Connectors, connector sets, and connection structures

Abstract

This prevents the tip from hitting an undesirable location during insertion into the opening, while suppressing resonance with the opening as the pivot point. [Solution] The connector 10 comprises an opening placement portion 10b positioned within the opening 93, a tip portion 10d connected to the object to be connected 20, and a connecting portion 10c that connects the opening placement portion 10b and the tip portion 10d in the insertion direction into the opening 93. The connecting portion 10c comprises a base portion 46 and at least one positioning portion 47. The at least one positioning portion 47 protrudes from the base portion 46 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and positions the base portion 46 relative to the opening 93 as the base portion 46 passes through the opening 93.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector, a connector set, and a connection structure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector (receptacle connector) provided with a plurality of guide portions (fitting protrusions).

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a connector that is inserted into an opening of a panel from one side with respect to the panel of a housing (automatic transmission case) and is connected to a connection object (electrical connection wiring board) located on the other side with respect to the panel. It can be said that this connector includes an opening arrangement portion disposed in the opening, a tip portion connected to the connection object, and a connecting portion that connects the opening arrangement portion and the tip portion in the insertion direction into the opening.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A first object of the present disclosure is to improve the strength of a guide portion in a connector provided with at least one guide portion even when the dimensions of the guide portion cannot be simply enlarged. A second object of the present disclosure is to suppress resonance with an opening arrangement portion as a rotation fulcrum while preventing a tip portion from hitting an undesired location during insertion into an opening in a connector that is inserted into an opening of a panel from one side with respect to the panel and is connected to a connection object located on the other side with respect to the panel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (First aspect) A connector according to the first embodiment is a connector that can be connected to an object to be connected along the connection direction, the connector comprising a housing and a terminal portion held in the housing, the housing comprising a base portion that holds the terminal portion and at least one guide portion that protrudes from the base portion in the connection direction and guides the connection to the object to be connected, and in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction, where the directions perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction and the second direction, the guide portion comprises a main body portion and an extension portion that protrudes from a part of the main body portion in the second direction in the first direction.

[0007] This embodiment relates to a connector that can be connected to an object along the connection direction. The connector comprises a housing and a terminal portion held in the housing. The housing comprises a base portion that holds the terminal portion and at least one guide portion that protrudes from the base portion in the connection direction. The guide portion guides the connection to the object to be connected.

[0008] By the way, in connectors equipped with such guide sections, the guide section may be damaged if the connector is dropped or otherwise mishandled. Therefore, in this embodiment, when directions perpendicular to the connection direction and perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction and the second direction, the guide portion comprises a main body portion and an extension portion that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the main body portion in the second direction. Therefore, even when it is not possible to simply enlarge the dimensions of the guide section in the first direction, the strength of the guide section can be improved.

[0009] In the embodiments described later, the connector is inserted into an opening in the panel from one side and connects to an object located on the other side of the panel. However, the connector in this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the terminal section comprises multiple terminals. However, the terminal section in this embodiment may consist of a single terminal. In the embodiments described later, at least one guide section is actually two guide sections, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the first direction is the longitudinal direction of the connector. However, the first direction in this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the expansion portion protrudes inward in the first direction, but it may also protrude outward in the first direction. The inward direction in the first direction means the direction approaching the center of the connector in the first direction, and the outward direction in the first direction means the direction away from the center of the connector in the first direction. The same applies to the inward and outward directions in the second direction. In the embodiments described later, the terminal portion includes a contact portion that protrudes in the connection direction, and the contact portion is cantilevered. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The contact portion may be supported, for example, by a part of the housing from the inside in the second direction.

[0010] In the connector according to the first and second embodiments, the extension portion is connected to the base in the connection direction, as in the first and first embodiments.

[0011] In this embodiment, the extension is connected to the base in the connection direction. Therefore, the strength of the base of the guide section can be improved.

[0012] In the first to third embodiments of the connector, the extension portion has a guide inclined surface that guides connection to the object to be connected, in the first to first or first to second embodiment.

[0013] In this embodiment, the extension portion has a guide inclined surface that guides connection to the object to be connected. Therefore, the extension can also function as a guide.

[0014] In any of the embodiments of the first to fourth embodiments, the connector comprises, in any of the embodiments of the first to third embodiments, at least one guide portion, a one-side guide portion located on one side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion, and a other-side guide portion located on the other side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion, wherein the one-side guide portion comprises a one-side main body portion and a one-side extension portion projecting in the first direction from a part of the one-side main body portion in the second direction, and the other-side guide portion comprises a other-side main body portion and a other-side extension portion projecting in the first direction from a part of the other-side main body portion in the second direction.

[0015] In this embodiment, at least one guide portion comprises a one-side guide portion located on one side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion, and a other-side guide portion located on the other side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion. Therefore, it is possible to guide the connection to the object being connected to more effectively.

[0016] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the one-side guide portion comprises a one-side main body portion and a one-side extension portion that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the one-side main body portion in the second direction, and the other-side guide portion comprises a other-side main body portion and a other-side extension portion that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the other-side main body portion in the first direction. Therefore, even when it is not possible to simply enlarge the dimensions of one guide section and the other guide section in the first direction, the strength can be improved.

[0017] In any of the embodiments of 1-5, the connector comprises, in any of embodiments of 1-1 to 1-3, the terminal portion comprising a one-sided contact portion and a other-sided contact portion provided on the other side in the second direction relative to the one-sided contact portion, wherein the other-sided contact portion is located at a position offset in the first direction relative to the one-sided contact portion, and the at least one guide portion comprises a one-sided guide portion located on the one side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion, the one-sided guide portion comprising a one-sided main body portion and a one-sided extension portion projecting in the first direction from a part of the one-sided main body portion in the second direction, wherein the one-sided extension portion projects in the other side in the first direction from a position that overlaps in the second direction with the contact portion located on the other side in the first direction between the one-sided contact portion and the other-sided contact portion.

[0018] In this aspect, the terminal portion includes one-side contact portion and the other-side contact portion provided on the other side in the second direction with respect to the one-side contact portion. The other-side contact portion is located at a position offset in the first direction with respect to the one-side contact portion. The at least one guide portion includes a one-side guide portion located on one side in the first direction with respect to the terminal portion. The one-side guide portion includes a one-side main body portion and a one-side extension portion protruding in the first direction from a part of the one-side main body portion in the second direction. The one-side extension portion protrudes in the first direction from a position overlapping in the second direction with the contact portion located on the other side in the first direction among the one-side contact portion and the other-side contact portion. Therefore, the one-side extension portion can be provided in the space generated by the fact that the other-side contact portion is located at a position offset in the first direction with respect to the one-side contact portion. As a result, an increase in the size of the entire structure can be suppressed.

