Joint connector

Abstract

To provide a joint connector that can be applied in various positions.SOLUTION: A joint connector 1 includes a first connector portion 11 and a second connector portion 12. The first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 each include a main body portion 21, a conductive portion 22, and a connecting portion 23. The main body portion 21 is formed with a plurality of insertion ports 21a into which terminals 32 can be inserted. The conductive portion 22 conducts the plurality of terminals 32 inserted into the insertion ports 21a. The connecting portion 23 is connected to another connector portion 11. The two connector portions 11 are connected to each other, and the conductive portions 22 of the two connector portions 11 are electrically connected to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a joint connector that conducts between inserted terminals. 【Background Art】 【0002】 The joint connector of Patent Document 1 includes a housing. Terminal accommodation ports are formed in the housing side by side in the width direction. Further, the terminal accommodation ports are formed on both surfaces on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire. Inside the housing, a connecting conductor is provided. The connecting conductor conducts between the terminals inserted into the terminal accommodation ports. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-86801 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 In Patent Document 1, arranging joint connectors side by side is not described. If joint connectors are arranged side by side, there is a possibility that necessary conduction cannot be ensured because one joint connector and the other joint connector are not conducted. 【0005】 The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide a joint connector applicable to various positions. Means and Effects for Solving the Problems 【0006】 The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, means for solving this problem and its effects will be described. 【0007】 According to the aspects of the present invention, a joint connector having the following configuration is provided. The joint connector conducts electrical connections between wires with multiple terminals. The joint connector comprises at least one connector portion. The connector portion comprises a main body portion, a conductive portion, and a connecting portion. The main body portion has a plurality of insertion openings into which the terminals can be inserted. The conductive portion conducts electrical connections between the plurality of terminals inserted into the insertion openings. The connecting portion connects to another connector portion. By connecting the two connector portions, the conductive portions of the two connector portions become electrically connected to each other. 【0008】 This allows the terminals inserted into each connector to be electrically connected by linking the two connector sections. Therefore, the necessary electrical conductivity can be ensured. 【0009】 In the aforementioned joint connector, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the joint connector comprises a first connector portion and a second connector portion as the connector portion. The first connector portion and the second connector portion can be connected by the connecting portion. 【0010】 As a result, the joint connector has two connector sections, allowing it to accommodate connection points where multiple terminals are located. 【0011】 In the aforementioned joint connector, it is preferable that the insertion direction of the insertion opening of the first connector and the insertion direction of the insertion opening of the second connector are parallel and opposite to each other, by connecting the first connector and the second connector with the connecting portion. 【0012】 This allows terminals to be inserted into the joint connector from both directions, enabling a compact configuration for connecting terminals. 【0013】 In the aforementioned joint connector, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the connecting portion comprises a hinge and a fixing portion. The hinge rotatably connects the first connector portion and the second connector portion. The fixing portion fixes the first connector portion and the second connector portion. By fixing the first connector portion and the second connector portion with the fixing portion, the insertion direction of the insertion opening of the first connector portion and the insertion direction of the insertion opening of the second connector portion become parallel and opposite. 【0014】 As a result, the first connector section and the second connector section are connected by a hinge, allowing them to be handled together. 【0015】 In the aforementioned joint connector, it is preferable that the main body of the first connector and the main body of the second connector are connected by an insulating hinge. 【0016】 This allows the configuration to be achieved using a standard hinge design. 【0017】 In the aforementioned joint connector, it is preferable that the conductive portion of the first connector and the conductive portion of the second connector are connected by a conductive hinge. 【0018】 This allows the part connecting the two connector sections and the part connecting the conductive parts of the two connector sections to be shared, thus simplifying the configuration. 【0019】 In the aforementioned joint connector, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the first connector portion and the second connector portion can be switched between a state where they are separated from each other and a state where they are connected to each other. The connecting portion includes a fixing portion that fixes the first connector portion and the second connector portion. By fixing the first connector portion and the second connector portion with the fixing portion, the insertion direction of the insertion opening of the first connector portion and the insertion direction of the insertion opening of the second connector portion become parallel and opposite. 【0020】 As a result, the two connector parts can be separated, and by using them individually or in combination, they can be adapted to various locations. 