connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of suppressing an arrangement error of two kinds of terminals having different thicknesses.SOLUTION: A first terminal 30 extending linearly comprises: a first connection part 32, which is an end region including a first end 31 in the first terminal 30, and which includes a contact with a first mating terminal; and a first intermediate part 33 which is adjacent to the first connection part 32 in an extension direction of the first terminal 30. A second terminal 40 extending linearly comprises a second connection part 42, which is an end region including a second end 41 in the second terminal 40, and which includes a contact with a second mating terminal. The second connection part 42 is thicker than the first connection part 32 and thinner than the first intermediate part 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, some connectors have terminals that extend linearly and a connector housing that holds the terminals. For example, the connector described in Patent Document 1 has one terminal that extends linearly. A part of the terminal is embedded inside the connector housing by insert molding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-60499 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A connector may have two types of terminals: first terminals and second terminals that are thicker than the first terminals. In this case, a mold for molding the connector housing has a first terminal arrangement hole into which the portion of the first terminal that is exposed from the connector housing is inserted, and a second terminal arrangement hole into which the portion of the second terminal that is exposed from the connector housing is inserted. With the first terminals inserted into the first terminal arrangement hole and the second terminals inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole, resin is filled into the mold to form a connector housing in which the first terminals and the second terminals are integrated.

[0005] However, when arranging the first terminal and the second terminal in a mold, the first terminal is thinner than the second terminal and therefore can be inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole for inserting the second terminal. If the first terminal and the second terminal each extend linearly, the first terminal and the second terminal have similar shapes, making it easy to mistakenly insert the first terminal into the second terminal arrangement hole. This could result in a connector being formed in which the first terminal is arranged where the second terminal should be arranged. Therefore, it was desired to prevent mistakes in the arrangement of two types of terminals with different thicknesses.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can prevent incorrect placement of two types of terminals with different thicknesses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a connector housing, at least one first terminal extending linearly, and at least one second terminal extending linearly, wherein the first terminal has a first end which is one end of the first terminal in the extension direction of the first terminal, a first connection portion which is an end region of the first terminal including the first end and includes a contact point with a first mating terminal, and a first intermediate portion adjacent to the first connection portion in the extension direction of the first terminal, wherein the second terminal has a second end which is one end of the second terminal in the extension direction of the second terminal, and a second connection portion which is an end region of the second terminal including the second end and includes a contact point with a second mating terminal, and the second connection portion is a connector that is thicker than the first connection portion and thinner than the first intermediate portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the connector of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent incorrect placement of two types of terminals with different thicknesses. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a connector according to an embodiment is attached to a housing. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a first terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a second terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a portion of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view for explaining a step of placing the first terminal and the second terminal in a mold according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view for explaining a step of placing the first terminal and the second terminal in a mold according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure comprises: [1] A connector housing, at least one first terminal extending linearly and partially embedded in the connector housing, and at least one second terminal extending linearly and partially embedded in the connector housing, wherein the first terminal has a first end which is one end of the first terminal in the direction in which the first terminal extends, a first connection portion which is an end region of the first terminal including the first end and which includes a contact point with a first mating terminal, and a first intermediate portion which is adjacent to the first connection portion in the direction in which the first terminal extends, and the second terminal has a second end which is one end of the second terminal in the direction in which the second terminal extends, and an end region of the second terminal including the second end and a second connection portion including a contact point with a second mating terminal, the first connection portion being entirely exposed from the connector housing, the first intermediate portion having a first exposed portion which is an end region of the first intermediate portion adjacent to the first connection portion and exposed from the connector housing, and a first embedded portion which is adjacent to the first exposed portion in the direction in which the first terminal extends and is embedded in the connector housing, the first exposed portion being thicker than the first connection portion, and the second connection portion protruding from the surface of the connector housing in the same direction as the first connection portion and entirely exposed from the connector housing, and being thicker than the first connection portion and thinner than the first exposed portion.

[0011] According to this configuration, a mold for molding a connector housing in which the first terminals and the second terminals are integrated has a first terminal arrangement hole into which the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion exposed from the connector housing are inserted. To expose the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion from the connector housing, the inner surface of the first terminal arrangement hole is shaped according to the outer shapes of the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion. That is, the first terminal arrangement hole is shaped to be blocked by the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion so that the molten resin material filled in the mold does not enter the interior of the first terminal arrangement hole. The mold also has a second terminal arrangement hole into which the second connecting portion exposed from the connector housing is inserted. To expose the second connecting portion from the connector housing, the inner surface of the second terminal arrangement hole is shaped according to the outer shape of the second connecting portion. That is, the second terminal arrangement hole is shaped to be blocked by the second connecting portion so that the molten resin material filled in the mold does not enter the interior of the second terminal arrangement hole. When the connector housing is formed with the first and second terminals integrated, the first terminal is positioned in the connector by inserting the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion into the first terminal arrangement hole, and the second terminal is positioned in the connector by inserting the second connecting portion into the second terminal arrangement hole.

[0012] The first connecting portion of the first terminal is thinner than the second connecting portion of the second terminal. Meanwhile, the first exposed portion of the first terminal is thicker than the second connecting portion. Therefore, the portion of the first terminal arrangement hole into which the first connecting portion is inserted and arranged is thinner than the second terminal. The portion of the first terminal arrangement hole into which the first exposed portion is inserted and arranged is thicker than the second terminal. The second terminal arrangement hole is thicker than the first connecting portion but thinner than the first exposed portion.

[0013] Therefore, if the first terminal is mistakenly inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole, the first connecting portion is inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole, but the first exposed portion cannot be inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole. Therefore, the first exposed portion gets caught in the opening of the second terminal arrangement hole, preventing the first terminal from being inserted further into the second terminal arrangement hole. This prevents the first terminal from being set in the mold with the first connecting portion inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole, i.e., prevents the first terminal from being placed in the mold where the second terminal should be placed.

[0014] Furthermore, if the second terminal is mistakenly inserted into the first terminal arrangement hole, the second connection portion cannot be inserted into a portion of the first terminal arrangement hole having an inner surface that corresponds to the outer shape of the first connection portion. This prevents the second terminal from being set in the mold with the second connection portion inserted into the first terminal arrangement hole, i.e., prevents the second terminal from being placed in the mold where the first terminal should be placed.

[0015] These features prevent the misplacement of two types of terminals with different thicknesses. That is, when molding the connector housing, it is possible to prevent the second terminal from being placed in a location where the first terminal should be placed, or the first terminal from being placed in a location where the second terminal should be placed. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the second terminal from being placed in a location where the first terminal should be placed, or the first terminal from being placed in a location where the second terminal should be placed, in the connector.

[0016] [2] The first terminal has a third end opposite to the first end in the direction in which the first terminal extends, a third connection portion in an end region of the first terminal including the third end and including a contact point with a third mating terminal, and a second intermediate portion adjacent to the third connection portion in the direction in which the first terminal extends, and the second terminal has a fourth end opposite to the second end in the direction in which the second terminal extends, and a fourth connection portion in an end region of the second terminal including the fourth end and including a contact point with a fourth mating terminal, and the third connection portion is entirely exposed from the connector housing. The second intermediate portion has a second exposed portion which is an end region of the second intermediate portion adjacent to the third connection portion and is exposed from the connector housing, and a second embedded portion which is adjacent to the second exposed portion in the direction in which the first terminal extends and is embedded in the connector housing, and it is preferable that the second exposed portion is thicker than the third connection portion, and the fourth connection portion protrudes from the connector housing in the same direction as the third connection portion and is entirely exposed from the connector housing, and is thicker than the third connection portion and thinner than the second exposed portion.

[0017] According to this configuration, the first terminal has contact points with different mating terminals at both ends in the first direction. The second terminal has contact points with different mating terminals at both ends in the second direction. The thicknesses of the first connecting portion, the first exposed portion, and the second connecting portion are equal to the thicknesses of the third connecting portion, the second exposed portion, and the fourth connecting portion. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to prevent the fourth connecting portion from being erroneously inserted into a third terminal arrangement hole for inserting the third connecting portion and the second exposed portion, which is provided in a mold for molding a connector housing in which the first terminal and the second terminal are integrated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second terminal from being set in the mold with the fourth connecting portion inserted into the third terminal arrangement hole. Furthermore, as described above, it is possible to prevent the third connecting portion and the second exposed portion from being erroneously inserted into a fourth terminal arrangement hole for inserting the fourth connecting portion, which is provided in the mold. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first terminal from being set in the mold with the third connecting portion inserted into the fourth terminal arrangement hole.

