Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that can be miniaturized.SOLUTION: A connector 10 is electrically connected to a mating connector 200 having a mating terminal 201. The connector 10 includes an electrical contact member 50 to which the mating terminal 201 is connected along a first direction X1, a case 20 that holds the electrical contact member 50 such that the electrical contact member 50 is movable between a first position and a second position, and an external connection member 90 disposed outside the case 20. The connector 10 includes a flexible conductor 80 for electrically connecting the electrical contact member 50 and the external connection member 90 to each other. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X1, and also a position different from the first position in a second direction Y1 intersecting with the first direction X1. The flexible conductor 80 extends between the electrical contact member 50 and the external connection member 90 along the second direction Y1. The flexible conductor 80 is more excellent in flexibility than the electrical contact member 50. The flexible conductor 80 is capable of bending and deforming in response to the movement of the electrical contact member 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle is equipped with a connector including a terminal module and a housing that accommodates the terminal module. The terminal module 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] However, there is a demand for miniaturization of the above connectors. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can be miniaturized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The connector of the present disclosure is a connector electrically connected to a mating connector having a mating terminal, and comprises an electrical contact member to which the mating terminal is connected along a first direction, a holding member that holds the electrical contact member movably between a first position and a second position, an external connection member that is arranged on the outside of the holding member, and a flexible conductor that electrically connects the electrical contact member and the external connection member, wherein 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 that intersects the first direction, the flexible conductor extends along the second direction between the electrical contact member and the external connection member, the flexible conductor is more flexible than the electrical contact member, and the flexible conductor is capable of flexural deformation in response to movement of the electrical contact member. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure has the effect of enabling miniaturization. [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 a perspective view showing a terminal module according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a terminal module according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a terminal module according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7) showing the connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an 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 connector of the present disclosure is a connector electrically connected to a mating connector having a mating terminal, and comprises: an electrical contact member to which the mating terminal is connected along a first direction; a holding member that holds the electrical contact member movably between a first position and a second position; an external connection member that is arranged on the outside of the holding member; and a flexible conductor that electrically connects the electrical contact member and the external connection member, wherein 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 conductor extends along the second direction between the electrical contact member and the external connection member, the flexible conductor is more flexible than the electrical contact member, and the flexible conductor is capable of flexural deformation in response to movement of the electrical contact member.

[0009] According to this configuration, the electric contact member and the external connection member are connected by a flexible conductor having superior flexibility to the electric contact member. This flexible conductor is flexibly deformed in response to the movement of the electric contact member. Therefore, when the electric contact member moves between the first position and the second position, that is, when the electric contact member and the external connection member move relatively, even if the external connection member is fixed, the flexible conductor is prevented from flexibly deforming and hindering the movement of the electric contact member. Furthermore, the flexible conductor is formed so as to extend along a second direction intersecting with a first direction which is a moving direction of the mating terminal relative to the electric contact member. Therefore, the size of the connector in the first direction can be reduced compared to a conventional configuration in which the flexible conductor extends along the first direction which is a moving direction of the mating terminal relative to the electric contact member. Here, when the connector is mounted on the device to be mounted, the connector is mounted so as to protrude from the outer surface of the housing of the device to be mounted in a first opposite direction which is a direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, if the size of the connector in the first direction can be reduced, the whole device to be mounted on which the connector is mounted can be reduced in size.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the second direction end of the flexible conductor is connected to a second opposite direction end of the electrical contact member which is opposite to the second direction, the second opposite direction end of the flexible conductor is connected to the second direction end of the external connection member, and the external connection member may extend along the second opposite direction from the second opposite direction end of the flexible conductor.

[0011] According to this configuration, the flexible conductor is formed so as to extend along the second opposite direction from the end of the electrical contact member in the second opposite direction, and the external connection member is connected to the end of the flexible conductor in the second opposite direction. Then, the external connection member is formed so as to extend along the second opposite direction from the end of the flexible conductor in the second opposite direction. Therefore, the size of the connector in the first direction can be made smaller than in a conventional configuration in which the external connection member extends along the first direction, which is the movement direction of the mating terminal relative to the electrical contact member.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the flexible conductor may be a separate part from the electrical contact member and the external connection member, and the flexible conductor may be a braided wire formed by braiding a plurality of metal wires.

[0013] According to this configuration, the electrical contact member and the external connection member are connected by the braided wire, which is a separate component from the electrical contact member and the external connection member. The braided wire, which is a flexible conductor, flexes and deforms in response to movement of the electrical contact member. Therefore, when the electrical contact member moves between the first position and the second position, even if the external connection member is fixed, it is possible to prevent the braided wire from flexing and deforming to interfere with the movement of the electrical contact member.

[0014] [4] In any of [1] to [3] above, 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 member may have a second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, and the electrical contact member 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.

[0015] According to this configuration, when the mating terminal is connected to the electrical contact member, 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 member is guided from the first position to the second position along the direction in which the first inclined surface extends. When the electrical contact member 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 member, 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 member and the holding member. In turn, it is possible to improve the durability of the connector.

[0016] [5] In the above [4], 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 member, 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 member being biased toward the opening by the elastic member, and the electrical contact member being 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.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the mating terminal is connected to the electrical contact member, the biasing force of the elastic member allows the electrical contact member to be appropriately brought into contact with the mating terminal, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact member and the mating terminal.

[0018] [6] In the above [4] or [5], the holding member has a third inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, the electrical contact member has 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, 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 member 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 member is disconnected from the mating terminal.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the electrical contact member 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 member from the second position to the first position along the direction in which the third inclined surface extends. When the electrical contact member 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 member, 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.

[0020] [7] In the above [6], the electrical contact member 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, wherein the second inclined surface is formed integrally with the bottom wall, and the fourth inclined surface may be formed integrally with the bottom wall.

[0021] According to this configuration, the electrical contact member 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 member compared to a case in which the bottom wall, the second inclined surface, and the fourth inclined surface are each formed as separate parts.

[0022] [8] In the above [7], the electrical contact member may have a connection piece portion extending from an end of the fourth inclined surface in the first direction along a second opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the second direction, and the end of the flexible conductor in the second direction may be connected to the end of the connection piece portion in the second opposite direction.

[0023] According to this configuration, the flexible conductor is formed so as to extend along the second opposite direction from the end of the connecting piece portion in the second opposite direction, which extends along the second opposite direction. This makes it possible to suitably form the flexible conductor so as to extend along the second opposite direction that intersects with the first direction, which is the movement direction of the mating terminal relative to the electrical contact member. As a result, the size of the connector in the first direction can be suitably reduced.