【0021】 In the above-described joint connector, it is preferable to include a relay conductor that conducts the conduction part of the first connector part and the conduction part of the second connector part. 【0022】 As a result, the configuration of the conduction part, particularly of the connector part, can be simplified. 【0023】 In the above-described joint connector, it is preferable that the first connector part and the second connector part are fixed by the fixing part, so that the conduction part of the first connector part and the conduction part of the second connector part are directly connected. 【0024】 As a result, compared with a configuration in which two conduction parts are conducted by separate parts, the number of parts can be reduced. 【0025】 In the above-described joint connector, it is preferable to have the following configuration. That is, the connector part can be connected to another connector part such that the surfaces on which the insertion openings are formed are the same. The connector part can be connected to another connector part such that the insertion directions of the insertion openings are parallel and opposite. 【0026】 As a result, by freely combining the connector parts, they can be adapted to various locations. 【0027】 In the above joint connector, it is preferable to adopt the following configuration. That is, the joint connector includes a first connector portion, a second connector portion, a third connector portion, and a fourth connector portion as the connector portions. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are connected in the first manner. The second connector portion and the third connector portion are connected in the first manner. The first connector portion and the third connector portion are connected in the second manner. The second connector portion and the fourth connector portion are connected in the second manner. 【0028】 As a result, a plurality of connectors are connected in two directions, so that it is possible to cope with a location where there are many terminals to be connected. 【0029】 In the above joint connector, it is preferable to adopt the following configuration. That is, the joint connector includes a second connector portion and a cover. The second connector portion includes a first connector portion as the connector portion that is connected in the first manner to each other. The cover covers the surface opposite to the surface on which the insertion port is formed among the first connector portion and the second connector portion. 【0030】 By providing a cover, it is possible to cope even when not connected in the second manner. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0031】 [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the configuration of a joint connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the state of switching a joint connector from the preparation state to the use state. [Figure 3] Plan view showing the state of switching the joint connector of the first modification example from the preparation state to the use state. [Figure 4] Plan view showing the state of inserting a conduction portion after inserting a terminal into the joint connector of the second modification example. [Figure 5] Perspective view showing the state of switching the joint connector of the third modification example from the preparation state to the use state. [Figure 6]A perspective view showing how the first connector part and the second connector part of the joint connector of the fourth modified example are connected by sliding. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the first and second connections of the connector section in the fifth modified example. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the first example of the connector combination for the fifth modified example. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing a second example of the connector combination in the fifth modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0032】 Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 【0033】 The joint connector 1 is used, for example, to connect electric wires 31 located in an automobile. As shown in Figure 1, terminals 32 are attached to the ends of the electric wires 31. The joint connector 1 is configured to allow insertion of multiple terminals 32. The joint connector 1 makes the multiple inserted terminals 32 electrically connected (short-circuited). In this embodiment, the terminals 32 are female terminals, but male terminals may also be used. 【0034】 As shown in Figure 1, the joint connector 1 comprises a first connector section 11 and a second connector section 12 connected to each other. Since the first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12 have substantially the same or symmetrical configurations, the first connector section 11 will be described as a representative example below. 【0035】 The first connector section 11 includes a main body section 21. The main body section 21 is a housing and has a plurality of insertion openings 21a formed on one surface. Terminals 32 can be inserted into the insertion openings 21a. In this embodiment, two insertion openings 21a are formed, but three or more insertion openings 21a may be formed. 【0036】 The main body 21 of this embodiment is rectangular parallelepiped, and all six faces are planar. However, this shape is just an example and can be changed. For example, a recess or protrusion may be formed on one face of the main body 21 (e.g., the side). The recess or protrusion formed on the main body 21 is used to attach to a separate member that prevents the joint connector 1 from shifting position. Alternatively, one face of the main body 21 (e.g., the bottom) may be shaped to correspond to the contour of other wires (e.g., a wavy surface into which other wires can fit). This allows the orientation of the joint connector 1 to be stabilized when it is placed on top of other wires. 