[0019] Note that in the embodiments described below, the terminal portion includes a plurality of one-side contact portions and a plurality of the other-side contact portions, but the terminal portion of this aspect is not limited thereto. The number of one or both of the one-side contact portion and the other-side contact portion may be one.

[0020] In the connector according to the first to sixth aspects, in any of the first to third aspects, the terminal portion includes a plurality of one-side contact portions arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of the other-side contact portions arranged along the first direction at a position on the other side in the second direction with respect to the one-side contact portion. The plurality of one-side contact portions and the plurality of the other-side contact portions are in a staggered arrangement in which the one-side contact portion and the other-side contact portion are alternately arranged in the first direction. The at least one guide portion includes a one-side guide portion located on one side in the first direction with respect to the terminal portion. The one-side guide portion includes a one-side main body portion and a one-side extension portion protruding in the first direction from a part of the one-side main body portion in the second direction. The one-side extension portion protrudes in the first direction from a position overlapping in the second direction with the contact portion located on the other side in the first direction among the plurality of one-side contact portions and the plurality of the other-side contact portions and the contact portion located on the one side in the first direction among the plurality of the other-side contact portions.

[0021] In this aspect, the terminal portion includes a plurality of one-side contact portions arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of the other-side contact portions arranged along the first direction at a position on the other side in the second direction with respect to the one-side contact portions. The plurality of one-side contact portions and the plurality of the other-side contact portions are arranged in a staggered pattern in which the one-side contact portions and the other-side contact portions are alternately arranged in the first direction.

[0022] Also, in this aspect, at least one guide portion includes a one-side guide portion located on one side in the first direction with respect to the terminal portion. The one-side guide portion includes a one-side main body portion and a one-side extension portion that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the one-side main body portion in the second direction. The one-side extension portion protrudes in the first direction from a position overlapping in the second direction with the contact portion located on the other side in the first direction among the plurality of one-side contact portions and the contact portion located on the other side in the first direction among the plurality of the other-side contact portions. Therefore, the one-side extension portion can be provided in the space generated by the plurality of one-side contact portions and the plurality of the other-side contact portions being arranged in a staggered pattern. As a result, an increase in the size of the structure can be suppressed.

[0023] The connector according to the first to seventh aspects, in the first to sixth aspects, the at least one guide portion includes an other-side guide portion located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the terminal portion, the other-side guide portion includes an other-side main body portion and an other-side extension portion that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the other-side main body portion in the second direction, and the other-side extension portion protrudes in the first direction from a position overlapping in the second direction with the contact portion located on the one side in the first direction among the plurality of one-side contact portions and the contact portion located on the one side in the first direction among the plurality of the other-side contact portions.

[0024] In this embodiment, at least one guide portion includes a other-side guide portion located on the other side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion. The other-side guide portion includes a other-side main body portion and a other-side extension portion that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the other-side main body portion in the second direction. The other-side extension portion protrudes in the first direction from a position that overlaps in the second direction with the contact portion located on the first direction, among a plurality of one-side contact portions, the one-side contact portion located furthest to the other side in the first direction, and the other-side contact portion located furthest to the other side in the first direction among a plurality of other-side contact portions. Therefore, the space created by the staggered arrangement of multiple one-sided contact points and multiple other-sided contact points can be used to provide the other-sided extension. As a result, the size of the structure can be suppressed.

[0025] In the first to eighth embodiments of the connector, the terminal portion comprises a plurality of contact portions, the plurality of contact portions protrude from the base portion in the connection direction, and the base portion comprises a plurality of recesses that prevent short circuits between the plurality of contact portions by individually housing the root portions of the plurality of contact portions.

[0026] In this embodiment, the terminal portion comprises a plurality of contact portions. The plurality of contact portions protrude from the base portion in the direction of connection. Incidentally, in connectors with multiple contact points, these contact points can sometimes short-circuit with each other. For example, a short circuit is more likely to occur if condensation forms at the base of the contact points. Therefore, in this embodiment, the base portion is provided with a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses individually accommodate the root portions of the plurality of contact portions, thereby preventing short circuits between the plurality of contact portions. Therefore, short circuits between multiple contact points can be prevented.

[0027] A connector set according to the 1st to 9th embodiments comprises a first connector as a connector according to any of the 1st to 1st to 8th embodiments, and a second connector as the object to be connected.

[0028] This embodiment relates to a connector set.

[0029] In the first to tenth embodiment, the connector, in the first to nineth embodiment, comprises a second fixed housing fixed to a second mounting object, a second movable housing movable relative to the second fixed housing, and a second terminal portion, wherein the second movable housing includes at least one guide housing hole for accommodating the guide portion.

[0030] In this embodiment, the second connector comprises a second fixed housing fixed to a second mounting object, a second movable housing movable relative to the second fixed housing, and a second terminal portion. The second movable housing includes at least one guide housing hole. The guide housing hole accommodates a guide portion. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately address any misalignment between the first and second connectors.

[0031] (Second aspect) A connector according to the second-first embodiment is a connector that is inserted into an opening in a panel from one side and connected to an object to be connected located on the other side of the panel, the connector comprising: an opening positioning portion disposed within the opening; a tip portion connected to the object to be connected; and a connecting portion connecting the opening positioning portion and the tip portion in the direction of insertion into the opening, the connecting portion comprising: a base portion; and at least one positioning portion protruding from the base portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, which positions the base portion relative to the opening when the base portion passes through the opening.

[0032] This embodiment relates to a connector that is inserted into an opening in a panel from one side and connected to an object located on the other side of the panel. The connector comprises an opening-positioning portion that is positioned within the opening and a tip portion that is connected to the object.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector includes a connecting portion that connects the opening arrangement portion and the tip portion in the direction of insertion into the opening. Therefore, depending on the length of the connecting portion in the insertion direction, the object to be connected can be positioned at a location away from the opening.

[0034] By the way, if the dimensions of the connecting part in the insertion direction are large, resonance is more likely to occur with the opening arrangement as the pivot point. Therefore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion comprises a base and at least one positioning portion. The at least one positioning portion protrudes from the base in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and positions the base relative to the opening as the base passes through the opening. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tip from hitting an undesirable location when inserting it into the opening, while also making the cross-section of the base (the cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction) smaller. As a result, the resonant frequency in the system with the opening as the pivot point can be increased, and resonance with the opening as the pivot point can be suppressed.