[0018] In this way, not only in the end region of the first terminal where the first connection portion is provided but also in the end region of the first terminal where the third connection portion is provided, it is possible to prevent the first terminal from being placed at a location in the mold where the second terminal is not to be placed.Furthermore, not only in the end region of the second terminal where the second connection portion is provided but also in the end region of the second terminal where the fourth connection portion is provided, it is possible to prevent the second terminal from being placed at a location in the mold where the first terminal is not to be placed.Therefore, it is possible to prevent incorrect placement of two types of terminals of different thicknesses in the end region of the first terminal where the third connection portion is provided and the end region of the second terminal where the fourth connection portion is provided.

[0019] [3] The connector housing preferably has a first recess in which the first exposed portion is disposed and a second recess in which the second exposed portion is disposed. This configuration allows the first exposed portion disposed inside the first recess to be visually confirmed. It also allows the second exposed portion disposed inside the second recess to be visually confirmed. Therefore, by checking whether the first exposed portion is disposed inside the first recess, it is possible to easily check whether the first terminal is disposed in the location where the first terminal should be disposed in the connector. Similarly, by checking whether the second exposed portion is disposed inside the second recess, it is possible to easily check whether the first terminal is disposed in the location where the first terminal should be disposed in the connector.

[0020] [4] Preferably, each of the first terminal and the second terminal has a flat plate shape. With this configuration, each of the first terminal and the second terminal can be easily formed by press working. For example, compared to when each of the first terminal and the second terminal is formed by cutting working, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0021] [5] The connector housing preferably has a cylindrical portion surrounding the outer peripheries of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and an incorrect-assembly prevention protrusion protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. With this configuration, when the connector housing of the first mating connector has an incorrect-assembly prevention groove into which the incorrect-assembly prevention protrusion is inserted along the first direction, the first mating connector is prevented from being mated in an incorrect orientation with respect to the first cylindrical portion. For example, it is possible to prevent the first mating connector from being mated with the first cylindrical portion in a state shifted from the correct orientation with respect to the first cylindrical portion around an axis that passes through the center of the first cylindrical portion and extends along the first direction.

[0022] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of connectors according to the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ between the drawings. The drawings illustrate X, Y, and Z axes that intersect perpendicularly to one another. In this specification, "parallel" and "perpendicular" do not necessarily mean strictly parallel or perpendicular, but also include roughly parallel or perpendicular within the scope of the present embodiment's effects. Furthermore, the term "cylindrical" used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical connector having a continuous peripheral wall along its entire circumference, but also includes a cylindrical connector formed by combining multiple components or a C-shaped connector having a notch along its circumference. The term "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners. The present invention is not limited to these examples and is intended to encompass all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0023] An embodiment of the connector will now be described. (Overall configuration of connector 21) 1, connector 21 is fixed to, for example, housing 22. Housing 22 houses, for example, electrical equipment to be mounted on a vehicle. Housing 22 may have mounting hole 23. Mounting hole 23 connects the internal space of housing 22 with the external space of housing 22.

[0024] 2 and 3, the connector 21 includes a connector housing 50, at least one first terminal 30, and at least one second terminal 40. The connector 21 includes, for example, four first terminals 30. The connector 21 also includes, for example, four second terminals 40. Note that hereinafter, the connector housing 50 will be abbreviated to "housing 50."

[0025] (Configuration of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40) 4 and 5, each of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 is partially embedded in the housing 50. Note that Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 3.

[0026] Each of the first terminals 30 extends linearly. Here, the direction in which each of the first terminals 30 extends is referred to as a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is, for example, a direction along the X-axis. The multiple first terminals 30 are arranged in the connector 21 so as to be parallel to one another.

[0027] Each first terminal 30 has a first end 31, which is one end of the first terminal 30 in the first direction D1. Each first terminal 30 also has a first connecting portion 32, which is an end region of the first terminal 30 including the first end 31, and a first intermediate portion 33 adjacent to the first connecting portion 32 in the first direction D1. The first connecting portion 32 includes a contact point with a first mating terminal 101. The first mating terminal 101 is provided in a first mating connector 100 that is connected to the connector 21. The first mating connector 100 has a mating connector housing 102 that holds the first mating terminal 101.

[0028] Each of the second terminals 40 extends linearly. Here, the direction in which each second terminal 40 extends is referred to as the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is, for example, a direction along the X-axis. Furthermore, the second direction D2 is a direction parallel to the first direction D1. For example, the second direction D2 is the same direction as the first direction D1. Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 is referred to as the third direction D3. The third direction D3 is, for example, a direction along the Y-axis. Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to each of the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 is referred to as the fourth direction D4. The fourth direction D4 is, for example, a direction along the Z-axis.

[0029] The multiple second terminals 40 are arranged parallel to one another in the connector 21. Each second terminal 40 has a second end 41, which is one end of the second terminal 40 in the second direction D2. Each second terminal 40 also has a second connection portion 42, which is an end region of the second terminal 40 that includes the second end 41. The second connection portion 42 includes a contact point with a second mating terminal 103. The second mating terminal 103 is held in a mating connector housing 102.

[0030] Each first terminal 30 has a third end 34, which is the end opposite to the first end 31 in the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is, for example, the direction from the first end 31 to the third end 34 of each first terminal 30. The first end 31 is the end of each first terminal 30 in the first direction D1. The third end 34 is the end of each first terminal 30 in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. Each first terminal 30 may have a third connection portion 35, which is an end region of each first terminal 30 including the third end 34, and a second intermediate portion 36 adjacent to the third connection portion 35 in the first direction D1. The third connection portion 35 includes a contact point with a third mating terminal 111. The third mating terminal 111 is provided in a second mating connector 110 that is connected to the connector 21. The second mating connector 110 includes a mating connector housing 112 that holds the third mating terminal 111.

[0031] Each second terminal 40 has a fourth end 44 that is the opposite end to the second end 41 in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is, for example, the direction from the second end 41 to the fourth end 44 of each second terminal 40. The second end 41 is the end of each second terminal 40 in the second direction D2. The fourth end 44 is the end of each second terminal 40 in the opposite direction to the second direction D2. The second end 41 is the end of each second terminal 40 in the first direction D1. The fourth end 44 is the end of each second terminal 40 in the opposite direction to the first direction D1. Each second terminal 40 has a fourth connection portion 45 that is an end region including the fourth end 44 of the second terminal 40. The fourth connection portion 45 includes a contact point with a fourth mating terminal 113. The fourth mating terminal 113 is held in a mating connector housing 112.

[0032] Each of the first terminals 30 and each of the second terminals 40 is formed of, for example, a copper-based metal material. Note that, as the material of the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40, a metal material other than a copper-based metal material may be used. Each of the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40 has, for example, a flat plate shape. Each of the first terminals 30 and each of the second terminals 40 is formed, for example, by punching out a metal plate material using a press process.

[0033] 4 and 6, each first terminal 30 has, for example, a uniform thickness. The thickness of the first terminal 30 is, for example, the length of the first terminal 30 in the fourth direction D4. That is, the thickness direction of the first terminal 30 is, for example, the fourth direction D4.

[0034] In each first terminal 30, the first connection portion 32 has, for example, a rectangular prism shape. The tip region of the first connection portion 32 tapers toward the first end 31 along the first direction D1, for example. The thickness of the first connection portion 32 is constant except for the portion of the tip region of the first connection portion 32 where the thickness tapers. Therefore, the width W11 of the first connection portion 32 is constant except for the portion of the tip region of the first connection portion 32 where the thickness tapers. The width W11 of the first connection portion 32 is, for example, the length of the first connection portion 32 in the third direction D3. That is, the width direction of each first terminal 30 is, for example, the third direction D3.