【0037】 The conductive portion 22 is a conductor and is located inside the main body portion 21. The conductive portion 22 has multiple connecting pieces that connect to the terminal 32 inserted into the insertion opening 21a. If the terminal 32 is a female terminal, the connecting pieces of the conductive portion 22 are rod-shaped and inserted into the female terminal. If the terminal 32 is a male terminal, the connecting pieces of the conductive portion 22 are shaped to allow the insertion of a male terminal. The conductive portion 22 further has a portion that connects the multiple connecting pieces to each other. This allows the terminals 32 inserted into the insertion opening 21a to be electrically connected to each other. 【0038】 The connecting portion 23 is the part that connects the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12. The connecting portion 23 includes a hinge 23a and a fixing portion 23b. 【0039】 The first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are rotatably connected via a hinge 23a. The hinge 23a is formed on an edge that constitutes the contour of the surface of the main body portion 21 opposite to the surface on which the insertion opening 21a is formed. More specifically, the hinge 23a is formed on the long side (the side parallel to the parallel direction of the insertion opening 21a) that constitutes the contour of this surface. The hinge 23a may also be formed on the short side. The hinge 23a is made of thin resin, is integrally formed with the main body portion 21, and has insulating properties similar to the main body portion 21. However, the hinge 23a may be a separate part from the main body portion 21. 【0040】 By rotating the first connector section 11 or the second connector section 12 around the hinge 23a as the pivot point, the ready state and the usage state shown in Figure 2 can be switched. In this embodiment, the ready state is when the insertion opening 21a of the first connector section 11 and the insertion opening 21a of the second connector section 12 are formed on the same side (in other words, when their respective insertion directions are parallel and in the same orientation). The usage state is when the insertion opening 21a of the first connector section 11 and the insertion opening 21a of the second connector section 12 are formed on different sides (in other words, when their respective insertion directions are parallel and in opposite orientations). 【0041】 The fixing portion 23b secures the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 in the usage state. The fixing portion 23b of the first connector portion 11 and the fixing portion 23b of the second connector portion 12 are configured to engage with each other. In this embodiment, one fixing portion 23b is a projection, and the other fixing portion 23b is a frame that engages with the projection. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are secured by the fixing portion 23b simply by rotating either the first connector portion 11 or the second connector portion 12 to the usage state. Note that the configuration of the fixing portion 23b may differ from that of this embodiment as long as it is possible to secure the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12. 【0042】 Furthermore, a tongue-shaped piece 22a is formed on the conductive portion 22 of the first connector portion 11 in this embodiment. The tongue-shaped piece 22a is a member that more reliably connects the conductive portion 22 of the first connector portion 11 and the conductive portion 22 of the second connector portion 12 when the joint connector 1 is in use. The tongue-shaped piece 22a is configured to be deformable, and when in use, the conductive portion 22 of the second connector portion 12 presses against the tongue-shaped piece 22a of the first connector portion 11. As a result, the tongue-shaped piece 22a of the first connector portion 11 presses against the tongue-shaped piece 22a of the conductive portion 22 by elastic force. As a result, when the joint connector 1 is in use, the conductive portion 22 of the first connector portion 11 and the conductive portion 22 of the second connector portion 12 can be connected. As a result, the terminal 32 inserted into the first connector portion 11 and the terminal 32 inserted into the second connector portion 12 can be connected. 【0043】 As described above, the joint connector 1 of this embodiment can switch between a ready state and a ready state. In the ready state, the insertion opening 21a of the first connector part 11 and the insertion opening 21a of the second connector part 12 are located on the same side. Therefore, the operator can easily insert the terminals 32 into the insertion openings 21a. Furthermore, even when using an automated machine to insert the terminals 32 into the insertion openings 21a, the insertion of the terminals 32 can be completed without changing the orientation of the joint connector 1. 【0044】 Furthermore, the joint connector 1 is provided at the point where the electric wires 31 are connected. Therefore, in the state of use, the joint connector 1 can be positioned along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 31, thus saving space and suppressing bending of the electric wires 31. As a result, the length of the electric wires 31 can also be shortened. 【0045】 A joint connector 1 with two insertion ports 21a and a joint connector 1 with four insertion ports 21a have fundamentally different configurations and are therefore designed separately. However, the joint connector 1 of this embodiment is a combination of a first connector section 11 with two insertion ports 21a. Therefore, for example, if a joint connector 1 with two insertion ports 21a is required, the first connector section 11 can be designed as an independent joint connector 1. 【0046】 Figure 3 shows the joint connector 1 of the first modified example. In the following description, components that are the same as or similar to those in the previously described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their descriptions may be omitted. 【0047】 In the above embodiment, the hinge 23a is formed on the main body portion 21. In contrast, the hinge 23a of the first modified example is provided on the conductive portion 22. Therefore, the hinge 23a of the first modified example is conductive. The hinge 23a of the first modified example is thin-walled and can be easily bent. The hinge 23a of the first modified example has the function of mechanically connecting the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12, and the function of providing conductivity between the two conductive portions 22. