Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

This connector (10) is electrically connected to a mating connector (200) having a mating terminal (201). The connector (10) is provided with an electrical contact member (50) to which the mating terminal (201) is connected along a first direction (X1), and a resin housing (100) which holds the electrical contact member (50) therein. The electrical contact member (50) can be moved to a first position and a second position within the housing (100). The second position is offset from the first position in the first direction (X1) and in a second direction (Y1) that intersects with the first direction (X1). The housing (100) has a hood part (130) for preventing finger contact, which is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction (X1). The hood part (130) exposes a mating terminal (201)–contacting contact surface (51A) of the electrical contact member (50).

Description

Connectors and Connector Assemblies

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors and connector assemblies.

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles are equipped with connectors that include terminal modules. In the terminal module, terminals are electrically connected to mating terminals by butting them against the mating terminals. In the connector, when contacts of the terminals in the terminal module are butted against contacts of the mating terminals, the contacts slide relative to each other to remove foreign matter between the contacts (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-198323

[0004] However, improved safety is desired for the above connectors. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector and a connector assembly that can improve safety.

[0005] The connector of the present disclosure is a connector that is electrically connected to a mating connector having a mating terminal, and comprises an electrical contact member to which the mating terminal is connected along a first direction, and a resin housing that holds the electrical contact member inside, wherein the electrical contact member is movable between a first position and a second position inside the housing, the second position being a position different from the first position in the first direction and a position different from the first position in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the housing has a tubular hood portion that extends along the first direction to prevent contact with fingers, and the hood portion exposes the contact surface of the electrical contact member that comes into contact with the mating terminal.

[0006] The connector and connector assembly of the present disclosure have the advantage of improving safety.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a terminal module according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a terminal module according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a terminal module according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7) showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to one embodiment.

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. [1] A connector of the present disclosure is a connector electrically connected to a mating connector having mating terminals, the connector comprising: electrical contact members to which the mating terminals are connected along a first direction; and a resin housing that holds the electrical contact members therein, the electrical contact members being movable between a first position and a second position within the housing, the second position being a position different from the first position in the first direction and a position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the housing having a cylindrical hood portion extending along the first direction for preventing contact with fingers, the hood portion exposing a contact surface of the electrical contact member that comes into contact with the mating terminal.

[0009] According to this configuration, the hood portion exposing the contact surface of the electrical contact member is formed into a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction. By providing this hood portion, the distance from the open end of the hood portion in the first opposite direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, to the contact surface can be increased. This effectively prevents the worker's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface through the hood portion. This effectively prevents the worker's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface and receiving an electric shock. As a result, the safety of the connector can be improved.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the housing has an opening that opens in a first opposite direction that is the opposite direction of the first direction and through which the mating terminal enters along the first direction, the opening is connected to the internal space of the hood portion and is formed to expose the contact surface, the hood portion is formed to cover a portion of the contact surface, and the internal space of the hood portion may have an opening area smaller than the opening.

[0011] According to this configuration, the contact surface of the electrical contact member is exposed to the outside of the housing by the opening and the internal space of the hood portion that communicates with the opening. The internal space of the hood portion is formed with a smaller opening area than the opening. Therefore, the area of ​​the contact surface exposed by the internal space of the hood portion can be made smaller than when the contact surface is exposed only by the opening. This effectively prevents the operator's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface through the hood portion.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the peripheral wall constituting the hood portion may be arranged so as to overlap the periphery of the opening when viewed in a plan view from the first direction, and the peripheral wall may protrude from the opening toward the first opposite direction.

[0013] According to this configuration, the peripheral wall of the hood portion is formed to overlap the periphery of the opening. Therefore, the internal space of the hood portion, which is surrounded by the peripheral wall, has an opening area smaller than the opening. Therefore, the area of ​​the contact surface exposed by the internal space of the hood portion can be reduced, and it is possible to effectively prevent the operator's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface through the hood portion.

[0014] [4] In the above [3], the size of the internal space of the hood portion may be set to a size such that a model finger inserted into the internal space of the hood portion from the opening end of the hood portion in the first opposite direction does not reach the contact surface.

[0015] With this configuration, even if a model finger is inserted into the internal space of the hood, the tip of the model finger does not come into contact with the contact surface of the electrical contact member. Therefore, even if an operator's finger or the like is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of the hood, the operator's fingertip or the like can be suitably prevented from coming into contact with the contact surface.

[0016] [5] In the above [4], the size of the internal space of the hood portion may be set to a size that provides a gap between the tip of the model finger inserted into the internal space of the hood portion up to the insertion limit position and the contact surface.

[0017] According to this configuration, even when the model finger is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion up to the insertion limit position, a gap is provided between the tip of the model finger and the contact surface of the electrical contact member, so that the tip of the model finger does not come into contact with the contact surface. Therefore, even when an operator's finger or the like is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of the hood portion, the operator's fingertip or the like can be effectively prevented from coming into contact with the contact surface.

[0018] [6] In the above [4] or [5], the model finger may be an inspection probe B specified in JIS-C0922:2002. According to this configuration, even if an inspection probe B specified in JIS-C0922:2002 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion, the tip of the inspection probe B does not come into contact with the contact surface of the electrical contact member. Therefore, even if an operator's finger or the like is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of the hood portion, the operator's fingertip or the like can be suitably prevented from coming into contact with the contact surface.

[0019] [7] In any of [4] to [6] above, the tip region of the model finger may be formed in a tapered shape that becomes narrower toward the tip of the model finger, the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion may be formed constant over the entire length in the first direction, the shortest distance along the first direction from the end face of the hood portion in the first opposite direction to the contact surface at the first position may be a first distance, and the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion may be formed larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip of the model finger and smaller than the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger at an intermediate position that is a second distance away from the tip of the model finger that is shorter than the first distance.

[0020] According to this configuration, the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion is formed larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip of the model finger, thereby allowing insertion of the tip of the model finger into the internal space of the hood portion. Meanwhile, the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion is formed smaller than the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger at an intermediate position that is a second distance away from the tip of the model finger, thereby preventing insertion of the model finger at the intermediate position into the internal space of the hood portion. Therefore, even when the model finger is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion, insertion of the model finger into the hood portion is restricted at the intermediate position of the model finger. In this case, the second distance, which is the distance between the tip of the model finger and the intermediate position, is shorter than the first distance, which is the shortest distance along the first direction from the end face of the hood portion in the first opposite direction to the contact surface. Therefore, even when the model finger is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion, contact of the tip of the model finger with the contact surface can be effectively prevented.