[0035] In each first terminal 30, the first intermediate portion 33 has, for example, a strip shape. The first intermediate portion 33 has a first exposed portion 33a which is an end region of the first intermediate portion 33 adjacent to the first connection portion 32, and a first buried portion 33b adjacent to the first exposed portion 33a in the first direction D1. In Fig. 6, the boundary between the first exposed portion 33a and the first buried portion 33b is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0036] The width of the end region of the first exposed portion 33a adjacent to the first connecting portion 32 narrows as it approaches the first connecting portion 32. The thickness of the first exposed portion 33a is, for example, constant except for the portion where the width narrows. For example, the width W12 of the first exposed portion 33a is constant except for the portion where the width narrows. The width W12 of the first exposed portion 33a is wider than the width W11 of the first connecting portion 32. Therefore, when the thickness of the first connecting portion 32 and the thickness of the first exposed portion 33a are equal, the first exposed portion 33a is thicker than the first connecting portion 32.

[0037] The first buried portion 33b has, for example, a constant thickness. For example, the first buried portion 33b has a constant width W13. The width W12 of the first exposed portion 33a and the width W13 of the first buried portion 33b may be equal. In this case, the first intermediate portion 33 has a constant width except for an end region of the first exposed portion 33a adjacent to the first connecting portion 32. The first intermediate portion 33 has a constant thickness except for an end region of the first exposed portion 33a adjacent to the first connecting portion 32.

[0038] 4 and 7, each second terminal 40 has a uniform thickness, for example. The thickness of the second terminal 40 is, for example, the length of the second terminal 40 in the fourth direction D4. That is, the thickness direction of the second terminal 40 is, for example, the fourth direction D4. Furthermore, the thickness of the second terminal 40 is, for example, equal to the thickness of the first terminal 30.

[0039] In each second terminal 40, the second connection portion 42 has, for example, a rectangular prism shape. The tip region of the second connection portion 42 tapers toward the second end 41 along the second direction D2, for example. The thickness of the second connection portion 42 is constant except for the portion of the tip region of the second connection portion 42 where the thickness tapers. Therefore, the width W21 of the second connection portion 42 is constant except for the portion of the tip region of the second connection portion 42 where the thickness tapers. The width W21 of the second connection portion 42 is, for example, the length of the second connection portion 42 in the third direction D3. That is, the width direction of each second terminal 40 is, for example, the third direction D3.

[0040] Each second terminal 40 has a second-terminal-side first embedded portion 43. The second-terminal-side first embedded portion 43 is adjacent to the second connecting portion 42 in the second direction D2. In FIG. 7, the boundary between the second connecting portion 42 and the second-terminal-side first embedded portion 43 is illustrated by a two-dot chain line. The second-terminal-side first embedded portion 43 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape. The second-terminal-side first embedded portion 43 has, for example, the same width as the second connecting portion 42. The width W22 of the second-terminal-side first embedded portion 43 is, for example, equal to the width W21 of the second connecting portion 42.

[0041] 6 and 7, the second connecting portion 42 is thicker than the first connecting portion 32 and thinner than the first exposed portion 33a. For example, when the thickness of the first connecting portion 32 and the thickness of the second connecting portion 42 are equal, the width W21 of the second connecting portion 42 is wider than the width W11 of the first connecting portion 32 and narrower than the width W12 of the first exposed portion 33a. Furthermore, the length of the second connecting portion 42 in the second direction D2 is longer than the length of the first connecting portion 32 in the first direction D1.

[0042] The third connection portion 35 has, for example, the same shape and size as the first connection portion 32. However, the third connection portion 35 and the first connection portion 32 are oriented in opposite directions in the first direction D1.

[0043] The second intermediate portion 36 has the same shape and size as the first intermediate portion 33. That is, the second intermediate portion 36 may have a second exposed portion 36a that has the same shape as the first exposed portion 33a, and a second buried portion 36b that has the same shape as the first buried portion 33b. The second exposed portion 36a is an end region of the second intermediate portion 36 that is adjacent to the third connection portion 35. The second buried portion 36b is adjacent to the second exposed portion 36a in the first direction D1. The second intermediate portion 36 and the first intermediate portion 33 are oriented in opposite directions in the first direction D1.

[0044] The width W14 of the second exposed portion 36a is wider than the width W15 of the third connecting portion 35. Therefore, when the thickness of the third connecting portion 35 and the thickness of the second exposed portion 36a are equal, the second exposed portion 36a is thicker than the third connecting portion 35.

[0045] The fourth connection portion 45 has, for example, the same shape and size as the second connection portion 42. The fourth connection portion 45 and the second connection portion 42 are oriented in opposite directions in the first direction D1. The width W23 of the fourth connection portion 45 is wider than the width W15 of the third connection portion 35 and narrower than the width W14 of the second exposed portion 36a. Therefore, when the third connection portion 35, the second exposed portion 36a, and the fourth connection portion 45 have the same thickness, the fourth connection portion 45 is thicker than the third connection portion 35 and thinner than the second exposed portion 36a. The length of the fourth connection portion 45 in the second direction D2 is longer than the length of the third connection portion 35 in the first direction D1.

[0046] Each second terminal 40 also has a second terminal-side second embedded portion 46. The second terminal-side second embedded portion 46 has, for example, the same shape and size as the second terminal-side first embedded portion 43. The second terminal-side second embedded portion 46 is adjacent to the fourth connecting portion 45 in the second direction D2. The second terminal-side second embedded portion 46 has, for example, the same thickness as the fourth connecting portion 45. The width W24 of the second terminal-side second embedded portion 46 is, for example, equal to the width W23 of the fourth connecting portion 45.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, each first terminal 30 may have a positioning portion 37. For example, the positioning portion 37 is located between the first buried portion 33b and the second buried portion 36b in each first terminal 30. The width of the positioning portion 37 may be wider or narrower than the width W13 of the first buried portion 33b. For example, the width of the positioning portion 37 is wider than the width W13. The positioning portion 37 has a through-hole 38 that penetrates the positioning portion 37 in the fourth direction D4.

[0048] 7, each second terminal 40 may have a positioning portion 47. For example, in each second terminal 40, the positioning portion 47 is located between the second-terminal-side first embedded portion 43 and the second-terminal-side second embedded portion 46. The width of the positioning portion 47 may be wider or narrower than the width W22 of the second-terminal-side first embedded portion 43. For example, the width of the positioning portion 47 is wider than the width W22. The positioning portion 47 has a through-hole 48 that penetrates the positioning portion 47 in the fourth direction D4.

[0049] (Configuration of connector housing 50) 3 to 5, the housing 50 has, for example, a first cylindrical portion 51 to which the first mating connector 100 is connected, a second cylindrical portion 52 to which the second mating connector 110 is connected, and holding portions 53 that hold the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40. The first mating connector 100 is fitted into the first cylindrical portion 51 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. The second mating connector 110 is fitted into the second cylindrical portion 52 in the first direction D1.

[0050] The housing 50 is made of an insulating resin material. For example, the housing 50 is made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The resin material constituting the housing 50 may contain a filler such as glass fiber. The housing 50 is a single component in which the first cylindrical portion 51, the second cylindrical portion 52, and the holding portion 53 are integrally formed. The housing 50 is also an insert-molded product in which the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 are integrated.

[0051] The first cylindrical portion 51 has a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer peripheries of the first connecting portion 32 and the second connecting portion 42. The first cylindrical portion 51 has a cylindrical shape that extends along the first direction D1. Furthermore, the first cylindrical portion 51 has, for example, a rectangular shape with rounded corners when viewed from a direction along the first direction D1. The first cylindrical portion 51 has, for example, a shape that is two-fold symmetric about an axis (not shown) that passes through the center of the first cylindrical portion 51 and extends along the first direction D1.

[0052] The housing 50 may have a first misassembly prevention protrusion 54. The first misassembly prevention protrusion 54 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 51. The first misassembly prevention protrusion 54 is located, for example, at the end of the first cylindrical portion 51 in the third direction D3, at the end of the first cylindrical portion 51 opposite the fourth direction D4. The first misassembly prevention protrusion 54 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 51, for example, in the third direction D3. The first misassembly prevention protrusion 54 extends, for example, along the first direction D1. The first cylindrical portion 51 has a two-fold symmetric shape about an axis that passes through the center of the first cylindrical portion 51 and extends along the first direction D1, but the shape of the first cylindrical portion 51 including the first misassembly prevention protrusion 54 is not rotationally symmetric.