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the above embodiment. 【0048】 Figure 4 shows the joint connector 1 of the second modified example. 【0049】 In the above embodiment, the conductive portion 22 is provided in advance inside the main body 21. Therefore, when the terminal 32 is inserted, the conductive portion 22 is already located inside the main body 21. In contrast, in the second modified example, when the terminal 32 is inserted, the conductive portion 22 is not located inside the main body 21. Then, after the terminal 32 is inserted into the main body 21, the conductive portion 22 is inserted into the main body 21 along the front-to-back direction of the paper. 【0050】 As in the second modified example, if the conductive portion 22 is positioned after the terminal 32 is inserted (or after the joint connector 1 is put into use), it is not necessary to provide the conductive portion 22 individually for the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12. Therefore, the configuration of the conductive portion 22 can be simplified. 【0051】 Figure 5 shows a third modified example of joint connector 1. 【0052】 In the above embodiment, the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are connected by a hinge 23a. In contrast, in the third modified example, the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are separated. As shown in Figure 5, in the third modified example, the state in which the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are separated is the preparation state. In the preparation state, the position and orientation of the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 can be arbitrarily changed, so they can be positioned and oriented in a way that is suitable for inserting the terminal 32. Also, the state in which the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are fixed is the usage state. 【0053】 In the third modified example, the first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12 are fixed together by the intermediate conductor 24. Spaces are formed in the first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12 for attaching the intermediate conductor 24. By attaching the intermediate conductor 24, the first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12 are fixed together. Therefore, the intermediate conductor 24 functions as a connecting part. 【0054】 The intermediate conductor 24 is a conductor and connects the conductive portion 22 of the first connector portion 11 and the conductive portion 22 of the second connector portion 12. As a result, the terminal 32 inserted into the first connector portion 11 and the terminal 32 inserted into the second connector portion 12 are electrically connected via the intermediate conductor 24. Therefore, the intermediate conductor 24 also functions as part of the conductive portion. Alternatively, the intermediate conductor 24 may only have the function of a conductive portion, and a separate member may be provided that has the function of a connecting portion. 【0055】 In the third modified example, since the first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12 are separated, for example, only one first connector section 11 can be used as the joint connector 1. 【0056】 Figure 6 shows the joint connector 1 of the fourth modified example. 【0057】 In the fourth modified example, the main body 21 of the first connector part 11 has a fixing part 23b formed thereon for sliding and fixing the second connector part 12. Similarly, the main body 21 of the second connector part 12 has a sliding mounting part formed thereon that corresponds to the shape of the fixing part 23b. By sliding the second connector part 12 relative to the first connector part 11, the first connector part 11 and the second connector part 12 can be fixed together. 【0058】 Furthermore, the conductive portion 22 of the fourth modified example has an extended conductive portion 22b that extends to the outside of the main body portion 21. The extended conductive portion 22b is located near the fixing portion 23b. By fixing the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12, the extended conductive portion 22b of the first connector portion 11 and the extended conductive portion 22b of the second connector portion 12 come into contact. Therefore, in the fourth modified example, the conductive portion 22 of the first connector portion 11 and the conductive portion 22 of the second connector portion 12 are directly electrically connected. Consequently, the number of parts can be reduced. 【0059】 In the fourth and fifth modified examples, the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are fixed together with one surface (flat surface) facing each other. However, the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 may have a concave and concave shape to correspond to each other. In this case as well, the conductive portion 22 may be made to protrude from the main body portion 21, and the protruding portions of the two conductive portions 22 may be directly connected to each other. 【0060】 Figures 7 to 9 show the joint connector 1 of the fifth modified example. 【0061】 The joint connector 1 of the fifth modified example can be used with the connector part alone or with multiple connector parts combined in various ways. Figures 7 to 9 show, as an example, the first connector part 11, the second connector part 12, the third connector part 13, and the fourth connector part 14. In the fifth modified example, the configuration of each connector part 11, 12, 13, and 14 is the same. 【0062】 As shown in Figure 7, each connector section 11, 12 can be connected in a first and second way. The connecting means can be the means of the embodiments and modifications described above or other means. By connecting them, the connector sections 11, 12 are mechanically connected and the internal conductive parts 22 can be made electrically connected. The first way is to connect the two connector sections 11, 12 so that the surfaces on which the insertion openings 21a are formed are the same. The second way is to connect the two connector sections 11, 12 so that the insertion directions of the insertion openings 21a are parallel and opposite. 