[0024] [9] In any of [4] to [8] above, the retaining member is a metal case having a ceiling wall, a pair of side walls protruding from both side edges of the ceiling wall, the first inclined surface provided between the pair of side walls, and an opening through which the mating terminal enters along the first direction, the pair of side walls facing each other in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, and the electrical contact member may be arranged between the pair of side walls.

[0025] According to this configuration, the electrical contact member is held inside a box portion of the metal case that is formed by a ceiling wall and a pair of side walls. At this time, the first inclined surface is provided between the pair of side walls. Therefore, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface can be brought into contact with each other inside the box portion of the case.

[0026]

[10] In any of [1] to [9] above, the device may further include a resin housing that houses the electrical contact member, the holding member, and the flexible conductor therein, the housing having a first division and a second division formed to be combineable with the first division, and the housing may be formed into a cylindrical shape that houses the electrical contact member, the holding member, and the flexible conductor therein by combining the first division and the second division.

[0027] According to this configuration, the housing is formed into a cylindrical shape by the first division and the second division, and the housing accommodates the electric contact member, the holding member, and the flexible conductor inside. As a result, while the housing is cylindrical, the housing is divided into the first division and the second division, so that the housing can be later attached to the electric contact member, the holding member, and the flexible conductor. This improves the ease of assembling the housing to the electric contact member, the holding member, and the flexible conductor.

[0028] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the dimensional ratio of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel," "orthogonal," "horizontal," and "right angle" include not only strictly parallel, orthogonal, horizontal, or right angle, but also approximately parallel, orthogonal, horizontal, or right angle within the range 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.

[0029] (Overall configuration of connector 10) 1 and 2, the connector 10 includes one or more terminal modules 11 and a housing 100 that accommodates the terminal modules 11. The terminal modules 11 include electrical contact members 50. The connector 10 electrically connects, for example, electrical devices for a vehicle to each other. Examples of the electrical devices for a vehicle include a battery pack, an inverter, and a motor.

[0030] 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 and the terminal module 11 during use. Note that FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only the housing 100 of the connector 10 as a cross section.

[0031] The connector 10 is electrically connected to a mating connector 200. The mating connector 200 is connected to the connector 10, for example, along a first direction X1. For example, a mating terminal 201, which is a terminal of the mating connector 200, is inserted into the housing 100 along the first direction X1. Then, inside the housing 100, the mating terminal 201 is abutted against an electrical contact member 50 of the terminal module 11 along the first direction X1, so that the mating terminal 201 and the electrical contact member 50 are electrically connected to each other.

[0032] (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 synthetic resin.

[0033] 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 electrical contact member 50 of the terminal module 11. 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.

[0034] (Terminal module 11 configuration) 3 and 4, the terminal module 11 includes a case 20, a coil spring 40, and an electrical contact member 50. The terminal module 11 includes a flexible conductor 80 electrically connected to the electrical contact member 50, and an external connection member 90 electrically connected to the flexible conductor 80. The case 20, the coil spring 40, the electrical contact member 50, the flexible conductor 80, and the external connection member 90 are each separate components.

[0035] (Configuration of Case 20) As shown in FIG. 4, the case 20 holds the electrical contact member 50. The case 20 is formed into a box shape as a whole. The case 20 is formed into a box shape capable of accommodating the coil spring 40 and the electrical contact member 50 therein. The case 20 is formed, for example, by bending or combining metal plates. The case 20 of this embodiment is formed by bending a single metal plate. The case 20 is made of, for example, metal. The case 20 can be made of, for example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel (SUS).

[0036] 5 and 6, the case 20 has a ceiling wall 21, a pair of side walls 22, one or more (two in this embodiment) guide portions 30, and one or more (two in this embodiment) guide portions 35. As shown in Fig. 6, the case 20 has, for example, an engagement piece 38. The case 20 has an opening 20X that opens in the first opposite direction X2 and through which the mating terminal 201 (see Fig. 2) can enter.

[0037] The ceiling wall 21 is formed in a flat plate shape. The ceiling wall 21 has a thickness direction extending along the X-axis. The ceiling wall 21 has a length direction extending along the Y-axis. The ceiling wall 21 has a width direction extending along the Z-axis. The inner surface of the ceiling wall 21, i.e., the end face of the ceiling wall 21 in the first opposite direction X2, faces the coil spring 40.

[0038] The pair of side walls 22 protrude from both side edges of the ceiling wall 21. Each of the pair of side walls 22 protrudes from each end of the ceiling wall 21 in the width direction (here, the Z-axis direction) toward the first opposite direction X2. The pair of side walls 22 face each other in the width direction of the ceiling wall 21. Each side wall 22 is formed in a flat plate shape. Each side wall 22 extends linearly along the X-axis direction. Each side wall 22 extends over the entire length of the ceiling wall 21 in the longitudinal direction (here, the Y-axis direction) of the ceiling wall 21. Each side wall 22 is formed, for example, by bending at a right angle from each end of the width direction of the ceiling wall 21 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 7, each side wall 22 has an extension 23 that extends in the second opposite direction Y2 further than the second opposite direction Y2 of the ceiling wall 21. Each extension 23 is formed to protrude toward the second opposite direction Y2 further than the second opposite direction Y2 of the ceiling wall 21. In other words, the ceiling wall 21 is not provided between a pair of extensions 23. Note that in Fig. 7, the first divided body 110 of the housing 100 is drawn see-through, and the outline of the first divided body 110 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0040] 5, each side wall 22 has, for example, a notch 24. Each notch 24 is formed such that the side wall 22 is cut out from an end face of the side wall 22 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first direction X1. Each notch 24 opens in both the third direction Z1 and the third opposite direction Z2, and also opens in the first opposite direction X2. Each notch 24 is provided at a middle position in the Y-axis direction of the side wall 22. Each notch 24 is also formed in, for example, a part of the extension portion 23.

[0041] A box portion of the case 20, which is formed by the ceiling wall 21 and the pair of side walls 22, is open in both the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2, and is also open in the first opposite direction X2. That is, the box portion of the case 20 has an opening 20X that opens in the first opposite direction X2.

[0042] The two guide parts 30 are provided between a pair of side walls 22. The two guide parts 30 are provided apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. Each guide part 30 is provided, for example, at a middle position of the side wall 22 in the length direction of the side wall 22 (here, the Y-axis direction). Each guide part 30 is provided, for example, at an end edge of the second direction Y1 of the notch 24. Each guide part 30 is formed, for example, by bending a part of the end part of the side wall 22 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the paired side wall 22, that is, the other side wall 22. Each guide part 30 of this embodiment is formed by bending a part of the side wall 22 by 90° or more. Therefore, a curved surface is formed at the connection part between each side wall 22 and each guide part 30.