[0053] The mating connector housing 102 has a first misassembly prevention groove (not shown). The first mating connector 100 is fitted to the first cylindrical portion 51 such that the first misassembly prevention protrusion 54 is inserted into the first misassembly prevention groove along the first direction D1. This prevents the first mating connector 100 from being fitted to the first cylindrical portion 51 in an incorrect orientation. For example, it is possible to prevent the first mating connector 100 from being fitted to the first cylindrical portion 51 in a state rotated 180° from the correct orientation relative to the first cylindrical portion 51 around an axis (not shown) that passes through the center of the first cylindrical portion 51 and extends along the first direction D1.

[0054] The second cylindrical portion 52 has a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer peripheries of the third connecting portion 35 and the fourth connecting portion 45. The second cylindrical portion 52 has, for example, the same shape and size as the first cylindrical portion 51. Therefore, a detailed description of the second cylindrical portion 52 will be omitted. The second cylindrical portion 52 and the first cylindrical portion 51 are oriented in opposite directions in the first direction D1.

[0055] The housing 50 may have a second misassembly prevention protrusion 55. The second misassembly prevention protrusion 55 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 52. The second misassembly prevention protrusion 55 is located, for example, at the end of the second cylindrical portion 52 opposite the third direction D3, and at the end of the second cylindrical portion 52 opposite the fourth direction D4. The second misassembly prevention protrusion 55 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 52, for example, in the direction opposite the third direction D3. The second misassembly prevention protrusion 55 extends, for example, along the first direction D1. The second cylindrical portion 52 has a two-fold symmetric shape about an axis that passes through the center of the second cylindrical portion 52 and extends along the first direction D1, but the shape of the second cylindrical portion 52 including the second misassembly prevention protrusion 55 is not rotationally symmetric.

[0056] The mating connector housing 112 has a second misassembly prevention groove (not shown). The second mating connector 110 is fitted to the second cylindrical portion 52 so that the second misassembly prevention protrusion 55 is inserted into the second misassembly prevention groove in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. This prevents the second mating connector 110 from being fitted to the second cylindrical portion 52 in an incorrect orientation.

[0057] A portion of each first terminal 30 and a portion of each second terminal 40 are embedded inside the holding portion 53. That is, the holding portion 53 covers a portion of each first terminal 30 and a portion of each second terminal 40. The holding portion 53 holds the multiple first terminals 30 in a state where the multiple first terminals 30 are aligned parallel to one another. For example, the holding portion 53 holds the multiple first terminals 30 in a state where each of the first terminals 30 extends parallel to the X-axis. The holding portion 53 also holds the multiple first terminals 30 in a state where they are aligned in a line in the third direction D3. The holding portion 53 also holds the multiple first terminals 30 in a state where they are spaced apart from one another. The multiple first terminals 30 held by the holding portion 53 are positioned at the same position in the first direction D1. Therefore, the tips of the multiple first connection portions 32 are located in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. The tips of the multiple third connection portions 35 are also located in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0058] The holding portion 53 holds the second terminals 40 in a state where the second terminals 40 are arranged parallel to one another. For example, the holding portion 53 holds each second terminal 40 in a state where it extends parallel to each first terminal 30. The holding portion 53 also holds the second terminals 40 in a state where the second terminals 40 are arranged in a line in the third direction D3, for example, at positions offset from the first terminals 30 in the direction opposite to the fourth direction D4. The holding portion 53 also holds the second terminals 40 in a state where they are spaced apart from one another. The second terminals 40 held by the holding portion 53 are positioned at the same position in the second direction D2. Therefore, the tips of the second connection portions 42 are located in a single imaginary plane perpendicular to the second direction D2. The tips of the fourth connection portions 45 are also located in a single imaginary plane perpendicular to the second direction D2.

[0059] The holding portion 53 has, for example, a holding main body portion 61, a first support portion 62, a second support portion 63, a third support portion 64, and a fourth support portion 65. The holding body portion 61 is located between the first cylindrical portion 51 and the second cylindrical portion 52 in the first direction D1. The first cylindrical portion 51 and the second cylindrical portion 52 are connected via the holding body portion 61. The holding body portion 61 closes the end of the first cylindrical portion 51 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. The holding body portion 61 also closes the end of the second cylindrical portion 52 in the first direction D1. The holding body portion 61 is shaped like a wall that separates the internal space of the first cylindrical portion 51 from the internal space of the second cylindrical portion 52.

[0060] 4 and 5, the positioning portion 37 of each first terminal 30 and the positioning portion 47 of each second terminal 40 are embedded inside the holding portion 53. Each of the positioning portions 37, 47 is embedded inside, for example, the holding body portion 61. A portion of the resin material constituting the holding portion 53 is filled into each of the through holes 38, 48. The resin material filled in the through hole 38 or the through hole 48 of each of the first terminals 30 and second terminals 40 prevents displacement of the first terminals 30 and second terminals 40 relative to the housing 50 along the first direction D1.

[0061] 4, 5, and 8, the first support portion 62 protrudes from the holding body portion 61 in the first direction D1. The first support portion 62 is located inside the first cylindrical portion 51. The first support portion 62 may have a first flat surface 62a at the tip portion of the first support portion 62, i.e., at the end portion of the first support portion 62 in the first direction D1. The first flat surface 62a is, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0062] The first support portion 62 may have first recesses 71 recessed from the first plane 62a in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. The first support portion 62 has, for example, the same number of first recesses 71 as the number of first terminals 30. The positions of the multiple first recesses 71 in the third direction D3 are the same as the positions of the multiple first terminals 30 in the third direction D3.

[0063] The first connecting portion 32 and the first exposed portion 33a of each first terminal 30 are exposed to the outside of the housing 50, for example, from the surface of the holding portion 53. The first connecting portion 32 and the first exposed portion 33a of each first terminal 30 protrude from the bottom surface 71a of each first recess 71 to the outside of the holding portion 53 in the first direction D1 along the X axis, for example. The first exposed portion 33a protrudes from the bottom surface 71a of each first recess 71 into the internal space of each first recess 71, for example. Furthermore, the first exposed portion 33a is disposed inside each first recess 71, for example. The first embedded portion 33b is embedded in the housing 50. The first embedded portion 33b is embedded inside the first support portion 62, for example. The entire first connecting portion 32 is exposed from the housing 50. That is, the first connecting portion 32 does not have a portion embedded inside the housing 50.

[0064] The second support portion 63 protrudes from the holding body portion 61 in the first direction D1. The second support portion 63 is located inside the first cylindrical portion 51 and shifted from the first cylindrical portion 51 in the direction opposite to the fourth direction D4. The second support portion 63 may have a second plane 63a at the tip of the second support portion 63, i.e., at the end of the second support portion 63 in the first direction D1. The second plane 63a is, for example, planar and perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second plane 63a is, for example, located at the same position as the first plane 62a in the first direction D1. That is, the first plane 62a and the second plane 63a are, for example, located in the same imaginary plane.

[0065] The second connection portion 42 of each second terminal 40 is exposed to the outside of the housing 50, for example, from the surface of the holding portion 53. For example, each second connection portion 42 protrudes from the second plane 63a to the outside of the holding portion 53 in the first direction D1 along the X axis. That is, each second connection portion 42 protrudes from the surface of the housing 50 in the same direction as the first connection portion 32. Each second connection portion 42 is arranged parallel to each first connection portion 32 inside the first cylindrical portion 51. Each second connection portion 42 is exposed entirely from the housing 50. The second-terminal-side first embedded portion 43 of each second terminal 40 is embedded inside the second support portion 63.

[0066] When the first mating connector 100 is fitted into the first cylindrical portion 51, the first mating terminal 101 and the first connecting portion 32 are electrically connected, and the second mating terminal 103 and the second connecting portion 42 are electrically connected. The first mating terminal 101 and the second mating terminal 103 are, for example, female terminals. The first connecting portion 32 is inserted into the first mating terminal 101, thereby electrically connecting the first mating terminal 101 and the first connecting portion 32. Furthermore, the second connecting portion 42 is inserted into the second mating terminal 103, thereby electrically connecting the second mating terminal 103 and the second connecting portion 42.

[0067] 9, the mating connector housing 102 may abut against the first flat surface 62a and the second flat surface 63a from the direction opposite to the first direction D1, thereby preventing the first mating connector 100 from being pushed into the connector 21 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 more than necessary.