[0035] In the embodiments described later, the connector includes at least one guide portion that protrudes in the connection direction to guide connection with the object to be connected, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The connector in this embodiment does not need to include a guide portion. In the embodiments described later, at least one positioning unit is actually multiple positioning units, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the positioning portion is an extending projection that extends in the insertion direction, but the positioning portion in this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0036] In the second-to-second embodiment, the connector, in the second-to-first embodiment, comprises at least one positioning portion with an extending projection that extends in the insertion direction.

[0037] In this embodiment, at least one positioning portion includes an extending projection that extends in the insertion direction. Therefore, the orientation of the connector can be stabilized as the base passes through the opening.

[0038] In the embodiments described later, the extended projection has a parallel upper surface that extends parallel to the insertion direction, but the extended projection in this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the portion that protrudes perpendicular to the insertion direction and extends in the insertion direction (extended projection) is generally formed only in the connecting portion (the portion that connects the opening and the tip in the insertion direction). In other words, the extended projection is not located within the opening (see Figure 2). However, for example, a structure similar to the extended projection may be provided continuously up to the opening.

[0039] In the second-third embodiment of the connector, the extending projection has a parallel upper surface that extends parallel to the insertion direction, as in the second-second embodiment.

[0040] In this embodiment, the extended projection has a parallel upper surface that extends parallel to the insertion direction. Therefore, the orientation of the connector can be stabilized more reliably as the base passes through the opening.

[0041] In the second-fourth embodiment, the connector, in the second-second or second-third embodiment, has an inclined guide surface that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction and guides the insertion of the extended protrusion into the opening.

[0042] In this embodiment, the extended projection has an inclined guide surface that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction. The inclined guide surface guides the insertion of the extended projection into the opening. Therefore, when the connecting portion passes through the opening, it is possible to prevent the extended protruding portion from hitting the edge of the opening and being damaged.

[0043] In the connector according to embodiment 2-5, in any embodiment 2-1 to 2-4, when directions perpendicular to the insertion direction and perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction and the second direction, the at least one positioning portion comprises a pair of first-direction positioning portions protruding from the base to both sides in the first direction, and a pair of second-direction positioning portions protruding from the base to both sides in the second direction.

[0044] In this embodiment, when directions perpendicular to the connection direction and perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction and the second direction, at least one positioning part comprises a pair of first-direction positioning parts protruding from the base to both sides in the first direction, and a pair of second-direction positioning parts protruding from the base to both sides in the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress resonance with the opening as the pivot point, while preventing the tip from hitting an undesirable location when inserted into the opening.

[0045] In the connector according to the second-sixth embodiment, the base portion has a shape with the first direction as the longitudinal direction, and two or more sets of the pair of second-direction positioning portions are provided.

[0046] In this embodiment, the base portion has a shape with the first direction as the longitudinal direction. Here, two or more pairs of second direction positioning portions are provided. Therefore, when the base has a shape with a specific direction as its longitudinal direction, the base can be effectively positioned relative to the opening.

[0047] In the second-seventh embodiment, the connector, in any of the second-seventh to second-sixth embodiments, comprises a tip portion having a contact portion that protrudes from the base portion in the insertion direction and at least one guide portion that protrudes from the base portion in the insertion direction and guides the connection to the object to be connected.

[0048] In this embodiment, the tip portion comprises a contact portion protruding from the base in the insertion direction and at least one guide portion protruding from the base in the insertion direction. The guide portion guides the connection with the object to be connected. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the tip does not have at least one guide portion, it is possible to prevent the contact portion from hitting an undesirable location.

[0049] The connection structure according to the second-eighth embodiment comprises the panel, a first connector as a connector according to any of the second-first to second-seventh embodiments, and a second connector as the object to be connected.

[0050] This embodiment relates to a connection structure.

[0051] The connection structure according to the second-nth embodiment, in the second-eight embodiment, comprises a second fixed housing fixed to a second mounting object and a second movable housing movable relative to the second fixed housing, wherein the second movable housing is connected to the tip of the first connector.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second connector comprises a second fixed housing fixed to a second mounting object and a second movable housing movable relative to the second fixed housing. The second movable housing is connected to the tip of the first connector. Therefore, misalignment between the first and second connectors can be compensated for. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0053] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the connection structure before connection. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the connection structure in the connected state. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the first connector. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the first connector with the sealing material removed. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the first connector. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a magnified portion of the first connector. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing a magnified view of the guide section. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state during the insertion of the connecting structure. [Figure 9] This is another cross-sectional view showing the state during the insertion of the connecting structure. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the first terminal section. [Figure 11] This is a view of a portion of the first connector from the other side in the connection direction. [Figure 12]This is a view of a portion of the first connector from one side in the connection direction. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the second connector. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the second connector. [Figure 15] Another cross-section of the second connector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0054] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described below.

[0055] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the connection structure 100 of this embodiment.

[0056] The connection structure 100 comprises a panel 92 of the housing 91 and connector sets 10 and 20. Note that the panel 92 of the housing 91 is depicted in a significantly simplified manner in each figure.

[0057] The connector sets 10 and 20 consist of a first connector 10 and a second connector 20. The first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are configured to be connectable to each other along the connection direction. Hereinafter, directions perpendicular to the connection direction and perpendicular to each other will be referred to as the first direction and the second direction.

[0058] The first connector 10 is configured to be attachable to the opening 93 of the panel 92. The first connector 10 is inserted into the opening 93 of the panel 92 from one side and connects to the second connector 20, which is the object to be connected, located on the other side of the panel 92. The insertion direction of the first connector 10 into the opening 93 is parallel to the connection direction. One side of the panel 92 is the external side of the housing 91, and the other side of the panel 92 is the internal side of the housing 91.

[0059] The second connector 20 is attached to a substrate 96 (see Figure 8, second mounting object) which is fixed to the other side of the panel 92. The thickness direction of the substrate 96 is parallel to the second direction. The second connector 20 is a right-angle type floating connector.

[0060] The connection between the second connector 20 and the first connector 10 is performed, for example, in the following procedure.

[0061] First, the circuit board 96 to which the second connector 20 is attached is placed inside the housing 91 and fixed in place. Next, the first connector 10 is inserted into the opening 93 of the housing 91, and the first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 20. Finally, the first connector 10 is fixed to the housing 91 by bolts or the like (not shown).

[0062] The first connector 10 is configured to be connectable to an external connector (not shown). The external connector is, for example, a connector provided at the end of a wire harness (not shown). The first connector can be described as a relay connector that connects the external connector and the second connector 20 (internal connector).

[0063] (First connector 10) As shown in Figure 3, the first connector 10 comprises a first terminal portion 12, a first housing 40, a sealing member 16, and a plurality (2) of insert collars 18.

