connector

Abstract

The purpose is to prevent foreign objects from entering the connector and causing misconnection between terminals. [Solution] The connector (10) has a plurality of insertion holes (18) into which terminals (36) through which power is conducted are inserted, and which are provided with contact conductive portions (19) that make contact with the inserted terminals (36) to make electrical contact. Each insertion hole (18) has a bottom surface (18a) facing the inserted terminal (36) and a wall portion (18b) extending from the bottom surface (18a) in the insertion direction. The wall portion (18b) is provided with a communication portion (20) that connects adjacent insertion holes (18) to each other. The communication portion (20) has a communication portion bottom portion (23) having a bulge portion (23a) that bulges out toward the front in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface (18a). When the terminal (36) is installed in the insertion hole (18), in the insertion direction, the tip side of the terminal (36) is located on the bottom surface (18a) side than the communication portion bottom portion (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to enable more people to access portable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy, research and development on charging and discharging in mobility equipped with secondary batteries that contribute to energy efficiency has been carried out. Regarding such charging and discharging technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for draining water that has entered a connector for charging and discharging. In Patent Document 1, the connector for charging and discharging is provided with a plurality of holes into which each of the plurality of terminals is inserted, and the plurality of holes are connected by drain holes orthogonal to the insertion direction. When water enters the hole into which the terminal is inserted, the water is dropped through the drain hole and discharged outside the connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the technology related to charging and discharging in mobility equipped with secondary batteries, there is a concern that foreign matter entering the connector may connect adjacent terminals. The present application aims to prevent connection between terminals due to foreign matter when foreign matter enters the connector in order to solve the above problems. And by extension, it contributes to energy efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The connector has a plurality of insertion holes into which terminals that conduct electricity are inserted, and which are provided with contact conductive portions that make contact with the inserted terminals to conduct electricity, and each insertion hole comprises a bottom surface facing the inserted terminal and a wall portion extending from the bottom surface in the insertion direction, and the wall portion is provided with a communication portion that connects adjacent insertion holes to each other, wherein the communication portion comprises a communication portion bottom portion having a bulge that bulges out toward the front side in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface, and when the terminal is inserted into the insertion hole and mounted, the tip side of the terminal is located on the bottom surface side of the communication portion bottom portion in the insertion direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, since the bottom surface and the bottom of the communication portion have a stepped shape, when a terminal is inserted into the insertion hole, foreign matter that enters the communication portion is supported by the bottom of the communication portion and easily pushed by the terminal into the bottom surface. As a result, foreign matter is easily bent, which can suppress linear contact between adjacent contact conductive portions. Thus, it is easier to prevent contact conductive portions from connecting to each other due to foreign matter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the charging socket and charging plug of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the charging socket. [Figure 3] This is a rear view of the charging plug. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the charging socket and charging plug of Embodiment 1 in a fitted state. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet connector and inlet plug in the state in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This diagram corresponds to Figure 5, which shows a state where foreign matter has entered the connector housing. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet connector and inlet plug in the state in Embodiment 2. [Figure 8]This is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet connector and inlet plug in the state in Embodiment 3. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet connector and inlet plug in the state in Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down are used with reference to the charging socket 10 in Figure 1 unless otherwise specified. In each figure, the reference numeral FR indicates the front of the charging socket 10, the reference numeral UP indicates the top of the charging socket 10, and the reference numeral LH indicates the left side of the charging socket 10. In this embodiment, the direction of inserting and removing the terminals corresponds to the front and back directions. Specifically, the direction in which the charging plug 30 is removed from the charging socket 10 is the front, and the direction in which the charging plug 30 is inserted into the charging socket 10 is the rear.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the charging socket 10 and charging plug 30 of Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, a charging socket 10 as an example of a connector and a charging plug 30 that is detachably attached to the charging socket 10 will be described. The charging socket 10 and the charging plug 30 are used as connectors for charging and supplying power to vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. In this embodiment, the charging socket 10 is installed in the vehicle. On the other hand, the charging plug 30 is installed in equipment called a charging stand or charging station. When the charging socket 10 is attached to the charging plug 30, power is supplied from an external power source, etc., and the charging device of the vehicle, etc., described above is charged.

