Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector and a connector assembly that are capable of improving safety.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, and a resin housing 100 that holds the electrical contact member 50 therein. The electrical contact member 50 is movable between a first position and a second position inside the housing 100. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X1, and is a position different from the first position in a second direction Y1 that intersects with the first direction X1. The housing 100 has a hood portion 130 that is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction X1 to prevent touching by fingers. The hood portion 130 exposes a contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 that contacts the mating terminal 201.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle is equipped with a connector having a terminal module. In the terminal module, a mating terminal is butted against a terminal, whereby the terminal and the mating terminal are electrically connected to each other. In the above connector, when a contact of a terminal in the terminal module and a contact of a mating terminal are butted against each other, the contacts are slid against each other to remove foreign matter between the contacts (for example, see 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 improved safety in the above connectors. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector and a connector assembly that can improve safety. [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, and a resin housing that holds the electrical contact member internally, the electrical contact member being movable between a first position and a second position inside the housing, the second position being a position different from the first position in the first direction and a position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the housing having a tubular hood portion extending along the first direction to prevent touching, and the hood portion exposing a contact surface of the electrical contact member that contacts the mating terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The connector and connector assembly of the present disclosure have the advantage of improving safety. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a connector assembly of 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 assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector assembly of one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The connector disclosed herein is a connector electrically connected to a mating connector having a mating terminal, and includes an electrical contact member to which the mating terminal is connected along a first direction, and a resin housing that holds the electrical contact member therein, wherein the electrical contact member is movable between a first position and a second position within the housing, the second position being a position different from the first position in the first direction and a position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the housing has a tubular hood portion extending along the first direction to prevent touching, and the hood portion exposes a contact surface of the electrical contact member that contacts the mating terminal.

[0009] According to this configuration, the hood portion exposing the contact surface of the electrical contact member is formed into a tubular shape extending along the first direction. By providing this hood portion, the distance from the open end of the hood portion in the first opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, to the contact surface can be increased. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the worker's fingers, etc. from touching the contact surface through the hood portion. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the worker's fingers, etc. from touching the contact surface and receiving an electric shock. As a result, the safety of the connector can be improved.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the housing has an opening that opens in a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction to the first direction and through which the mating terminal enters along the first direction, the opening is connected to an internal space of the hood portion and is formed to expose the contact surface, the hood portion is formed to cover a portion of the contact surface, and the internal space of the hood portion may have an opening area smaller than that of the opening.

[0011] According to this configuration, the contact surface of the electrical contact member is exposed to the outside of the housing by the opening and the internal space of the hood portion communicating with the opening. At this time, the internal space of the hood portion is formed to have an opening area smaller than that of the opening. Therefore, the area of ​​the contact surface exposed by the internal space of the hood portion can be made smaller than when the contact surface is exposed only by the opening. Therefore, it is possible to preferably prevent the fingers of an operator from touching the contact surface through the hood portion.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the peripheral wall constituting the hood portion is arranged to overlap the periphery of the opening when viewed in a plan view from the first direction, and the peripheral wall may protrude from the opening toward the first opposite direction.

[0013] According to this configuration, the peripheral wall constituting the hood portion is formed to overlap the periphery of the opening. Therefore, the internal space of the hood portion formed by being surrounded by the peripheral wall is formed to have an opening area smaller than that of the opening. Therefore, the area of ​​the contact surface exposed by the internal space of the hood portion can be reduced, and it is possible to preferably prevent the fingers of an operator from touching the contact surface through the hood portion.

[0014] [4] In the above [3], the size of the internal space of the hood portion may be set to a size such that a model finger inserted into the internal space of the hood portion from the first opposite opening end of the hood portion does not reach the contact surface.

[0015] According to this configuration, even if a model finger is inserted into the internal space of the hood, the tip of the model finger does not come into contact with the contact surface of the electrical contact member. Therefore, even if an operator's finger or the like is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of the hood, the tip of the operator's finger or the like can be suitably prevented from touching the contact surface.

[0016] [5] In the above [4], the size of the internal space of the hood portion may be set to a size that provides a gap between the tip of the model finger, which is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion up to its insertion limit position, and the contact surface.

[0017] According to this configuration, even if the model finger is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion up to the insertion limit position, a gap is provided between the tip of the model finger and the contact surface of the electrical contact member, so that the tip of the model finger does not come into contact with the contact surface. Therefore, even if an operator's finger or the like is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of the hood portion, the tip of the operator's finger or the like can be suitably prevented from touching the contact surface.

[0018] [6] In the above [4] or [5], the model finger may be an inspection probe B specified in JIS-C0922:2002. According to this configuration, even if the inspection probe B specified in JIS-C0922:2002 is inserted into the internal space of the hood, the tip of the inspection probe B does not come into contact with the contact surface of the electrical contact member. Therefore, even if the operator's finger or the like is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of the hood, the operator's fingertip or the like can be suitably prevented from touching the contact surface.