【0063】 Figure 8 shows an example in which four connector sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 are connected to form a single joint connector 1. Specifically, the first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12 are first connected, and the third connector section 13 and the fourth connector section 14 are first connected. Furthermore, the first connector section 11 and the third connector section 13 are second connected, and the second connector section 12 and the fourth connector section 14 are second connected. In this way, by combining the connector sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the fifth modified example, various forms of joint connectors 1 can be realized. 【0064】 Figure 9 also shows an example in which a single joint connector 1 is constructed by connecting the first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12 and attaching the cover 25. The first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12 are first connected. The cover 25 is provided to cover the first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12, and the side opposite to the insertion opening 21a. By providing the cover 25, the conductive parts 22 and the like that are exposed to the outside can be protected. 【0065】 The combination of connector parts 11, 12, 13, and 14 is just one example, and the joint connector 1 may be configured with a different number and layout than those shown in Figures 8 and 9. 【0066】 As described above, the joint connector 1 of this embodiment and each of its modifications comprises at least one connector portion 11, 12, 13, 14. The connector portion 11, 12, 13, 14 comprises a main body portion 21, a conductive portion 22, and a connecting portion 23. The main body portion 21 has multiple insertion openings 21a into which terminals 32 can be inserted. The conductive portion 22 provides conductivity to the multiple terminals 32 inserted into the insertion openings 21a. The connecting portion 23 connects to another connector portion 11. By connecting two connector portions 11, the conductive portions 22 of the two connector portions 11 become electrically connected to each other. 【0067】 This allows the terminals 32 inserted into each of the connector sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 to be electrically connected by linking the two connector sections 11, 12, 13, and 14. Therefore, the necessary electrical conductivity can be ensured. 【0068】 The joint connector 1 of this embodiment and each of its modified forms comprises a first connector portion 11 and a second connector portion 12. The first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 can be connected by a connecting portion 23. 【0069】 As a result, the joint connector 1 has two connector sections 11 and 12, which allows it to accommodate connection points where multiple terminals 32 are arranged. 【0070】 In this embodiment and each modified example of the joint connector 1, the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are connected by the connecting portion 23, so that the insertion direction of the insertion opening 21a of the first connector portion 11 and the insertion direction of the insertion opening 21a of the second connector portion 12 are parallel and opposite. 【0071】 This allows terminals 32 to be inserted into joint connector 1 from both directions, enabling the connection of terminals 32 to each other in a compact configuration. 【0072】 In this embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example of the joint connector 1, the connecting portion 23 includes a hinge 23a and a fixing portion 23b. The hinge 23a rotatably connects the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12. The fixing portion 23b fixes the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12. By fixing the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 with the fixing portion 23b, the insertion direction of the insertion opening 21a of the first connector portion 11 and the insertion direction of the insertion opening 21a of the second connector portion 12 become parallel and opposite. 【0073】 As a result, the first connector section 11 and the second connector section 12 are connected by the hinge 23a, allowing them to be handled together. 【0074】 In this embodiment and the second modified example of the joint connector 1, the main body 21 of the first connector part 11 and the main body 21 of the second connector part 12 are connected by an insulating hinge 23a. 【0075】 This allows the configuration to be achieved using a standard hinge design. 【0076】 In the first modified joint connector 1, the conductive portion 22 of the first connector portion 11 and the conductive portion 22 of the second connector portion 12 are connected by a conductive hinge 23a. 【0077】 This allows the connection point between the two connector sections 11 and 12 and the conductive connection point 22 between the two connector sections 11 and 12 to be shared, thus simplifying the configuration. 【0078】 In the third and fourth modified joint connector 1, the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 can be switched between a state where they are separated from each other and a state where they are connected to each other. The connecting portion 23 includes a fixing portion 23b that fixes the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12. By fixing the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 with the fixing portion 23b, the insertion direction of the insertion opening 21a of the first connector portion 11 and the insertion direction of the insertion opening 21a of the second connector portion 12 become parallel and opposite. 【0079】 This allows the two connector sections 11 and 12 to be separated, making it possible to use them individually or in combination to accommodate various applications. 