[0064] The first terminal portion 12 functions as a conductive path. The first housing 40 holds the first terminal portion 12. The first housing 40 is made of an insulator such as synthetic resin.

[0065] The first connector 10 may be referred to as connector 10, the second connector 20 as the object to be connected 20, the first housing 40 as housing 40, and the first terminal section 12 as terminal section 12.

[0066] (First terminal part 12) As shown in Figure 10, the first terminal section 12 is composed of a plurality of first terminals 30A, 30B.

[0067] Specifically, the first terminal section 12 consists of a plurality of one-sided first terminals 30A arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of other-sided first terminals 30B arranged along the first direction at a position on the other side of the plurality of one-sided first terminals 30A in the second direction.

[0068] The first terminal 30A on one side and the first terminal 30B on the other side have the same configuration. The difference between the first terminal 30A on one side and the first terminal 30B on the other side is their position in the second direction and the orientation in which they are arranged. Hereafter, when the first terminal 30A on one side and the first terminal 30B on the other side are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the first terminal 30.

[0069] The first terminal 30 has a first contact portion 31 that contacts the second terminal 80 of the second connector 20.

[0070] below, The first contact portion 31A of the first terminal 30A on one side may be referred to as the first contact portion 31A on one side or the contact portion 31A on one side. The first contact portion 31B of the other side first terminal 30B may be referred to as the other side first contact portion 31B or the other side contact portion 31B.

[0071] The first contact portion 31 extends linearly toward the other side in the connection direction. The first contact portion 31 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape with the first direction and the second direction as its sides.

[0072] The first terminal 30 has an outer contact portion 32 that electrically contacts the external connector.

[0073] below, The outer contact portion 32A of the first terminal 30A on one side is sometimes referred to as the outer contact portion 32A on the one side. The outer contact portion 32B of the other side first terminal 30B is sometimes referred to as the other side outer contact portion 32B.

[0074] The outer contact portion 32 extends linearly toward one side in the connection direction. The outer contact portion 32 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape with the first direction and the second direction as its sides.

[0075] The first terminal 30 has an intermediate portion 33 that connects the first contact portion 31 and the outer contact portion 32 in the connection direction. The intermediate portion 33 is held embedded in the first housing 40. Therefore, the first contact portion 31 protrudes from the first housing 40 (its base portion 46) to the other side in the connection direction, and the outer contact portion 32 protrudes from the first housing 40 to one side in the connection direction.

[0076] As shown in Figure 10, the position of the first contact portion 31 in the first direction is shifted in the first direction from the position of the outer contact portion 32 in the first direction. As described above, the orientation of the first terminal 30A on one side and the first terminal 30B on the other side are different. As a result, the following configuration is obtained.

[0077] The position of the first contact portion 31A of one side first terminal 30A in the first direction is shifted to the other side in the first direction from the position of the outer contact portion 32A of the same one side first terminal 30A in the first direction. The position of the first contact portion 31B of the other side first terminal 30B in the first direction is shifted to one side in the first direction from the position of the outer contact portion 32B of the same other side first terminal 30B in the first direction.

[0078] The position of the first contact portion 31 in the second direction coincides with the position of the outer contact portion 32 in the second direction.

[0079] One side outer contact portion 32A is arranged along the first direction. The other side outer contact portion 32B is arranged along the first direction at a position on the other side of the first side outer contact portion 32A in the second direction.

[0080] The outer contact portions 32A of multiple one-sided first terminals 30A and the outer contact portions 32B of multiple other-sided first terminals 30B are arranged in what is known as a normal two-row arrangement. That is, the positions where the outer contact portions 32A of multiple one-sided first terminals 30A are arranged in the first direction are the same as the positions where the outer contact portions 32B of multiple other-sided first terminals 30B are arranged in the first direction.

[0081] One side contact portion 31A is arranged along the first direction. The other side contact portion 31B is arranged along the first direction at a position on the other side of the first side contact portion 31A in the second direction.

[0082] The multiple one-sided contact portions 31A and the multiple other-sided contact portions 31B are arranged in a staggered pattern, with the one-sided contact portions 31A and the other-sided contact portions 31B being arranged alternately in the first direction.

[0083] (First Housing 40) As shown in Figure 4, the first housing 40 includes an outer connecting portion 41, a flange portion 42, a base portion 43, a sealing member placement portion 44, a flange portion 45, and a base portion 46.

[0084] The outer connection portion 41 is configured to be connectable to an external connector (not shown). The outer connection portion 41 has a cylindrical shape with the connection direction axial. The cylindrical outer connection portion 41 accommodates a plurality of outer contact portions 32 (see Figures 8 and 9). The outer connection portion 41 has a longitudinal shape with the first direction as the longitudinal direction.

[0085] The flange portion 42 is positioned on one side of the panel 92. The other side of the flange portion 42 in the connection direction is in close proximity to or in contact with the one side of the panel 92 in the connection direction. The flange portion 42 has a plate shape with the connection direction as the thickness direction. The flange portion 42 has a longitudinal shape with the first direction as the longitudinal direction. Insert collars 18 are provided on both sides of the flange portion 42 in the longitudinal direction (first direction). The flange portion 42 has a projection 42a that protrudes to the other side in the connection direction. The projection 42a is inserted into a hole (not shown) provided in the panel 92.

[0086] The base portion 43 protrudes from the flange portion 42 in the other direction of connection. The base portion 43 is positioned inside the opening 93 when connected. The cross-sectional shape and size of the base portion 43 are approximately the same as those of the general portion 93a of the opening 93. The outer circumferential surface 43a of the base portion 43 is in close proximity to or in contact with the inner surface of the general portion 93a of the opening 93.

[0087] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the opening 93 comprises a general section 93a and a guide section 93b. The general section 93a has a uniform opening cross-section along the connection direction. The guide section 93b constitutes the vicinity of one end of the opening 93 in the connection direction. The guide section 93b is configured such that the size of the opening cross-section gradually decreases toward the general section 93a. The length of the guide section 93b in the connection direction is shorter than the length of the base section 43 in the connection direction.

[0088] The seal member placement portion 44 is the portion where the seal member 16 is placed. The seal member 16 is annular in shape. The seal member placement portion 44 is provided as a recess that is recessed on the central axis side of the first housing 40. Specifically, the seal member placement portion 44 is a recess that is recessed more than the outer peripheral surface 43a of the base portion 43 and extends in an annular shape. The seal member placement portion 44 is placed inside the opening 93 when connected. Therefore, the seal member 16 is placed inside the opening 93 (specifically, the general portion 93a of the opening 93) when connected.