[0019] [7] In any of [4] to [6] above, the tip region of the model finger may be formed in a tapered shape that becomes narrower toward the tip of the model finger, the inner circumference dimension of the hood portion may be constant over the entire length in the first direction, the shortest distance along the first direction from the first opposite end face of the hood portion to the contact surface at the first position is a first distance, and the inner circumference dimension of the hood portion may be formed larger than the outer circumference dimension of the tip of the model finger and smaller than the outer circumference dimension of the model finger at an intermediate position a second distance away from the tip of the model finger that is shorter than the first distance.

[0020] According to this configuration, the inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion is formed larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the tip of the model finger, so that the tip of the model finger is allowed to be inserted into the internal space of the hood portion. On the other hand, the inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion is formed smaller than the outer circumferential dimension of the model finger at an intermediate position that is a second distance away from the tip of the model finger, so that the model finger at the intermediate position cannot be inserted into the internal space of the hood portion. Therefore, even when the model finger is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion, the insertion of the model finger into the hood portion is restricted at the intermediate position of the model finger. At this time, the second distance, which is the distance between the tip of the model finger and the intermediate position, is shorter than the first distance, which is the shortest distance along the first direction from the end face of the hood portion in the first opposite direction to the contact surface. Therefore, even when the model finger is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion, the tip of the model finger can be suitably prevented from contacting the contact surface.

[0021] [8] In any one of the above [1] to [7], the electrical contact member may be a terminal for a power line. This configuration can suitably prevent the fingers of an operator from touching the electrical contact members, which are terminals for a power line to which a high voltage may be applied, and therefore can suitably prevent the operator from receiving an electric shock due to the fingers of the operator touching the electrical contact members.

[0022] [9] In any one of the above [1] to [8], the connector may be mounted on a battery pack. According to this configuration, there is a possibility that a high voltage will be applied from the battery pack to the electrical contact member, and it is possible to preferably prevent an operator from touching such an electrical contact member with his / her fingers or the like and receiving an electric shock.

[0023]

[10] In any of [1] to [9] above, the connector may further include a case that holds the electrical contact member so that it can be moved between the first position and the second position, the case being held inside the housing, the case having a first inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction and inclined with respect to the second direction, the electrical contact member having 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 sliding on the first inclined surface with the second inclined surface in contact with the first inclined surface when the mating terminal is connected along the first direction.

[0024] 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 case, thereby guiding the electrical contact member 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 case.

[0025]

[11] In the above

[10] , the case has a third inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, and 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, and the fourth inclined surface being spaced apart from the second inclined surface in the second direction and facing the third inclined surface in the second direction, and the electrical contact 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.

[0026] 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 case, 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.

[0027]

[12] The connector assembly of the present disclosure is a connector assembly comprising the connector described in [7] above and a mating connector having the mating terminal, wherein the mating connector has an engaging portion that is engaged with the internal space of the hood portion along the first direction, the engaging portion being formed in a columnar shape extending along the first direction, and the outer circumferential dimension of the engaging portion being smaller than the inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion and larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the tip of the model finger.

[0028] According to this configuration, the outer circumferential dimension of the mating part of the mating connector is set to a size that allows insertion into the internal space of the hood part, but is formed larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the tip of the model finger. As a result, the mating part contacts the contact surface of the electrical contact member through the internal space of the hood part, and the mating terminal and the contact surface that constitute the mating part contact each other with a relatively large contact area. Therefore, it is possible to preferably prevent a decrease in the reliability of the electrical connection between the mating terminal and the contact surface while preventing the worker's fingers from touching the contact surface.

[0029] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the connector and connector assembly of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some of the configurations may be exaggerated or simplified. In addition, the dimensional ratio of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel," "orthogonal," "horizontal," and "right angle" do not only mean strictly parallel, orthogonal, horizontal, or right angle, but also include roughly parallel, orthogonal, horizontal, or right angle within the 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, the term "outer circumferential dimension of A member" refers to the length of the outer circumferential surface of A member in the circumferential direction of A member. In addition, in this specification, the term "inner circumferential dimension of A member" refers to the length of the inner circumferential surface of A member in the circumferential direction of A member. In this specification, "opposite" refers to the faces or members being in front of each other, including not only the case where they are completely in front of each other, but also the case where they are partially in front of 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.

[0030] (Overall configuration of connector assembly 1) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector assembly 1 includes a connector 10 and a mating connector 200 that is electrically connected to the connector 10. The connector assembly 1 electrically connects, for example, electrical devices for a vehicle to each other. Examples of electrical devices for a vehicle include a battery pack, an inverter, and a motor. The connector 10 is mounted on, for example, a battery pack.