[0010] Figure 2 is a front view of the charging socket 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the charging socket 10 comprises an inlet connector 12, a flange-shaped fixing portion 11 provided behind the inlet connector 12, and a cable 13 extending behind the fixing portion 11. A position regulating portion 14 is provided on the upper part of the inlet connector 12.

[0011] The fixing part 11 is a flat plate with a rounded rectangular shape. The fixing part 11 is fixed to, for example, the frame of a vehicle. An inlet connector 12 is provided in the center of the fixing part 11. The inlet connector 12 comprises a connector cover 15 that covers the outer circumference of the charging plug 30 when it is attached to the charging plug 30, and a connector housing 16 provided with a plurality of plug holes (insertion holes) 18.

[0012] The connector cover 15 has a roughly cylindrical shape with a non-circular cross-section. The connector cover 15 is formed with an outer circumference that is slightly larger than the outer circumference of the inlet plug 32. A keyway 17 is provided at the lower end of the connector cover 15. The keyway 17 is a recess that is recessed downwards.

[0013] A position regulating portion 14 is provided at the upper end of the connector cover 15. The position regulating portion 14 comprises a pair of left and right wall portions 14a extending in the front-rear direction, and an engaging projection 14b (see Figure 4) provided between the pair of left and right wall portions 14a. A guide surface 14b1 is formed on the front of the engaging projection 14b, which inclins upward as it moves backward. A locking surface 14b2 is formed on the rear surface of the engaging projection 14b.

[0014] A connector housing 16 is provided at the central portion on the inner peripheral side of the connector cover 15. The connector housing 16 protrudes forward. In other words, the connector housing 16 has a pedestal shape with respect to the fixing portion 11. A plug hole 18 into which a plug terminal portion 36 of the charging plug 30 is inserted is formed in the connector housing 16. The plug hole 18 extends in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, two plug holes 18 are formed side by side vertically. A socket terminal (contact conduction portion) 19 extending in the front-rear direction is provided at the central portion of the plug hole 18. The tip portion (front end portion) of the socket terminal 19 has a tapered shape in which the tip tapers as it approaches the front.

[0015] A communication portion 20 that connects the upper plug hole 18 and the lower plug hole 18 is formed between the upper plug hole 18 and the lower plug hole 18. Further, below the lower plug hole 18, a communication portion (second communication portion) 21 that connects a gap (space) S1 formed by the connector cover 15 and the connector housing 16 and the lower plug hole 18 is formed. The communication portions 20 and 21 are grooves and holes extending in the vertical direction having a width such that water can move by its own weight. In other words, the communication portions 20 and 21 are grooves and holes in which water can fall by its own weight and have a width that is not too large.

[0016] Figure 3 is a rear view of the charging plug 30. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the charging plug 30 includes a charging plug body 31 in which a circuit board and the like are housed, an inlet plug 32 provided on the rear surface of the charging plug body 31, a hook portion 33 provided from the charging plug body 31 to the upper portion of the inlet plug 32, and a cable 34 extending forward from the front surface of the charging plug body 31.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the inlet plug 32 includes two plug terminal portions 36 and a plug cover 35 having a substantially cylindrical shape formed so as to surround a plug terminal body (terminal) 36a from the outer peripheral portion. The plug cover 35 is formed to have an outer peripheral shape that is slightly larger according to the outer peripheral shape of the connector housing 16.

[0018] The plug cover 35 is provided with a key 37 extending in the front-rear direction at its lower end. The key 37 has a downward convex shape that engages with the keyway 17 of the charging socket 10. By engaging with the keyway 17, the key 37 restricts the position of the charging plug 30 so that it can be inserted into the charging socket 10 in the correct position. That is, by inserting the hook portion 33 and the key 37 so that they align with the engaging convex portion 14b and the keyway 17, the charging plug 30 can be inserted into the charging socket 10 in the correct orientation.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the charging socket 10 and charging plug 30 are installed. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the hook portion 33 extends from the charging plug body 31 to the upper part of the inlet plug 32. A claw projection 33a is formed at the rear end of the hook portion 33, protruding downward. In other words, the hook portion 33 is a substantially L-shaped member that extends in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side of the inlet plug 32. The hook portion 33 is pivotably supported by a hinge 33b that extends in the left-right direction and is located in the center in the front-rear direction. A biasing member (not shown) is provided in front of the hinge 33b of the hook portion 33. This biasing member biases the front end of the hook portion 33 upward. Therefore, the biasing member biases the hook portion 33 so that the rear end opposite the hinge 34b is pushed downward.