[0089] The flange portion 45 is a convex portion that protrudes away from the central axis of the first housing 40 and extends in the circumferential direction. The flange portion 45 restricts the sealing member 16 from protruding to one side in the connection direction. The cross-sectional shape and size of the flange portion 45 are approximately the same as the cross-sectional shape and size of the general portion 93a of the opening 93. The outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 45 is in close proximity to the inner surface of the general portion 93a of the opening 93.

[0090] (base 46) The base portion 46 has a shape that is longitudinal in the first direction. The cross-sectional size of the base portion 46 is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the general portion 93a of the opening 93. Therefore, when the base portion 46 passes through the opening 93, a gap is created between the outer circumferential surfaces 46a, 46b of the base portion 46 and the inner surface of the general portion 93a of the opening 93. In other words, the base portion 46 is configured to pass through the general portion 93a of the opening 93 with ample clearance. The outer circumferential surfaces 46a, 46b of the base portion 46 are recessed toward the central axis of the first housing 40 compared to the flange portion 45.

[0091] The base portion 46 has a pair of first-direction outward surfaces 46a and a pair of second-direction outward surfaces 46b. Each of the pair of first-direction outward surfaces 46a is a curved surface that generally faces outward in the first direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7(A), the central portion 46a1 of the first-direction outward surface 46a in the second direction is a plane that faces outward in the first direction, and the side portions 46a2 of the first-direction outward surface 46a in the second direction are curved surfaces. Each of the pair of second-direction outward surfaces 46b is a plane that faces outward in the second direction.

[0092] The first housing 40 holds the first terminal portion 12. Specifically, the first housing 40 is formed by insert molding, with the multiple first terminals 30A and 30B constituting the first terminal portion 12 being insert parts. As a result, a portion of the first terminal 30 is embedded inside the first housing 40. More specifically, a portion of the first terminal 30 (intermediate portion 33) is embedded inside the flange portion 42, base portion 43, seal member placement portion 44, and base portion 46.

[0093] More specifically, a primary molded product is formed by insert molding, in which multiple first terminals 30 arranged along a first direction are used as insert parts. Then, two of these primary molded products are prepared, flipped over, and combined, and subsequently, as a secondary molding process, insert molding is performed using the two primary molded products as insert parts.

[0094] (Positioning parts 47A, 47B) Furthermore, the first housing 40 is equipped with a plurality (6) of positioning portions 47A, 47B that protrude from the base portion 46 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the plurality of positioning portions 47A, 47B position the base portion 46 relative to the opening 93 as the base portion 46 passes through the opening 93.

[0095] In this embodiment, the first housing 40 is provided with a plurality of positioning parts 47A, 47B, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first housing may have only one positioning part. For this reason, the plurality of positioning parts 47A, 47B may be referred to as at least one positioning part 47A, 47B below.

[0096] The multiple positioning portions 47A, 47B are composed of multiple extending protrusions 47A, 47B that extend in the insertion direction. In other words, all of the positioning portions 47A, 47B in this embodiment are extending protrusions 47A, 47B. The extending protrusions 47A, 47B protrude from the outer circumferential surfaces 46a, 46b of the base portion 46 and extend in the insertion direction.

[0097] The multiple extending protrusions 47A, 47B comprise a pair of first-direction extending protrusions 47A that protrude from the base 46 on both sides in the first direction, and a pair of second-direction extending protrusions 47B that protrude from the base 46 on both sides in the second direction. One set of the pair of first-direction extending protrusions 47A is provided. Two sets of the pair of second-direction extending protrusions 47B are provided spaced apart in the first direction. Hereinafter, when the first-direction extending protrusions 47A and the second-direction extending protrusions 47B are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the extending protrusions 47.

[0098] The extended projection 47 has a parallel upper surface 47a extending parallel to the insertion direction, an inclined guide surface 47b that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction and guides the insertion of the extended projection into the opening, and a pair of side surfaces 47c that connect the parallel upper surface 47a and the inclined guide surface 47b to the outer peripheral surface 46a of the base 46. The position of one end of the extended projection 47 in the connection direction coincides with the position of one end of the flange 45 in the connection direction.

[0099] The width dimension (second direction dimension) of the protruding portion 47A extending in the first direction is smaller than the width dimension (first direction dimension) of the protruding portion 47B extending in the second direction. The other end of the protruding portion 47A extending in the first direction and the other end of the protruding portion 47B extending in the second direction coincide in the connection direction.

[0100] As shown in Figure 6, the base portion 46 is provided with a plurality of recesses 48 that individually accommodate the root portions of the plurality of first contact portions 31A, 31B, thereby preventing short circuits between the plurality of first contact portions 31A, 31B. The provision of a plurality of recesses 48 forms partitions between the root portions of the plurality of first contact portions 31A, 31B.

[0101] The recesses 48 form a space with a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The recess 48 corresponding to the first contact portion 31A on one side is open to the other side in the connection direction and to one side in the second direction. The recess 48 corresponding to the first contact portion 31B on the other side is open to the other side in the connection direction and to the other side in the second direction.

[0102] The position of the bottom surface 48a of the recess 48 in the connection direction coincides with the position of the other end of the inclined guide surface 47b of the second direction extending projection 47B in the connection direction.

[0103] (Guide section 49) Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the first housing 40 is provided with a plurality (2) of guide portions 49A and 49B that protrude from the base 46 to the other side in the connection direction. Specifically, the plurality of guide portions 49A and 49B protrude from the other side 46c of the base 46 to the other side in the connection direction.

[0104] The multiple guide sections 49A and 49B consist of a one-sided guide section 49A located on one side in the first direction relative to the first terminal section 12, and a other-sided guide section 49B located on the other side in the first direction relative to the first terminal section 12. When the one-sided guide section 49A and the other-sided guide section 49B are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as guide section 49. The guide section 49 guides the connection to the second connector 20, which is the "object to be connected".

[0105] The end of the guide portion 49 on one side in the second direction is located further to the one side in the second direction than the end of the first contact portion 31A on one side in the second direction, and the end of the guide portion 49 on the other side in the second direction is located further to the other side in the second direction than the end of the first contact portion 31B on the other side in the second direction.

[0106] The guide portion 49 comprises a main body portion 49a and an extension portion 49b that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the main body portion 49a in the second direction. The main body portion 49a has a shape that is longitudinal in the second direction.

[0107] Hereinafter, the main body 49a and extension 49b of one-side guide section 49A will be referred to as the one-side main body 49a and one-side extension 49b, and the main body 49a and extension 49b of the other-side guide section 49B will be referred to as the other-side main body 49a and other-side extension 49b.