[0031] (Overall configuration of connector 10) 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.

[0032] 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 assembly 1 and the connector 10 when used. Note that FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only the housing 100 of the connector 10 as a cross section.

[0033] The connector 10 is electrically connected to a mating connector 200. For example, the mating connector 200 is connected to the connector 10 along a first direction X1. Here, the housing 100 has an opening 100X that opens in a first opposite direction X2 and into which a mating terminal 201, which is a terminal of the mating connector 200, enters along the first direction X1. The opening 100X is formed so as to expose a contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 to the outside. The mating terminal 201 is inserted into the housing 100 through the opening 100X along the first direction X1. Then, inside the housing 100, the mating terminal 201 is abutted against the electrical contact member 50 along the first direction X1, so that the mating terminal 201 and the electrical contact member 50 are electrically connected to each other.

[0034] (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.

[0035] 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. 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.

[0036] Each mating terminal 201 is integrally formed with a mating housing 202 by, for example, insert molding. The mating housing 202 has a convex portion 204 that is fitted to the connector 10 and a flange portion 205 provided at an end of the convex portion 204 in the first opposite direction X2. Here, in the mating connector 200, a fitting portion 210 that is fitted into the inside of the connector 10 is formed by a portion provided in the first direction X1 from the flange portion 205, that is, the convex portion 204 and the mating terminal 201 held by the convex portion 204. The flange portion 205 is formed to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 204. In the mating connector 200, the flange portion 205 contacts the end face of the housing 100 in the first opposite direction X2, thereby preventing the fitting portion 210 from entering the inside of the connector 10 beyond a specified position.

[0037] (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.

[0038] (Configuration of Case 20) As shown in Fig. 4, the case 20 holds the electrical contact member 50. The case 20 is formed in a box shape capable of housing the coil spring 40 and the electrical contact member 50 therein. 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, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or stainless steel (SUS).

[0039] 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. 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.

[0040] The top wall 21 is formed in a flat plate shape. An inner surface of the top wall 21, that is, an end surface of the top wall 21 in the first opposite direction X2 faces the coil spring 40. 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.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 7, each side wall 22 has, for example, an extension portion 23 that extends in the second opposite direction Y2 beyond the end portion in the second opposite direction Y2 of the ceiling wall 21. Each extension portion 23 is formed so as to protrude toward the second opposite direction Y2 beyond the end portion in the second opposite direction Y2 of the ceiling wall 21. 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.

[0042] 5 and 6, 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 is open in the first opposite direction X2.

[0043] The two guide portions 30 are provided between a pair of side walls 22. The two guide portions 30 are provided apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. Each guide portion 30 is formed, for example, by bending a part of an end portion of the side wall 22 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the paired side wall 22, i.e., the other side wall 22. Each guide portion 30 in this embodiment is formed by bending a part of the side wall 22 by 90° or more.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The two guide portions 35 are provided between a pair of side walls 22. The two guide portions 35 are provided apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. The two guide portions 35 are provided so as to face the two guide portions 30 in the Y-axis direction. Each guide portion 35 is formed, for example, by bending a part of an end portion of the side wall 22 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the paired side wall 22, i.e., the other side wall 22. Each guide portion 35 in this embodiment is formed by bending a part of the side wall 22 by 90° or more.

[0047] 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.

[0048] (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 accommodated inside the case 20 in a state 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 and the opening 100X of the housing 100. That is, the coil spring 40 biases the electrical contact member 50 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0049] (Configuration of Electrical Contact Member 50) As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the electric contact member 50 is accommodated inside the box portion of the case 20. The electric contact member 50 is held by the case 20 so as to be movable between a first position (see Fig. 8) and a second position (see Fig. 9). 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 urged toward the opening 20X by the urging 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 from 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.

[0050] 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. For example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel (SUS) can be used as the material of the electrical contact member 50. The electrical contact member 50 is connected to a power supply line via, for example, a flexible conductor 80 and an external connection member 90. That is, the electrical contact member 50 is a terminal for the power supply line.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The bottom wall 51 is formed in a flat plate shape. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, an end face of the bottom wall 51 in the first opposite direction X2 is a contact surface 51A that comes into contact with a mating contact 203 of a mating terminal 201. The contact surface 51A is exposed to the outside of the housing 100 through an opening 20X of the case 20 and an opening 100X of the housing 100. An end face of the bottom wall 51 in the first direction X1 faces an 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 receiving surface that receives an end of the coil spring 40 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0053] The contact portion 60 protrudes in the oblique direction S1 from a first edge, which is an 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.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, 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 be in surface contact with, for example, the two inclined surfaces 31.

[0055] The contact portion 65 protrudes in the oblique direction S1 from a second edge, which is an end portion in the second opposite direction Y2, of the bottom wall 51. 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 portion in the second opposite direction Y2 of the bottom wall 51 toward the ceiling wall 21.

