connector

Abstract

To reduce a possibility of a connection defect or damage of a connection part in a connector comprising terminals of a plurality of connection parts of which fitting force is different from each other.SOLUTION: A connector comprises a first connector including a plurality of connection parts and a second connector which can be fitted with the first connector and is paired with the first connector. The second connector includes a plurality of pairs of connection parts which is paired with the plurality of connection parts in the first connector and of which connection force for connecting with the plurality of connection parts is different at least in two ways. In the connector, after connection parts in a portion of the plurality of connection parts of the first connector are completely connected with pairs of connection parts in a portion of the second connector, the connection parts being paired with the connection parts of a portion, connection parts of the other portion of which the connection force acts in a direction different from a connection direction in the connection parts of a portion in the plurality of connection parts of the first connector can be connected with pairs of connection parts in the other portion of the second connector, the connection parts being paired with the connection parts in the other portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cable including a power line for supplying power to an electrical component and a communication line for the control unit to communicate with the electrical component. In this cable, the ground line, the communication line, and the power line are arranged side by side, and terminals are provided on each line. When connecting these terminals to a control box, the direction of the central axis of the cable and the connection direction are the same.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a connector including cables used for a plurality of different purposes, such as signal lines constituting a communication line and power lines constituting a power line, as in the prior art, the fitting force may be different for each connection portion of the terminals of the lines included in the connector. For example, the fitting force of the connection portion of the power terminal of the power line is about 40 to 80 N, whereas the fitting force of the connection portion of the optical terminal of the signal line is about 30 N. In this case, a problem occurs when connecting one connector having connection portions of some terminals with different fitting forces and connection portions of other terminals in the same housing, and another connector that is a pair including connection portions of some terminals paired with those of the one connector and connection portions of other terminals paired with those of the other terminals of the one connector.

[0005] In other words, when connecting one connector, which has connection points for some terminals and connection points for other terminals, to a connector with a pair of terminals, if the force applied to the connection points with weaker mating force is used to engage them, it may become difficult to engage the connection points with stronger mating force, potentially resulting in a faulty connection. Conversely, if the force applied to the other connection point with stronger mating force is used to engage the other connector, a force exceeding a predetermined specification may be applied to the connection points with weaker mating force, potentially damaging those points. Therefore, there has been a need for technology that can reduce the possibility of faulty connections or damage to terminal connections in connectors with multiple connection points that have at least two different mating forces.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its object is to provide a connector that can reduce the possibility of connection failure or damage to the connection part when connecting one connector having a plurality of terminals with at least two different mating forces to another connector having a plurality of terminals that are paired with it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the above objective, the connector according to the present invention is a connector having a first connector having a plurality of connection parts and a second connector configured to be matable with the first connector and paired with the first connector, wherein the second connector is paired with each of the plurality of connection parts of the first connector and has a plurality of pairs of connection parts that have at least two different connecting forces for connecting with the plurality of connection parts, and is configured such that after the connection between some of the plurality of connection parts of the first connector and some of the pairs of connection parts of the second connector paired with the some of the connection parts is completed, a connection between the other connection parts of the first connector, where a connecting force is applied in a direction different from the connection direction of the some of the plurality of connection parts of the first connector, and the other pair of connection parts of the second connector paired with the other connection parts is connected.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a connector is configured such that an external force is applied as the connecting force to a portion of the connecting portion of the first connector, thereby enabling connection to a portion of the pair of connecting portions of the second connector.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the connector is configured such that the external force is applied by a connecting member that locks the first connector and the second connector together.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the connector is configured such that the first housing of the first connector and the second housing of the second connector are able to be rotated relative to each other and locked in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the first and second connectors, and by the rotation, a connecting force is applied in a direction different from the connecting direction at some of the plurality of connecting parts of the first connector, thereby connecting the other connecting parts with the pair of other connecting parts of the second connector that are paired with the other connecting parts.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the connector is such that the connection direction of the part of the connection portion and the connection direction of the other part are substantially orthogonal.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, the connector is in a state where, from the time the connection at one of the connection parts begins until the time the connection at the other connection part ends, no force is acting on the other connection part.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, the connector is such that, from the time the connection at one of the connection parts begins until the time the connection at the other connection part ends, the connection at the other connection part is in a non-contact state.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the connector is configured such that the connection between a portion of the first connector and a pair of portions of the second connector that are paired with the portion of the first connector, and the connection between the other portion of the first connector and a pair of portions of the second connector that are paired with the other portion of the first connector, are performed independently of each other.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the connector is provided in the above invention in which the pair of connection portions of the other part of the second connector is provided in a housing, and the housing is provided with a guide portion configured to guide the connection portion of the other part of the first connector toward the pair of connection portions of the other part of the second connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction with respect to the housing.

[0016] A connector according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above invention, the pair of connection portions of the other part of the second connector is provided in a housing, and a guide portion is provided in the housing, which is configured to guide the connection portions of the other part of the first connector toward the pair of connection portions of the other part of the second connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction with respect to the housing, and a guide movement portion is provided which is configured to move parallel to the connection direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the connector of the present invention, in a connector equipped with terminals of multiple connection parts with different mating forces, it is possible to reduce the possibility of connection failure or damage to the connection parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the state of the connector before mating according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the mating state of one of the connection parts of a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the connection state of both connection parts of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the state before fitting of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the connection state of both connection parts of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the state before fitting of the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the connection state of both connection parts of the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the state before fitting of the connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the connection state of both connection parts of the connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the state before fitting of the connector according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the connection state of both connection parts of the connector according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the state before fitting of the connector according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the state after fitting of the optical connection part and before fitting of the connection part of the connector according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the connection state of both connection parts of the connector according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the state before fitting of the connector according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the state after fitting of the optical connection part and before fitting of the connection part of the connector according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]Figure 17 is a plan view showing the connection state of both connection parts of a connector according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a plan view showing the state of the connector according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention before mating. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a plan view showing the connection state of both connection parts of a connector according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a plan view showing the state of the connector before mating according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a plan view showing the connection state of both connection parts of a connector according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a front view showing the connection portion of a connector according to a 10th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the connection portion of a connector according to a 10th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a front view showing the connection portion of a connector according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the connection portion of a connector according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings of the following embodiments, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0020] The connector according to the embodiment described below comprises a first connector having a plurality of connection parts, and a second connector configured to be matable with the first connector and paired with the first connector, wherein the second connector is paired with each of the plurality of connection parts of the first connector and has a plurality of pairs of connection parts that have at least two different connecting forces for connecting to the plurality of connection parts, and after the connection between some of the plurality of connection parts of the first connector and some of the pairs of connection parts of the second connector paired with those connection parts is completed, i.e., after or simultaneously with completion, it is possible to connect other connection parts of the first connector to which a connecting force is applied in a direction different from the connection direction of some of the plurality of connection parts of the first connector, and to other pair of connection parts of the second connector paired with those other connection parts.