[0020] The claw projection 33a of the hook portion 33 engages with the engaging projection 14b. This completes the attachment of the charging plug 30 to the charging socket 10. That is, when the charging plug 30 is moved toward the charging socket 10 at the rear, the hook portion 33 at the rear end contacts the guide surface 14b1 provided on the engaging projection 14b. Furthermore, as the charging plug 30 is moved further backward, the claw projection 33a of the hook portion 33 is guided by the guide surface 14b1 of the engaging projection 14b and pushed upward as the hook portion 33 moves backward.

[0021] Subsequently, when the inlet plug 32 is attached to the inlet connector 12, the claw projection 33a of the hook portion 33 overcomes the engaging projection 14b, and the biasing force of the biasing member causes the claw projection 33a of the hook portion 33 to enter behind the locking surface 14b2 of the engaging projection 14b. This holds the charging plug 30 in place, preventing it from coming loose from the charging socket 40. In other words, this prevents the charging plug 30 from coming loose from the charging socket 10 during charging. That is, it prevents charging from stopping midway.

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the inlet connector 12 and inlet plug 32 in the state in which they are attached in Embodiment 1. When the inlet plug 32 is attached to the inlet connector 12, it covers the connector housing 16 and is simultaneously covered by the connector cover 15. That is, the plug cover 35 is shaped to engage with the gap S1 formed between the connector housing 16 and the connector cover 15.

[0023] As a result, when the charging socket 10 and charging plug 30 are attached, the outer edge of the inlet plug 32 is fixed by the connector cover 15, so that there is no lateral or vertical displacement of the charging socket 10 and charging plug 30, and their positions are fixed.

[0024] The plug terminal section 36 has a cylindrical plug terminal body 36a extending in the front-rear direction and a cylindrical insulating section 36b that holds the plug terminal body 36a. A terminal insertion hole 36a1 is provided at the rear end of the plug terminal body 36a, into which the socket terminal 19 of the charging socket 10 is inserted (see Figure 5). Since the tip of the socket terminal 19 is tapered, when it is fitted with the plug terminal section 36, in other words, when the socket terminal 19 moves forward relative to the plug terminal section 36, even if the socket terminal 19 is misaligned due to looseness, it is guided to the terminal insertion hole 36a1 at the rear end of the plug terminal body 36a, making it easy to insert into the terminal insertion hole 36a1.

[0025] The plug hole 18 formed in the connector housing 16 is composed of a bottom surface 18a perpendicular (intersecting) to the insertion direction of the charging plug 30 into the plug hole 18, and a side surface 18b extending from the bottom surface 18a in the withdrawal direction. The communication portion 20 includes a communication portion bottom 23 having a bulge 23a that bulges forward (towards the front in the insertion direction) relative to the bottom surface 18a. The communication portion bottom 23 has a planar communication portion bottom surface 23b at its front end that is perpendicular (intersects) with the insertion direction of the charging plug 30. Similarly, the communication portion 21 includes a communication portion bottom 24 having a bulge 24a that bulges forward (towards the front in the insertion direction) relative to the bottom surface 18a. The communication portion bottom 24 has a planar communication portion bottom surface 24b at its front end that is perpendicular (intersects) with the insertion direction of the charging plug 30.

[0026] In this embodiment, the length L1 from the front end of the connector housing 16 to the bottom surface 18a of the plug hole 18 is longer than the length L2 from the front end of the connector housing 16 to the bottom surface 23b of the communication portion which forms the front end of the communication portion 20. In other words, the bulging portion 23a is convex in the forward direction with respect to the bottom surface 18a. A step is formed at the boundary between the plug hole 18 and the communication portion 20 by the communication portion bottom surface 23b, the bottom surface 18a, and the side surface (wall portion) 18b.

[0027] Figure 6 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 5, showing the state in which foreign matter X has entered the connector housing 16. If there is no step at the boundary between the plug hole 18 and the communication section 20, and a foreign object X such as a wire enters the plug hole 18, and the charging plug 30 is inserted, the foreign object X will be pushed into the plug hole 18 and can come into linear contact with the socket terminals 19 of the plug hole 18, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 6. In other words, there is a concern that the socket terminals 19 can be easily connected to each other via the foreign object X.