[0056] 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 be in surface contact with the two inclined surfaces 36, for example.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The engagement portion 70 extends from an end of the contact portion 60 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1. The engagement portion 70 extends horizontally along the second direction Y1, for example. As shown in Fig. 8, the engagement 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.

[0059] 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. 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.

[0060] (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 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 weaving a plurality of metal wires can be used as the flexible conductor 80. The flexible conductor 80 is housed, for example, inside the housing 100. An end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is joined to an end of the electric contact member 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. That is, an end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is joined to a connection piece portion 75 of the electric contact member 50. An end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2 is joined to an end of the external connection member 90 in the second direction Y1. The flexible conductor 80 can be joined to the electrical contact member 50 and the flexible conductor 80 can be joined to the external connection member 90 by, for example, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, crimping, or soldering.

[0061] The intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction is formed in a straight line with a small amount of extra length. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction is capable of bending and deforming in response to movement of the electrical contact member 50. For example, when the electrical 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 bent and deformed.

[0062] (Configuration of external connection member 90) As shown in FIG. 5, the external connection member 90 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. An 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 (here, the X-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 8, an end of the external connection member 90 in the second direction Y1 connected to the flexible conductor 80 is accommodated inside the housing 100. An end of the external connection member 90 in the second opposite direction Y2 is disposed outside the housing 100. An end of the external connection member 90 in the second opposite direction Y2 is drawn out along the second opposite direction Y2 from an end of the housing 100 in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0063] (Configuration of the housing 100) The housing 100 holds the terminal module 11 therein. The housing 100 is, for example, composed of a plurality of divided bodies (two in this embodiment), that is, a first divided body 110 and a second divided body 120. The first divided body 110 and the second divided body 120 are formed so as to be capable of being combined with each other. The housing 100 is formed into a cylindrical shape that accommodates the electrical contact member 50 and the case 20 therein by combining the first divided body 110 and the second divided body 120. The housing 100 is made of, for example, resin. Each of the first divided body 110 and the second divided body 120 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] (Configuration of first divided body 110) The first divided body 110 is disposed in the first direction X1 relative to 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 disposed 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 is disposed, for example, in the first housing portion 101. The restricting portion 112 is disposed, 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.

[0068] 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 section 113 provided on the inner surface of the portion of the peripheral wall 111 that constitutes the second accommodating section 102. The pressing section 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 section 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 section 113 restricts the movement of the external connection member 90 in the first direction X1.

[0069] 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).

[0070] (Configuration of second divided body 120) The second divided body 120 is provided, for example, so as to close the opening of the first divided body 110 in the first opposite direction X2. The second divided body 120 has an accommodating recess 121 constituting the first accommodating portion 101. The accommodating recess 121 is formed so as to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 more than other portions. The accommodating recess 121 has an opening 100X that opens in the first opposite direction X2. The opening 100X allows the mating terminal 201 (see FIG. 2) to enter the inside of the housing 100. The opening 100X is formed so as to communicate with the opening 20X of the case 20. The opening 100X 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.

[0071] The accommodating recess 121 has, for example, a peripheral wall 122 provided in the first opposite direction X2, a peripheral wall 123 protruding from an end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second direction Y1, and a peripheral wall 124 protruding from an end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second opposite direction Y2. The peripheral wall 122 is formed so as to connect the peripheral wall 123 and the peripheral wall 124.

[0072] The peripheral wall 122 is formed in a flat plate shape. An opening 100X is provided in the peripheral wall 122. The opening 100X penetrates the peripheral wall 122 in a thickness direction (here, the X-axis direction). The opening 100X is provided in the center of the peripheral wall 122 in the Y-axis direction, for example. The planar shape of the opening 100X as viewed from the X-axis direction is formed in, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0073] The peripheral wall 123 protrudes in the first direction X1 from an end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second direction Y1. The peripheral wall 123 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 122. The peripheral wall 124 protrudes in the first direction X1 from an end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second opposite direction Y2. The peripheral wall 124 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 122. The peripheral walls 123 and 124 face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0074] The second divided body 120 has an engaging portion 125. The engaging portion 125 is provided at an end of the second divided body 120 in the second direction Y1. The engaging portion 125 is, for example, an elastic piece that protrudes from the peripheral wall 123 toward the engaging portion 114 and is formed so as to be elastically deformable in the radial direction of the housing 100. The engaging portion 125 is, for example, formed in a rectangular frame body, and has an engaging hole in the center of the frame body that can engage with the engaging portion 114. The engaging portion 125 and the engaging portion 114 are engaged with each other, for example, by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 125. The engagement between the engaging portion 125 and the engaging portion 114 maintains the first divided body 110 and the second divided body 120 in a combined state.

