitably improved. Therefore, the flexible portion 50 can be suitably flexed and deformed in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion 20. The terminal fitting 12 having such a narrow flexible portion 50 can be effectively used, for example, as a terminal for a signal line that does not require the passage of a large current.

[0099] (6) When the mating terminal 201 is connected to the electrical contact portion 20, the inclined surface 31 slides on the inclined surface 121 of the housing 100 while contacting the inclined surface 121, so that the electrical contact portion 20 is guided from the first position to the second position along the oblique direction S1 along which the inclined surface 121 extends. When the electrical contact portion 20 is guided from the first position to the second position in this manner, the inclined surfaces of the inclined surface 121 and the inclined surface 31 extending parallel to the inclined surface 121 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the contact area of ​​the guide portion during the movement of the electrical contact portion 20, that is, the contact area between the inclined surface 121 and the inclined surface 31, can be made larger than when the inclined surface and the vertical surface come into contact with each other. This makes it possible to reduce the surface pressure applied from the inclined surface 31 to the inclined surface 121. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of wear during sliding on the inclined surfaces 31 and 121. As a result, it is possible to improve the durability of the electrical contact portion 20 and the housing 100. In turn, it is possible to improve the durability of the connector 10.

[0100] In addition, since the inclined surface 121 can be prevented from being scraped due to contact with the inclined surface 31, a decrease in the sliding amount of the electrical contact portion 20 in the second opposite direction Y2 caused by scraping of the inclined surface 121 can be prevented. As a result, even if the mating connector 200 is repeatedly inserted and removed from the connector 10 many times, a decrease in the sliding amount of the electrical contact portion 20 in the second opposite direction Y2 when the mating connector 200 is inserted can be preferably prevented. Therefore, even if the mating connector 200 is repeatedly inserted and removed from the connector 10 many times, foreign matter between the contacts of the bottom wall 21 and the mating contacts 203 can be preferably removed. For this reason, it is effective to apply the connector 10 to an electrical device in which the mating connector 200 is inserted and removed from the connector 10 many times, such as a battery pack.

[0101] (7) The connector 10 further includes a coil spring 70 sandwiched between the electrical contact portion 20 and an inner surface of the housing 100 facing the first opposite direction X2. The electrical contact portion 20 is biased toward the opening 100X of the housing 100 by the coil spring 70. When the mating terminal 201 is connected along the first direction X1, the electrical contact portion 20 is movable from a first position to a second position against the biasing force of the coil spring 70. According to this configuration, when the mating terminal 201 is connected to the electrical contact portion 20, the biasing force of the coil spring 70 can bring the electrical contact portion 20 into suitable contact with the mating terminal 201. This can improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact portion 20 and the mating terminal 201.

[0102] (8) When the electrical contact portion 20 and the mating terminal 201 are disconnected, the inclined surface 36 slides on the inclined surface 141 while in contact with the inclined surface 141, so that the electrical contact portion 20 is guided from the second position to the first position along the direction in which the inclined surface 141 extends. When the electrical contact portion 20 is guided from the second position to the first position in this manner, the inclined surfaces of the inclined surface 141 and the inclined surface 36 extending parallel to the inclined surface 141 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the contact area of ​​the guide portion during the movement of the electrical contact portion 20, that is, the contact area between the inclined surface 141 and the inclined surface 36, can be made larger than when an inclined surface and a vertical surface come into contact with each other. This makes it possible to reduce the surface pressure applied from the inclined surface 36 to the inclined surface 141. Therefore, the amount of wear during sliding on the inclined surfaces 36 and 141 can be reduced.

[0103] (9) Electrical contact portion 20 has a structure in which bottom wall 21, inclined surface 31, and inclined surface 36 are integrally formed. Therefore, the structure of electrical contact portion 20 can be simplified compared to a case in which bottom wall 21, inclined surface 31, and inclined surface 36 are each formed as separate parts.

[0104] (10) The housing 100 is formed into a cylindrical shape by the first division body 110 and the second division body 130 to accommodate the electrical contact portion 20 therein. As a result, while the housing 100 is cylindrical, because the housing 100 is divided into the first division body 110 and the second division body 130, the housing 100 can be attached to the electrical contact portion 20 later. This improves the ease of assembling the housing 100 to the electrical contact portion 20.

[0105] (11) In the conventional connector, the electrical contact members and the metal case that holds the electrical contact members are housed inside a resin housing. The metal case has a guide portion that guides the movement of the electrical contact members when the mating terminal 201 is butted against the metal case.