[0028] In contrast, in this embodiment, a step is provided at the boundary between the plug hole 18 and the communication portion 20. As a result, even if a foreign object X is pushed in by the charging plug 30, the pushed-in foreign object X is pushed in while in contact with the bottom surface 23b of the communication portion, and therefore cannot come into linear contact with the socket terminals 19. In other words, the step prevents adjacent socket terminals 19 from being connected to each other by the foreign object X.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, when the charging socket 10 and the charging plug 30 are installed, in the insertion direction, the rear end (tip side) of the insulating portion 36b is located on the bottom surface 18a side of the bottom surface 23b of the communication portion. In other words, when the charging plug 30 is installed in the charging socket 10, the tip of the plug terminal portion 36 is located between the bottom surface 18a and the bottom surface 23b of the communication portion in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the side.

[0030] In this embodiment, the state in which the charging socket 10 and charging plug 30 are attached means that the plug terminal portion 36 is inserted into the plug hole 18 and the socket terminal 19 and the plug terminal body 36a are in contact, thereby enabling electrical conduction.

[0031] In this configuration, the bottom surface 23b of the communication portion is positioned behind the contact portion S2 where the socket terminal 19 and the plug terminal body 36a are in contact. The contact portion S2 is the part where electricity can be conducted when the socket terminal 19 and the plug terminal body 36a are in contact. The length L3 from the front end of the connector housing 16 to the tip (rear end) of the plug terminal body 36a is shorter than the length L2 from the front end of the connector housing 16 to the bottom surface 23b of the communication portion 20. Here, if water enters the plug hole 18 of the connector housing 16, the water is more likely to move downward from the communication portions 20 and 21 located below the contact portion S2, thus preventing water from accumulating on the side surface 18b up to the contact portion S2. Therefore, the accumulation of water up to the contact portion S2 can be prevented from causing rust on the socket terminal 19 and the plug terminal body 36a. Consequently, poor contact between the socket terminal 19 and the plug terminal body 36a due to rust can be prevented.

[0032] As described above, in this embodiment to which the present invention is applied, there is a charging socket 10 having a plurality of plug holes 18 into which a plug terminal portion 36 through which power is conducted is inserted, and a socket terminal 19 that contacts and conducts electricity with the inserted plug terminal portion 36 is provided, and each plug hole 18 has a bottom surface 18a facing the inserted plug terminal portion 36 and a side surface 18b extending from the bottom surface 18a in the insertion direction, and the side surface 18b is provided with a communication portion 20 that connects adjacent plug holes 18 to each other, wherein the communication portion 20 has a communication portion bottom 23 having a bulge 23a that bulges out toward the front in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface 18a, and when the plug terminal portion 36 is inserted into the plug hole 18 and mounted, in the insertion direction, the tip side of the plug terminal portion 36 is located on the bottom surface 18a side of the communication portion bottom 23. With this configuration, the bottom surface 18a and the bottom of the communication section 23 have a stepped shape. Therefore, when the plug terminal section 36 is installed in the plug hole 18, any foreign matter that enters the communication section 20 is supported by the bottom of the communication section 23 and easily pushed by the plug terminal section 36 into the bottom surface 18a. As a result, the foreign matter is easily bent, which prevents it from making linear contact with adjacent socket terminals 19. Thus, it is easier to prevent the socket terminals 19 from connecting to each other due to foreign matter.

[0033] The plug terminal portion 36 has a terminal body 36a that conducts electricity and an insulating portion 36b that holds the terminal body 36a. When the plug terminal portion 36 is inserted into the plug hole 18 and installed, the bottom portion 23 of the communication portion is located on the bottom surface 18a side of the contact portion S2 where the terminal body 36a and the socket terminal 19 come into contact with each other in the insertion direction. With this configuration, the communication portion 20 prevents water from accumulating in the contact portion S2 where the plug terminal portion 36 and the socket terminal 19 are electrically connected. Therefore, rust and other contaminants can be prevented from forming in the contact portion S2, and poor contact between the plug terminal portion 36 and the socket terminal 19 can be easily prevented.