[0075] The second divided body 120 has a hood portion 130 for preventing touching by fingers. The hood portion 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction X1. The hood portion 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a peripheral wall 131 formed continuously around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the hood portion 130 of this embodiment is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral shape of the hood portion 130 is formed so that the planar shape when viewed from the first direction X1 is rectangular. The inner peripheral shape of the hood portion 130 is formed so that the planar shape when viewed from the first direction X1 is rectangular. The hood portion 130 opens in the first direction X1 and also opens in the first opposite direction X2.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8, the hood portion 130 is provided around the opening 100X of the housing 100. The hood portion 130 is formed so as to overlap the opening 100X in a plan view seen from the X-axis direction. The internal space of the hood portion 130 is formed so as to communicate with the opening 100X. The internal space of the hood portion 130 has a smaller opening area than the opening 100X in a plan view seen from the X-axis direction. The internal space of the hood portion 130 is slightly smaller than the opening 100X in a plan view seen from the X-axis direction. The peripheral wall 131 constituting the hood portion 130 is formed so as to close a part of the opening 100X. The peripheral wall 131 is provided so as to overlap the periphery of the opening 100X in a plan view seen from the X-axis direction. In other words, the end face of the peripheral wall 131 in the first direction X1 is exposed to the opening 100X. In this embodiment, the end face in the first direction X1 of the hood portion 130 exposed from the opening 100X faces the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 in the first direction X1.

[0077] The peripheral wall 131 of the hood portion 130 protrudes from the end face of the peripheral wall 122 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the first opposite direction X2. The hood portion 130 is formed, for example, in a straight tube shape as a whole. The hood portion 130 extends straight along the first opposite direction X2. The inner surface of the hood portion 130 has a guide portion 132. The guide portion 132 is provided at the end of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2. That is, the guide portion 132 is provided at the opening end 130X of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2. The guide portion 132 is formed so that the opening area of ​​the hood portion 130 increases as the inner surface of the hood portion 130 approaches the opening end 130X of the hood portion 130. The guide portion 132 is formed, for example, by the inner surface of the hood portion 130 being inclined toward the radial outward direction of the hood portion 130 as the inner surface of the hood portion 130 approaches the opening end 130X of the hood portion 130. The guiding portion 132 is formed, for example, around the entire circumferential circumference of the inner surface of the hood portion 130. The guiding portion 132 has a function of smoothly guiding the mating terminal 201 toward the opening 100X communicating with the hood portion 130 when the mating terminal 201 is inserted into the hood portion 130.