[0021] (First Embodiment) First, a connector 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a connector according to the first embodiment. In the drawing, in order to simplify the explanation of the embodiment and facilitate understanding of the invention, various components inside the housing are drawn in a transparent state.

[0022] Connectors 11 and 12 are a pair of connectors for connecting power lines 31 and signal lines 32, such as cables routed within a vehicle, to each other. Here, connector 11, which is one of the connectors, is a male connector, for example. Connector 12, which is the other connector, is a female connector, for example. Connector 11 is configured to be matable so as to be inserted into connector 12.

[0023] The female connector 12 is installed, for example, in an electrical connection box that supplies power from the battery or signals from the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to electrical components in the vehicle. Connectors 11 and 12 may also be used to connect cables to each other. For the sake of explanation, in the following description, the side of connectors 11 and 12 that is inserted from the male connector 11 into the female connector 12 in the length direction (x-axis direction in the figure) will be referred to as the front, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the rear. Also, looking from the rear in the length direction towards the front, the right side in the width direction (y-axis direction in the figure) will be referred to as the right, and the opposite direction in the width direction, i.e., looking from the rear towards the front, the left side in the width direction will be referred to as the left. In the vertical direction (z-axis direction in the figure), the upper side will be referred to as the up, and the lower side will be referred to as the down.

[0024] The connector 11 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 is made of synthetic resin and houses a power line 31, a signal line 32, a terminal 111 with a connection part 111a and a crimping part 111b, and an optical connector 101 with an optical connection part 101a. The housing 110 is made of a synthetic resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). However, the synthetic resin is not limited to PBT, and other synthetic resins may be used.

[0025] The power line 31 consists of a conductor cable that supplies power from, for example, a battery in the vehicle to the electrical components in the vehicle. The conductor of the power line 31 is made of, for example, aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), copper alloy (Cu alloy), tinned wire, iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), etc. For example, one end of the power line 31 is connected to a 12V power source and the other end is connected to ground. The signal line 32 is a cable that transmits signals exchanged between, for example, the electrical components in the vehicle and the ECU, and is made of, for example, an optical fiber cable. Both the power line 31 and the signal line 32 extend to the outside of the connectors 11 and 12, but the extended portions are not shown in Figure 2 and subsequent figures.

[0026] Inside the housing 110 of the connector 11, the terminal 111 is crimp-connected to the end of the power line 31. In the example shown in Figure 1, the ends of the two power lines 31 are crimp-connected by the crimp portion 111b of the terminal 111. The connection portion 111a is formed in a roughly U-shape when viewed from above, convex towards the front of the terminal 111, and is electrically conductively connected to the power line 31. The shape of the connection portion 111a is not necessarily limited to a U-shape, and various shapes such as J-shape, I-shape, or P-shape can be used. The terminal 111 is made of a conductor such as a copper alloy (Cu alloy), and the connection portion 111a constitutes a contact-type connection portion that is electrically conductive by contacting the terminal. Inside the housing 110, the two terminals 111 and the two power lines 31 are arranged so as to be roughly symmetrical in the width direction with respect to the center line along the length direction, i.e., the optical connector 102. Furthermore, the arrangement of terminals 111 and power lines 31 within the housing 110 is not necessarily limited to being symmetrical to each other. In addition, although terminals 111 are arranged to the left and right in the width direction (y-axis direction) relative to the optical connector 102, it is also possible to arrange terminals 111 above or below the optical connector 102 along the height direction (z-direction).

[0027] The optical connector 101 is fixed inside the housing 110. Inside the housing 110, the optical connector 101 is attached to the end of the signal line 32, on the side facing the mating side of connector 12 in Figure 1 (the front side in Figure 1). An optical connection part 101a is provided at the tip of the optical connector 101 as a connection part. The optical connector 101 is, for example, a so-called MU connector. The optical connector 101 is not limited to an MU connector, but may be a well-known connector such as an LC connector. The optical connector 101 is an example of a connection part for a signal line.

[0028] The connector 12 includes a housing 120. The housing 120 is made of synthetic resin and houses a power line 31, a signal line 32, a terminal 121 having a connection part 121a and a crimping part 121b, and an optical connector 102 having an optical connection part 102a. The housing 120 has a connection opening formed on the side that connects to the connector 11. The connection opening is sized to allow the tip of the connector 11 to be inserted. The housing 120 is made of a synthetic resin such as PBT. However, the synthetic resin is not limited to PBT, and other synthetic resins may be used.

[0029] Inside the housing 120 of the connector 12, the terminal 121 is crimped to the end of the power line 31. In the example shown in Figure 1, the ends of the two power lines 31 are crimped to each other by the crimp portion 121b of the terminal 121. The connecting portion 121a is provided on the connector 11 side opposite to the terminal 121, on the tip side of the terminal 121 (rear side in Figure 1), and is electrically conductively connected to the power line 31. The terminal 121 is made of a conductor such as a Cu alloy, and the connecting portion 121a is a plate-shaped connecting portion that can contact the connecting portion 111a.