[0021] [8] In any of the above [1] to [7], the electrical contact member may be a terminal for a power line. This configuration can suitably prevent a worker's fingers or the like from touching the electrical contact member, which is a terminal for a power line to which a high voltage may be applied. Therefore, it is possible to suitably prevent a worker's fingers or the like from touching the electrical contact member and receiving an electric shock.

[0022] [9] In any of the above [1] to [8], the connector may be mounted on a battery pack. With this configuration, there is a possibility that a high voltage may be applied from the battery pack to the electrical contact member. This can effectively prevent an operator's fingers or the like from touching such an electrical contact member and getting an electric shock.

[0023]

[10] In any of [1] to [9] above, the electrical contact member may further include a case that holds the electrical contact member so that the electrical contact member can be moved between the first position and the second position, the case being held inside the housing, the case having a first inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction and also inclined with respect to the second direction, the electrical contact member having a second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, and the electrical contact member may be movable from the first position to the second position while sliding on the first inclined surface with the second inclined surface in contact with the first inclined surface when the mating terminal is connected along the first direction.

[0024] According to this configuration, when a mating terminal is connected to the electrical contact member, the second inclined surface slides on the first inclined surface while contacting the first inclined surface of the case, thereby guiding the electrical contact member from the first position to the second position along the direction of the first inclined surface. When the electrical contact member is guided from the first position to the second position, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface come into contact with each other. This increases the contact area of ​​the guide portion during movement of the electrical contact member, i.e., the contact area between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, compared to when an inclined surface contacts a vertical surface. This reduces the surface pressure applied by the second inclined surface to the first inclined surface. This reduces the amount of wear during sliding on the first and second inclined surfaces. As a result, the durability of the electrical contact member and the case is improved.

[0025]

[11] In the above

[10] , the case has a third inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, the electrical contact member has a fourth inclined surface extending parallel to the third inclined surface, the third inclined surface is spaced apart from the first inclined surface in the second direction, the fourth inclined surface is spaced apart from the second inclined surface in the second direction and faces the third inclined surface in the second direction, and the electrical contact member may be movable from the second position to the first position while sliding on the third inclined surface with the fourth inclined surface in contact with the third inclined surface when the connection with the mating terminal is released.

[0026] According to this configuration, when the electrical contact member is disconnected from the mating terminal, the fourth inclined surface slides on the third inclined surface while contacting the third inclined surface of the case, thereby guiding the electrical contact member from the second position to the first position along the direction of the third inclined surface. When the electrical contact member is guided from the second position to the first position, the third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface extending parallel to the third inclined surface come into contact with each other. This increases the contact area of ​​the guide portion during movement of the electrical contact member, i.e., the contact area between the third inclined surface and the fourth inclined surface, compared to when an inclined surface contacts a vertical surface. This reduces the surface pressure applied by the fourth inclined surface to the third inclined surface. This reduces the amount of wear on the third and fourth inclined surfaces during sliding.

[0027]

[12] The connector assembly of the present disclosure is a connector assembly comprising the connector described in [7] above and a mating connector having the mating terminal, wherein the mating connector has a mating portion that is fitted into the internal space of the hood portion along the first direction, the mating portion being formed in a columnar shape extending along the first direction, and the outer peripheral dimension of the mating portion being smaller than the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion and larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip of the model finger.

[0028] According to this configuration, the outer periphery of the mating portion of the mating connector is set to a size that allows insertion into the internal space of the hood portion, but is formed larger than the outer periphery of the tip of the model finger. This allows the mating portion to contact the contact surface of the electrical contact member through the internal space of the hood portion, and the mating terminal constituting the mating portion and the contact surface to contact each other over a relatively large contact area. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the reliability of the electrical connection between the mating terminal and the contact surface while preventing the worker's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface.

[0029] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of connectors and connector assemblies of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. For ease of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified in the drawings. The dimensional ratios of the various components may differ from one drawing to another. In this specification, the terms "parallel," "orthogonal," "horizontal," and "right angle" do not necessarily refer to strictly parallel, orthogonal, horizontal, or right angles, but also include approximately parallel, orthogonal, horizontal, or right angles within the scope of the present embodiment's operational effects. In this specification, "same" refers not only to exact identicalness, but also to slight differences between comparable objects due to dimensional tolerances, etc. The term "cylindrical" as used in this specification does not only refer to a cylindrical object formed by combining multiple components, but also to a cylindrical object with a circumferentially continuous wall, such as a C-shape or U-shape, that has a notch in a circumferential direction. The term "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners. In this specification, the "outer peripheral dimension of member A" refers to the length of a circle around the outer peripheral surface of member A in the circumferential direction of member A. Furthermore, in this specification, the "inner peripheral dimension of member A" refers to the length of a circle around the inner peripheral surface of member A in the circumferential direction of member A. In this specification, "facing" refers to surfaces or members facing each other, including not only cases where they are completely facing each other, but also cases where they are partially facing each other. Furthermore, in this specification, "facing" refers to both cases where there is a separate member between the two parts, and cases where there is nothing between the two parts. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this specification are used simply to distinguish between objects, and do not rank the objects. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0030] (Overall Configuration of Connector Assembly 1) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector assembly 1 includes a connector 10 and a mating connector 200 that is electrically connected to the connector 10. The connector assembly 1 electrically connects, for example, electrical devices for a vehicle. Examples of electrical devices for a vehicle include a battery pack, an inverter, and a motor. The connector 10 is mounted on, for example, a battery pack.

[0031] 2, the connector 10 includes one or more terminal modules 11 and a housing 100 that accommodates the terminal modules 11. The terminal modules 11 each include an electrical contact member 50.