[0043] 6, each guide portion 30 has an inclined surface 31. Each inclined surface 31 faces, for example, in the second opposite direction Y2. Each inclined surface 31 is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and is inclined with respect to the second direction Y1.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, each inclined surface 31 is inclined toward the second opposite direction Y2, for example, from the end of the guide portion 30 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the end of the guide 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, for example, at a constant inclination angle. 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. 6, each inclined surface 31 is formed on a plane that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1.

[0045] The two guide parts 35 are provided between a pair of side walls 22. The two guide parts 35 are provided apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. The two guide parts 35 are provided so as to face the two guide parts 30 in the Y-axis direction. Each guide part 35 is provided, for example, at a middle position of the side wall 22 in the length direction of the side wall 22 (here, the Y-axis direction). Each guide part 35 is provided, for example, at an end edge of the second opposite direction Y2 of the cutout part 24. Each guide part 35 is formed, for example, by bending a part of the end part of the side wall 22 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the paired side wall 22, that is, the other side wall 22. Each guide part 35 of this embodiment is formed by bending a part of the side wall 22 by 90° or more. Therefore, a curved surface is formed at the connection part between each side wall 22 and each guide part 35.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, each guide portion 35 has an inclined surface 36. Each inclined surface 36 faces, for example, the second direction Y1. Each inclined surface 36 is separated from each inclined surface 31 in the Y-axis direction. Each inclined surface 36 faces each inclined surface 31 in the Y-axis direction. Each inclined surface 36 is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and is inclined with respect to the second direction Y1. Each inclined surface 36 extends, for example, parallel to each inclined surface 31. That is, each inclined surface 36 extends at the same inclination angle as each inclined surface 31. In other words, each inclined surface 36 extends along the oblique direction S1. Each inclined surface 36 is formed on a plane that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1.

[0047] In the case 20, a part of the side wall 22 is bent to form the guide portion 30, and a part of the side wall 22 is bent to form the guide portion 35. As a result, the side wall 22 has a notch 24 formed therein.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 6, the engagement piece 38 protrudes from the end of the ceiling wall 21 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the first opposite direction X2. The engagement piece 38 is formed, for example, by bending at a right angle from the end of the ceiling wall 21 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the first opposite direction X2. The engagement piece 38 is provided, for example, only at a middle position in the width direction of the ceiling wall 21. As shown in Fig. 8, the engagement piece 38 is provided so as to face the coil spring 40 in the Y-axis direction. The engagement piece 38 is provided to be able to engage with the coil spring 40.

[0049] (Configuration of coil spring 40) As shown in FIG. 8, the coil spring 40 is an elastic member sandwiched between the top wall 21 of the case 20 and the electrical contact member 50. The coil spring 40 is formed by winding a metal wire into a coil shape. The coil spring 40 is housed inside the case 20 in a state where it is compressed in the X-axis direction by the top wall 21 of the case 20 and the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50. The coil spring 40 biases the electrical contact member 50 toward the opening 20X of the case 20. That is, the coil spring 40 biases the electrical contact member 50 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0050] (Configuration of Electrical Contact Member 50) As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the electric contact member 50 is accommodated in the case 20. The electric contact member 50 is provided between a pair of side walls 22. The electric contact member 50 is movable between a first position (see FIG. 8) and a second position (see FIG. 9). That is, the electric contact member 50 is held by the case 20 so as to be movable between the first position and the second position. As shown in FIG. 8, 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 where the electric contact member 50 is biased toward the opening 20X by the biasing force of the coil spring 40. As shown in FIG. 9, the second position is a position in a state where the electric contact member 50 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 closer to the ceiling wall 21 than the first position in the first direction X1, and is a position shifted in the second opposite direction Y2 than the first position in the second direction Y1. When the electrical contact member 50 is pressed in the first direction X1 by the mating terminal 201, the electrical contact member 50 moves from the first position to the second position while compressing the coil spring 40 in the X-axis direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 40.

[0051] The electrical contact member 50 is formed, for example, by bending or combining metal plates. The electrical contact member 50 of this embodiment is formed by bending one metal plate. The electrical contact member 50 is made of metal. Examples of materials that can be used for the electrical contact member 50 include copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel (SUS).

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical contact member 50 has a bottom wall 51 facing the ceiling wall 21 of the case 20, a contact portion 60 protruding from a first edge of the bottom wall 51, and a contact portion 65 protruding from a second edge of the bottom wall 51. The electrical contact member 50 has an engagement portion 70 provided at an end of the contact portion 60 in the first direction X1, and a connection piece portion 75 provided at an end of the contact portion 65 in the first direction X1. The electrical contact member 50 is a single component in which the bottom wall 51, the contact portions 60, 65, the engagement portion 70, and the connection piece portion 75 are continuously and integrally formed. The electrical contact member 50 has, for example, an Ω-shaped planar shape as a whole when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The plate thickness of the electrical contact member 50 is set according to the current capacity required for the terminal module 11, and has a rigidity that is not deformed by the biasing force of the coil spring 40.

[0053] (Configuration of bottom wall 51) 5, the bottom wall 51 is formed in a flat plate shape. The bottom wall 51 has a thickness direction extending along the X-axis. The bottom wall 51 has a length direction extending along the Y-axis. The bottom wall 51 has a width direction extending along the Z-axis.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the end face of the bottom wall 51 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 51 in the first opposite direction X2 is exposed to the outside of the case 20 through the opening 20X of the case 20. The end face of the bottom wall 51 in the first direction X1 faces the end face of the ceiling wall 21 in the first direction X2 in the first direction X1. The end face of the bottom wall 51 in the first direction X1 is a spring bearing surface that receives the end of the coil spring 40 in the first opposite direction X2. The dimension of the bottom wall 51 along the Y-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the coil spring 40 along the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the dimension of the bottom wall 51 along the Z-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the coil spring 40 along the Z-axis direction.

[0055] (Configuration of Contact Portion 60) The contact portion 60 protrudes in the diagonal direction S1 from a first edge, which is the end portion in the second direction Y1, of the bottom wall 51. The contact portion 60 is formed, for example, by bending from the end portion in the second direction Y1 of the bottom wall 51 toward the ceiling wall 21. The contact portion 60 is formed by bending from the end portion in the second direction Y1 of the bottom wall 51 by 90° or more.