[0030] Inside the housing 120, an optical connector 102 is attached to the end of the signal line 32, on the side facing the mating side with connector 11 in Figure 1 (the rear side in Figure 1). An optical connection part 102a is provided on the connector 11 side of the optical connector 102 as a connection part. The optical connector 102 is, for example, an LC connector that can be connected to the optical connector 101. The optical connector 102 is not limited to an LC connector as long as it can be connected to the optical connector 101. The optical connector 102 is an example of a connection part for a signal line.

[0031] In this embodiment, the optical connection portion 101a at the tip of the optical connector 101 is configured to be connected first at the start of mating between the connector 11 and the connector 12. That is, the spacing width along the width direction of the connection portion 111a of the pair of terminals 111 in the connector 11 is configured to be greater than the spacing width along the width direction of the connection portion 121a of the pair of terminals 121 in the connector 12. As a result, when the optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected, the connection portions 111a and 121a are configured to be in a non-contact state with each other. In this embodiment, as long as the optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected first by mating the connectors 11 and 12, the positional relationship between the optical connectors 101 and 102 and the terminals 111 and 121 is not necessarily limited to the positional relationship described above, and they can be arranged in various positions. Also, when the optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected, the connection portions 111a and 121a may be in a contact state where no force acts on each other.

[0032] (How to connect the connector) Next, a method for connecting the connectors 11 and 12 configured as described above will be explained. Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating the connector connection method according to the first embodiment.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, connectors 11 and 12 are brought relatively close to each other, and the tip of the housing 110 of connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the housing 120 of connector 12. Then, connectors 11 and 12 are brought closer to each other and mated, and optical connectors 101 and 102 are brought into contact with each other and connected.

[0034] When optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected, terminals 111 and 121 are in a non-contact state, meaning they are not in contact with each other. In other words, at the start of mating and connecting optical connectors 101 and 102, terminals 111 and 121 are not in contact with each other, and the electrical connection is not yet complete.

[0035] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 3, an external force is applied to the pair of connecting portions 111a in a direction that brings them into contact with the connecting portion 121a. The external force can be applied, for example, by a connecting member that constitutes a locking mechanism for locking the connectors 11 and 12. In this embodiment, an external force is applied to the terminal 111, particularly the connecting portion 111a, in a predetermined manner in an inward direction along the width direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectors 11 and 12. When an external force is applied to the terminal 111 in a direction that brings it closer to the optical connectors 101 and 102, the power line 31 and the terminal 111 slide along the width direction toward the connecting portion 121a, causing the connecting portion 111a of the terminal 111 and the connecting portion 121a of the terminal 121 to come into contact. As a result, the connecting portions 111a and 121a are connected to each other, and the terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected. The housing 110 is then fitted into the housing 120 and locked by a conventionally known predetermined locking mechanism. As a result, the connectors 11 and 12 are mated.

[0036] According to the first embodiment described above, after the optical connectors 101 and 102 are mated, an external force is applied to the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of the optical connectors 101 and 102 and brings it closer to the optical connectors 101 and 102. This allows the connection portion 111a and the connection portion 121a to be connected. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply a force greater than the mating force when the optical connectors 101 and 102 are mated, and thus it is possible to suppress damage to the optical connectors 101 and 102 when connecting the connectors 11 and 12.

[0037] (Second embodiment) Next, a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 shows a connector 10A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the connector 10A according to the second embodiment is configured in the same way as the connector 10 according to the first embodiment. In the connector 10A, the power line 31 in the connector 11 is fixed to the housing 110, and when an external force is applied to the terminal 111, the terminal 111 is configured to bend relative to the power line 31. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0038] (How to connect the connector) Next, a method for connecting the connectors 11 and 12 configured as described above will be explained. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the connector connection method according to the second embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, connectors 11 and 12 are brought relatively close to each other, and the tip of the housing 110 of connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the housing 120 of connector 12. Then, connectors 11 and 12 are brought closer together while mating them, and with connector 11 inserted into connector 12, optical connectors 101 and 102 are brought into contact with each other and connected. In this case, the force required to mate connectors 11 and 12 together is the mating force required to connect optical connectors 101 and 102 to each other. Note that the mating force required to connect optical connectors 101 and 102 to each other is less than the mating force required to connect terminals 111 and 121.

[0040] When optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected, terminals 111 and 121 are in a non-contact state, meaning they are not in contact with each other. In other words, at the start of mating and connecting optical connectors 101 and 102, terminals 111 and 121 are not in contact with each other, and the electrical connection is not yet complete.

[0041] Subsequently, an external force is applied to the pair of connecting portions 111a in a predetermined manner, in a direction that brings them into contact with the connecting portion 121a, that is, inward along the width direction which is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectors 11 and 12. The external force can be applied, for example, by a connecting member that constitutes a locking mechanism for locking the connectors 11 and 12. When an external force is applied to the terminal 111 in a direction that brings it closer to the optical connectors 101 and 102, the terminal 111 bends from the portion that connects to the power line 31, and the tip side of the connecting portion 111a is bent along the width direction toward the connecting portion 121a, causing the connecting portion 111a and the connecting portion 121a to come into contact. As a result, the connecting portions 111a and 121a are connected to each other, and the terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected. In addition, the housing 110 is fitted into the housing 120 and locked by a predetermined locking mechanism that is conventionally known. With the above steps, the mating of the connectors 11 and 12 is performed.

[0042] According to the second embodiment described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained by connecting the terminals 111 and 121 after mating the optical connectors 101 and 102.