[0032] Each drawing illustrates mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Each drawing illustrates a first direction X1, which is one direction in the X-axis direction along the X-axis, and a first opposite direction X2, which is the opposite direction of the first direction X1. Each drawing illustrates a second direction Y1, which is one direction in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis, and a second opposite direction Y2, which is the opposite direction of the second direction Y1. Each drawing illustrates a third direction Z1, which is one direction in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis, and a third opposite direction Z2, which is the opposite direction of the third direction Z1. The directions in each drawing do not necessarily represent the posture of the connector assembly 1 and the connector 10 during use. Note that FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating only the housing 100 of the connector 10 in cross section.

[0033] The connector 10 is electrically connected to a mating connector 200. The mating connector 200 is connected to the connector 10, for example, along a first direction X1. The housing 100 has an opening 100X that opens in the first opposite direction X2 and into which a mating terminal 201, which is a terminal of the mating connector 200, enters along the first direction X1. The opening 100X is formed to expose a contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 to the outside. The mating terminal 201 is inserted into the housing 100 through the opening 100X along the first direction X1. Then, inside the housing 100, the mating terminal 201 abuts against the electrical contact member 50 along the first direction X1, thereby electrically connecting the mating terminal 201 and the electrical contact member 50 to each other.

[0034] (Configuration of Mating Connector 200) The mating connector 200 includes, for example, one or more mating terminals 201 and a mating housing 202 that holds the mating terminals 201. The mating terminals 201 are made of metal. The mating housing 202 is made of synthetic resin.

[0035] The mating terminal 201 is formed, for example, in an L-shape by bending a metal plate extending in the Y-axis direction at a right angle in the first opposite direction X2. One or more (two in this embodiment) mating contacts 203 are provided on the end face of the mating terminal 201 in the first direction X1 that faces the electrical contact member 50. Each mating contact 203 is formed, for example, so as to protrude in the first direction X1 from the end face of the mating terminal 201 in the first direction X1. Each mating contact 203 extends, for example, in the Z-axis direction. Two mating contacts 203 are provided side by side along the Y-axis direction.

[0036] Each mating terminal 201 is integrally formed with a mating housing 202 by, for example, insert molding. The mating housing 202 has a protrusion 204 that fits into the connector 10 and a flange 205 provided at an end of the protrusion 204 in the first opposite direction X2. In the mating connector 200, a mating portion 210 that fits into the interior of the connector 10 is formed by a portion provided in the first direction X1 from the flange 205, i.e., the protrusion 204 and the mating terminal 201 held by the protrusion 204. The flange 205 is formed to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 204. In the mating connector 200, the flange 205 comes into contact with the end surface of the housing 100 in the first opposite direction X2, thereby preventing the mating portion 210 from entering the interior of the connector 10 beyond a specified position.

[0037] 3 and 4 , the terminal module 11 includes a case 20, a coil spring 40, and an electrical contact member 50. The terminal module 11 includes a flexible conductor 80 electrically connected to the electrical contact member 50, and an external connection member 90 electrically connected to the flexible conductor 80.

[0038] (Configuration of Case 20) As shown in Fig. 4, the case 20 holds the electrical contact member 50. The case 20 is formed in a box shape capable of accommodating the coil spring 40 and the electrical contact member 50 therein. The case 20 of this embodiment is formed by bending a single metal plate. The case 20 is made of, for example, metal. Examples of materials that can be used for the case 20 include copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel (SUS).

[0039] 5 and 6 , the case 20 has a ceiling wall 21, a pair of side walls 22, one or more (two in this embodiment) guide portions 30, and one or more (two in this embodiment) guide portions 35. The case 20 has an opening 20X that opens in the first opposite direction X2 and through which the mating terminal 201 (see FIG. 2 ) can enter.

[0040] The ceiling wall 21 is formed in a flat plate shape. The inner surface of the ceiling wall 21, i.e., the end face of the ceiling wall 21 in the first opposite direction X2, faces the coil spring 40. The pair of side walls 22 protrude from both side edges of the ceiling wall 21. Each of the pair of side walls 22 protrudes from a respective end of the ceiling wall 21 in the width direction (here, the Z-axis direction) in the first opposite direction X2. The pair of side walls 22 face each other in the width direction of the ceiling wall 21. Each side wall 22 is formed in a flat plate shape.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 7 , each side wall 22 has, for example, an extension 23 that extends in the second opposite direction Y2 beyond the end of the ceiling wall 21 in the second opposite direction Y2. Each extension 23 is formed to protrude in the second opposite direction Y2 beyond the end of the ceiling wall 21 in the second opposite direction Y2. Note that Fig. 7 depicts the first divided body 110 of the housing 100 in a perspective view, and the outline of the first divided body 110 is depicted by a two-dot chain line.

[0042] 5 and 6 , the box portion of the case 20, which is formed by the ceiling wall 21 and the pair of side walls 22, is open in both the second direction Y1 and the second opposite direction Y2, and is also open in the first opposite direction X2. That is, the box portion of the case 20 has an opening 20X that is open in the first opposite direction X2.

[0043] The two guide portions 30 are provided between a pair of side walls 22. The two guide portions 30 are provided spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. Each guide portion 30 is formed, for example, by bending a portion of the end of the side wall 22 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the paired side wall 22, i.e., the other side wall 22. In this embodiment, each guide portion 30 is formed by bending a portion of the side wall 22 by 90 degrees or more.

[0044] 6, each guide portion 30 has an inclined surface 31. Each inclined surface 31 faces, for example, in the second opposite direction Y2. Each inclined surface 31 is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8 , each inclined surface 31 is inclined toward the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the guide portion 30 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the end of the guide portion 30 in the first direction X1. The end of the inclined surface 31 in the first direction X1 is located at a position offset in the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the inclined surface 31 in the first opposite direction X2, i.e., offset laterally relative to the insertion direction of the mating terminal 201 (here, the first direction X1). Each inclined surface 31 extends at a constant inclination angle, for example. That is, each inclined surface 31 extends along an oblique direction S1 that is inclined relative to both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. As shown in FIG. 6 , each inclined surface 31 is formed as a plane that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1.