[0056] The contact portion 60 has an inclined surface 61 facing the two inclined surfaces 31 in the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 61 faces the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 61 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 51, for example. As shown in FIG. 8, the inclined surface 61 extends parallel to the inclined surface 31. That is, the inclined surface 61 extends at the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 31. In other words, the inclined surface 61 extends along the oblique direction S1. As shown in FIG. 5, the inclined surface 61 is formed as a plane that spreads in the third direction Z1 and also spreads in the oblique direction S1. The inclined surface 61 extends, for example, along the width direction of the bottom wall 51 (here, the Z-axis direction) over the entire width direction of the bottom wall 51. The inclined surface 61 can come into contact with, for example, the two inclined surfaces 31. The inclined surface 61 can come into surface contact with, for example, the two inclined surfaces 31. The inclined surface 61 has a size larger than the combined size of the two inclined surfaces 31 in a plan view seen from the Y-axis direction, for example.

[0057] (Configuration of Contact Portion 65) The contact portion 65 protrudes in the diagonal direction S1 from a second edge, which is the end of the bottom wall 51 in the second opposite direction Y2. The contact portion 65 extends, for example, parallel to the contact portion 60. The contact portion 65 is formed, for example, by bending from the end of the bottom wall 51 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the ceiling wall 21. The contact portion 65 is formed by bending from the end of the bottom wall 51 in the second opposite direction Y2 at an angle of 90° or less parallel to the contact portion 60.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, the contact portion 65 has an inclined surface 66 facing the two inclined surfaces 36 in the Y-axis direction. The inclined surface 66 faces the second opposite direction Y2. The inclined surface 66 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 51, for example. As shown in FIG. 8, the inclined surface 66 extends, for example, parallel to the inclined surface 61. The inclined surface 66 extends parallel to the inclined surface 36. That is, the inclined surface 66 extends at the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 36. In other words, the inclined surface 66 extends along the oblique direction S1. As shown in FIG. 6, the inclined surface 66 is formed as a plane that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1. The inclined surface 66 extends, for example, along the width direction of the bottom wall 51 (here, the Z-axis direction) over the entire width direction of the bottom wall 51. The inclined surface 66 can come into contact with, for example, the two inclined surfaces 36. The inclined surface 66 is capable of surface contact with, for example, the two inclined surfaces 36. For example, in a plan view seen from the Y-axis direction, the inclined surface 66 has a size larger than the combined size of the two inclined surfaces 36. The dimension of the contact portion 65 along the diagonal direction S1 is smaller than the dimension of the contact portion 60 along the diagonal direction S1.

[0059] In the electrical contact member 50, a pair of contact portions 60, 65 provided on both ends of the bottom wall 51 in the Y-axis direction are formed so as to extend parallel to each other. The bottom wall 51, the contact portions 60, and the contact portions 65 are formed into an overall U-shape in plan view as viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0060] (Configuration of engagement portion 70) The engaging portion 70 extends from an end of the contact portion 60 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1. The engaging portion 70 extends horizontally along the second direction Y1, for example. The engaging portion 70 is formed, for example, by bending from an end of the contact portion 60 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1 at a right angle. The engaging portion 70 extends, for example, along the width direction of the contact portion 60 (here, the Z-axis direction) over the entire width direction of the contact portion 60. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaging portion 70 is formed to be able to engage with an end surface of the guide portion 30 in the first direction X1 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0061] (Configuration of connection piece portion 75) As shown in FIG. 5, the connection piece 75 extends from an end of the contact portion 65 in the first direction X1 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The connection piece 75 extends horizontally along the second opposite direction Y2, for example. The connection piece 75 is formed by bending at a right angle from an end of the contact portion 65 in the first direction X1 toward the second opposite direction Y2, for example. The connection piece 75 extends along the entire width direction of the contact portion 65 along the width direction (here, the Z-axis direction) of the contact portion 65, for example. As shown in FIG. 8, the connection piece 75 is formed so as to be engageable with an end face of the guide portion 35 in the first direction X1 in the first opposite direction X2. An end of the connection piece 75 in the second opposite direction Y2 protrudes in the second opposite direction Y2 beyond the end face of the case 20 in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0062] (Configuration of the flexible conductor 80) The flexible conductor 80 electrically connects the electric contact member 50 and the external connection member 90 to each other. The flexible conductor 80 extends along the second direction Y1 between the electric contact member 50 and the external connection member 90. The flexible conductor 80 extends along the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the electric contact member 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. The flexible conductor 80 is, for example, more flexible and pliable than the electric contact member 50. The flexible conductor 80 is, for example, more flexible and pliable than the external connection member 90. For example, a braided wire formed by braiding a plurality of metal wires can be used as the flexible conductor 80. The flexible conductor 80 is, for example, disposed on the outside of the case 20. The flexible conductor 80 is, for example, accommodated inside the housing 100.

[0063] The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is connected to the end of the electric contact member 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is joined to the end of the connection piece portion 75 of the electric contact member 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is joined to the connection piece portion 75 in a state where it is superimposed on the end face of the connection piece portion 75 in the first direction X1. The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2 is connected to the end of the external connection member 90 in the second direction Y1. The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2 is joined to the external connection member 90 in a state where it is superimposed on the end face of the external connection member 90 in the first direction X1. The joining of the flexible conductor 80 to the electric contact member 50 and the joining of the flexible conductor 80 to the external connection member 90 can be performed by, for example, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, crimping, or soldering. The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is joined to the electrical contact member 50, for example, so that it has higher rigidity than the other portion, i.e., the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction. The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2 is joined to the external connection member 90, for example, so that it has higher rigidity than the other portion, i.e., the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction.

[0064] The intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the length direction (here, the Y-axis direction) is formed in a straight line having a slight excess length. The intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction extends along the second direction Y1. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction is elastically deformable in response to the movement of the electric contact member 50. The intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction is flexibly deformable in response to the movement of the electric contact member 50. For example, when the electric contact member 50 moves relative to the external connection member 90, the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction is flexibly deformed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the electric contact member 50 moves from the first position to the second position, the flexible conductor 80 is flexibly deformed such that the end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 rises toward the first direction X1. This effectively prevents the flexible conductor 80 from interfering with the movement of the electrical contact member 50 when the electrical contact member 50 moves from the first position to the second position, i.e., when the electrical contact member 50 and the external connection member 90 move relative to each other.