[0078] The internal space of the hood portion 130 has a constant opening area over the entire length of the hood portion 130 in the X-axis direction excluding the guiding portion 132. That is, the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is constant over the entire length of the hood portion 130 in the X-axis direction excluding the guiding portion 132. The internal space of the hood portion 130 is formed to a size that allows the fitting portion 210 of the mating connector 200 to be inserted therein. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is slightly larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the fitting portion 210, specifically, the outer peripheral dimension of the protrusion 204 and the mating terminal 201 combined. Here, the shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2 to the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 is the first distance L1. The first distance L1 can be, for example, about 8 mm to 10 mm. In addition, the shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the flange portion 205 in the first direction X1 to the apex of the mating contact 203 is longer than the first distance L1. The shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the flange portion 205 in the first direction X1 to the apex of the mating contact 203 can be, for example, about 12 mm to 15 mm.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the size of the internal space of the hood part 130 is set according to the model finger 300. As shown in Fig. 11, the size of the internal space of the hood part 130 is set to a size such that the model finger 300 inserted into the internal space of the hood part 130 from the opening end 130X does not reach the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50. Specifically, the opening area of ​​the internal space of the hood part 130 and the length along the X-axis direction of the hood part 130 are set to a size such that even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood part 130, the model finger 300 does not reach the electrical contact member 50. In other words, the size of the internal space of the hood part 130 is set to a size such that a gap is provided between the tip 301 of the model finger 300 inserted into the internal space of the hood part 130 to the insertion limit position and the contact surface 51A. Here, the "insertion limit position" is a position where, when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 along the first direction X1, the insertion of the model finger 300 is restricted by the inner surface of the hood portion 130, and further insertion in the first direction X1 is not possible. In this way, the size of the hood portion 130 is set so that the model finger 300 does not reach the electric contact member 50, so that the operator's fingertip or the like can be suitably prevented from coming into contact with the electric contact member 50. Here, the model finger 300 is an inspection probe B (articulated test finger) specified in JIS-C0922:2002. Note that in FIG. 11, only the connector 10 of the connector 10 and the model finger 300 is illustrated as a cross section.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10, the model finger 300 is formed in a shape that imitates a human finger. The model finger 300 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. The tip 301 of the model finger 300 is formed in a spherical shape with a radius of 4±0.05 mm. The tip region 302 of the model finger 300 is formed in a tapered shape that becomes thinner toward the tip 301. The tip region 302 of the model finger 300 has two inclined surfaces 303 that further reduce the diameter of the tip region 302. The two inclined surfaces 303 are formed so that the outer circumferential dimension of the model finger 300 becomes smaller toward the tip 301 of the model finger 300. Each inclined surface 303 is formed, for example, so as to cut the curved surface of the cylindrical portion of the model finger 300. The base portion 304 of the model finger 300 located in the first opposite direction X2 from the tip region 302 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a radius of 6 mm.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11, the hood portion 130 is formed to allow the insertion of the tip 301 of the model finger 300. The hood portion 130 is formed to not allow the insertion of the intermediate position 305 of the model finger 300. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 excluding the guiding portion 132 is formed smaller than the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305 that is separated from the tip 301 of the model finger 300 by the second distance L2. In other words, the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305 that is separated from the tip 301 of the model finger 300 by the second distance L2 along the first opposite direction X2 is formed to a size that does not allow the model finger 300 to be inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 behind the guiding portion 132. Here, the second distance L2 is shorter than the first distance L1. The second distance L2 can be, for example, about 6 mm to 7 mm. The intermediate position 305 is provided in the tip region 302. Intermediate position 305 is, for example, a portion where inclined surface 303 is formed. The outer circumferential dimension of model finger 300 at intermediate position 305 is larger than the outer circumferential dimension of fitting portion 210 of mating connector 200 shown in Fig. 8. Here, the outer circumferential dimension of fitting portion 210 shown in Fig. 8 is formed smaller than the inner circumferential dimension of hood portion 130 and larger than the outer circumferential dimension of tip 301 of model finger 300 shown in Fig. 11.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11, when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood part 130, the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood part 130 up to an intermediate position 305 of the model finger 300. However, since the outer circumferential dimension of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305 is formed to a size that makes it impossible to insert the model finger 300 into the internal space of the hood part 130 deeper than the guide part 132, the part in the first opposite direction X2 from the intermediate position 305 is not inserted into the internal space of the hood part 130. At this time, since the second distance L2, which is the shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the tip 301 of the model finger 300 to the intermediate position 305, is set to be shorter than the first distance L1, a gap is provided between the tip 301 of the model finger 300 and the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50. That is, even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood part 130, the tip 301 of the model finger 300 does not come into contact with the contact surface 51A.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 8, the mating terminal 201 is connected to the electric contact member 50 along the first direction X1. More specifically, the fitting portion 210 of the mating connector 200 is inserted into the housing 100 through the internal space of the hood portion 130 along the first direction X1. Then, the mating contact 203 of the mating terminal 201 abuts against the contact surface 51A of the electric contact member 50. When the mating connector 200 is further inserted into the case 20 along the first direction X1, the mating terminal 201 presses the electric contact member 50 toward the first direction X1. 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 electric contact member 50 is moved toward the first direction X1. At this time, the electric contact member 50 is guided in the oblique direction S1 (i.e., diagonally upward to the right in the figure) in which the inclined surface 31 extends 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.

[0084] 9, when the mating connector 200 is mated with 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. This electrically connects the electrical contact member 50 to the mating terminal 201, and holds the electrical contact member 50 in the second position. At this time, the middle portion of the flexible conductor 80 is flexed and deformed as the electrical contact member 50 moves.

[0085] Thereafter, when the mating connector 200 is removed from the connector 10 and the mating of the mating connector 200 and the connector 10 is released, the pressing force from the mating terminal 201 is eliminated and the electric contact member 50 is moved in the first opposite direction X2 by the biasing force of the coil spring 40. At this time, the electric 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 while the inclined surface 66 is in contact with the inclined surface 36 of the case 20. Therefore, as the electric contact member 50 moves in the first opposite direction X2, the electric contact member 50 slides in the second direction Y1. As a result, the electric contact member 50 is guided to a position shifted in the second direction Y1 compared to before the mating of the mating connector 200 was released, and the electric contact member 50 returns to the first position shown in FIG. 8.

[0086] 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 electric contact member 50 to which the mating terminal 201 is connected along a first direction X1, and a resin housing 100 that holds the electric contact member 50 therein. The electric contact member 50 is movable between a first position and a second position inside the housing 100. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X1, and is a position different from the first position in a second direction Y1 that intersects with the first direction X1. The housing 100 includes a hood portion 130 formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction X1 for preventing touching by fingers. The hood portion 130 exposes a contact surface 51A of the electric contact member 50 that contacts the mating terminal 201.