[0046] The two guide portions 35 are provided between a pair of side walls 22. The two guide portions 35 are provided apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. The two guide portions 35 are provided so as to face the two guide portions 30 in the Y-axis direction. Each guide portion 35 is formed, for example, by bending a portion of the end of the side wall 22 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the paired side wall 22, i.e., the other side wall 22. Each guide portion 35 in this embodiment is formed by bending a portion of the side wall 22 by 90 degrees or more.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5 , each guide portion 35 has an inclined surface 36. Each inclined surface 36 faces, for example, the second direction Y1. Each inclined surface 36 is spaced apart from each inclined surface 31 in the Y-axis direction. Each inclined surface 36 faces each inclined surface 31 in the Y-axis direction. Each inclined surface 36 is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. Each inclined surface 36 extends, for example, parallel to each inclined surface 31. That is, each inclined surface 36 extends at the same inclination angle as each inclined surface 31. In other words, each inclined surface 36 extends along the oblique direction S1. Each inclined surface 36 is formed on a plane that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1.

[0048] (Configuration of Coil Spring 40) As shown in Fig. 8 , the coil spring 40 is an elastic member sandwiched between the top wall 21 of the case 20 and the electrical contact member 50. The coil spring 40 is formed by winding a metal wire into a coil shape. The coil spring 40 is housed inside the case 20 in a state compressed in the X-axis direction by the top wall 21 of the case 20 and the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50. The coil spring 40 biases the electrical contact member 50 toward the opening 20X of the case 20 and the opening 100X of the housing 100. In other words, the coil spring 40 biases the electrical contact member 50 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0049] (Configuration of Electrical Contact Member 50) As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the electrical contact member 50 is housed inside the box portion of the case 20. The electrical contact member 50 is held by the case 20 so as to be movable between a first position (see FIG. 8 ) and a second position (see FIG. 9 ). As shown in FIG. 8 , the first position is a position before the mating terminal 201 enters the housing 100, in which the electrical contact member 50 is biased toward the opening 20X by the biasing force of the coil spring 40. As shown in FIG. 9 , the second position is a position in which the electrical contact member 50 is pressed in the first direction X1 by the mating terminal 201. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X1 and a position different from the first position in the second direction Y1. In this embodiment, the second position is closer to the ceiling wall 21 than the first position in the first direction X1 and is shifted in the second opposite direction Y2 from the first position in the second direction Y1. When the electrical contact member 50 is pressed in the first direction X1 by the mating terminal 201, it moves from the first position to the second position while compressing the coil spring 40 in the X-axis direction against the spring force of the coil spring 40.

[0050] The electrical contact member 50 is formed, for example, by bending or combining metal plate material. The electrical contact member 50 of this embodiment is formed by bending a single metal plate material. The electrical contact member 50 is made of metal. Examples of materials that can be used for the electrical contact member 50 include copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel (SUS). The electrical contact member 50 is connected to a power supply line via, for example, a flexible conductor 80 and an external connection member 90. In other words, the electrical contact member 50 is a terminal for the power supply line.

[0051] 5 , the electrical contact member 50 has a bottom wall 51 facing the ceiling wall 21 of the case 20, a contact portion 60 protruding from a first edge of the bottom wall 51, and a contact portion 65 protruding from a second edge of the bottom wall 51. The electrical contact member 50 has an engaging portion 70 provided at an end of the contact portion 60 in the first direction X1, and a connecting piece portion 75 provided at an end of the contact portion 65 in the first direction X1. The electrical contact member 50 is a single component in which the bottom wall 51, the contact portions 60, 65, the engaging portion 70, and the connecting piece portion 75 are continuously and integrally formed.

[0052] The bottom wall 51 is formed in a flat plate shape. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, an end face of the bottom wall 51 in the first opposite direction X2 is a contact surface 51A that comes into contact with the mating contact 203 of the mating terminal 201. The contact surface 51A is exposed to the outside of the housing 100 through the opening 20X of the case 20 and the opening 100X of the housing 100. The end face of the bottom wall 51 in the first direction X1 faces the end face of the ceiling wall 21 in the first direction X2 in the first direction X1. The end face of the bottom wall 51 in the first direction X1 is a spring bearing surface that receives the end of the coil spring 40 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0053] The contact portion 60 protrudes in the diagonal direction S1 from a first edge, which is an end portion in the second direction Y1, of the bottom wall 51. The contact portion 60 is formed, for example, by being bent from the end portion in the second direction Y1 of the bottom wall 51 toward the ceiling wall 21.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5 , the contact portion 60 has an inclined surface 61 that faces the two inclined surfaces 31 in the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 61 faces the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 61 is formed integrally with, for example, the bottom wall 51. As shown in FIG. 8 , the inclined surface 61 extends parallel to the inclined surface 31. That is, the inclined surface 61 extends at the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 31. In other words, the inclined surface 61 extends along the oblique direction S1. As shown in FIG. 5 , the inclined surface 61 extends in the third direction Z1 and is formed as a flat surface that also extends in the oblique direction S1. The inclined surface 61 extends, for example, along the width direction of the bottom wall 51 (here, the Z-axis direction) over the entire width direction of the bottom wall 51. The inclined surface 61 can be in surface contact with, for example, the two inclined surfaces 31.

[0055] The contact portion 65 protrudes in the diagonal direction S1 from a second edge, which is the end of the bottom wall 51 in the second opposite direction Y2. The contact portion 65 extends, for example, parallel to the contact portion 60. The contact portion 65 is formed, for example, by being bent from the end of the bottom wall 51 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the ceiling wall 21.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6 , the contact portion 65 has an inclined surface 66 that faces the two inclined surfaces 36 in the Y-axis direction. The inclined surface 66 faces the second opposite direction Y2. The inclined surface 66 is formed integrally with, for example, the bottom wall 51. As shown in FIG. 8 , the inclined surface 66 extends, for example, parallel to the inclined surface 61. The inclined surface 66 extends parallel to the inclined surface 36. That is, the inclined surface 66 extends at the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 36. In other words, the inclined surface 66 extends along the oblique direction S1. As shown in FIG. 6 , the inclined surface 66 is formed as a flat surface that extends in the third direction Z1 and also in the oblique direction S1. The inclined surface 66 extends, for example, along the width direction of the bottom wall 51 (here, the Z-axis direction) over the entire width direction of the bottom wall 51. The inclined surface 66 can be in surface contact with, for example, the two inclined surfaces 36.