[0034] The bottom portion 23 of the communication section has a bottom surface 23b of the communication section that is aligned in the direction along the bottom surface 18a. With this configuration, if foreign matter enters the communication section 20, the foreign matter can be significantly deformed along the bottom 23 of the communication section, thereby preventing the socket terminals 19 from connecting to each other due to the foreign matter.

[0035] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2, to which the present invention is applied, will now be described. In this Embodiment 2, parts configured in the same way as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the inlet connector 112 and inlet plug 132 in the state in which they are attached in Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the communication section bottoms 23 and 24 of Embodiment 1 are replaced with communication section bottoms 123 and 124. That is, in Embodiment 1, the bulging portions 23a and 24a provided on the communication section bottoms 23 and 24 had a rectangular cross-section and were equipped with communication section bottom surfaces 23b and 24b perpendicular to the insertion direction of the charging plug 30. In Embodiment 2, the bulging portions 123a and 124a have a triangular cross-section. As a result, the communication section bottoms 123 and 124 are equipped with inclined surfaces 123b and 124b.

[0037] The inclined surfaces 123b and 124b facilitate the downward flow of water above the bottom 123 and 124 of the connecting section, and prevent water from accumulating on the bottom 123 and 124 of the connecting section, thereby improving drainage.

[0038] As described above, the bottom portion 123 of the communication section has an inclined surface 123b that is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction along the bottom surface 18a. With this configuration, water can easily flow along the bottom 123 of the connecting section, thereby preventing water from accumulating on the bottom 123 of the connecting section and improving drainage.

[0039] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3, to which the present invention is applied, will now be described. In this Embodiment 3, parts configured in the same way as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0040] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet connector 212 and inlet plug 232 in the state in which they are attached in Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the communication section bottoms 221 and 222 are provided instead of the communication section bottoms 23 and 24 of Embodiment 1. That is, in Embodiment 1, one bulge 23a and 24a was provided on the communication section bottoms 23 and 24. In Embodiment 3, two bulges 223a and 224a are provided on the communication section bottoms 221 and 222. As a result, a first communication section bottom 223 and 224 is formed by the bulges 223a and 224a, and a second communication section bottom 225 and 226 is formed between the bulges 223a and 224a.

[0041] Thus, in this embodiment, the overall volume of the bottom of the communication section can be reduced compared to Embodiment 1, and therefore the amount of material used in manufacturing can be reduced.

[0042] As described above, the bottom of the communication section 221 has a first communication section bottom 223 that bulges out toward the front in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface 18a, and a second communication section bottom 225 that is located closer to the bottom surface 18a than the first communication section bottom 223. This configuration allows for a reduction in the volume of the bottom of the connecting section, thereby reducing the amount of material used in manufacturing.

[0043] [Embodiment 4] Embodiment 4, to which the present invention is applied, will now be described. In this Embodiment 4, parts configured in the same way as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0044] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the inlet connector 312 and inlet plug 332 in the state in which they are attached in Embodiment 4. In Embodiment 4, the communication section bottom 324 is provided instead of the communication section bottom 24 of Embodiment 1. That is, in Embodiment 1, the bulge 24a provided on the communication section bottom 24 of the communication section 21 had a rectangular cross-section and included a communication section bottom surface 24b along the bottom surface 18a. In Embodiment 4, the bulge 324a of the communication section bottom 324 of the communication section (second communication section) 21 has a triangular cross-section. As a result, the communication section bottom (second communication section bottom) 324 includes an inclined surface 324b.

[0045] The inclined surface 324b facilitates the downward flow of water above the bottom 324 of the connecting section, and prevents water from accumulating on the bottom 324 of the connecting section, thereby improving drainage.

[0046] As described above, the connector comprises a connector housing 16 in which an insertion hole 18 is formed, and a connector cover 15 that covers the outer circumference of the connector housing 16, with a gap S1 between the connector housing 16 and the connector cover 15, and a communication portion 21 formed in the connector housing 16 that connects the insertion hole 18 and the gap S1, and the communication portion 21 has a second communication portion bottom portion 324 which has a portion that bulges out toward the front in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface 18a, and the second communication portion bottom portion 324 has an inclined surface 324b that faces toward the connector cover 15. With this configuration, water that enters the second communication section 21 can easily travel along the inclined surface and move into the gap formed by the connector cover 15 and the connector housing 16. Therefore, drainage can be improved.