[0087] According to this configuration, the hood portion 130 exposing the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 is formed in a tubular shape extending along the first direction X1. By providing this hood portion 130, the distance from the open end 130X of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2 to the contact surface 51A can be increased. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the fingers of an operator from touching the contact surface 51A through the hood portion 130. This makes it possible to preferably prevent the fingers of an operator from touching the contact surface 51A and receiving an electric shock. As a result, the safety of the connector 10 can be improved.

[0088] (2) The contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 is exposed to the outside of the housing 100 by the opening 100X and the internal space of the hood portion 130 communicating with the opening 100X. At this time, the internal space of the hood portion 130 is formed to have an opening area smaller than that of the opening 100X. Therefore, the area of ​​the contact surface 51A exposed by the internal space of the hood portion 130 can be made smaller than when the contact surface 51A is exposed only by the opening 100X. Therefore, it is possible to suitably prevent the operator's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface 51A through the hood portion 130.

[0089] (3) Peripheral wall 131 constituting hood portion 130 is formed to overlap the periphery of opening 100X. Therefore, the internal space of hood portion 130 formed by being surrounded by peripheral wall 131 is formed to have a smaller opening area than opening 100X. Therefore, the area of ​​contact surface 51A exposed by the internal space of hood portion 130 can be reduced, and it is possible to suitably prevent the fingers of an operator from touching contact surface 51A through hood portion 130.

[0090] (4) The size of the internal space of the hood portion 130 is set to a size such that the model finger 300 inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 from the opening end 130X in the first opposite direction X2 of the hood portion 130 does not reach the contact surface 51A. With this configuration, even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the tip 301 of the model finger 300 does not come into contact with the contact surface 51A. Therefore, even when the finger or the like of an operator is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the tip of the operator's finger or the like can be suitably prevented from touching the contact surface 51A.

[0091] (5) When model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of hood portion 130 up to the insertion limit position, a gap is provided between tip 301 of model finger 300 and contact surface 51A of electrical contact member 50. For this reason, even when model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of hood portion 130, tip 301 of model finger 300 does not come into contact with contact surface 51A. Therefore, even when an operator's finger or the like is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of hood portion 130, the operator's fingertip or the like can be suitably prevented from coming into contact with contact surface 51A.

[0092] (6) The tip region 302 of the model finger 300 is formed in a tapered shape that becomes thinner toward the tip 301 of the model finger 300. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed constant over the entire length in the first direction X1. The shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2 to the contact surface 51A at the first position is a first distance L1. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed smaller than the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger 300 at an intermediate position 305 that is separated from the tip 301 of the model finger 300 by a second distance L2 that is shorter than the first distance L1.

[0093] According to this configuration, the inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300, so that the tip 301 of the model finger 300 is allowed to be inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130. On the other hand, the inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed smaller than the outer circumferential dimension of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305, so that the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305 cannot be inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130. Therefore, even if the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the insertion of the model finger 300 into the hood portion 130 is restricted at the intermediate position 305 of the model finger 300. At this time, the second distance L2, which is the distance between the tip 301 of the model finger 300 and the intermediate position 305, is shorter than the first distance L1, which is the shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2 to the contact surface 51A. Therefore, even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the tip 301 of the model finger 300 can be suitably prevented from coming into contact with the contact surface 51A.

[0094] (7) The electrical contact member 50 is a terminal for a power line. The connector 10 is a connector mounted on a battery pack. With this configuration, there is a possibility that a high voltage may be applied to the electrical contact member 50. This can suitably prevent an operator from receiving an electric shock due to touching such electrical contact member 50 with his / her fingers or the like.

[0095] (8) The case 20 has an inclined surface 31 that is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and is 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] (9) 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 36. 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.

[0098] 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 contacting 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 an inclined surface and a vertical surface come into contact with each other. This makes it possible to reduce the surface pressure applied from the inclined surface 66 to the inclined surface 36. Therefore, the amount of wear during sliding on the inclined surfaces 36, 66 can be reduced.

[0099] (10) The outer circumferential dimension of the fitting portion 210 of the mating connector 200 is formed smaller than the inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion 130 and larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300. According to this configuration, the outer circumferential dimension of the fitting portion 210 of the mating connector 200 is set to a size that can be inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, but is formed larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300. As a result, the fitting portion 210 contacts the contact surface 51A through the internal space of the hood portion 130, and the mating terminal 201 and the contact surface 51A constituting the fitting portion 210 contact each other with a relatively large contact area. Therefore, while preventing the finger of the operator or the like from touching the contact surface 51A, it is possible to suitably prevent a decrease in the reliability of the electrical connection between the mating terminal 201 and the contact surface 51A.

[0100] (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.

[0101] 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 holding the electrical contact members 50 therein and the hood portion 130, other structures of the housing 100 are not particularly limited.

[0102] The guide portion 132 in the hood portion 130 may be omitted. The opening area of ​​the internal space of the hood portion 130 may be set to the same size as the opening area of ​​the opening 100X.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The structure of the case 20 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the guide portions 30, 35 may be formed by bending only one of the pair of side walls 22.