[0057] In the electrical contact member 50, a pair of contact portions 60, 65 provided on both end edges in the Y-axis direction of the bottom wall 51 are formed to extend parallel to each other. The bottom wall 51, the contact portions 60, and the contact portions 65 are formed into an overall U-shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0058] The engaging portion 70 extends from the end of the contact portion 60 in the first direction X1 toward the second direction Y1. For example, the engaging portion 70 extends horizontally along the second direction Y1. As shown in Fig. 8, the engaging portion 70 is formed to be able to engage with the end surface of the guide portion 30 in the first direction X1 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 5, the connection piece 75 extends from the end of the contact portion 65 in the first direction X1 toward the second opposite direction Y2. The connection piece 75 extends horizontally along the second opposite direction Y2, for example. As shown in Fig. 8, the connection piece 75 is formed to be able to engage with the end surface of the guide portion 35 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0060] (Configuration of the flexible conductor 80) The flexible conductor 80 electrically connects the electrical contact member 50 and the external connection member 90 to each other. The flexible conductor 80 is, for example, more flexible and pliable than the electrical contact member 50. The flexible conductor 80 is, for example, more flexible and pliable than the external connection member 90. The flexible conductor 80 may be, for example, a braided wire formed by weaving together a plurality of metal wires. The flexible conductor 80 is housed, for example, inside the housing 100. The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is joined to the end of the electrical contact member 50 in the second opposite direction Y2. That is, the end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is joined to the connection piece portion 75 of the electrical contact member 50. The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second opposite direction Y2 is joined to the end of the external connection member 90 in the second direction Y1. The flexible conductor 80 can be joined to the electrical contact member 50 and the flexible conductor 80 can be joined to the external connection member 90 by, for example, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, crimping, or soldering.

[0061] The intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction is formed in a straight line with a slight excess length. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction is capable of bending and deforming in response to movement of the electrical contact member 50. For example, when the electrical contact member 50 moves relative to the external connection member 90, the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction is bent and deformed.

[0062] (Configuration of External Connection Member 90) As shown in Fig. 5 , the external connection member 90 is formed in, for example, a flat plate shape. The end of the external connection member 90 in the second opposite direction Y2 has a bolt hole 91. The bolt hole 91 penetrates the external connection member 90 in the thickness direction (here, the X-axis direction). As shown in Fig. 8 , the end of the external connection member 90 in the second direction Y1, which is connected to the flexible conductor 80, is accommodated inside the housing 100. The end of the external connection member 90 in the second opposite direction Y2 is disposed outside the housing 100. The end of the external connection member 90 in the second opposite direction Y2 is pulled out along the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the housing 100 in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0063] (Configuration of the housing 100) The housing 100 holds the terminal module 11 therein. The housing 100 is configured, for example, with multiple divisions (two in this embodiment), namely, a first division 110 and a second division 120. The first division 110 and the second division 120 are formed so that they can be combined with each other. By combining the first division 110 and the second division 120, the housing 100 is formed into a cylindrical shape that accommodates the electrical contact member 50 and the case 20 therein. The housing 100 is made of, for example, resin. Each of the first division 110 and the second division 120 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8 , the housing 100 has a first accommodating portion 101 provided at an end in the second direction Y1, a second accommodating portion 102 provided at an end in the second opposite direction Y2, and a third accommodating portion 103 provided between the first accommodating portion 101 and the second accommodating portion 102. The internal spaces of the first accommodating portion 101, the second accommodating portion 102, and the third accommodating portion 103 are connected to one another. The first accommodating portion 101 accommodates the case 20, the coil spring 40, and the electrical contact member 50. The internal space of the first accommodating portion 101 accommodates a portion of the electrical contact member 50 other than the end in the second opposite direction Y2. The dimension of the first accommodating portion 101 along the X-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the third accommodating portion 103 along the X-axis direction. The dimension of the first accommodating portion 101 along the X-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the second accommodating portion 102 along the X-axis direction.

[0065] The second accommodating section 102 has an outlet for leading the external connection member 90 to the outside. The second accommodating section 102 accommodates, for example, the connection portion between the external connection member 90 and the flexible conductor 80. The second accommodating section 102 is formed, for example, so that the internal space is narrower than the other portions, i.e., the first accommodating section 101 and the third accommodating section 103. The dimension of the second accommodating section 102 along the X-axis direction is smaller than the dimension of the third accommodating section 103 along the X-axis direction.

[0066] The third accommodating section 103 accommodates, for example, a connection portion between the electrical contact member 50 and the flexible conductor 80. The third accommodating section 103 accommodates, for example, an intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80. The internal space of the third accommodating section 103 is formed to have a size that can allow, for example, flexural deformation of the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80.

[0067] (Configuration of First Divided Body 110) The first divided body 110 is disposed further in the first direction X1 than the second divided body 120. The first divided body 110 is formed, for example, in a box shape. The first divided body 110 is open, for example, in the first opposite direction X2 and the second opposite direction Y2. The first divided body 110 has, for example, a restricting portion 112 disposed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 of the first divided body 110 facing the first direction X1. The restricting portion 112 protrudes from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 toward the case 20. The restricting portion 112 is disposed, for example, in the first housing portion 101. The restricting portion 112 is disposed, for example, so as to be engageable with an end surface of the ceiling wall 21 of the case 20 facing the second opposite direction Y2. The restricting portion 112 restricts movement of the case 20 in the second opposite direction Y2.

[0068] The end of the first divided body 110 in the second opposite direction Y2 is recessed more in the first opposite direction X2 than the other portions. This makes the internal space of the second accommodating section 102 narrower than the other portions. The first divided body 110 has a pressing portion 113 provided on the inner surface of the portion of the peripheral wall 111 that constitutes the second accommodating section 102. The pressing portion 113 protrudes from the inner surface of the peripheral wall 111 toward the connection portion between the external connection member 90 and the flexible conductor 80. The pressing portion 113 is formed, for example, to press the connection portion between the external connection member 90 and the flexible conductor 80 from the first direction X1. The pressing portion 113 restricts movement of the external connection member 90 in the first direction X1.

[0069] 3, the first divided body 110 has an engaging portion 114. The engaging portion 114 is, for example, a protrusion that protrudes from the outer surface of the first divided body 110 in the second direction Y1 toward the radially outward direction of the housing 100 (here, in the second direction Y1).