[0108] The length of the extension portion 49b in the connection direction is the same as the length of the main body portion 49a in the connection direction. In other words, the extension portion 49b is connected to the base portion 46 in the connection direction.

[0109] As shown in Figure 11, the extended portion 49b of the guide portion 49A on one side protrudes to the other side in the first direction from a position where it overlaps with the multiple first contact portions 31A on one side in the second direction. The extended portion 49b of the guide portion 49B on the other side protrudes to one side in the first direction from a position where it overlaps with the multiple first contact portions 31B on the other side in the second direction. In other words, the extended portion 49b protrudes inward in the first direction toward the empty space among the multiple first contact portions 31A, 31B which are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0110] The extension portion 49b of the guide portion 49A on one side protrudes from the end portion on the second direction of the main body portion 49a on one side. The extension portion 49b of the other side guide portion 49B protrudes from the other side end of the other side main body portion 49a in the second direction.

[0111] As shown in Figure 7, the guide portion 49 has a guide inclined surface 51 that guides connection with the object to be connected 20. The guide inclined surface 51 is provided across both the main body portion 49a and the extension portion 49b. In other words, both the main body portion 49a and the extension portion 49b have the guide inclined surface 51.

[0112] The guiding inclined surface 51 is the surface that connects the side surfaces 53 and 54 of the guide section 49 to the tip 52. The side surfaces 53 and 54 of the guide section 49 extend parallel to the connection direction. The tip 52 of the guide section 49 is a surface that faces the other side in the connection direction.

[0113] The side surfaces 53 and 54 of the guide section 49 include the side surface 53 of the main body section 49a and the side surface 54 of the extension section 49b.

[0114] The side surface 53 of the main body portion 49a has at least an outer surface 53a facing outward in the first direction and an inner surface 53b facing inward in the first direction.

[0115] The side surface 54 of the extension portion 49b has a first extension inner surface 54a that is inward in the first direction from the inner surface 53b of the main body and faces inward in the first direction, a second extension inner surface 54b that faces inward in the second direction between the first extension inner surface 54a and the inner surface 53b of the main body, and an extension outer surface 54c that faces outward in the second direction between the first extension inner surface 54a and the outer surface 53a of the main body.

[0116] As shown in Figure 5, the first connector 10 can also be understood as comprising, according to its position in the connection direction, an outer arrangement portion 10a positioned on one side of the panel 92, an opening arrangement portion 10b positioned inside the opening 93, a tip portion 10d connected to the object to be connected, and a connecting portion 10c that connects the opening arrangement portion 10b and the tip portion 10d in the direction of insertion into the opening.

[0117] In this configuration, the outer arrangement portion 10a comprises the outer contact portions 32 of the multiple first terminals 30A, 30B and the outer connecting portion 41 of the first housing 40. The opening arrangement portion 10b comprises a part of the intermediate portion 33 of the multiple first terminals 30A, 30B, the base portion 43 and sealing member arrangement portion 44 of the first housing 40, and the sealing member 16. The tip portion 10d comprises the portion of the first contact portion 31 of the multiple first terminals 30A, 30B excluding the root portion and the multiple guide portions 49 of the first housing 40. The connecting portion 10c comprises another part of the intermediate portion 33 of the multiple first terminals 30A, 30B, the flange portion 45, the base portion 46 and the multiple positioning portions 47A, 47B of the first housing 40.

[0118] (Second connector 20) Next, we will explain the second connector 20.

[0119] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the second connector 20 comprises a second terminal portion 22, a second fixed housing 60 fixed to the substrate 96, a second movable housing 70 movable relative to the second fixed housing 60, a plurality (4) of fasteners 24, and a plurality (12) of additional members 26.

[0120] The second terminal section 22 is composed of a plurality of second terminals 80A and 80B.

[0121] The multiple second terminals 80A and 80B consist of multiple (6) one-side second terminals 80A and multiple (6, the same number as the one-side second terminals 80A) the other-side second terminals 80B.

[0122] Multiple second terminals 80A on one side each have the same structure, and multiple second terminals 80B on the other side each have the same structure. Second terminals 80A on one side and second terminals 80B on the other side have different structures.

[0123] In the following explanation, when describing matters common to one-sided second terminal 80A and the other-sided second terminal 80B, the two will be referred to simply as second terminal 80 without any particular distinction.

[0124] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the second terminal 80 has a connecting portion 81 connected to the substrate 96, a fixed-side held portion 82 held by the second fixed housing 60, a deformable intermediate deformable portion 83, a movable-side held portion 84 held by the second movable housing 70, and a second contact portion 85 that contacts the first terminal 30 of the first connector 10. The second contact portion 85 is configured to elastically contact the object to be connected (first terminal 30).

[0125] The positions of multiple one-sided second terminals 80A in the first direction are offset from the positions of multiple other-sided second terminals 80B in the first direction. In the first direction (terminal arrangement direction), the one-sided second terminals 80A and the other-sided second terminals 80B are arranged alternately.

[0126] As shown in Figure 14, the connection portion 81 of one side second terminal 80A is positioned on the other side in the connection direction relative to the second fixed housing 60, and as shown in Figure 15, the connection portion 81 of the other side second terminal 80B is positioned on one side in the connection direction relative to the second fixed housing 60.

[0127] The position of the connection portion 81 of one side second terminal 80A in the second direction coincides with the position of the connection portion 81 of the other side second terminal 80B in the second direction. Both the connection portion 81 of one side second terminal 80A and the connection portion 81 of the other side second terminal 80B are soldered to the circuit board 96 from one side in the second direction.

[0128] The second contact portion 85 of the other-side second terminal 80B is located further to the other side in the second direction than the second contact portion 85 of the first-side second terminal 80A. The second contact portion 85 of the first-side second terminal 80A contacts the first contact portion 31A of the first-side first terminal 30A, and the second contact portion 85 of the other-side second terminal 80B contacts the first contact portion 31B of the other-side first terminal 30B.

[0129] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the additional member 26 is formed separately from the second terminal 80 and is held in the second movable housing 70. The additional member 26, together with the second contact portion 85, sandwiches the first contact portion 31 in the second direction.

[0130] The second fixed housing 60 has lower frames 61, 62, and 63. The lower frames 61, 62, and 63 each have a front frame portion 61, a rear frame portion 62, and a pair of side frame portions 63. The front frame portion 61 and the rear frame portion 62 extend in the first direction, and the pair of side frame portions 63 extend in the connection direction.

[0131] As shown in Figure 15, the front frame portion 61 holds the fixed-side retained portion 82 of the other-side second terminal 80B. As shown in Figure 14, the rear frame portion 62 holds the fixed-side retained portion 82 of the second terminal 80A on one side.