[0047] [Other embodiments] The embodiments described above represent only one aspect of the present invention and can be modified and applied as needed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0048] In the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the two plug holes 18 and socket terminals 19 are arranged vertically. However, the arrangement of the plug holes 18 and socket terminals 19 is arbitrary, as long as communication portions 20 and 21 can be provided in the vertical direction or diagonally in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the socket terminals 19 can be changed as appropriate according to specified standards, and the plug holes 18 are provided to correspond to the socket terminals 19. For example, terminals for conducting high-voltage power and terminals for conducting low-voltage signals for coordinated control may be provided or mixed together, or multiple terminals of only one type may be provided.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferable that the communication portion is connected to the insertion hole and gap S1 located below, as in the embodiment described above. This allows water or foreign matter to be discharged outside the connector housing through the insertion hole and communication portion, even if it enters the connector housing. In other words, it is possible to suppress the connection between contact and conductive parts due to foreign matter and the occurrence of rust.

[0050] The embodiments described above illustrate an example of a connector for charging and supplying power using a charging socket 10 and a charging plug 30. However, the connector of this disclosure is not limited to charging and supplying power, and is not particularly limited to any connector that can conduct electricity, such as a plug connector connected to a socket connector.

[0051] In Embodiment 1 described above, the bottom portions 23 and 24 of the connecting section had the same shape. In Embodiment 2, the bottom portions 123 and 124 of the connecting section had the same shape. Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, the bottom portions 221 and 222 of the connecting section had the same shape. However, one of these connecting sections may have a different shape. For example, the bottom portion 23 of the connecting section may have a rectangular cross-section bulge, and the bottom portion 24 of the connecting section may have a triangular cross-section bulge, as in Embodiment 2.

[0052] In Embodiment 1 described above, an example was described in which the bulge 23a formed on the bottom 23 of the communication portion has a rectangular cross-section. In Embodiment 2, an example was described in which the bottom 123 of the communication portion has a triangular cross-section. In Embodiment 3, an example was described in which the bottom 221 of the communication portion has two bulges 223a. However, the shape of the bottom of the communication portion is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent linear connection between socket terminals due to foreign matter.

[0053] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0054] (Configuration 1) A connector having a plurality of insertion holes into which terminals that conduct electricity are inserted, and into which contact conductive portions are provided that make contact with the inserted terminals and conduct electricity, wherein each insertion hole comprises a bottom surface facing the inserted terminal and a wall portion extending from the bottom surface in the insertion direction, and the wall portion is provided with a communication portion that connects adjacent insertion holes to each other, wherein the communication portion comprises a communication portion bottom portion having a bulge that bulges out toward the front side in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface, and in the state in which the terminal is inserted into the insertion hole and mounted, the tip side of the terminal is located on the bottom surface side of the communication portion bottom portion in the insertion direction. With this configuration, the bottom surface and the bottom of the communication section have a stepped shape. Therefore, when a terminal is inserted into the insertion hole, any foreign matter that enters the communication section is supported by the bottom of the communication section and easily pushed into the bottom surface by the terminal. As a result, the foreign matter is more likely to bend, which can prevent it from making linear contact with adjacent contact points. Thus, it is easier to prevent foreign matter from connecting the contact points to each other.

[0055] (Configuration 2) The connector according to Configuration 1, wherein the terminal has a terminal body that conducts electricity and an insulating part that holds the terminal body, and when the terminal is inserted into the insertion hole and mounted, the bottom of the communication part is located on the bottom side of the contact part where the terminal body and the contact conductive part contact each other in the insertion direction. With this configuration, the connecting portion prevents water from accumulating in the area where the terminal and the contact conductive portion are electrically connected. Therefore, rust and other contaminants can be prevented from forming in the area where the terminal and the contact conductive portion are electrically connected, making it easier to prevent poor contact between the terminal and the contact conductive portion.

[0056] (Configuration 3) The connector according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the bottom of the communication portion has a communication portion bottom surface that is aligned in the direction along the bottom surface. With this configuration, if foreign matter enters the communication section, it can be significantly deformed along the bottom of the communication section, thereby preventing the contact conductive sections from connecting due to the foreign matter.