[0070] (Configuration of second divided body 120) The second divided body 120 is provided, for example, to close the opening of the first divided body 110 in the first opposite direction X2. The second divided body 120 has an accommodating recess 121 that constitutes the first accommodating portion 101. The accommodating recess 121 is formed to protrude in the first opposite direction X2 more than other portions. The accommodating recess 121 has an opening 100X that opens in the first opposite direction X2. The opening 100X allows the mating terminal 201 (see FIG. 2 ) to enter the inside of the housing 100. The opening 100X is formed to communicate with the opening 20X of the case 20. The opening 100X is formed so that the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50 can be exposed to the outside of the housing 100.

[0071] The accommodating recess 121 has, for example, a peripheral wall 122 provided in the first opposite direction X2, a peripheral wall 123 protruding from an end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second direction Y1, and a peripheral wall 124 protruding from an end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second opposite direction Y2. The peripheral wall 122 is formed to connect the peripheral wall 123 and the peripheral wall 124.

[0072] The peripheral wall 122 is formed in a flat plate shape. An opening 100X is provided in the peripheral wall 122. The opening 100X penetrates the peripheral wall 122 in the thickness direction (here, the X-axis direction). The opening 100X is provided in, for example, the center of the peripheral wall 122 in the Y-axis direction. The planar shape of the opening 100X as viewed from the X-axis direction is, for example, rectangular.

[0073] The peripheral wall 123 protrudes in the first direction X1 from the end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second direction Y1. The peripheral wall 123 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 122. The peripheral wall 124 protrudes in the first direction X1 from the end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second opposite direction Y2. The peripheral wall 124 is formed integrally with the peripheral wall 122. The peripheral walls 123 and 124 face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0074] The second partition 120 has an engaging portion 125. The engaging portion 125 is provided at an end of the second partition 120 in the second direction Y1. The engaging portion 125 is, for example, an elastic piece that protrudes from the peripheral wall 123 toward the engaging portion 114 and is formed to be elastically deformable in the radial direction of the housing 100. The engaging portion 125 is, for example, formed on a rectangular frame body and has an engaging hole in the center of the frame body that can engage with the engaging portion 114. The engaging portion 125 and the engaging portion 114 are engaged with each other, for example, by a snap-fit ​​method that utilizes the elastic deformation of the engaging portion 125. The engagement between the engaging portion 125 and the engaging portion 114 maintains the first partition 110 and the second partition 120 in a combined state.

[0075] The second divided body 120 has a hood portion 130 for preventing contact with fingers. The hood portion 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction X1. The hood portion 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a peripheral wall 131 formed continuously around the entire circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 1 , the hood portion 130 of this embodiment is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral shape of the hood portion 130 is formed so that the planar shape when viewed from the first direction X1 is rectangular. The inner peripheral shape of the hood portion 130 is formed so that the planar shape when viewed from the first direction X1 is rectangular. The hood portion 130 is open in the first direction X1 and also in the first opposite direction X2.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8 , the hood portion 130 is provided around the opening 100X of the housing 100. The hood portion 130 is formed to overlap the opening 100X in a plan view from the X-axis direction. The internal space of the hood portion 130 is formed to communicate with the opening 100X. The internal space of the hood portion 130 has a smaller opening area than the opening 100X in a plan view from the X-axis direction. The internal space of the hood portion 130 is slightly smaller than the opening 100X in a plan view from the X-axis direction. A peripheral wall 131 constituting the hood portion 130 is formed to close a portion of the opening 100X. The peripheral wall 131 is formed to overlap the periphery of the opening 100X in a plan view from the X-axis direction. In other words, the end surface of the peripheral wall 131 in the first direction X1 is exposed to the opening 100X. In this embodiment, the end face of the hood portion 130 in the first direction X1 that is exposed from the opening 100X faces the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 in the first direction X1.

[0077] The peripheral wall 131 of the hood portion 130 protrudes in the first opposite direction X2 from the end face of the peripheral wall 122 in the first opposite direction X2. The hood portion 130 is formed, for example, in a straight pipe shape as a whole. The hood portion 130 extends straight along the first opposite direction X2. The inner surface of the hood portion 130 has a guide portion 132. The guide portion 132 is provided at the end of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2. That is, the guide portion 132 is provided at the opening end 130X of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2. The guide portion 132 is formed so that the opening area of ​​the hood portion 130 increases as the inner surface of the hood portion 130 approaches the opening end 130X of the hood portion 130. The guide portion 132 is formed, for example, by the inner surface of the hood portion 130 inclining radially outward of the hood portion 130 as the inner surface approaches the opening end 130X of the hood portion 130. The guide portion 132 is formed, for example, around the entire circumferential circumference of the inner surface of the hood portion 130. The guide portion 132 has the function of smoothly guiding the mating terminal 201 toward the opening 100X that communicates with the hood portion 130 when the mating terminal 201 is inserted into the hood portion 130.

[0078] The internal space of the hood portion 130 has a constant opening area along the entire length of the hood portion 130 in the X-axis direction, excluding the guide portion 132. That is, the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is constant along the entire length of the hood portion 130 in the X-axis direction, excluding the guide portion 132. The internal space of the hood portion 130 is sized to allow the fitting portion 210 of the mating connector 200 to be inserted therein. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is slightly larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the fitting portion 210, specifically, the combined outer peripheral dimension of the protrusion 204 and the mating terminal 201. Here, the shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2 to the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 is a first distance L1. The first distance L1 may be, for example, approximately 8 mm to 10 mm. Furthermore, the shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the flange portion 205 in the first direction X1 to the apex of the mating contact 203 is longer than the first distance L1. The shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the flange portion 205 in the first direction X1 to the apex of the mating contact 203 can be, for example, approximately 12 mm to 15 mm.