[0132] (Second movable housing 70) The second movable housing 70 holds a plurality of second terminals 80A, 80B and an additional member 26.

[0133] As shown in Figure 13, the second movable housing 70 is provided with a plurality (2) of guide housing holes 37 that accommodate a plurality of guide portions 49. The plurality of guide housing holes 37 are holes into which the plurality of guide portions 49 of the first connector 10 are inserted, and they serve to position the second connector 20 and the first connector 10 when they are connected.

[0134] The guide housing hole 37 has a shape that corresponds to the guide portion 49. Specifically, the guide housing hole 37 has a shape that corresponds to the main body portion 49a and the extension portion 49b of the guide portion 49. The guide housing hole 37 penetrates the second movable housing 70 in the front-rear direction.

[0135] <Effects and Effects> Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be described from a first perspective.

[0136] This embodiment relates to a connector 10 that can be connected to an object 20 along the connection direction, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The connector 10 comprises a housing 40 and a terminal portion 12 held in the housing 40. The housing 40 comprises a base portion 46 that holds the terminal portion 12 and at least one guide portion 49A, 49B that protrudes from the base portion 46 in the connection direction. The guide portion 49 guides the connection to the object 20.

[0137] By the way, in a connector equipped with such a guide portion 49, the guide portion 49 may be damaged when the connector 10 is dropped or otherwise damaged. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, when directions perpendicular to the connection direction and perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction and the second direction, the guide portion 49 comprises a main body portion 49a and an extension portion 49b that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the main body portion 49a in the second direction. Therefore, even when it is not possible to simply enlarge the dimensions of the guide portion 49 in the first direction, the strength of the guide portion 49 can be improved.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the extension portion 49b is connected to the base portion 46 in the connection direction. Therefore, the strength of the base portion of the guide section 49 can be improved.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the extension portion 49b has a guide inclined surface 51 that guides connection with the object to be connected 20. Therefore, the extension section 49b can also serve as a guide.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, at least one guide portion 49A, 49B comprises a one-side guide portion 49A located on one side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion 12, and a other-side guide portion 49B located on the other side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion 12. Therefore, it is possible to guide the connection to the object being connected to more effectively.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the one-side guide portion 49A comprises a one-side main body portion 49a and a one-side extension portion 49b that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the one-side main body portion 49a in the second direction, and the other-side guide portion 49B comprises the other-side main body portion 49a and the other-side extension portion 49b that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the other-side main body portion 49a in the second direction. Therefore, even when it is not possible to simply enlarge the dimensions of one side guide section 49A and the other side guide section 49B in the first direction, the strength can be improved.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the terminal portion 12 comprises a one-sided contact portion 31A and a other-sided contact portion 31B provided on the other side in the second direction relative to the one-sided contact portion 31A. The other-sided contact portion 31B is located at a position offset in the first direction relative to the one-sided contact portion 31A. At least one guide portion 49A, 49B comprises a one-sided guide portion 49A located on the one side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion 12. The one-sided guide portion 49A comprises a one-sided main body portion 49a and a one-sided extension portion 49b that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the one-sided main body portion 49a in the second direction. The one-sided extension portion 49b protrudes in the other side in the first direction from a position that overlaps in the second direction with the contact portion 31 located on the other side in the first direction, between the one-sided contact portion 31A and the other-sided contact portion 31B. Therefore, the space created by the other contact portion 31B being positioned offset in the first direction relative to the one contact portion 31A allows for the provision of the one-side extension portion 49b. As a result, an increase in the overall size of the structure can be suppressed.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the terminal portion 12 includes a plurality of one-sided contact portions 31A arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of other-sided contact portions 31B arranged along the first direction at a position on the other side in the second direction relative to the one-sided contact portions 31A. The plurality of one-sided contact portions 31A and the plurality of other-sided contact portions 31B are arranged in a staggered pattern, with the one-sided contact portions 31A and the other-sided contact portions 31B being arranged alternately in the first direction.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, at least one guide portion 49A, 49B includes a one-side guide portion 49A located on one side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion. The one-side guide portion 49A includes a one-side main body portion 49a and a one-side extension portion 49b that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the one-side main body portion 49a in the second direction. The one-side extension portion 49b protrudes in the other direction in the first direction from a position that overlaps in the second direction with the contact portion 31 located on the other side in the first direction, among the one-side contact portion 31A located furthest to the one side in the first direction among the plurality of one-side contact portions 31A and the other-side contact portion 31B located furthest to the one side in the first direction among the plurality of other-side contact portions 31B. Therefore, the space created by the staggered arrangement of multiple one-sided contact portions 31A and multiple other-sided contact portions 31B can be used to provide one-sided extension portions 49b. As a result, the size of the structure can be suppressed.

[0145] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, at least one guide portion 49A, 49B includes a other-side guide portion 49B located on the other side in the first direction relative to the terminal portion 12. The other-side guide portion 49B includes a other-side main body portion 49a and a other-side extension portion 49b that protrudes in the first direction from a part of the other-side main body portion 49a in the second direction. The other-side extension portion 49b protrudes in the first direction from a position that overlaps in the second direction with the contact portion 31 located on the first direction, among the one-side contact portion 31A located furthest to the other side in the first direction among the plurality of one-side contact portions 31A and the other-side contact portion 31B located furthest to the other side in the first direction among the plurality of other-side contact portions 31B. Therefore, the space created by the staggered arrangement of multiple one-sided contact portions 31A and multiple other-sided contact portions 31B can be used to provide the other-sided extension portion 49b. As a result, the size of the structure can be suppressed.

[0146] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the terminal portion 12 is provided with a plurality of contact portions 31. The plurality of contact portions 31 protrude from the base portion 46 in the connection direction. By the way, in a connector 10 having multiple contact points 31, the multiple contact points 31 may short-circuit with each other. For example, a short circuit is likely to occur when condensation occurs at the base of the contact points 31. Therefore, in this embodiment, the base portion 46 is provided with a plurality of recesses 48. The plurality of recesses 48 individually accommodate the root portions of the plurality of contact portions 31, thereby preventing short circuits between the plurality of contact portions 31. Therefore, short circuits between multiple contact points 31 can be prevented.

[0147] Furthermore, this embodiment relates to connector sets 10 and 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The connector sets 10 and 20 comprise a first connector 10 as the connector 10 described above, and a second connector 20 as the object to be connected 20.

[0148] In this embodiment, the second connector 20 includes a second fixed housing 60 fixed to the second mounting object 96, a second movable housing 70 movable relative to the second fixed housing 60, and a second terminal portion 22. The second movable housing 70 includes at least one guide housing hole 37A, 37B. The guide housing hole 37 accommodates the guide portion 49. Therefore, misalignment between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be appropriately accommodated.