[0106] 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. The inclined surface 36 may be formed so as to be inclined at an angle different from the inclination angle of the inclined surface 31 .

[0107] The extension 23 of the case 20 may be omitted. The case 20 may be formed by combining a plurality of metal plates. For example, the side wall 22, the guide portion 30, and the guide portion 35 may be formed from separate metal plates.

[0108] The case 20 may be made of a synthetic resin. The case 20 may be omitted. In this case, for example, the housing 100 holds the electrical contact member 50 so that the electrical contact member 50 can move between the first position and the second position. Also, the housing 100 may be provided with the inclined surfaces 31, .

[0109] 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. The connection piece 75 may be formed to extend along the first direction X1. In this case, for example, the external connection member 90 may be drawn out to the outside of the housing 100 in the first direction X1.

[0110] The inclined surface 66 may be formed so as to be inclined at an angle different from the inclination angle of the inclined surface 61 . The flexible conductor 80 in the above embodiment may be embodied as a thin coated electric wire that is more flexible than the electrical contact member 50 .

[0111] The electrical contact members 50, the flexible conductors 80, and the external connection members 90 in the above embodiments may be integrally formed. The flexible conductor 80 and the external connection member 90 in the above embodiment may be omitted. In this case, for example, an electric wire is connected to the connection piece portion 75 of the electric contact member 50, and the electric contact member 50 is connected to the outside through the electric wire.

[0112] In the above embodiment, instead of the coil spring 40, other elastic members such as high-strength rubber may be used. 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] 1 Connector Assembly 10 Connectors 11 Terminal Module 20 cases 20X opening 21 Ceiling Wall 22 Side wall 23 Extension 30 Guide section 31 Inclined surface (first inclined surface) 35 Guide section 36 Inclined surface (3rd inclined surface) 40 Coil spring (elastic member) 50 Electrical contact members 51 Bottom wall 51A Contact surface 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 100X aperture 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 Recessed part 122,123,124 Peripheral wall 125 Engagement part 130 Hood section 130X open end 131 Peripheral wall 132 Guidance part 200 Mating Connector 201 Mating terminal 202 Opposite housing 203 Counterpart Contact 204 Convex 205 Flange 210 Fitting part 300 Model Fingers 301 Tip 302 Tip area 303 Slope 304 Base 305 Intermediate position L1 1st distance L2 2nd distance 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 resin housing that holds the electrical contact member therein; The electrical contact member is movable within the housing between a first position and a second position; the second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction and is a position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The housing has a hood portion for preventing touching by fingers, the hood portion being formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction, The hood portion exposes a contact surface of the electrical contact member that comes into contact with the mating terminal.

2. the housing has an opening that opens in a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction and through which the mating terminal enters along the first direction, The opening is formed to communicate with an internal space of the hood portion and to expose the contact surface, The hood portion is formed so as to cover a portion of the contact surface, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein an internal space of the hood portion has an opening area smaller than an opening area of ​​the opening.

3. a peripheral wall constituting the hood portion is provided so as to overlap a peripheral edge of the opening in a plan view seen from the first direction, The connector of claim 2 , wherein the peripheral wall protrudes from the opening in the first opposite direction.

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the size of the internal space of the hood portion is set to a size such that a model finger inserted into the internal space of the hood portion from the first opposite opening end of the hood portion does not reach the contact surface.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the size of the internal space of the hood portion is set to a size that provides a gap between the tip of the model finger inserted into the internal space of the hood portion to its insertion limit position and the contact surface.

6. 5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the model finger is an inspection probe B defined in JIS-C0922:2002.

7. The tip region of the model finger is formed in a tapered shape that becomes thinner toward the tip of the model finger, The inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion is constant over the entire length in the first direction, a first distance is a shortest distance along the first direction from an end face of the hood portion in the first opposite direction to the contact surface at the first position; A connector as described in claim 4, wherein the inner circumference dimension of the hood portion is formed larger than the outer circumference dimension of the tip of the model finger and smaller than the outer circumference dimension of the model finger at an intermediate position a second distance away from the tip of the model finger that is shorter than the first distance.

8. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical contact members are terminals for power lines.

9. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector is mounted to a battery pack.

10. a case that holds the electrical contact member movably between the first position and the second position; The case is held inside the housing, the case 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.

11. the case 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, The connector of claim 10, 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.

12. A connector according to claim 7; a mating connector having the mating terminal, the mating connector has a fitting portion that is fitted into an internal space of the hood portion along the first direction, The fitting portion is formed in a columnar shape extending along the first direction, A connector assembly, wherein an outer circumferential dimension of the fitting portion is smaller than an inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion and larger than an outer circumferential dimension of the tip of the model finger.

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