[0079] 10 and 11 , the size of the internal space of the hood portion 130 is set according to the model finger 300. As shown in Fig. 11 , the size of the internal space of the hood portion 130 is set so that the model finger 300 inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 from the opening end 130X does not reach the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50. Specifically, the opening area of ​​the internal space of the hood portion 130 and the length of the hood portion 130 along the X-axis direction are set so that even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the model finger 300 does not reach the electrical contact member 50. In other words, the size of the internal space of the hood portion 130 is set so that a gap is provided between the tip 301 of the model finger 300 inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 up to the insertion limit position and the contact surface 51A. Here, the "insertion limit position" refers to a position where, when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 along the first direction X1, the insertion of the model finger 300 is restricted by the inner surface of the hood portion 130, preventing further insertion in the first direction X1. The size of the hood portion 130 is set so that the model finger 300 does not reach the electrical contact member 50, thereby effectively preventing the operator's fingertip or the like from coming into contact with the electrical contact member 50. Here, the model finger 300 is an inspection probe B (articulated test finger) as defined in JIS-C0922:2002. Note that FIG. 11 illustrates only the connector 10 of the connector 10 and the model finger 300 as a cross section.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10 , the model finger 300 is formed in a shape that resembles a human finger. The model finger 300 is formed in an overall cylindrical shape. The tip 301 of the model finger 300 is formed in a spherical shape with a radius of 4±0.05 mm. The tip region 302 of the model finger 300 is formed in a tapered shape that becomes thinner toward the tip 301. The tip region 302 of the model finger 300 has two slopes 303 that further reduce the diameter of the tip region 302. The two slopes 303 are formed so that the outer circumferential dimensions of the model finger 300 become smaller toward the tip 301 of the model finger 300. Each slope 303 is formed, for example, by cutting the curved surface of the cylindrical portion of the model finger 300. The base 304 of the model finger 300, which is located in the first opposite direction X2 from the tip region 302, is formed in a cylindrical shape with a radius of 6 mm.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11 , the hood portion 130 is formed to allow insertion of the tip 301 of the model finger 300. The hood portion 130 is formed to prevent insertion of the model finger 300 at an intermediate position 305. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130, excluding the guide portion 132, is smaller than the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger 300 at an intermediate position 305 that is a second distance L2 away from the tip 301 of the model finger 300. In other words, the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305 that is the second distance L2 away from the tip 301 of the model finger 300 along the first opposite direction X2 is formed to be large enough to prevent insertion into the internal space of the hood portion 130 that is deeper than the guide portion 132. Here, the second distance L2 is shorter than the first distance L1. The second distance L2 can be, for example, approximately 6 mm to 7 mm. The intermediate position 305 is located in the tip region 302. The intermediate position 305 is, for example, a portion where the slope 303 is formed. The outer circumferential dimension of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305 is larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the fitting portion 210 of the mating connector 200 shown in Fig. 8. Here, the outer circumferential dimension of the fitting portion 210 shown in Fig. 8 is formed smaller than the inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion 130 and larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300 shown in Fig. 11.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11 , when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, it is inserted up to an intermediate position 305 of the model finger 300. However, because the outer circumferential dimensions of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305 are formed to a size that prevents it from being inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 deeper than the guide portion 132, the portion of the model finger 300 in the first opposite direction X2 beyond the intermediate position 305 is not inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130. At this time, because the second distance L2, which is the shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the tip 301 of the model finger 300 to the intermediate position 305, is set shorter than the first distance L1, a gap is provided between the tip 301 of the model finger 300 and the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50. In other words, even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the tip 301 of the model finger 300 does not come into contact with the contact surface 51A.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 8 , the mating terminal 201 is connected to the electrical contact member 50 along the first direction X1. Specifically, the mating portion 210 of the mating connector 200 is inserted into the housing 100 through the internal space of the hood portion 130 along the first direction X1. Then, the mating contact 203 of the mating terminal 201 abuts against the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50. As the mating connector 200 is further inserted into the case 20 along the first direction X1, the mating terminal 201 presses the electrical contact member 50 in the first direction X1. This causes the coil spring 40 to be further compressed in the X-axis direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 40, and the electrical contact member 50 moves in the first direction X1. At this time, the inclined surface 61 of the electrical contact member 50 slides on the inclined surface 31 of the case 20 while in contact with the inclined surface 31, and the electrical contact member 50 is guided in the oblique direction S1 (i.e., diagonally upward to the right in the figure) along which the inclined surface 31 extends. Therefore, as the electrical contact member 50 moves in the first direction X1 in response to pressure from the mating terminal 201, the electrical contact member 50 slides in the second opposite direction Y2. As a result, the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50 slides in the second opposite direction Y2 while contacting the mating contact 203, that is, the electrical contact member 50 is displaced laterally relative to the insertion direction of the mating terminal 201. This lateral displacement allows foreign matter between the bottom wall 51 and the mating contact 203 to be removed.

[0084] 9, when the mating connector 200 is mated with the connector 10, the electrical contact member 50 is clamped by the biasing force of the coil spring 40 and the pressing force of the mating contact 203. This electrically connects the electrical contact member 50 to the mating terminal 201, and the electrical contact member 50 is held in the second position. At this time, the middle portion of the flexible conductor 80 is flexibly deformed as the electrical contact member 50 moves.

[0085] Thereafter, when the mating connector 200 is removed from the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 and connector 10 are disengaged, the pressing force from the mating terminal 201 is eliminated, and the electrical contact members 50 are moved in the first opposite direction X2 by the biasing force of the coil spring 40. At this time, the inclined surfaces 66 of the case 20 slide along the inclined surfaces 36 while in contact with the inclined surfaces 36, and the electrical contact members 50 are guided in the opposite direction of the diagonal direction S1 (i.e., diagonally downward to the left in the figure). Therefore, as the electrical contact members 50 move in the first opposite direction X2, the electrical contact members 50 slide in the second direction Y1. As a result, the electrical contact members 50 are guided to a position shifted in the second direction Y1 compared to before the mating of the mating connector 200 was disengaged, and the electrical contact members 50 return to the first position shown in FIG. 8 .

[0086] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The connector 10 is electrically connected to a mating connector 200 having mating terminals 201. The connector 10 includes electrical contact members 50 to which the mating terminals 201 are connected along a first direction X1, and a resin housing 100 that holds the electrical contact members 50 therein. The electrical contact members 50 are movable between a first position and a second position within the housing 100. The second position is a position different from the first position in the first direction X1 and a position different from the first position in a second direction Y1 that intersects the first direction X1. The housing 100 includes a tubular hood portion 130 extending along the first direction X1 to prevent finger contact. The hood portion 130 exposes a contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 that comes into contact with the mating terminals 201.