[0057] (Configuration 4) The connector according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the bottom of the communication portion has an inclined surface that is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction along the bottom surface. This configuration allows water to flow more easily along the bottom of the connecting section, thus preventing water from accumulating on the bottom of the connecting section and improving drainage.

[0058] (Configuration 5) The connector according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the bottom of the communication portion has a first communication portion bottom that bulges out toward the front in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface, and a second communication portion bottom that is located toward the bottom surface than the first communication portion bottom. This configuration allows for a reduction in the volume of the bottom of the connecting section, thereby reducing the amount of material used in manufacturing.

[0059] (Configuration 6) The connector according to Configuration 1, comprising a connector housing in which the insertion hole is formed, and a connector cover covering the outer circumference of the connector housing, wherein there is a space between the connector housing and the connector cover, and the connector housing has a second communication portion formed therein that connects the insertion hole and the space, and the second communication portion has a second communication portion bottom having a portion that bulges out toward the front in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface, and the second communication portion bottom has an inclined surface that faces toward the connector cover side. With this configuration, water that enters the second communication section can easily travel along the inclined surface and move into the gap formed by the connector cover and connector housing. Therefore, drainage can be improved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 10 Charging sockets (connectors) 18 Plug holes (insertion holes) 18a Base 18b Side (wall) 19 Socket terminals (contact conductive parts) 20 Communication part 21 Communication part (second communication part) 23, 24 Bottom of communication part 23a, 24a bulge 23a, 23b Bottom of communication part 36. Plug terminal section (terminal) 123, 124 Bottom of communication part 123b, 124b sloped surface 221, 222 Bottom of communication part 223, 224 Bottom of 1st communication part 225, 226 Bottom of second communication part 324 Bottom of second communication part 324b Slope S1 Gap (space) S2 contact part

Claims

1. It has multiple insertion holes (18) into which terminals (36) through which electricity is conducted are inserted, and which are provided with contact conductive portions (19) that make contact with the inserted terminals (36) and make electrical contact. The insertion hole (18) comprises a bottom surface (18a) facing the inserted terminal (36) and a wall portion (18b) extending from the bottom surface (18a) in the insertion direction. In a connector (10) in which a communication portion (20) is provided on the wall portion (18b) that connects adjacent insertion holes (18) to each other, The communication portion (20) comprises a communication portion bottom portion (23) having a bulging portion (23a) that bulges out toward the front in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface (18a), With the terminal (36) inserted into the insertion hole (18) and mounted, the tip side of the terminal (36) is positioned on the bottom surface (18a) side of the communication portion bottom (23) in the insertion direction. connector.

2. The terminal (36) has a terminal body (36a) that conducts electricity and an insulating part (36b) that holds the terminal body (36a), and when the terminal (36) is inserted into the insertion hole (18) and mounted, the bottom of the communication part (23) is located on the bottom surface (18a) side of the contact part (S2) where the terminal body (36a) and the contact conductive part (19) contact each other in the insertion direction. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The bottom portion (23) of the communication portion is characterized by having a bottom surface (23b) of the communication portion that is aligned in the direction along the bottom surface (18a). The connector according to claim 1.

4. The bottom portion (123) of the communication section is characterized by having an inclined surface (123b) that is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction along the bottom surface (18a), The connector according to claim 1.

5. The bottom of the communication portion (221) is characterized by having a first bottom of the communication portion (223) that bulges toward the front in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface (18a), and a second bottom of the communication portion (225) that is located closer to the bottom surface (18a) than the first bottom of the communication portion (223). The connector according to claim 1.

6. The connector housing (16) having the insertion hole (18) formed therein, and the connector cover (15) covering the outer circumference of the connector housing (16), There is a space (S1) between the connector housing (16) and the connector cover (15), A second communication portion (21) is formed in the connector housing (16) that connects the insertion hole (18) and the space (S1). The second communication portion (21) includes a second communication portion bottom portion (324) having a portion that bulges out toward the front in the insertion direction relative to the bottom surface (18a), The bottom portion (324) of the second communication portion has an inclined surface (324b) that faces the connector cover (15), The connector according to claim 1.

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