[0068] 4, 5, and 8, the third support portion 64 has the same configuration as the first support portion 62, for example. The third support portion 64 and the first support portion 62 are oriented in opposite directions in the first direction D1. The third support portion 64 may have a third plane 64a similar to the first plane 62a. The third support portion 64 may also have second recesses 74 similar to the first recesses 71, the number of which is the same as the number of first terminals 30.

[0069] The third connection portion 35 and the second exposed portion 36a of each first terminal 30 are exposed to the outside of the housing 50, for example, from the surface of the holding portion 53. The third connection portion 35 and the second exposed portion 36a of each first terminal 30 protrude from the bottom surface 74a of each second recess 74 to the outside of the holding portion 53 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 along the X axis, for example. Each second exposed portion 36a protrudes from the bottom surface 74a of each second recess 74 into the internal space of each second recess 74. Furthermore, each second exposed portion 36a is disposed, for example, inside each second recess 74. Note that each second embedded portion 36b is embedded in the housing 50. Each second embedded portion 36b is embedded inside the third support portion 64, for example. Each third connection portion 35 is entirely exposed from the housing 50.

[0070] The fourth support portion 65 has the same configuration as the second support portion 63. The fourth support portion 65 and the second support portion 63 are oriented in opposite directions in the first direction D1. The fourth support portion 65 may have a fourth flat surface 65a similar to the second flat surface 63a.

[0071] The fourth connection portion 45 of each second terminal 40 is exposed to the outside of the housing 50, for example, from the surface of the holding portion 53. For example, each fourth connection portion 45 protrudes from the fourth plane 65a to the outside of the holding portion 53 along the X axis in the direction opposite to the first direction D1. That is, each fourth connection portion 45 protrudes from the surface of the housing 50 in the same direction as the third connection portion 35. Each fourth connection portion 45 is arranged parallel to each third connection portion 35 inside the second cylindrical portion 52. Each fourth connection portion 45 is entirely exposed from the housing 50. The second-terminal-side second embedded portion 46 of each second terminal 40 is embedded inside the fourth support portion 65. Note that, for example, only the second connection portion 42 and the fourth connection portion 45 of each second terminal 40 are exposed from the housing 50.

[0072] When the second mating connector 110 is mated with the second cylindrical portion 52, the third mating terminal 111 and the third connecting portion 35 are electrically connected, and the fourth mating terminal 113 and the fourth connecting portion 45 are electrically connected. The third mating terminal 111 and the fourth mating terminal 113 are, for example, female terminals. Inserting the third connecting portion 35 into the third mating terminal 111 electrically connects the third mating terminal 111 and the third connecting portion 35. Inserting the fourth connecting portion 45 into the fourth mating terminal 113 electrically connects the fourth mating terminal 113 and the fourth connecting portion 45. The mating connector housing 112 may abut against the third flat surface 64a and the fourth flat surface 65a from the first direction D1. This prevents the second mating connector 110 from being pushed more than necessary into the connector 21 in the first direction D1.

[0073] 1 to 4, the housing 50 may have a fixing portion 81 for fixing the connector 21 to the casing 22. The fixing portion 81 extends, for example, in a flange-like shape from the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 52. The fixing portion 81 has, for example, a fixing hole 82 penetrating the fixing portion 81 in the first direction D1. For example, a collar 82a is attached to the fixing hole 82.

[0074] The housing 50 may also have a fitting portion 83 disposed within the mounting hole 23 of the casing 22. The fitting portion 83 protrudes, for example, from the outer peripheral surfaces of the first cylindrical portion 51 and the second cylindrical portion 52. The fitting portion 83 is, for example, located at a position offset in the first direction D1 from the fixed portion 81. The fitting portion 83 is adjacent to the fixed portion 81 in the first direction D1. The fitting portion 83 is formed integrally with the fixed portion 81. For example, a seal member 84 is attached to the fitting portion 83. The seal member 84 provides a seal between the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 23 and the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 83.

[0075] 1, connector 21 is arranged relative to housing 22 such that first tubular portion 51 is inserted into housing 22 through mounting hole 23 and fitting portion 83 is disposed inside mounting hole 23. Connector 21 is then fixed to housing 22 by bolts 24 passing through fixing holes 82.

[0076] (Manufacturing of connector housing 50) An example of manufacturing the housing 50 using a mold will be described. 10 shows an example of a mold 91 for molding the housing 50. The mold 91 has a cavity 92 whose inner surface corresponds to the outer shape of the housing 50. The inner surface of the cavity 92 has a first molding surface 93 for forming a first flat surface 62a in the resin material filled into the cavity 92. The inner surface of the cavity 92 also has a second molding surface 94 for forming a second flat surface 63a in the resin material filled into the cavity 92. The first molding surface 93 and the second molding surface 94 are located, for example, in the same imaginary plane.

[0077] The mold 91 has first recess molding portions 95 that protrude from the first molding surface 93. The mold 91 has the same number of first recess molding portions 95 as the number of first terminals 30 provided in the connector 21. The first recess molding portions 95 have an outer surface that corresponds to the inner surface of the first recess 71. The mold 91 also has first terminal arrangement holes 96 in the same number as the first terminals 30 provided in the connector 21. Each first terminal arrangement hole 96 opens at the tip end surface of the corresponding first recess molding portion 95. Note that only two first recess molding portions 95 and two first terminal arrangement holes 96 are shown in FIG. 10 .

[0078] The inner surface of each first terminal arrangement hole 96 is shaped according to the outer shapes of the first connecting portion 32 and the first exposed portion 33a. Each first terminal arrangement hole 96 has a first arrangement portion 96a and a second arrangement portion 96b. The first arrangement portion 96a is the portion of the first terminal arrangement hole 96 from the bottom to just before the opening. The inner surface of the first arrangement portion 96a is shaped according to the outer shape of the first connecting portion 32. The second arrangement portion 96b is the portion of the first terminal arrangement hole 96 between the first arrangement portion 96a and the opening of the first terminal arrangement hole 96. The inner surface of the second arrangement portion 96b is shaped according to the outer shape of the first exposed portion 33a.

[0079] Furthermore, the mold 91 has second terminal arrangement holes 97 that open to the second molding surface 94. The mold 91 has the same number of second terminal arrangement holes 97 as the number of second terminals 40 provided in the connector 21. Note that only two second terminal arrangement holes 97 are shown in FIG. 10. The inner surface of each second terminal arrangement hole 97 has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the second connection portion 42.

[0080] The first arrangement portion 96a of each first terminal arrangement hole 96 is thinner than the second connection portion 42. The second arrangement portion 96b of each first terminal arrangement hole 96 is thicker than the second connection portion 42. On the other hand, each second terminal arrangement hole 97 is thinner than the first exposed portion 33a.

[0081] Although not shown, the inner surface of the cavity 92 has a third molding surface and a fourth molding surface for forming the third plane 64a and the fourth plane 65a in the resin material filled in the cavity 92. Although not shown, the mold 91 also has a second recess molding portion protruding from the third molding surface. The second recess molding portion has an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of the second recess 74. Although not shown, the mold 91 also has third terminal arrangement holes in the same number as the number of first terminals 30 included in the connector 21. Each third terminal arrangement hole opens at the tip of the corresponding second recess molding portion. Each third terminal arrangement hole has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the third connecting portion 35 and the second exposed portion 36a. Each third terminal arrangement hole has a configuration similar to, for example, the first terminal arrangement hole 96. Although not shown, the mold 91 also has fourth terminal arrangement holes in the fourth molding surface in the same number as the number of second terminals 40 included in the connector 21. The inner surface of each fourth terminal arrangement hole has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the fourth connection portion 45. Each fourth terminal arrangement hole has a configuration similar to that of the second terminal arrangement hole 97, for example.

[0082] The mold 91 includes a fixed mold and at least one movable mold. The first terminal arrangement hole 96 and the second terminal arrangement hole 97 are provided, for example, in the fixed mold. On the other hand, the third terminal arrangement hole and the fourth terminal arrangement hole are provided, for example, in the movable mold.

[0083] (Terminal placement process) When forming the housing 50 in which the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40 are integrated using the mold 91, a terminal arrangement process is first performed in which the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40 are arranged in the cavity 92. In the terminal arrangement process, for example, an operator holds the plurality of first terminals 30 and the plurality of second terminals 40 in a jig (not shown). The jig holds the plurality of first terminals 30 and the plurality of second terminals 40 so that the positional relationship between the terminals is the same as the positional relationship in the connector 21.