[0106] In contrast, in the connector 10, the resin housing 100 is provided with an inclined surface 121 that serves as a guide surface when the electrical contact portion 20 moves from the first position to the second position, and an inclined surface 141 that serves as a guide surface when the electrical contact portion 20 moves from the second position to the first position. Therefore, even if a metal case is omitted, the movement of the electrical contact portion 20 when the mating terminal 201 is connected and when the mating terminal 201 is disconnected can be appropriately guided by the housing 100 alone. Therefore, since it is possible to omit the metal case, the connector 10 can be made smaller by the amount of the case.

[0107] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0108] The structure of the terminal fitting 12 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the flexible portion 50 and the external connection portion 60 are integrally formed, but this is not limiting. For example, the external connection portion 60 may be formed as a separate part from the flexible portion 50.

[0109] The structure of the flexible portion 50 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. As long as the flexible portion 50 has a structure that allows it to bend and deform in response to the movement of the electrical contact portion 20, other structures are not particularly limited.

[0110] The number of each of the first bent portions 54 and the second bent portions 55 in the meandering portion 53 is not particularly limited. Each of the first bent portion 54 and the second bent portion 55 is not limited to a curved shape.

[0111] The extensions 51 and 52 of the flexible portion 50 may be omitted. The meandering portion 53 may be omitted from the flexible portion 50. In this case, the flexible portion 50 may have only one first bent portion 54, for example.

[0112] The width of the flexible portion 50 may be set to the same width as the width of the electrical contact portion 20 . A slit may be provided in the flexible portion 50. In this case, the slit is formed, for example, so as to extend along the second direction Y1 in which the flexible portion 50 extends. In this case, the slit is formed so as to penetrate the flexible portion 50 in the thickness direction (here, the X-axis direction).

[0113] The structure of the electrical contact portion 20 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The engaging portion 40 of the electrical contact portion 20 may be formed to extend over the entire width of the contact portion 30 .

[0114] The engaging portion 40 of the electrical contact portion 20 may be omitted. The connection piece 45 may be formed to extend along the first direction X1. In this case, for example, the external connection portion 60 may be drawn out to the outside of the housing 100 in the first direction X1.

[0115] The notch 46 of the connection piece 45 may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the inclined surface 36 is formed to extend parallel to the inclined surface 31, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the inclined surface 36 may be formed to be inclined at an inclination angle different from the inclination angle of the inclined surface 31.

[0116] The structure of the housing 100 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. In the above embodiment, the inclined surface 141 is provided only on the end portion in the first direction X1 of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 133, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the inclined surface 141 may be provided on the entire inner surface of the peripheral wall 133.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the first divided body 110 is provided with the inclined surface 121, and the second divided body 130 is provided with the inclined surface 141, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the first divided body 110 may be provided with the inclined surface 141, and the second divided body 130 may be provided with the inclined surface 121. For example, the first divided body 110 may be provided with both the inclined surface 121 and the inclined surface 141. For example, the second divided body 130 may be provided with both the inclined surface 121 and the inclined surface 141.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the inclined surface 141 is formed to extend parallel to the inclined surface 121, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the inclined surface 141 may be formed to be inclined at an inclination angle different from the inclination angle of the inclined surface 121.

[0119] The engagement groove 127 and the engagement piece 143 of the housing 100 may be omitted. The engaging portion 126 and the engaging portion 142 of the housing 100 may be omitted. The pressing portions 124, 125 of the housing 100 may be omitted.

[0120] The restricting portion 123 of the housing 100 may be omitted. In the housing 100 of the above embodiment, the first division 110 and the second division 130 are configured as separate parts, but this is not limiting. For example, the first division 110 and the second division 130 may be integrally formed via a hinge or the like.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the housing 100 is configured with two divided bodies, that is, the first divided body 110 and the second divided body 130, but is not limited to this. For example, the housing 100 may be configured with three or more divided bodies.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the housing 100 is formed to have a structure including the first housing portion 101, the second housing portion 102, and the third housing portion 103, but is not limited to this. For example, the housing 100 may be formed to have a structure including only the first housing portion 101.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the elastic member sandwiched between the inner surface of the housing 100 and the electrical contact portion 20 is embodied as the coil spring 70, but is not limited to this. For example, instead of the coil spring 70, other elastic members such as high-strength rubber may be used.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the holding member is embodied in the housing 100, but this is not limiting. For example, the holding member may be embodied in a metal case accommodated inside the housing 100. In this case, the inclined surfaces 121, 141 are provided on the metal case.