[0065] (Configuration of external connection member 90) As shown in FIG. 5, the external connection member 90 is provided, for example, in the second opposite direction Y2 from the electric contact member 50. The external connection member 90 extends from the end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2 along the second opposite direction Y2. The external connection member 90 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The external connection member 90 has a thickness direction extending along the X axis. The external connection member 90 has a length direction extending along the Y axis. The external connection member 90 has a width direction extending along the Z axis. The end of the external connection member 90 in the second opposite direction Y2 has a bolt hole 91. The bolt hole 91 penetrates the external connection member 90 in the thickness direction. The external connection member 90 is disposed, for example, outside the case 20. As shown in FIG. 8, a part of the external connection member 90, here, the end of the external connection member 90 in the second direction Y1 connected to the flexible conductor 80, is accommodated inside the housing 100. 2, the remaining part of the external connection member 90, here an end of the external connection member 90 in the second opposite direction Y2, is disposed outside the housing 100. The end of the external connection member 90 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. In other words, the external connection member 90 is drawn out to the outside of the housing 100 along the second opposite direction Y2 that is perpendicular to the insertion direction of the mating terminal 201.

[0066] (Configuration of the housing 100) The housing 100 accommodates the terminal module 11. The housing 100 holds the terminal module 11 such that the end of the external connection member 90 in the second opposite direction Y2 is led out in the second opposite direction Y2. The housing 100 is, for example, composed of a plurality of division bodies (two in this embodiment), that is, a first division body 110 and a second division body 120. The first division body 110 and the second division body 120 are formed so as to be able to be combined with each other. The housing 100 is formed into a cylindrical shape that accommodates the electric contact member 50 and the case 20 therein by combining the first division body 110 and the second division body 120. The housing 100 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. Each of the first division body 110 and the second division body 120 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8, 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 the case 20, the coil spring 40, and the electric contact member 50 therein. The internal space of the first housing portion 101 accommodates a part of the electric contact member 50 other than the end in the second opposite direction Y2. The dimension of the first housing portion 101 along the X-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the third housing portion 103 along the X-axis direction. The dimension of the first housing portion 101 along the X-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the second housing portion 102 along the X-axis direction.

[0068] The second accommodating section 102 has an outlet for leading out the external connection member 90 to the outside. The second accommodating section 102 accommodates, for example, a connection portion between the external connection member 90 and the flexible conductor 80 inside. The second accommodating section 102 is formed, for example, so that the internal space is narrower than the other portions, that is, the first accommodating section 101 and the third accommodating section 103. The dimension of the second accommodating section 102 along the X-axis direction is smaller than the dimension of the third accommodating section 103 along the X-axis direction.

[0069] The third accommodating section 103 accommodates, for example, a connection portion between the electrical contact member 50 and the flexible conductor 80. The third accommodating section 103 accommodates, for example, a middle portion of the flexible conductor 80. The internal space of the third accommodating section 103 is formed to have a size that allows, for example, bending deformation of the middle portion of the flexible conductor 80.

[0070] The first divided body 110 is provided in the first direction X1 from the second divided body 120. 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. The first divided body 110 has, for example, a restricting portion 112 provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 of the first divided body 110 in the first direction X1. The restricting portion 112 protrudes from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 toward the case 20. The restricting portion 112 extends, for example, from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 along the first opposite direction X2. The restricting portion 112 is provided, for example, in the first housing portion 101. The restricting portion 112 is provided, for example, so as to be engageable with an end surface of the ceiling wall 21 of the case 20 in the second opposite direction Y2. The restricting portion 112 restricts the movement of the case 20 in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0071] 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 accommodating section 102 is formed narrower than the other parts. The first divided body 110 has a pressing portion 113 provided on the inner surface of the portion of the peripheral wall 111 that constitutes the second accommodating section 102. The pressing portion 113 protrudes from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 toward the connection portion between the external connection member 90 and the flexible conductor 80. The pressing portion 113 extends, for example, from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 along the first opposite direction X2. The pressing portion 113 is formed, for example, to press the connection portion between the external connection member 90 and the flexible conductor 80 from the first direction X1. The pressing portion 113 restricts the movement of the external connection member 90 in the first direction X1.

[0072] 3, the first divided body 110 has an engagement portion 114. The engagement portion 114 is, for example, a protrusion that protrudes from the outer surface of the first divided body 110 in the second direction Y1 toward the radially outward direction of the housing 100 (here, in the second direction Y1).

[0073] The second divided body 120 is provided, for example, in the first opposite direction X2 from the first divided body 110. The second divided body 120 is provided, for example, so as to close an opening of the first divided body 110 in the first opposite direction X2. The second divided body 120 has an engagement portion 121. The engagement portion 121 is provided at an end of the second divided body 120 in the second direction Y1. The engagement portion 121 is, for example, an elastic piece that protrudes from the end of the second divided body 120 in the second direction Y1 toward the engagement portion 114 and is formed so as to be elastically deformable in the radial direction of the housing 100. The engagement portion 121 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 114. The engagement portion 121 and the engagement portion 114 are engaged with each other, for example, by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the engagement portion 121. Due to the engagement between the engaging portion 121 and the engaging portion 114, the combined state of the first divided body 110 and the second divided body 120 is maintained.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, the second divided body 120 has an accommodating recess 122 that constitutes the first accommodating portion 101. The accommodating recess 122 is formed so as to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 more than other portions. The accommodating recess 122 has a housing opening 123 that opens in the first opposite direction X2. The housing opening 123 allows the mating terminal 201 to enter the inside of the housing 100. The housing opening 123 is formed so as to communicate with the opening 20X of the case 20. The housing opening 123 is formed so as to be able to expose the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50 to the outside of the housing 100.

[0075] Next, the operation of the connector 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, when the mating connector 200 is fitted to the connector 10, the mating contacts 203 of the mating terminals 201 are arranged to face the housing opening 123 and the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50 exposed from the opening 20X. At this time, before the mating connector 200 enters the inside of the housing 100, the electrical contact member 50 is urged toward the opening 20X of the case 20 by the urging force of the coil spring 40. As a result, the engaging portion 70 of the electrical contact member 50 is pressed against the end surface of the guide portion 30 of the case 20 in the first direction X1, and the connecting piece portion 75 of the electrical contact member 50 is pressed against the end surface of the guide portion 35 of the case 20 in the first direction X1. As a result, the movement of the electrical contact member 50 in the first opposite direction X2 is restricted, and the electrical contact member 50 is held in the first position.