[0084] Next, the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40 held by the jig are placed in the cavity 92. At this time, the mold 91 is open. The first connecting portions 32 and the first exposed portions 33a of the multiple first terminals 30 are inserted into the first terminal arrangement holes 96, respectively. The second connecting portions 42 of the multiple second terminals 40 are inserted into the second terminal arrangement holes 97, respectively. When the first connecting portions 32 and the first exposed portions 33a are correctly inserted into the first terminal arrangement holes 96, the entire outer surfaces of the first connecting portions 32 and the first exposed portions 33a are covered by the inner surfaces of the first terminal arrangement holes 96. Then, the position of each first terminal 30 relative to the housing 50 to be formed is determined. When the second connecting portion 42 is correctly inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97, the entire outer surface of the second connecting portion 42 is covered by the inner surfaces of the second terminal arrangement holes 97. Then, the position of each second terminal 40 relative to the housing 50 to be formed is determined.

[0085] 11 , the second connecting portion 42 is thicker than the first arranging portion 96a and thinner than the second arranging portion 96b. Therefore, if the second terminal 40 is mistakenly inserted into the first terminal arranging hole 96, the second connecting portion 42 can be inserted into the second arranging portion 96b but cannot be inserted into the first arranging portion 96a. Therefore, the second connecting portion 42 is prevented from being fully inserted into the first terminal arranging hole 96. The worker can then realize that the second terminal 40 has been mistakenly inserted into the first terminal arranging hole 96 by not being able to fully insert the second connecting portion 42.

[0086] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 32 is thinner than the second terminal arrangement hole 97, but the first exposed portion 33a is thicker than the second terminal arrangement hole 97. Therefore, if the first terminal 30 is mistakenly inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97, the first connecting portion 32 is inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97, but the first exposed portion 33a cannot be inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97. Furthermore, the length of the first connecting portion 32 in the first direction D1 is shorter than the length of the second connecting portion 42 in the second direction D2. Therefore, before the tip of the first connecting portion 32 reaches the bottom of the second terminal arrangement hole 97, the first exposed portion 33a gets caught in the opening of the second terminal arrangement hole 97. Therefore, the first connecting portion 32 and the first exposed portion 33a are prevented from being fully inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97. When the first terminal 30 is inserted into the first terminal arrangement hole 96, the first exposed portion 33a should also be inserted into the first terminal arrangement hole 96. Therefore, the worker can realize that the first terminal 30 has been mistakenly inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97 by not being able to insert the first exposed portion 33a.

[0087] 10, after each first terminal 30 is inserted into each first terminal arrangement hole 96 and each second terminal 40 is inserted into each second terminal arrangement hole 97, the mold 91 is closed. At this time, the third connecting portion 35 and the second exposed portion 36a of each of the first terminals 30 are inserted into the third terminal arrangement hole. Also, the fourth connecting portion 45 of each of the second terminals 40 are inserted into the fourth terminal arrangement hole. When the mold 91 is closed, the terminal arrangement process is completed.

[0088] (filling process) After the terminal arrangement process, a filling process is performed in which the cavity 92 is filled with a resin material. In the filling process, molten resin material is injected into the cavity 92. The cavity 92 is then filled with the resin material. As a result, the first embedded portion 33b, the second embedded portion 36b, the positioning portion 37, the second terminal side first embedded portion 43, the second terminal side second embedded portion 46, and the positioning portion 47 are embedded in the resin material inside the cavity 92. The filling process is completed when the cavity 92 is filled with the resin material.

[0089] After the filling step, the resin material in cavity 92 is cooled and solidified. Then, as the resin material in cavity 92 is solidified, housing 50 is completed, in which first terminal 30 and second terminal 40 are integrated. Housing 50 is removed from mold 91 after mold 91 is opened.

[0090] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The connector 21 includes a housing 50, at least one first terminal 30 extending linearly and partially embedded in the housing 50, and at least one second terminal 40 extending linearly and partially embedded in the housing 50. The first terminal 30 has a first end 31, which is one end of the first terminal 30 in the direction in which the first terminal 30 extends, i.e., a first direction D1. The first terminal 30 also has a first connecting portion 32, which is an end region of the first terminal 30 including the first end 31 and includes a contact point with a first mating terminal 101, and a first intermediate portion 33 adjacent to the first connecting portion 32 in the first direction D1. The second terminal 40 has a second end 41, which is one end of the second terminal 40 in the direction in which the second terminal 40 extends, i.e., a second direction D2, and a second connecting portion 42, which is an end region of the second terminal 40 including the second end 41 and includes a contact point with a second mating terminal 103. The first connecting portion 32 is entirely exposed from the housing 50. The first intermediate portion 33 has a first exposed portion 33a, which is an end region of the first intermediate portion 33 adjacent to the first connecting portion 32 and is exposed from the housing 50. The first intermediate portion 33 also has a first buried portion 33b adjacent to the first exposed portion 33a in the first direction D1 and buried in the housing 50. The first exposed portion 33a is thicker than the first connecting portion 32. The second connecting portion 42 protrudes from the surface of the housing 50 in the same direction as the first connecting portion 32 and is entirely exposed from the housing 50, and is thicker than the first connecting portion 32 and thinner than the first exposed portion 33a.

[0091] According to this configuration, the mold 91 for molding the housing 50 in which the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40 are integrated has a first terminal arrangement hole 96 for inserting the first connecting portion 32 and the first exposed portion 33a exposed from the housing 50. To expose the first connecting portion 32 and the first exposed portion 33a from the housing 50, the inner surface of the first terminal arrangement hole 96 is shaped to correspond to the outer shapes of the first connecting portion 32 and the first exposed portion 33a. That is, the first terminal arrangement hole 96 is shaped to be blocked by the first connecting portion 32 and the first exposed portion 33a so that the molten resin material filled in the mold 91 does not enter the inside of the first terminal arrangement hole 96. The mold 91 also has a second terminal arrangement hole 97 for inserting the second connecting portion 42 exposed from the housing 50. To expose the second connecting portion 42 from the housing 50, the inner surface of the second terminal arrangement hole 97 is shaped to correspond to the outer shape of the second connecting portion 42. That is, the second terminal arrangement hole 97 is shaped to be blocked by the second connecting portion 42 so that the molten resin material filled in the mold 91 does not enter the interior of the second terminal arrangement hole 97. When the housing 50 is formed in which the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40 are integrated, the arrangement position of the first terminals 30 in the connector 21 is determined by inserting the first connecting portion 32 and the first exposed portion 33a into the first terminal arrangement hole 96. Furthermore, the arrangement position of the second terminals 40 in the connector 21 is determined by inserting the second connecting portion 42 into the second terminal arrangement hole 97.

[0092] The first connecting portion 32 of the first terminal 30 is thinner than the second connecting portion 42 of the second terminal 40. On the other hand, the first exposed portion 33a of the first terminal 30 is thicker than the second connecting portion 42. Therefore, the portion of the first terminal arrangement hole 96 into which the first connecting portion 32 is inserted and arranged, i.e., the first arrangement portion 96a, is thinner than the second terminal 40. The portion of the first terminal arrangement hole 96 into which the first exposed portion 33a is inserted and arranged, i.e., the second arrangement portion 96b, is thicker than the second terminal 40. The second terminal arrangement hole 97 is thicker than the first connecting portion 32 but thinner than the first exposed portion 33a.

[0093] For this reason, if the first terminal 30 is mistakenly inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97, the first connecting portion 32 is inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97, but the first exposed portion 33a cannot be inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97. Therefore, the first exposed portion 33a gets caught in the opening of the second terminal arrangement hole 97, preventing the first terminal 30 from being inserted further into the second terminal arrangement hole 97. This prevents the first terminal 30 from being set in the mold 91 with the first connecting portion 32 inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole 97, i.e., prevents the first terminal 30 from being placed in the mold 91 at a location where the second terminal 40 is to be placed.

[0094] Furthermore, if the second terminal 40 is mistakenly inserted into the first terminal arrangement hole 96, the second connecting portion 42 cannot be inserted into the first arrangement portion 96a, which has an inner surface corresponding to the outer shape of the first connecting portion 32 in the first terminal arrangement hole 96. This prevents the second terminal 40 from being set in the mold 91 with the second connecting portion 42 inserted into the first terminal arrangement hole 96, i.e., prevents the second terminal 40 from being arranged in the mold 91 at the location where the first terminal 30 should be arranged.