[0043] (Third embodiment) Next, a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 shows a connector 10B according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, in the connector 12 according to the third embodiment, a guide portion 125 is provided in a tapered shape that shortens in the width direction toward the front in the longitudinal direction from the mating side of the housing 120. The guide portion 125 is configured to guide the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 of the connector 11 until it contacts the connection portion 121a when the connectors 11 and 12 are mated. The guide portion 125 is configured in a tapered shape that approaches the connection portion 121a toward the front in the longitudinal direction, but various shapes can be adopted for the guide portion 125 as long as the shape allows the connection portion 111a to approach the connection portion 121a. The other configurations are the same as in the first and second embodiments, so their description will be omitted.

[0044] (How to connect the connector) Next, a method for connecting the connectors 11 and 12 configured as described above will be explained. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the method for connecting the connectors according to the third embodiment.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, first, connectors 11 and 12 are brought relatively close to each other, and the tip of the housing 110 of connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the tip of the housing 120 of connector 12. Then, connectors 11 and 12 are brought closer together while mating them with each other, and with connector 11 inserted into connector 12, optical connectors 101 and 102 are brought into contact with each other and connected. In this case, the force required to mate connectors 11 and 12 with each other is the mating force required to connect optical connectors 101 and 102 to each other.

[0046] As optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected, the connection portion 111a of terminal 111 is guided along the inner wall surface of guide portion 125. That is, when connectors 11 and 12 are mated, the guide portion 125 applies a resistive force inward along the width direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of connectors 11 and 12, causing the pair of connection portions 111a to bend toward the connection portion 121a and make contact. As a result, terminal 111 bends away from the connection portion with the power line 31, and the tip of the connection portion 111a is bent toward the connection portion 121a along the width direction. As a result, the connection portions 111a and 121a come into contact, and terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected to each other. In addition, housing 110 is fitted into housing 120 and locked by a conventionally known predetermined locking mechanism. With the above steps, connectors 11 and 12 are mated.

[0047] According to the third embodiment described above, when the optical connectors 101 and 102 are mated together, the connecting portion 111a is guided and bent by the guide portion 125 in a direction toward the connecting portion 121a, and the connecting portions 111a and 121a come into contact, thereby electrically connecting the terminals 111 and 121, the same effects as in the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

[0048] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a connector 10C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a connector 10C according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, in the connector 12 according to the fourth embodiment, unlike the third embodiment, the connection portion 121a of the pair of terminals 121 is arranged such that the distance between them is greater along the width direction of the housing 120 than the distance between the connection portion 111a of the connector 11 in the housing 11. In other words, when the connectors 11 and 12 are arranged to be mated, the connection portion 121a of the terminal 121 in the housing 120 is arranged outside the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 in the housing 110 along the width direction of the connector 10C. That is, when the connectors 11 and 12 are arranged to be mated, the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 in the housing 110 is arranged inside the connection portion 121a of the terminal 121 in the housing 120 along the width direction of the connector 10C.

[0049] Furthermore, in the connector 12, a guide portion 127 is provided in a tapered shape that widens in the width direction toward the front in the longitudinal direction from the mating side of the housing 120. The guide portion 127 is configured to guide the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 of the connector 11 until it contacts the connection portion 121a when the connectors 11 and 12 are mated. The guide portion 127 is configured in a tapered shape that approaches the connection portion 121a toward the front in the longitudinal direction, but various shapes can be adopted for the guide portion 127 as long as the shape allows the connection portion 111a to approach the connection portion 121a. The other configurations are the same as in the third embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0050] (How to connect the connector) Next, a method for connecting the connectors 11 and 12 configured as described above will be explained. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the method for connecting the connectors according to the fourth embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, first, connectors 11 and 12 are brought relatively close to each other, and the tip of the housing 110 of connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the tip of the housing 120 of connector 12. Then, connectors 11 and 12 are brought closer together while mating them with each other, and with connector 11 inserted into connector 12, optical connectors 101 and 102 are brought into contact with each other and connected. In this case, the force required to mate connectors 11 and 12 with each other is the mating force required to connect optical connectors 101 and 102 to each other.

[0052] As optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected, the connection portion 111a of terminal 111 is guided along the outer wall surface of guide portion 127. That is, when connectors 11 and 12 are mated, the guide portion 127 applies a resistive force outward along the width direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of connectors 11 and 12, causing the pair of connection portions 111a to bend toward connection portion 121a and make contact. As a result, terminal 111 bends outward from the connection portion with the power line 31, and the tip side of connection portion 111a is bent toward the connection portion 121a along the width direction. As a result, connection portion 111a and connection portion 121a come into contact, and terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected to each other. In addition, housing 110 is fitted into housing 120 and locked by a conventionally known predetermined locking mechanism. With the above steps, connectors 11 and 12 are mated.

[0053] According to the fourth embodiment described above, when the optical connectors 101 and 102 are fitted together, the connecting portion 111a is expanded by the guide portion 127, guided and bent toward the connecting portion 121a provided on the outside, and the connecting portions 111a and 121a come into contact with each other, thereby electrically connecting the terminals 111 and 121, and thus the same effects as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0054] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a connector 10D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 shows a connector 10D according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, in the connector 12 according to the fifth embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment, the connecting portion 121a of the pair of terminals 121 are arranged such that the distance between them is greater along the width direction of the housing 120 than the distance between the connecting portion 111a of the connector 11 in the housing 11. In other words, when the connectors 11 and 12 are arranged to be mated, the connecting portion 121a of the terminals 121 in the housing 120 is positioned outside the connecting portion 111a of the terminals 111 in the housing 110 along the width direction of the connector 10D. That is, when the connectors 11 and 12 are arranged to be mated, the connecting portion 111a of the terminals 111 in the housing 110 is positioned inside the connecting portion 121a of the terminals 121 in the housing 120 along the width direction of the connector 10D. Also, no guide portion is provided. The other configurations are the same as in the third embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0055] (How to connect the connector) Next, a method for connecting the connectors 11 and 12 configured as described above will be explained. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the method for connecting the connectors according to the fifth embodiment.