【0080】 In the third modified example of the joint connector 1, a relay conductor 24 is provided that connects the conductive portion 22 of the first connector portion 11 and the conductive portion 22 of the second connector portion 12. 【0081】 This simplifies the configuration of the connector sections 11 and 12, particularly the conductive section 22. 【0082】 In the fourth modified example of the joint connector 1, the first connector part 11 and the second connector part 12 are fixed by the fixing part 23b, thereby directly connecting the conductive part 22 of the first connector part 11 and the conductive part 22 of the second connector part 12. 【0083】 This reduces the number of components compared to a configuration where two conductive parts 22 are connected by a separate component. 【0084】 In the fifth modified example of the joint connector 1, the connector parts 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be connected in a first configuration such that the surfaces on which the insertion opening 21a is formed are the same. The connector parts 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be connected in a second configuration such that the insertion directions of the insertion opening 21a are parallel and opposite. 【0085】 This allows for various applications by freely combining the connector parts 11, 12, 13, and 14. 【0086】 The fifth modified example of the joint connector 1 comprises a first connector portion 11, a second connector portion 12, a third connector portion 13, and a fourth connector portion 14. The first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are connected in the first configuration. The second connector portion 12 and the third connector portion 13 are connected in the first configuration. The first connector portion 11 and the third connector portion 13 are connected in the second configuration. The second connector portion 12 and the fourth connector portion 14 are connected in the second configuration. 【0087】 As a result, multiple connector sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 are connected in two directions, making it possible to accommodate locations with many terminals to be connected. 【0088】 The fifth modified joint connector 1 comprises a first connector portion 11, a second connector portion 12, and a cover 25. The first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 are first connected to each other. The cover 25 covers the surfaces of the first connector portion 11 and the second connector portion 12 that are opposite to the surfaces on which the insertion opening 21a is formed. 【0089】 By including the cover 25, it is possible to accommodate cases where the second connection is not made. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0090】 1. Joint Connector 11. First connector section 12. Second connector section 13 Third Connector Section 14. Fourth connector section 21 Main body 22 Conductive section 22a Tongue piece 22b Extension conductor 23 Connecting part 23a Hinge 23b Fixed part 24 relay conductors

Claims

[Claim 1] In a joint connector that connects multiple wires with terminals, First connector section, The second connector section, A hinge that rotatably connects the first connector portion and the second connector portion, A fixing part that fixes the first connector part and the second connector part, Equipped with, The first connector section and the second connector section are, The main body has multiple insertion openings into which the aforementioned terminals can be inserted, A conductive portion that provides electrical conductivity to a plurality of terminals inserted into the insertion opening, Equipped with, By fixing and connecting the first connector portion and the second connector portion with the fixing portion, the conductive portion of the first connector portion and the conductive portion of the second connector portion become electrically connected, and the direction of terminal insertion into the insertion opening of the first connector portion and the direction of terminal insertion into the insertion opening of the second connector portion become parallel and opposite. The joint connector is characterized in that the first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured to be connectable by fixing the terminals inserted into each other by the fixing portion. [Claim 2] A joint connector according to claim 1, A joint connector characterized in that the main body of the first connector and the main body of the second connector are connected by an insulating hinge. [Claim 3] A joint connector according to claim 1, A joint connector characterized in that the conductive portion of the first connector and the conductive portion of the second connector are connected by a conductive hinge. [Claim 4] In a method for manufacturing joint connectors, The first step involves inserting terminal-equipped wires into the first connector section and the second connector section, which are rotatably connected via a hinge, Following the first step, the second step involves fixing the first connector portion with the terminal-equipped wire inserted and the second connector portion with the terminal-equipped wire inserted, while changing their orientation using the hinge. Includes, The first connector section and the second connector section are, The main body has multiple insertion openings into which the aforementioned terminals can be inserted, A conductive portion that provides electrical conductivity to a plurality of terminals inserted into the insertion opening, Equipped with, The first step is performed in an orientation such that the surfaces on which the insertion openings of the first connector portion and the second connector portion are formed are the same. A method for manufacturing a joint connector, characterized in that, in the second step, the first connector portion and the second connector portion are fixed by the fixing portion, thereby enabling electrical conductivity between the conductive portion of the first connector portion and the conductive portion of the second connector portion, and the direction of terminal insertion into the insertion opening of the first connector portion and the direction of terminal insertion into the insertion opening of the second connector portion are parallel and opposite.