[0076] Next, the mating terminal 201 is connected to the electrical contact member 50 along the first direction X1. More specifically, the mating connector 200 is inserted into the housing 100 through the housing opening 123 along the first direction X1. Then, the mating contact 203 of the mating terminal 201 hits the end face of the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50 in the first opposite direction X2. When the mating connector 200 is further inserted into the case 20 along the first direction X1, the electrical contact member 50 is pressed toward the first direction X1 by the mating terminal 201. As a result, the coil spring 40 is further compressed in the X-axis direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 40, and the electrical contact member 50 is moved toward the first direction X1. At this time, the electrical contact member 50 is guided in the oblique direction S1 in which the inclined surface 31 extends (i.e., diagonally upward to the right in the figure) by sliding on the inclined surface 31 while the inclined surface 61 is in contact with the inclined surface 31 of the case 20. Therefore, as the electrical contact member 50 moves in the first direction X1 due to the pressure of the mating terminal 201, the electrical contact member 50 slides in the second opposite direction Y2. As a result, the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50 slides along the second opposite direction Y2 while in contact with the mating contact 203, that is, the bottom wall 51 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 points of the bottom wall 51 and the mating contact 203 can be removed.

[0077] Here, when the electrical contact member 50 is guided in the oblique direction S1, the inclined surfaces of the inclined surface 61 and the inclined surface 31 are in contact with each other. Therefore, compared to when an inclined surface and a vertical surface are in contact with each other, the contact area between the contact portion 60 of the electrical contact member 50 and the guide portion 30 of the case 20 during the movement of the electrical contact member 50 can be made larger. This makes it possible to reduce the surface pressure applied from the inclined surface 61 to the inclined surface 31, and therefore the amount of wear on the inclined surfaces 31, 61 during sliding (sliding) can be reduced.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 9, when the electric contact member 50 is moved from the first position (see FIG. 8) to the second position by pressing the mating terminal 201, the middle part of the flexible conductor 80 is flexibly deformed. Specifically, the middle part of the flexible conductor 80 is flexibly deformed so that the end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 rises toward the first direction X1. By flexibly deforming the flexible conductor 80 in this manner, even if the external connection member 90 is fixed, the electric contact member 50 can be suitably moved relative to the external connection member 90. In other words, when the electric contact member 50 moves from the first position to the second position, even if the external connection member 90 is fixed, the flexible conductor 80 can be prevented from flexibly deforming and hindering the movement of the electric contact member 50. This can suitably prevent the movement of the electric contact member 50 from being hindered by the connection structure between the external connection member 90 and an external device, for example.

[0079] When the mating connector 200 is fitted to the connector 10, the electrical contact member 50 is clamped by the biasing force of the coil spring 40 and the pressing force of the mating contact 203. As a result, the electrical contact member 50 and the mating terminal 201 are electrically connected to each other, and the electrical contact member 50 is held in the second position.

[0080] 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 of the electrical contact member 50 is eliminated and the electrical contact member 50 is moved in the first opposite direction X2 by the biasing force of the coil spring 40. At this time, the electrical contact member 50 is guided in the opposite direction of the diagonal direction S1 (i.e., diagonally downward to the left in the figure) by sliding on the inclined surface 36 of the case 20 while the inclined surface 66 is in contact with the inclined surface 36. Therefore, as the electrical contact member 50 moves in the first opposite direction X2, the electrical contact member 50 slides in the second direction Y1. As a result, the electrical contact member 50 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 member 50 returns to the first position shown in FIG. 8. Here, when the electrical contact member 50 is guided in the opposite direction of the diagonal direction S1, the inclined surfaces of the inclined surface 66 and the inclined surface 36 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the contact area between the contact portion 65 of the electrical contact member 50 and the guide portion 35 of the case 20 when the electrical contact member 50 moves can be made larger than 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 66 to the inclined surface 36, and therefore the amount of wear on the inclined surfaces 36, 66 when they slide (slide).

[0081] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The connector 10 is electrically connected to a mating connector 200 having a mating terminal 201. The connector 10 includes an electrical contact member 50 to which the mating terminal 201 is connected along a first direction X1, a case 20 that holds the electrical contact member 50 movably between a first position and a second position, and an external connection member 90 that is disposed outside the case 20. The connector 10 includes a flexible conductor 80 that electrically connects the electrical contact member 50 and the external connection member 90. 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 a second direction Y1 perpendicular to the first direction X1. The flexible conductor 80 extends between the electrical contact member 50 and the external connection member 90 along the second direction Y1. The flexible conductor 80 is more flexible than the electrical contact member 50. The flexible conductor 80 is capable of bending and deforming in response to the movement of the electrical contact member 50.

[0082] According to this configuration, the electric contact member 50 and the external connection member 90 are connected by the flexible conductor 80, which is more flexible than the electric contact member 50. The flexible conductor 80 is flexibly deformed in response to the movement of the electric contact member 50. Therefore, when the electric contact member 50 moves between the first position and the second position, even if the external connection member 90 is fixed, the flexible conductor 80 is prevented from hindrance to the movement of the electric contact member 50 due to the flexible deformation. Furthermore, the flexible conductor 80 is formed so as to extend along the second direction Y1 intersecting with the first direction X1, which is the moving direction of the mating terminal 201 relative to the electric contact member 50. Therefore, the size of the connector 10 in the first direction X1 can be reduced compared to the conventional configuration in which the flexible conductor extends along the first direction X1. Here, when the connector 10 is mounted on a mounting target device (for example, an in-vehicle device such as an inverter) not shown, the connector 10 is mounted so as to protrude from the outer surface of the housing of the mounting target device in the first opposite direction X2. Therefore, if the size of connector 10 in the first direction X1 can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire device to which connector 10 is attached. Examples of the device to be mounted include electric devices for vehicles, such as battery packs, inverters, and motors.

[0083] (2) An end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is connected to an end of the electrical contact member 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. An end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2 is connected to an end of the external connection member 90 in the second direction Y1. The external connection member 90 extends from the end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2 along the second opposite direction Y2.

[0084] According to this configuration, the flexible conductor 80 is formed so as to extend along the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the electrical contact member 50 in the second opposite direction Y2, and the external connection member 90 is connected to the end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2. Then, the external connection member 90 is formed so as to extend along the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2. Therefore, the size of the connector 10 in the first direction X1 can be made smaller than in a conventional configuration in which the flexible conductor and the external connection member extend along the first direction X1.

[0085] (3) The flexible conductor 80 is a separate part from the electrical contact member 50 and the external connection member 90. The flexible conductor 80 is a braided wire formed by weaving together a plurality of metal wires. With this configuration, the electrical contact member 50 and the external connection member 90 are connected by the braided wire, which is a separate part from the electrical contact member 50 and the external connection member 90. The flexible conductor 80, which is a braided wire, flexes and deforms in response to the movement of the electrical contact member 50. Therefore, when the electrical contact member 50 moves between the first position and the second position, even if the external connection member 90 is fixed, it is possible to prevent the braided wire from flexing and deforming to impede the movement of the electrical contact member 50.