[0125] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10 Connectors 11 Terminal Module 12 Terminal fitting 20 Electrical contact 21 Bottom wall 30 Contact part 31 Inclined surface (second inclined surface) 35 Contact part 36 Slope (4th slope) 40 Engagement part 45 Connection piece 46 Notch 50 Flexible section 51,52 Extension 53 Meandering section 54 1st bending part (bending part) 55 2nd bending part (bending part) 60 External connection part 61 Bolt hole 70 Coil spring (elastic member) 100 Housing (retaining member) 100X aperture 101 First storage unit 102 Second storage section 103 Third Storage Unit 110 1st division body 111,113,114 Peripheral wall 112 Side wall 120 Guide part 121 Slope (1st slope) 122 Engagement part 123 Regulatory Department 124,125 Presser section 126 Engagement part 127 Engagement groove 130 Second division body 131 Recessed part 132,133 Peripheral wall 134 Connecting wall 141 Inclined surface (3rd inclined surface) 142 Engagement part 143 Engagement piece 145 Storage recess 200 Mating Connector 201 Mating terminal 202 Opposite housing 203 Counterpart Contact S1 Diagonal direction X1 1st direction X2 1st opposite direction Y1 2nd direction Y2 2nd opposite direction Z1 3rd direction Z2 3rd opposite direction

Claims

1. A terminal fitting electrically connected to a mating terminal, an electrical contact portion to which the mating terminal is connected along a first direction; A flexible portion having greater flexibility than the electrical contact portion, the electrical contact is movable between a first position and a second position; the second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction and is a position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The flexible portion is integrally formed with the electrical contact portion, The flexible portion is capable of bending and deforming in response to movement of the electrical contact portion.

2. an external connection portion electrically connected to the electrical contact portion through the flexible portion; The terminal fitting according to claim 1 , wherein the external connection portion is integral with the flexible portion.

3. The flexible portion extends along the second direction, The terminal fitting according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible portion has a bent portion that is bent in a direction intersecting the second direction.

4. The flexible portion has a meandering portion that extends in the second direction while meandering, The terminal fitting according to claim 3 , wherein the meandering portion has the bent portion.

5. The meandering portion is formed by connecting one or more first bent portions and one or more second bent portions, The first bent portion is curved so as to protrude in the first direction, The terminal fitting according to claim 4 , wherein the second bent portion is curved so as to protrude in a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction.

6. The terminal fitting according to claim 1 , wherein a width of the flexible portion is smaller than a width of the electrical contact portion.

7. The terminal fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a retaining member that retains the electrical contact portion so that the electrical contact portion can be moved between the first position and the second position.

8. the holding member has a first inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction and inclined with respect to the second direction, the electrical contact portion has a second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, 8. The connector of claim 7, wherein the electrical contact portion is movable from the first position to the second position while the second inclined surface slides on the first inclined surface while contacting the first inclined surface when the mating terminal is connected along the first direction.

9. The electrical contact portion is provided with an elastic member sandwiched between an inner surface of the holding member facing a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction, and the electrical contact portion. the holding member has an opening that opens in the first opposite direction and through which the mating terminal enters along the first direction, the electrical contact portion is biased toward the opening by the elastic member, The connector according to claim 8 , wherein the electrical contact portion is movable from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the elastic member when the mating terminal is connected along the first direction.

10. the holding member has a third inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, the electrical contact portion has a fourth inclined surface extending parallel to the third inclined surface, the third inclined surface is spaced apart from the first inclined surface in the second direction, the fourth inclined surface is spaced apart from the second inclined surface in the second direction and faces the third inclined surface in the second direction, 9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the electrical contact portion is movable from the second position to the first position while the fourth inclined surface contacts the third inclined surface and slides on the third inclined surface when the electrical contact portion is disconnected from the mating terminal.

11. the electrical contact portion has a bottom wall that comes into contact with the mating terminal, the second inclined surface that protrudes from a first edge of the bottom wall, and the fourth inclined surface that protrudes from a second edge of the bottom wall, The second inclined surface is integrally formed with the bottom wall, The connector of claim 10 , wherein the fourth angled surface is integrally formed with the bottom wall.

12. the holding member is a housing made of resin, The housing has a first divided body and a second divided body formed so as to be able to be combined with the first divided body, 8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the housing is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining the first divided body and the second divided body, and accommodates the electrical contact portion therein.

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