[0056] As shown in Figure 11, connectors 11 and 12 are brought relatively close to each other, and the tip of the housing 110 of connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the housing 120 of connector 12. Then, connectors 11 and 12 are brought closer to each other and mated, and the optical connectors 101 and 102 are brought into contact with each other and connected. When optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected, terminals 111 and 121 are in a non-contact state where they are not in contact with each other. In other words, at the start of mating and connection of optical connectors 101 and 102, terminals 111 and 121 are not in contact with each other, and the electrical connection is not yet complete.

[0057] Subsequently, an external force is applied to the pair of connecting portions 111a in a predetermined manner, in a direction that brings them into contact with the connecting portion 121a, that is, outward along the width direction which is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectors 11 and 12. The external force can be applied, for example, by a connecting member that constitutes a locking mechanism for locking the connectors 11 and 12. When an external force is applied to the terminal 111 in a direction that brings it closer to the optical connectors 101 and 102, the terminal 111 bends from the connection portion with the power line 31, and the tip side of the connecting portion 111a is bent along the width direction toward the connecting portion 121a, causing the connecting portion 111a and the connecting portion 121a to come into contact. As a result, the connecting portions 111a and 121a are connected to each other, and the terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected. Alternatively, without fixing the power line 31, an outward external force may be applied to the terminal 111 to bring it closer to the optical connectors 101 and 102, causing the power line 31 and terminal 111 to slide along the width direction toward the connection portion 121a. Furthermore, the housing 110 is fitted into the housing 120 and locked by a conventionally known predetermined locking mechanism. The connectors 11 and 12 are then mated.

[0058] According to the fifth embodiment described above, after the optical connectors 101 and 102 are mated, an external force is applied to the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of the optical connectors 101 and 102, moving it away from the optical connectors 101 and 102, thereby connecting the connection portion 111a and the connection portion 121a. This provides the same effects as the first and second embodiments.

[0059] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a connector according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 12 shows a connector 10E according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the connector 12 according to the sixth embodiment is provided with a guide portion 125 similar to that of the third embodiment, and a guide moving portion 122, for example, a rail-shaped guide moving portion 122, which is configured to move the guide portion 125 in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the connection direction. The guide portion 125 is moved by the guide moving portion 122 so that when the connectors 11 and 12 are mated, the guide portion 125 can be guided until the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 of the connector 11 comes into contact with the connection portion 121a. The shape of the guide portion 125 is tapered inward toward the front in the longitudinal direction to approach the connection portion 121a, but various shapes can be adopted as long as the shape allows the connection portion 111a to approach the connection portion 121a. The other configurations are the same as in the third embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0060] (How to connect the connector) Next, a method for connecting the connectors 11 and 12 configured as described above will be explained. Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating the connector connection method according to the sixth embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Figure 13, first, connectors 11 and 12 are brought relatively close to each other, and the tip of the housing 110 of connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the tip of the housing 120 of connector 12. Then, connectors 11 and 12 are brought closer together while mating them with each other, and with connector 11 inserted into connector 12, optical connectors 101 and 102 are brought into contact with each other and connected. In this case, the force used to mate connectors 11 and 12 with each other is the mating force that allows optical connectors 101 and 102 to connect with each other. When optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected, terminals 111 and 121 are in a non-contact state where they are not in contact with each other. That is, when optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected as part of a connection, the other connection parts 111a and 121a are not in contact with each other. In this case, no force is acting on terminals 111 and 121 or connection parts 111a and 121a. Furthermore, even if terminals 111 and 112 are in contact with each other, there may be no force acting between them, and the situation is not necessarily limited to a non-contact state.

[0062] Next, as shown in Figure 14, after the connection of the optical connectors 101 and 102 is completed, the guide portion 125 is moved along the guide movement portion 122 to approach the connection portion 111a. When the inner wall surface of the guide portion 125 comes into contact with the connection portion 111a, as the guide portion 125 moves, the connection portion 111a is guided along the inner wall surface of the guide portion 125 and approaches the connection portion 121a to be connected. In other words, the movement of the guide portion 125 causes each of the pair of connection portions 111a to bend toward the pair of connection portions 121a and make contact. To put it another way, a resistive force is applied to each connection portion 111a inward along the width direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectors 11 and 12. As a result, the terminal 111 bends away from the connection portion with the power line 31, and the tip side of the connection portion 111a is bent toward the connection portion 121a along the width direction. Subsequently, the connection portion 111a and the connection portion 121a come into contact, and the terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected to each other. Also, the housing 110 is fitted into the housing 120 and locked by a conventionally known predetermined locking mechanism. With these steps, the connectors 11 and 12 are mated.

[0063] According to the sixth embodiment described above, when mating the optical connectors 101 and 102, the guide portion 125 is moved in the longitudinal direction, and the connecting portion 111a is pressed and bent by the guide portion 125 in a direction toward the connecting portion 121a, so that the connecting portions 111a and 121a come into contact with each other and the terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected, thus the same effects as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0064] (Seventh Embodiment) Next, a connector 10F according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the connector 10F according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, in the connector 12 according to the seventh embodiment, unlike the sixth embodiment, the connection portion 121a of the pair of terminals 121 is arranged such that the distance between them is greater along the width direction of the housing 120 than the distance between the connection portion 111a of the connector 11 in the housing 11. In other words, when the connectors 11 and 12 are arranged to be mated, the connection portion 121a of the terminal 121 in the housing 120 is arranged outside the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 in the housing 110 along the width direction of the connector 10C. That is, when the connectors 11 and 12 are arranged to be mated, the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 in the housing 110 is arranged inside the connection portion 121a of the terminal 121 in the housing 120 along the width direction of the connector 10F.