[0086] (4) The case 20 has an inclined surface 31 that is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and also inclined with respect to the second direction Y1. The electrical contact member 50 has an inclined surface 61 that extends parallel to the inclined surface 31. When the mating terminal 201 is connected along the first direction X1, the electrical contact member 50 is movable from a first position to a second position while the inclined surface 61 slides on the inclined surface 31 while in contact with the inclined surface 31.

[0087] According to this configuration, when the mating terminal 201 is connected to the electrical contact member 50, the inclined surface 61 slides on the inclined surface 31 while contacting the inclined surface 31, so that the electrical contact member 50 is guided from the first position to the second position along the oblique direction S1 along which the inclined surface 31 extends. When the electrical contact member 50 is guided from the first position to the second position in this manner, the inclined surfaces of the inclined surface 31 and the inclined surface 61 extending parallel to the inclined surface 31 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the contact area of ​​the guide portion during the movement of the electrical contact member 50, that is, the contact area between the inclined surface 31 and the inclined surface 61, 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 61 to the inclined surface 31. Therefore, the amount of wear during sliding on the inclined surfaces 31 and 61 can be reduced. As a result, the durability of the electrical contact member 50 and the case 20 can be improved. In turn, the durability of the connector 10 can be improved.

[0088] In addition, since the inclined surface 31 can be prevented from being scraped due to contact with the inclined surface 61, a decrease in the sliding amount of the electrical contact member 50 in the second opposite direction Y2 caused by scraping of the inclined surface 31 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 member 50 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 51 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.

[0089] (5) The connector 10 further includes a coil spring 40 that is sandwiched between the inner surface of the case 20 facing the first opposite direction X2, i.e., the inner surface of the ceiling wall 21, and the electrical contact member 50. The electrical contact member 50 is biased toward the opening 20X of the case 20 by the coil spring 40. When the mating terminal 201 is connected along the first direction X1, the electrical contact member 50 can move from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the coil spring 40. With this configuration, when the mating terminal 201 is connected to the electrical contact member 50, the biasing force of the coil spring 40 can bring the electrical contact member 50 into suitable contact with the mating terminal 201. This can improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the electrical contact member 50 and the mating terminal 201.

[0090] (6) In the case of a conventional configuration in which the flexible conductor extends along the first direction X1, when the mating terminal is brought into contact with the electrical contact member along the first direction X1, the flexible conductor is flexed and deformed so as to be compressed in the first direction X1. In this case, the reaction force of the flexible conductor becomes large, and the biasing force acting on the electrical contact member from the coil spring due to the reaction force becomes small. For this reason, in order to ensure the contact pressure between the electrical contact member and the mating terminal, it was necessary to increase the spring force of the coil spring.

[0091] In contrast, in the connector 10 of this embodiment, the flexible conductor 80 is formed to extend along a second direction Y1 intersecting with a first direction X1, which is a moving direction of the mating terminal 201 relative to the electrical contact member 50. Therefore, when the mating terminal 201 is brought into contact with the electrical contact member 50 along the first direction X1, the end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is flexed and deformed so as to rise toward the first direction X1. Therefore, the reaction force of the flexible conductor 80 can be made smaller than when the flexible conductor 80 is flexed and deformed so as to be compressed in the first direction X1. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress the biasing force acting on the electrical contact member 50 from the coil spring 40 due to the reaction force of the flexible conductor 80 from being reduced. Therefore, the biasing force of the coil spring 40 can be suitably brought into contact with the electrical contact member 50 with the mating terminal 201.

[0092] (7) The case 20 has an inclined surface 36 extending parallel to the inclined surface 31. The electrical contact member 50 has an inclined surface 66 extending parallel to the inclined surface 61. The inclined surface 36 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 31 in the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 66 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 61 in the second direction Y1 and faces the inclined surface 36 in the second direction Y1. When the electrical contact member 50 is disconnected from the mating terminal 201, the inclined surface 66 slides on the inclined surface 36 while in contact with the inclined surface 36, and is movable from the second position to the first position.

[0093] According to this configuration, when the electrical contact member 50 and the mating terminal 201 are disconnected, the inclined surface 66 slides on the inclined surface 36 while in contact with the inclined surface 36, so that the electrical contact member 50 is guided from the second position to the first position along the direction in which the inclined surface 36 extends. When the electrical contact member 50 is guided from the second position to the first position in this manner, the inclined surfaces of the inclined surface 36 and the inclined surface 66 extending parallel to the inclined surface 36 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the contact area of ​​the guide portion during the movement of the electrical contact member 50, that is, the contact area between the inclined surface 36 and the inclined surface 66, 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 66 to the inclined surface 36. Therefore, the amount of wear during sliding on the inclined surfaces 36, 66 can be reduced. As a result, the durability of the electrical contact member 50 and the case 20 can be improved. In turn, the durability of the connector 10 can be improved.

[0094] Furthermore, since the inclined surface 36 can be prevented from being scraped off due to contact with the inclined surface 66, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the sliding amount of the electrical contact member 50 in the second direction Y1 caused by scraping of the inclined surface 36. As a result, even if the mating connector 200 is repeatedly inserted and removed from the connector 10 many times, it is possible to suitably prevent a decrease in the sliding amount of the electrical contact member 50 in the second direction Y1 when the mating of the mating connector 200 is released. Therefore, even if the mating connector 200 is repeatedly inserted and removed from the connector 10 many times, it is possible to suitably return the electrical contact member 50 from the second position to the first position.

[0095] (8) Electrical contact member 50 has a structure in which bottom wall 51, inclined surface 61, and inclined surface 66 are integrally formed. Therefore, the structure of electrical contact member 50 can be simplified compared to a case in which bottom wall 51, inclined surface 61, and inclined surface 66 are each formed as separate parts.

[0096] (9) The electrical contact member 50 has a connection piece portion 75 extending from an end of the inclined surface 66 in the first direction X1 along the second opposite direction Y2. An end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is connected to an end of the connection piece portion 75 in the second opposite direction Y2. According to this configuration, the flexible conductor 80 is formed so as to extend along the second opposite direction Y2 from an end of the connection piece portion 75 in the second opposite direction Y2 extending along the second opposite direction Y2. This allows the flexible conductor 80 to be suitably formed so as to extend along the second opposite direction Y2 intersecting with the first direction X1, which is the moving direction of the mating terminal 201 relative to the electrical contact member 50. As a result, the size of the connector 10 in the first direction X1 can be suitably reduced.

[0097] (10) The electrical contact member 50 is held inside a box portion of the metal case 20, which is formed by the ceiling wall 21 and a pair of side walls 22. At this time, the inclined surface 31 is provided between the pair of side walls 22. Therefore, inside the box portion of the case 20, the inclined surface 31 and the inclined surface 61 can be brought into contact with each other.