[0149] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be explained from a second perspective.

[0150] This embodiment relates to a connector 10 that is inserted into an opening 93 of a panel 92 from one side, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and connects to an object 20 located on the other side of the panel 92. As shown in Figure 5, the connector 10 comprises an opening placement portion 10b positioned within the opening 93 and a tip portion 10d connected to the object 20.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the connector 10 includes a connecting portion 10c that connects the opening arrangement portion 10b and the tip portion 10d in the insertion direction into the opening 93. Therefore, depending on the length of the connecting portion 10c in the insertion direction, the object to be connected 20 can be positioned at a location away from the opening 93.

[0152] By the way, if the dimension of the connecting portion 10c in the insertion direction is large, resonance is more likely to occur with the opening arrangement portion 10b as the pivot point. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the connecting portion 10c comprises a base portion 46 and at least one positioning portion 47A, 47B. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, at least one positioning portion 47A, 47B protrudes from the base portion 46 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and positions the base portion 46 relative to the opening 93 as the base portion 46 passes through the opening 93. Therefore, the tip portion 10d can be prevented from hitting an undesirable location when inserted into the opening 93, while the cross-section of the base portion 46 (the cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction) can be made smaller. As a result, the resonant frequency in the system with the opening arrangement portion 10b as the pivot point can be increased, and resonance with the opening arrangement portion 10b as the pivot point can be suppressed.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, at least one positioning portion 47A, 47B is provided with an extending projection 47 that extends in the insertion direction. Therefore, the orientation of the connector 10 can be stabilized when the base 46 passes through the opening 93.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the extended projection 47 has a parallel upper surface 47a that extends parallel to the insertion direction. Therefore, the orientation of the connector 10 can be stabilized more reliably as the base 46 passes through the opening 93.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the extended projection 47 has an inclined guide surface 47b that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction. The inclined guide surface 47b guides the insertion of the extended projection 47 into the opening 93. Therefore, when the connecting portion 10c passes through the opening 93, it is possible to prevent the extending protrusion 47 from hitting the edge of the opening 93 and being damaged.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, when directions perpendicular to the connection direction and perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction and the second direction, at least one positioning portion 47A, 47B comprises a pair of first-direction positioning portions 47A protruding from the base portion 46 on both sides in the first direction, and a pair of second-direction positioning portions 47B protruding from the base portion 46 on both sides in the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress resonance with the opening arrangement portion 10b as the pivot point, while preventing the tip portion 10d from hitting an undesirable location when inserted into the opening 93.

[0157] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the base portion 46 has a shape with the first direction as the longitudinal direction. Here, two or more pairs of second direction positioning portions 47B are provided. Therefore, when the base portion 46 has a shape with a specific direction as its longitudinal direction, the base portion 46 can be effectively positioned relative to the opening 93.

[0158] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the tip portion 10d includes a contact portion 31 protruding from the base portion 46 in the insertion direction, and at least one guide portion 49A, 49B protruding from the base portion 46 in the insertion direction. The guide portion 49 guides the connection with the object to be connected 20. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the tip portion 10d does not have at least one guide portion 49A, 49B, it is possible to prevent the contact portion 31 from hitting an undesirable location.

[0159] Furthermore, this embodiment relates to a connection structure 100, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The connection structure 100 comprises a panel 92, a first connector 10 as the connector 10 described above, and a second connector 20 as the object to be connected 20.

[0160] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the second connector 20 comprises a second fixed housing 60 fixed to the second mounting object 96, and a second movable housing 70 that is movable relative to the second fixed housing 60. The second movable housing 70 is connected to the tip portion 10d (see Figure 5) of the first connector 10. Therefore, misalignment between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be absorbed.

[0161] While preferred embodiments of the connector described herein have been described above, this disclosure is not limited thereto. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0162] 10 First connector (connector) 10b Opening arrangement part 10c connection part 10d tip 12 First terminal part (terminal part) 20. Second connector (to be connected) 22 Second terminal section 30 First terminal 30A One side first terminal 30B First terminal on the other side 31 First contact part (contact part) 31A One side first contact part (one side contact part) 31B Other side first contact part (other side contact part) 32 Outer contact part 32A One side outer contact part 32B Other side outer contact part 37 Guide housing holes 40 Daiichi Housing (Housing) 46 Base 47 Extended protrusion (positioning part) 47A First direction extending protrusion (first direction positioning part) 47B Second direction extending protrusion (second direction positioning part) 47a Parallel top surface 47b Inclined guideway 48 recess 49 Guide section 49A One-sided guide section 49B Other side guide section 49a Main body 49b Extension 51 Guidance slope 60 Second Fixed Housing 70 Second movable housing 80 Second terminal 80A Second terminal on one side 80B Second terminal on other side 91 cabinets 92 panels 93 Aperture 96 Circuit board (second mounting target) 100 connection structure

Claims

1. A connector that is inserted into an opening in a panel from one side and connects to an object located on the other side of the panel, The aforementioned connector is An opening arrangement portion arranged within the opening, The tip portion that is connected to the object to be connected, A connecting portion that connects the opening arrangement portion and the tip portion in the direction of insertion into the opening, Equipped with, The aforementioned connecting portion is The base and, A positioning portion that protrudes from the base in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and positions the base relative to the opening when the base passes through the opening, Equipped with, connector.

2. The at least one positioning unit is, The extended projection extending in the insertion direction Equipped with, The connector according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned extended protrusion is Parallel upper surface extending parallel to the insertion direction Having, The connector according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned extended protrusion is An inclined guide surface that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction and guides the insertion of the extending protrusion into the opening. Having, The connector according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. When directions perpendicular to the insertion direction and perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction and the second direction, The at least one positioning unit is, A pair of first-direction positioning portions protruding from the base in the first direction on both sides, A pair of second-direction positioning parts protruding from the base in the second direction on both sides, Equipped with, The connector according to claim 1.

6. The base portion has a shape with the first direction as the longitudinal direction, The pair of second directional positioning units are provided in two or more sets. The connector according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned tip portion is A contact portion protruding from the base in the insertion direction, The base portion comprises at least one guide portion that protrudes in the insertion direction and guides the connection to the object to be connected, Equipped with, The connector according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned panel and, A first connector as described in claim 1, The second connector as the object to be connected, A connection structure comprising the above.

9. The second connector is, A second fixing housing that is fixed to the second mounting object, A second movable housing that is movable relative to the second fixed housing, Equipped with, The second movable housing is connected to the tip of the first connector, The connection structure according to claim 8.

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