[0065] Furthermore, the connector 12 is provided with a guide portion 127 similar to that of the fourth embodiment, and a guide movement portion 123, for example, a rail-shaped guide, which is configured to move the guide portion 127 in the longitudinal direction. The guide portion 127 is moved by the guide movement portion 123 so that when the connectors 11 and 12 are mated, the guide portion 127 can be guided until the connection portion 111a of the terminal 111 of the connector 11 comes into contact with the connection portion 121a. The shape of the guide portion 127 is tapered outward toward the front in the longitudinal direction to approach the connection portion 121a, but various shapes can be adopted for the guide portion 127 as long as the shape allows the connection portion 111a to approach the connection portion 121a. The other configurations are the same as those of the fourth and fifth embodiments, so their description is omitted.

[0066] (How to connect the connector) Next, a method for connecting the connectors 11 and 12 configured as described above will be explained. Figures 16 and 17 are diagrams illustrating the connector connection method according to the seventh embodiment.

[0067] As shown in Figure 16, first, connectors 11 and 12 are brought relatively close to each other, and the tip of the housing 110 of connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the tip of the housing 120 of connector 12. Then, connectors 11 and 12 are brought closer together while mating them, and with connector 11 inserted into connector 12, optical connectors 101 and 102 are brought into contact with each other and connected. In this case, the force used to mate connectors 11 and 12 together is the mating force that allows optical connectors 101 and 102 to connect to each other. When optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected, terminals 111 and 121 are in a non-contact state where they are not in contact with each other. That is, when optical connectors 101 and 102 are connected as part of the connection, the other connection parts 111a and 121a are not in contact with each other. In this case, no force is acting on terminals 111 and 112 or connection parts 111a and 121a. Furthermore, even if terminals 111 and 112 are in contact with each other, there may be no force acting between them, and the situation is not necessarily limited to a non-contact state.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 17, after the connection of the optical connectors 101 and 102 is completed, the guide portion 127 is moved along the guide movement portion 123 to approach the connection portion 111a. When the outer wall surface of the guide portion 127 comes into contact with the connection portion 111a, as the guide portion 127 moves, the connection portion 111a is guided along the outer wall surface of the guide portion 127 and approaches the connection portion 121a to connect. In other words, the movement of the guide portion 127 causes each of the pair of connection portions 111a to bend toward the pair of connection portions 121a and come into contact with them. In other words, a resistive force is applied to each connection portion 111a outward along the width direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of the connectors 11 and 12. As a result, the terminal 111 bends away from the connection portion with the power line 31, and the tip side of the connection portion 111a is bent toward the connection portion 121a along the width direction. Subsequently, the connection portion 111a and the connection portion 121a come into contact, and the terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected to each other. Also, the housing 110 is fitted into the housing 120 and locked by a conventionally known predetermined locking mechanism. With these steps, the connectors 11 and 12 are mated.

[0069] According to the seventh embodiment described above, when mating the optical connectors 101 and 102, the guide portion 127 is moved in the longitudinal direction, and the connecting portion 111a is pressed and bent by the guide portion 125 in a direction toward the connecting portion 121a, so that the connecting portions 111a and 121a come into contact with each other and the terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected, so that the same effects as in the fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments can be obtained.

[0070] (Eighth embodiment) Next, a connector 10G according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the connector 10G according to the eighth embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, in the eighth embodiment, the terminal 111 of the connector 11 is configured to be movable along, for example, a predetermined rail-shaped guide movement part 124. Alternatively, the terminal 111 may be fixed to a separate sliding part (not shown) and configured to be movable along the guide movement part 124. If a sliding part is provided, a locking mechanism consisting of a projection and a locking hole may be provided on the side of the terminal 111. The locking mechanism, when the projection is fitted into the locking hole, is configured to be released by applying a force greater than a predetermined force to the terminal 111. When a force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the terminal 111, the terminal 111 moves along the direction (length direction) of the guide movement part 124.

[0071] In connector 12, a guide portion 125 is provided that is configured to guide the connecting portion 111a until it contacts the connecting portion 121a when connectors 11 and 12 are mated. The guide portion 125 is tapered inward toward the connecting portion 121a when facing forward in the longitudinal direction, but various shapes can be adopted for the guide portion 125 as long as the shape allows the connecting portion 111a to approach the connecting portion 121a. The other configurations are the same as in the first to third embodiments, so their description is omitted.

[0072] (How to connect the connector) Next, a method for connecting the connectors 11 and 12 configured as described above will be explained. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the method for connecting the connectors according to the eighth embodiment.

[0073] As shown in Figure 19, first, connectors 11 and 12 are brought relatively close to each other, and the tip of the housing 110 of connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the housing 120 of connector 12. Then, connectors 11 and 12 are brought closer together while mating them with each other, and with connector 11 inserted into connector 12, optical connectors 101 and 102 are brought into contact with each other and connected. In this case, the force required to mate connectors 11 and 12 with each other is the mating force required to connect optical connectors 101 and 102 to each other.

[0074] After the connection of optical connectors 101 and 102 is completed, terminal 111 is moved forward in the longitudinal direction along the guide movement section 124. This guides the connection portions 111a of the pair of terminals 111 along the inner wall surface of the guide section 125. That is, when terminal 111 is moved along the guide movement section 124, a resistive force is applied inward along the width direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of connectors 11 and 12. In other words, a force is applied to the pair of connection portions 111a in a direction that bends them toward connection portion 121a and brings them into contact. As a result, terminal 111 bends away from the connection portion with the power line 31, and the tip side of connection portion 111a is bent toward the connection portion 121a along the width direction. When connection portions 111a and 121a come into contact, terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected to each other. Also, housing 110 is fitted into housing 120 and locked by a conventionally known predetermined locking mechanism. As a result, the connectors 11 and 12 are mated.