[0098] (11) The housing 100 is formed into a cylindrical shape by the first division 110 and the second division 120 to accommodate the electrical contact member 50, the case 20, and the flexible conductor 80 therein. As a result, while the housing 100 is cylindrical, because the housing 100 is divided into the first division 110 and the second division 120, the housing 100 can be attached to the electrical contact member 50, the case 20, and the flexible conductor 80 later. This improves the ease of assembling the housing 100 to the electrical contact member 50, the case 20, and the flexible conductor 80.

[0099] (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.

[0100] The structure of the case 20 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. In the above embodiment, both of the pair of side walls 22 are folded to form the guide portion 30, but this is not limiting. For example, only one of the pair of side walls 22 may be folded to form the guide portion 30. In this case, the case 20 has only one guide portion 30 and only one inclined surface 31.

[0101] In the above embodiment, both of the pair of side walls 22 are bent to form the guide portion 35, but this is not limited to the above. For example, only one of the pair of side walls 22 may be bent to form the guide portion 35. In this case, the case 20 has only one guide portion 35 and only one inclined surface 36.

[0102] The guide portion 30 may be provided on an end surface of the case 20 in the second direction Y1. The guide portion 35 may be provided on the end surface of the case 20 in the second opposite direction Y2. 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.

[0103] The extension 23 of the case 20 may be omitted. The engagement piece 38 of the case 20 may be omitted. Although the case 20 in the above embodiment is configured by bending one metal plate, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the case 20 may be configured by combining a plurality of metal plates. For example, the side wall 22, the guide portion 30, and the guide portion 35 may be configured by separate metal plates.

[0104] The case 20 may be made of a synthetic resin. In the above embodiment, the holding member is embodied in the case 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the holding member may be embodied in the housing 100. In this case, the housing 100 is provided with the inclined surfaces 31, .

[0105] The structure of the electrical contact member 50 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. The engaging portion 70 of the electrical contact member 50 may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the inclined surface 66 is formed to extend parallel to the inclined surface 61, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the inclined surface 66 may be formed to be inclined at an inclination angle different from the inclination angle of the inclined surface 61.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the flexible conductor 80 is embodied as a braided wire, but is not limited to this. For example, the flexible conductor 80 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure that allows it to bend and deform when the electrical contact member 50 moves between the first position and the second position. For example, the flexible conductor 80 may be embodied as a thin coated electric wire that is more flexible than the electrical contact member 50.

[0107] In the terminal module 11 of the above embodiment, the electrical contact members 50, the flexible conductors 80, and the external connection members 90 are configured as separate parts, but this is not limiting. For example, the electrical contact members 50, the flexible conductors 80, and the external connection members 90 may be integrally formed.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the elastic member sandwiched between the case 20 and the electrical contact member 50 is embodied as the coil spring 40, but is not limited to this. For example, instead of the coil spring 40, other elastic members such as high-strength rubber may be used.

[0109] The structure of the housing 100 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. As long as the housing 100 has a structure capable of accommodating the terminal module 11 therein, other structures are not particularly limited.

[0110] In the housing 100 of the above embodiment, the first division 110 and the second division 120 are configured as separate parts, but this is not limiting. For example, the first division 110 and the second division 120 may be integrally formed via a hinge or the like.

[0111] 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 120, but is not limited to this. For example, the housing 100 may be configured with three or more divided bodies.

[0112] 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]

[0113] 10 Connectors 11 Terminal Module 20 Case (holding member) 20X opening 21 Ceiling Wall 22 Side wall 23 Extension 24 Notch 30 Guide section 31 Slope (first slope) 35 Guide section 36 Slope (3rd slope) 38 Engagement piece 40 Coil spring (elastic member) 50 Electrical contact members 51 Bottom wall 60 Contact part 61 Inclined surface (second inclined surface) 65 Contact part 66 Slope (4th slope) 70 Engagement part 75 Connection piece 80 Flexible Conductor 90 External connection parts 91 Bolt hole 100 Housing 101 First storage unit 102 Second storage section 103 Third Storage Unit 110 1st division body 111 Peripheral wall 112 Regulatory Department 113 Presser section 114 Engagement part 120 Second division body 121 Engagement part 122 Recessed part 123 Housing opening 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 connector electrically connected to a mating connector having a mating terminal, an electrical contact member to which the mating terminal is connected along a first direction; a holding member that holds the electrical contact member movably between a first position and a second position; an external connection member disposed outside the holding member; a flexible conductor electrically connecting the electrical contact member and the external connection member; 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 conductor extends along the second direction between the electrical contact member and the external connection member, The flexible conductor is more flexible than the electrical contact member, The flexible conductor is flexible and deformable in response to movement of the electrical contact members.

2. An end of the flexible conductor in the second direction is connected to an end of the electrical contact member in a second opposite direction, the second direction being opposite to the electrical contact member, an end portion of the flexible conductor in the second opposite direction is connected to an end portion of the external connection member in the second direction; The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the external connection member extends along the second opposite direction from an end of the flexible conductor in the second opposite direction.

3. the flexible conductor is a separate part from the electrical contact member and the external connection member, The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the flexible conductor is a braided wire formed by braiding a plurality of metal wires.

4. 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 member has a second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical contact member 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.

5. The electrical contact member may further include 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 member, 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 member is biased toward the opening by the elastic member; The connector according to claim 4 , wherein the electrical contact member 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.

6. the holding member has a third inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, the electrical contact member 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, 5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the electrical contact member 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 member is disconnected from the mating terminal.

7. the electrical contact member 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 according to claim 6 , wherein the fourth inclined surface is integrally formed with the bottom wall.

8. the electrical contact member has a connection piece portion extending from an end of the fourth inclined surface in the first direction along a second opposite direction that is a direction opposite to the second direction, The connector according to claim 7 , wherein an end of the flexible conductor in the second direction is connected to an end of the connection piece in the second opposite direction.

9. the retaining member is a metal case having a ceiling wall, a pair of side walls protruding from both side edges of the ceiling wall, the first inclined surface provided between the pair of side walls, and an opening into which the mating terminal enters along the first direction, the pair of side walls face each other in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, The connector of claim 4 , wherein the electrical contact members are disposed between the pair of side walls.

10. a resin housing that accommodates the electrical contact member, the holding member, and the soft conductor therein; 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, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the housing is formed into a cylindrical shape by combining the first division and the second division to accommodate the electrical contact member, the holding member, and the flexible conductor therein.

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