[0095] These features prevent the two types of terminals 30, 40 with different thicknesses from being misplaced. That is, when molding the housing 50, it is possible to prevent the second terminal 40 from being placed in a location where the first terminal 30 should be placed, or the first terminal 30 from being placed in a location where the second terminal 40 should be placed. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the second terminal 40 from being placed in a location where the first terminal 30 should be placed, or the first terminal 30 from being placed in a location where the second terminal 40 should be placed, in the connector 21.

[0096] (2) The first terminal 30 has a third end 34, which is the end opposite to the first end 31 in the first direction D1. The first terminal 30 also has a third connection portion 35, which is an end region of the first terminal 30 including the third end 34 and includes a contact point with the third mating terminal 111, and a second intermediate portion 36 adjacent to the third connection portion 35 in the first direction D1. The second terminal 40 has a fourth end 44, which is the end opposite to the second end 41 in the second direction D2, and a fourth connection portion 45, which is an end region of the second terminal 40 including the fourth end 44 and includes a contact point with the fourth mating terminal 113. The third connection portion 35 is entirely exposed from the housing 50. The second intermediate portion 36 has a second exposed portion 36a, which is an end region of the second intermediate portion 36 adjacent to the third connection portion 35 and is exposed from the housing 50. The second intermediate portion 36 also has a second buried portion 36b that is adjacent to the second exposed portion 36a in the first direction D1 and is buried in the housing 50. The second exposed portion 36a is thicker than the third connecting portion 35. The fourth connecting portion 45 protrudes from the housing 50 in the same direction as the third connecting portion 35 and is entirely exposed from the housing 50, and is thicker than the third connecting portion 35 and thinner than the second exposed portion 36a.

[0097] According to this configuration, the first terminal 30 has contact points with different mating terminals 101, 111 at both ends in the first direction D1. The second terminal 40 has contact points with different mating terminals 103, 113 at both ends in the second direction D2. The relationship between the thicknesses of the first connecting portion 32, the first exposed portion 33a, and the second connecting portion 42 is equal to the relationship between the thicknesses of the third connecting portion 35, the second exposed portion 36a, and the fourth connecting portion 45. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to prevent the fourth connecting portion 45 from being erroneously inserted into the third terminal arrangement hole of the mold 91, which is intended for inserting the third connecting portion 35 and the second exposed portion 36a. This prevents the second terminal 40 from being set in the mold 91 with the fourth connecting portion 45 inserted into the third terminal arrangement hole. Similarly to the above, it is possible to prevent the third connecting portion 35 and the second exposed portion 36a from being erroneously inserted into the fourth terminal arrangement hole of the mold 91, which is for inserting the fourth connecting portion 45. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first terminal 30 from being set in the mold 91 with the third connecting portion 35 inserted into the fourth terminal arrangement hole.

[0098] In this way, not only in the end region where the first connecting portion 32 of the first terminal 30 is provided, but also in the end region where the third connecting portion 35 of the first terminal 30 is provided, it is possible to prevent the first terminal 30 from being placed at a location in the mold 91 where the second terminal 40 should be placed. Furthermore, not only in the end region where the second connecting portion 42 of the second terminal 40 is provided, but also in the end region where the fourth connecting portion 45 of the second terminal 40 is provided, it is possible to prevent the second terminal 40 from being placed at a location in the mold 91 where the first terminal 30 should be placed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent incorrect placement of two types of terminals 30, 40 of different thicknesses, both in the end region where the third connecting portion 35 of the first terminal 30 is provided and in the end region where the fourth connecting portion 45 of the second terminal 40 is provided.

[0099] (3) The housing 50 has a first recess 71 in which the first exposed portion 33a is disposed, and a second recess 74 in which the second exposed portion 36a is disposed. This configuration allows visual confirmation of the first exposed portion 33a located inside the first recess 71. Furthermore, it also allows visual confirmation of the second exposed portion 36a located inside the second recess 74. Therefore, by checking whether the first exposed portion 33a is located inside the first recess 71, it is possible to easily confirm whether the first terminal 30 is located in the position where it should be located in the connector 21. Incidentally, if it is not possible to confirm that the first exposed portion 33a is located inside the first recess 71, it can be determined that the first terminal 30 is not correctly located or that the second terminal 40 is located in the position where the first terminal 30 should be located. Furthermore, if it is not possible to confirm that the first exposed portion 33a is located inside the first recess 71, the connector 21 can be rejected as a defective product. Therefore, it is possible to avoid using a connector 21 in which the first terminal 30 or the second terminal 40 is not correctly located. Similarly, by checking whether the second exposed portion 36a is positioned inside the second recess 74, it is easy to check whether the first terminal 30 is positioned in the location where it should be positioned in the connector 21.

[0100] (4) Each of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 has a flat plate shape. With this configuration, each of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 can be easily formed by press working. For example, compared to when each of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 is formed by cutting working, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0101] (5) The housing 50 has a first cylindrical portion 51 that is cylindrical and surrounds the outer peripheries of the first connecting portion 32 and the second connecting portion 42, and a first misassembly prevention protrusion 54 that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 51. With this configuration, when the mating connector housing 102 has a first misassembly prevention groove into which the first misassembly prevention protrusion 54 is inserted along the first direction D1, the first mating connector 100 is prevented from being mated in an incorrect orientation with respect to the first cylindrical portion 51. For example, it is possible to prevent the first mating connector 100 from being mated with the first cylindrical portion 51 in a state that is shifted from the correct orientation with respect to the first cylindrical portion 51 around an axis that passes through the center of the first cylindrical portion 51 and extends along the first direction D1.

[0102] The housing 50 has a second cylindrical portion 52 having a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer peripheries of the third connection portion 35 and the fourth connection portion 45, and a second incorrect assembly prevention protrusion 55 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 52. Therefore, when the mating connector housing 112 has a second incorrect assembly prevention groove into which the second incorrect assembly prevention protrusion 55 is inserted along the direction opposite to the first direction D1, the second mating connector 110 is prevented from being mated in an incorrect orientation with respect to the second cylindrical portion 52.

[0103] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility. In the above embodiment, when the terminal arrangement step is performed, the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 held by a jig are set in the mold 91. However, in the terminal arrangement step, the worker may directly arrange each of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 in the mold 91 without using a jig.

[0104] The housing 50 does not have to have the first incorrect assembly prevention protrusion 54. Also, the housing 50 does not have to have the second incorrect assembly prevention protrusion 55. The width W12 of the first exposed portion 33a and the width W13 of the first buried portion 33b may be different values. Furthermore, the width W13 of the first buried portion 33b does not have to be constant along the first direction D1. Similarly, the width W14 of the second exposed portion 36a and the width of the second buried portion 36b may be different values. Furthermore, the width of the second buried portion 36b does not have to be constant along the first direction D1.

[0105] The end region of the first terminal 30 including the first end 31 and the end region of the first terminal 30 including the third end 34 may be different in size and shape. Also, the end region of the second terminal 40 including the second end 41 and the end region of the second terminal 40 including the fourth end 44 may be different in size and shape. However, at least the second connecting portion 42 is thicker than the first connecting portion 32 and thinner than the first exposed portion 33a.

[0106] Each of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 does not have to be flat. For example, at least one of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 may be columnar with a circular cross section. The first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 may have different thicknesses. The thickness of each of the first terminal 30 and the second terminal 40 does not have to be constant.

[0107] The first terminal 30 may not have the third connecting portion 35 and the second exposed portion 36a. The second terminal 40 may not have the fourth connecting portion 45. In this case, for example, an end of an electric wire may be electrically connected to an end region of the first terminal 30 that includes the third end 34. In addition, for example, an end of an electric wire may be electrically connected to an end region of the second terminal 40 that includes the fourth end 44. In this case, the housing 50 may not have the second tubular portion 52.

[0108] The number of first terminals 30 included in connector 21 is not limited to four, and may be three or less, or five or more. Furthermore, the number of second terminals 40 included in connector 21 is not limited to four, and may be three or less, or five or more.