[0075] According to the eighth embodiment described above, after mating the optical connectors 101 and 102, when the pair of terminals 111 are moved forward along the guide movement portion 124, the guide portion 125 guides the connecting portion 111a toward the connecting portion 121a and bends it, causing the connecting portions 111a and 121a to come into contact and the terminals 111 and 121 to be electrically connected, thereby obtaining the same effects as in the first to third embodiments.

[0076] (Ninth embodiment) Next, a connector 10H according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 20 is a diagram showing the connector 10H according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in Figure 20, in the connector 12 according to the ninth embodiment, similar to the seventh embodiment, the connecting portion 121a of the pair of terminals 121 are arranged such that the distance between them is greater along the width direction of the housing 120 than the distance between the connecting portion 111a of the connector 11 in the housing 11. In other words, when the connectors 11 and 12 are arranged to be mated, the connecting portion 121a of the terminals 121 in the housing 120 is arranged along the width direction of the connector 10H so as to be outside the connecting portion 111a of the terminals 111 in the housing 110. That is, when the connectors 11 and 12 are arranged to be mated, the connecting portion 111a of the terminals 111 in the housing 110 is arranged along the width direction of the connector 10H so as to be inside the connecting portion 121a of the terminals 121 in the housing 120.

[0077] Furthermore, the terminal 111 in the connector 11 is configured to move along, for example, a predetermined rail-shaped guide movement section 124. Alternatively, the terminal 111 may be fixed to a separate sliding section (not shown) and configured to move along the guide movement section 124. If a sliding section is provided, a locking mechanism consisting of a projection and a locking hole may be provided on the side of the terminal 111. The locking mechanism, when the projection is fitted into the locking hole, is configured to be released by applying a force greater than a predetermined force to the terminal 111. When a force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the terminal 111, the terminal 111 moves along the direction (length direction) of the guide movement section 124.

[0078] In connector 12, a guide portion 127 is provided that, when connectors 11 and 12 are mated, is configured to guide the connecting portion 111a until it contacts the connecting portion 121a. The guide portion 127 is configured in a tapered shape that widens in the width direction toward the front in the longitudinal direction from the mating side of housing 120. In other words, the guide portion 127 is configured in a tapered shape that approaches outward toward the connecting portion 121a. Note that the guide portion 127 can be configured in various shapes as long as it is a shape that allows the connecting portion 111a to approach the connecting portion 121a. The other configurations are the same as in the fourth, fifth, and seventh embodiments, so their description is omitted.

[0079] (How to connect the connector) Next, a method for connecting the connectors 11 and 12 configured as described above will be explained. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the connector connection method according to the ninth embodiment.

[0080] As shown in Figure 21, first, connectors 11 and 12 are brought relatively close to each other, and the tip of the housing 110 of connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the tip of the housing 120 of connector 12. Then, connectors 11 and 12 are brought closer together while mating them with each other, and with connector 11 inserted into connector 12, optical connectors 101 and 102 are brought into contact with each other and connected. In this case, the force required to mate connectors 11 and 12 with each other is the mating force required to connect optical connectors 101 and 102 to each other.

[0081] After the connection of optical connectors 101 and 102 is completed, terminal 111 is moved forward in the longitudinal direction along the guide movement section 124. This guides the connection portions 111a of the pair of terminals 111 along the outer wall surface of the guide section 127. That is, when terminal 111 is moved along the guide movement section 124, a resistive force is applied outward along the width direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of connectors 11 and 12. In other words, a force is applied to the pair of connection portions 111a in a direction that bends them toward connection portion 121a and brings them into contact. As a result, terminal 111 bends away from the connection portion with the power line 31, and the tip side of connection portion 111a is bent toward the connection portion 121a along the width direction. When connection portions 111a and 121a come into contact, terminals 111 and 121 are electrically connected to each other. Also, housing 110 is fitted into housing 120 and locked by a conventionally known predetermined locking mechanism. As a result, the connectors 11 and 12 are mated.

[0082] According to the ninth embodiment described above, after the optical connectors 101 and 102 are mated, the connecting portion 111a is expanded by the guide portion 127, guided and bent toward the connecting portion 121a provided on the outside, and the connecting portions 111a and 121a come into contact with each other, thereby electrically connecting the terminals 111 and 121, and thus the same effects as in the fourth and fifth embodiments can be obtained.

[0083] (Tenth embodiment) Next, a connector 10I according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 22 and 23 are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the connector 10I according to the tenth embodiment.

[0084] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the connector 10I according to the tenth embodiment consists of a first connector, for example, a male plug-shaped connector 11A, and a second connector, for example, a female outlet-shaped connector 12A.

[0085] Connector 11A is provided with an optical connector 101, which serves as a partial connection part, fitted inside a housing 110A, which is roughly circular in front view, with the optical connection part 101a side exposed. The housing 110A and the optical connector 101 are configured such that, when rotating in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connector 11A, that is, at least when rotating for fixing after connection, the housing 110A rotates while the optical connector 101 does not, but this is not necessarily limited. Connector 11A includes a conductive, protruding convex terminal 111A connected to a power line 31 (not shown).

[0086] Connector 12A is provided with a second housing, a housing 120A which is roughly circular in front view, and an optical connector 102 which serves as a pair of connection parts, fitted inside with the optical connection part 102a side exposed. The housing 120A and the optical connector 102 are configured such that the housing 120A rotates while the optical connector 102 does not rotate when rotating in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connector 12A, that is, at least when rotating for fixing after connection, but this is not necessarily limited. Connector 12A is connected to a power line 31 (not shown) and has a female terminal 112A into which terminal 111A can be inserted.

[0087] (How to connect the connector) Connector 10I is configured such that, after inserting terminal 111A into terminal 112A in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of connectors 11A and 12A, the housings 110A and 120A can be rotated relative to each other to lock into place. In this case, it is preferable that the optical connectors 101 and 102 remain connected without rotating, but they may also be configured to rotate together. Due to the relative rotation of housings 110A and 120A, a connection force is applied to terminal 111A of connector 11A and terminal 112A of connector 12A in a direction different from the connection direction of optical connectors 101 and 102, in this case, in the rotational direction. As a result, terminals 111A and 112A are electrically connected. The other configurations are the same as in the first to third embodiments and will not be described.