[0109] The positions of the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40 as viewed from the first direction D1 are not limited to those in the above embodiment. They may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the first mating connector 100 and the second mating connector 110. However, the first terminals 30 and the second terminals 40 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0110] The shape of the housing 50 is not limited to the shape in the above embodiment. The shapes of the first cylindrical portion 51, the second cylindrical portion 52, the holding portion 53, the fixing portion 81, and other portions constituting the housing 50 can be changed to any shape.

[0111] The first direction D1 may be a direction from the third end 34 to the first end 31 of each first terminal 30. The second direction D2 may be a direction from the fourth end 44 to the second end 41 of each second terminal 40. The third direction D3 may be a direction opposite to the third direction D3 of the above embodiment. The fourth direction D4 may be a direction opposite to the fourth direction D4 of the above embodiment.

[0112] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. The connector comprises a connector housing, at least one first terminal extending linearly and partially embedded in the connector housing, and at least one second terminal extending linearly and partially embedded in the connector housing, the first terminal having a first end which is one end of the first terminal in the direction in which the first terminal extends, a first connection portion which is an end region of the first terminal including the first end and which includes a contact point with a first mating terminal, and a first intermediate portion adjacent to the first connection portion in the direction in which the first terminal extends, and the second terminal having a second end which is one end of the second terminal in the direction in which the second terminal extends, and an end region of the second terminal including the second end. and a second connection portion including a contact point with a second mating terminal, the first connection portion being entirely exposed from the connector housing, the first intermediate portion having a first exposed portion which is an end region of the first intermediate portion adjacent to the first connection portion and exposed from the connector housing, and a first embedded portion which is adjacent to the first exposed portion in the direction in which the first terminal extends and is embedded in the connector housing, the first exposed portion being thicker than the first connection portion, and the second connection portion protruding from the surface of the connector housing in the same direction as the first connection portion and entirely exposed from the connector housing, being thicker than the first connection portion and thinner than the first exposed portion.

[0113] According to this configuration, a mold for molding a connector housing in which the first terminals and the second terminals are integrated has a first terminal arrangement hole into which the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion exposed from the connector housing are inserted. To expose the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion from the connector housing, the inner surface of the first terminal arrangement hole is shaped according to the outer shapes of the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion. That is, the first terminal arrangement hole is shaped to be blocked by the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion so that the molten resin material filled in the mold does not enter the interior of the first terminal arrangement hole. The mold also has a second terminal arrangement hole into which the second connecting portion exposed from the connector housing is inserted. To expose the second connecting portion from the connector housing, the inner surface of the second terminal arrangement hole is shaped according to the outer shape of the second connecting portion. That is, the second terminal arrangement hole is shaped to be blocked by the second connecting portion so that the molten resin material filled in the mold does not enter the interior of the second terminal arrangement hole. When the connector housing is formed with the first and second terminals integrated, the first terminal is positioned in the connector by inserting the first connecting portion and the first exposed portion into the first terminal arrangement hole, and the second terminal is positioned in the connector by inserting the second connecting portion into the second terminal arrangement hole.

[0114] The first connecting portion of the first terminal is thinner than the second connecting portion of the second terminal. Meanwhile, the first exposed portion of the first terminal is thicker than the second connecting portion. Therefore, the portion of the first terminal arrangement hole into which the first connecting portion is inserted and arranged is thinner than the second terminal. The portion of the first terminal arrangement hole into which the first exposed portion is inserted and arranged is thicker than the second terminal. The second terminal arrangement hole is thicker than the first connecting portion but thinner than the first exposed portion.

[0115] Therefore, if the first terminal is mistakenly inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole, the first connecting portion is inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole, but the first exposed portion cannot be inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole. Therefore, the first exposed portion gets caught in the opening of the second terminal arrangement hole, preventing the first terminal from being inserted further into the second terminal arrangement hole. This prevents the first terminal from being set in the mold with the first connecting portion inserted into the second terminal arrangement hole, i.e., prevents the first terminal from being placed in the mold where the second terminal should be placed.

[0116] Furthermore, if the second terminal is mistakenly inserted into the first terminal arrangement hole, the second connection portion cannot be inserted into a portion of the first terminal arrangement hole having an inner surface that corresponds to the outer shape of the first connection portion. This prevents the second terminal from being set in the mold with the second connection portion inserted into the first terminal arrangement hole, i.e., prevents the second terminal from being placed in the mold where the first terminal should be placed.

[0117] These features prevent the misplacement of two types of terminals with different thicknesses. That is, when molding the connector housing, it is possible to prevent the second terminal from being placed in a location where the first terminal should be placed, or the first terminal from being placed in a location where the second terminal should be placed. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the second terminal from being placed in a location where the first terminal should be placed, or the first terminal from being placed in a location where the second terminal should be placed, in the connector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 21 Connector 22 Case 23 Mounting hole 24 volts 30 1st terminal 31 1st end 32 First connection part 33 First Intermediate Section 33a 1st exposed part 33b 1st buried section 34 3rd end 35 Third connection part 36 Second Intermediate Section 36a 2nd exposed part 36b 2nd buried section 37 Positioning part 38 Through Hole 40 2nd terminal 41 2nd end 42 Second connection part 43 Second terminal side first buried part 44 4th end 45 Fourth connection part 46 Second terminal side second buried part 47 Positioning part 48 through holes 50 Connector housing 51 First cylindrical portion (cylindrical portion) 52 Second cylindrical section 53 Holding part 54 First misassembly prevention convex part (misassembly prevention convex part) 55 Second misassembly prevention protrusion 61 Holding body part 62 1st support part 62a 1st plane 63 Second support part 63a 2nd plane 64 Third support part 64a 3rd plane 65 4th support part 65a 4th plane 71 First recess 71a Bottom 74 Second recess 74a Bottom 81 Fixed part 82 Fixed hole 82a color 83 Fitting part 84 Sealing material 91 Mold 92 Cavity 93 1st molding surface 94 Second molding surface 95 First recess forming part 96 1st terminal placement hole 96a 1st placement part 96b 2nd placement part 97 2nd terminal placement hole 100 First mating connector 101 First mating terminal 102 Mating connector housing 103 Second mating terminal 110 Second mating connector 111 Third mating terminal 112 Mating connector housing 113 4th mating terminal D1 First direction (direction in which the first terminal extends) D2 Second direction (direction in which the second terminal extends) D3 Third direction D4 4th direction W11 Width (width of first connection part) W12 Width (width of first exposed part) W13 Width (width of first buried section) W14 Width (width of second exposed part) W15 width (width of third connection part) W21 Width (width of second connection part) W22 Width (width of the first buried part on the second terminal side) W23 width (width of fourth connection part) W24 Width (width of the second buried part on the second terminal side)

Claims

1. A connector housing; At least one first terminal extending linearly; at least one second terminal extending linearly; Equipped with the first terminal has a first end which is one end of the first terminal in the extending direction of the first terminal, a first connection portion which is an end region of the first terminal including the first end and which includes a contact point with a first mating terminal, and a first intermediate portion which is adjacent to the first connection portion in the extending direction of the first terminal, the second terminal has a second end which is one end of the second terminal in an extending direction of the second terminal, and a second connection portion which is an end region of the second terminal including the second end and includes a contact point with a second mating terminal, The second connecting portion is thicker than the first connecting portion and thinner than the first intermediate portion.

2. the first terminal has a third end that is an end opposite to the first end in the extension direction of the first terminal, a third connection portion that is an end region of the first terminal including the third end and that includes a contact point with a third mating terminal, and a second intermediate portion that is adjacent to the third connection portion in the extension direction of the first terminal, the second terminal has a fourth end that is an end opposite to the second end in an extension direction of the second terminal, and a fourth connection portion that is an end region of the second terminal including the fourth end and includes a contact point with a fourth mating terminal, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the fourth connection portion is thicker than the third connection portion and thinner than the second intermediate portion.

3. a length of the first connection portion in an extending direction of the first terminal is shorter than a length of the second connection portion in an extending direction of the second terminal; The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the length of the third connection portion in the direction in which the first terminal extends is shorter than the length of the fourth connection portion in the direction in which the second terminal extends.

4. 4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the first terminal and the second terminal has a flat plate shape.

5. 5. A connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connector housing has a cylindrical portion that surrounds the outer periphery of the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and an anti-misassembly protrusion that protrudes from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion.

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