[0088] In the tenth embodiment, the device consists of a male plug-shaped connector 11A and a female outlet-shaped connector 12A. The relative rotation of the housings 110A and 120A causes a connection force to be applied to the terminals 111A and 112A in a rotational direction different from the connection direction of the optical connectors 101 and 102, thereby electrically connecting them and achieving the same effects as in the first to third embodiments.

[0089] (11th embodiment) Next, a connector 10J according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 24 and 25 are a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of the connector 10J according to the 11th embodiment.

[0090] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the connector 10J according to the 11th embodiment consists of a first connector, for example, a male plug-shaped connector 11B, and a second connector, for example, a female outlet-shaped connector 12B.

[0091] Connector 11B is provided with an optical connector 101 as a partial connection part, fitted inside a housing 110B which is a roughly rectangular shape in front view, with the optical connection part 101a side exposed. The housing 110B and the optical connector 101 are configured such that the housing 110B rotates while the optical connector 101 does not rotate, at least when rotating in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connector 11B, i.e., when rotating to fix it after connection, but this is not necessarily limited. Connector 11B is provided with a conductive, protruding convex terminal 111B connected to a power line 31 (not shown). Connector 12B is provided with an optical connector 102 as a partial pair of connection parts, fitted inside a housing 120B which is a roughly rectangular shape in front view, with the optical connection part 102a side exposed. The housing 120B and the optical connector 102 are configured such that, when rotating in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connector 12B, i.e., at least when rotating for fixing after connection, the housing 120B rotates while the optical connector 102 does not, but this is not necessarily limited. The connector 12B is connected to a power line 31 (not shown) and has a female terminal 112B into which terminal 111B can be inserted. The other configurations are the same as in the tenth embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0092] According to the 11th embodiment, the same effects as those of the 10th embodiment can be obtained.

[0093] Although embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible based on the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Combinations of the above-described components and their respective embodiments are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, the numerical values ​​and materials listed in the embodiments described above are merely examples, and different numerical values ​​and materials may be used as needed, and the present invention is not limited by the description and drawings that constitute part of the disclosure of the present invention in these embodiments.

[0094] For example, if optical connectors 101 and 102 are a partial connection part and a partial pair of connection parts, respectively, then the connection parts 111a and 121a of terminals 111 and 121 become a connection part and a pair of connection parts, respectively. If connection parts 111a and 121a are a partial connection part and a partial pair of connection parts, then optical connectors 101 and 102 become a pair of connection parts. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, optical connectors 101 and 102 were given as an example of signal line connection parts, but other connectors may be used. For example, if the signal line is an electrical cable, a telecommunications connector can be used.

[0095] Furthermore, if connector 11 is the first connector, then connector 12 becomes the second connector, and if connector 12 is the first connector, then connector 11 becomes the second connector. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 11, 11A, 11B, 12, 12A, 12B connectors 31 Power lines 32 signal lines 101,102 Optical connectors 101a, 102a Optical connection section 110,120 Housing Terminals 111,121 111a, 121a Connection part 111b, 121b Crimping section 122, 123, 124 Guide movement section 125,127 Information Department

Claims

1. A connector comprising a first connector having multiple connection parts, and a second connector configured to be matable with the first connector and paired with the first connector, The second connector is paired with each of the multiple connection parts of the first connector, and comprises multiple pairs of connection parts with at least two different connection forces for connecting to the multiple connection parts. After the connection between some of the multiple connection parts of the first connector and some of the pairs of connection parts of the second connector that are paired with the aforementioned some connection parts is completed, the following connection is made between the other connection parts of the first connector, which are subjected to a connection force in a direction different from the connection direction at the aforementioned some connection parts, and the other pair of connection parts of the second connector that are paired with the aforementioned other connection parts. connector.

2. An external force is applied as the connecting force to a portion of the connection portion of the first connector, thereby enabling connection to a portion of the pair of connection portions of the second connector. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The external force is applied by the connecting member that locks the first connector and the second connector together. The connector according to claim 2.

4. The first housing of the first connector and the second housing of the second connector are configured to be able to rotate relative to each other and lock in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second connectors, The rotation causes a connecting force to be applied in a direction different from the connecting direction at some of the multiple connecting parts of the first connector, thereby connecting the other connecting parts with the pair of other connecting parts of the second connector that are paired with the other connecting parts. The connector according to claim 2.

5. The connection direction of one of the connection parts and the connection direction of the other connection parts are substantially perpendicular. The connector according to claim 1.

6. At the point in time when the connection at one of the aforementioned connection points begins and ends, no force is acting on the connection points at the other parts. The connector according to claim 1.

7. From the time the connection at one of the aforementioned connection points begins until the time it ends, the connection portion at the other connection point is in a non-contact state. The connector according to claim 1.

8. The connection between a portion of the connection portion of the first connector and a pair of connection portions of the second connector that are paired with the portion of the connection portion, and the connection between the other portion of the first connector and a pair of connection portions of the other portion of the second connector that are paired with the portion of the connection portion, are configured to be performed independently of each other. The connector according to claim 1.

9. The pair of connection parts of the other part in the second connector are provided in the housing. The housing is provided with a guide portion configured to guide the other connection portion of the first connector toward the pair of other connection portions of the second connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction relative to the housing. The connector according to claim 1.

10. The pair of connection parts of the other part in the second connector are provided in the housing. A guide portion is provided in the housing and is configured to guide the connection portion of the other part of the first connector toward the pair of connection portions of the other part of the second connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction relative to the housing, and a guide movement portion is provided that is configured to move parallel to the connection direction. The connector according to claim 1.

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