[0087] According to this configuration, the hood portion 130, which exposes the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50, is formed into a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction X1. By providing this hood portion 130, the distance from the open end 130X of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2 to the contact surface 51A can be increased. This effectively prevents the worker's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface 51A through the hood portion 130. This effectively prevents the worker's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface 51A and getting an electric shock. As a result, the safety of the connector 10 can be improved.

[0088] (2) The contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 is exposed to the outside of the housing 100 by the opening 100X and the internal space of the hood portion 130 that communicates with the opening 100X. In this case, the internal space of the hood portion 130 is formed to have a smaller opening area than the opening 100X. Therefore, the area of ​​the contact surface 51A exposed by the internal space of the hood portion 130 can be made smaller than when the contact surface 51A is exposed only by the opening 100X. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the operator's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface 51A through the hood portion 130.

[0089] (3) The peripheral wall 131 constituting the hood portion 130 is formed to overlap the periphery of the opening 100X. Therefore, the internal space of the hood portion 130 defined by the peripheral wall 131 has an opening area smaller than that of the opening 100X. Therefore, the area of ​​the contact surface 51A exposed by the internal space of the hood portion 130 can be reduced, which effectively prevents the operator's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface 51A through the hood portion 130.

[0090] (4) The size of the internal space of the hood portion 130 is set to a size such that the model finger 300 inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 from the opening end 130X in the first opposite direction X2 of the hood portion 130 does not reach the contact surface 51A. With this configuration, even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the tip 301 of the model finger 300 does not come into contact with the contact surface 51A. Therefore, even when an operator's finger or the like is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the operator's fingertip or the like can be suitably prevented from coming into contact with the contact surface 51A.

[0091] (5) When the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 up to the insertion limit position, a gap is provided between the tip 301 of the model finger 300 and the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50. Therefore, even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the tip 301 of the model finger 300 does not come into contact with the contact surface 51A. Therefore, even when an operator's finger or the like is mistakenly inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the operator's fingertip or the like can be suitably prevented from coming into contact with the contact surface 51A.

[0092] (6) The tip region 302 of the model finger 300 is formed in a tapered shape that becomes thinner toward the tip 301 of the model finger 300. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed to be constant over the entire length in the first direction X1. The shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2 to the contact surface 51A at the first position is a first distance L1. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed to be larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300. The inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed to be smaller than the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger 300 at an intermediate position 305 that is separated from the tip 301 of the model finger 300 by a second distance L2 that is shorter than the first distance L1.

[0093] According to this configuration, the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300, allowing insertion of the tip 301 of the model finger 300 into the internal space of the hood portion 130. On the other hand, the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 is formed smaller than the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305, preventing insertion of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305 into the internal space of the hood portion 130. Therefore, even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, insertion of the model finger 300 into the hood portion 130 is restricted at the intermediate position 305 of the model finger 300. In this case, the second distance L2, which is the distance between the tip 301 of the model finger 300 and the intermediate position 305, is shorter than the first distance L1, which is the shortest distance along the first direction X1 from the end face of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2 to the contact surface 51A. Therefore, even when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the tip 301 of the model finger 300 can be suitably prevented from coming into contact with the contact surface 51A.

[0094] (7) The electrical contact member 50 is a terminal for a power line. The connector 10 is a connector mounted on a battery pack. With this configuration, there is a possibility that a high voltage may be applied to the electrical contact member 50. This can effectively prevent an operator from getting an electric shock when touching the electrical contact member 50 with their fingers or the like.

[0095] (8) The case 20 has an inclined surface 31 that is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. The electrical contact member 50 has an inclined surface 61 that extends parallel to the inclined surface 31. When the mating terminal 201 is connected in the first direction X1, the electrical contact member 50 is movable from the first position to the second position while the inclined surface 61 slides on the inclined surface 31 while in contact with the inclined surface 31.

[0096] With this configuration, when the mating terminal 201 is connected to the electrical contact member 50, the inclined surface 61 slides on the inclined surface 31 while contacting the inclined surface 31, thereby guiding the electrical contact member 50 from the first position to the second position along the oblique direction S1 along which the inclined surface 31 extends. As the electrical contact member 50 is guided from the first position to the second position, the inclined surface 31 and the inclined surface 61 extending parallel to the inclined surface 31 come into contact with each other. This increases the contact area of ​​the guide portion during movement of the electrical contact member 50, i.e., the contact area between the inclined surface 31 and the inclined surface 61, compared to when an inclined surface and a vertical surface come into contact with each other. This reduces the surface pressure applied by the inclined surface 61 to the inclined surface 31. This reduces the amount of wear on the inclined surfaces 31 and 61 during sliding. As a result, the durability of the electrical contact member 50 and the case 20 can be improved, and ultimately the durability of the connector 10 can be improved.

[0097] (9) The case 20 has an inclined surface 36 extending parallel to the inclined surface 31. The electrical contact member 50 has an inclined surface 66 extending parallel to the inclined surface 36. The inclined surface 36 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 31 in the second direction Y1. The inclined surface 66 is spaced apart from the inclined surface 61 in the second direction Y1 and faces the inclined surface 36 in the second direction Y1. When the electrical contact member 50 is disconnected from the mating terminal 201, the inclined surface 66 slides on the inclined surface 36 while in contact with the inclined surface 36, and is movable from the second position to the first position.

[0098] According to this configuration, when the electrical contact member 50 is disconnected from the mating terminal 201, the inclined surface 66 slides on the inclined surface 36 while contacting the inclined surface 36, thereby guiding the electrical contact member 50 from the second position to the first position along the direction of the inclined surface 36. When the electrical contact member 50 is guided from the second position to the first position in this manner, the inclined surfaces of the inclined surface 36 and the inclined surface 66 extending parallel to the inclined surface 36 come into contact with each other. This allows for a larger contact area of ​​the guide portion during movement of the electrical contact member 50, i.e., the contact area between the inclined surface 36 and the inclined surface 66, compared to when an inclined surface and a vertical surface come into contact with each other. This reduces the surface pressure applied by the inclined surface 66 to the inclined surface 36. This also reduces the amount of wear on the inclined surfaces 36, 66 during sliding.

[0099] (10) The outer peripheral dimension of the mating portion 210 of the mating connector 200 is smaller than the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130 and larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300. According to this configuration, the outer peripheral dimension of the mating portion 210 of the mating connector 200 is set to a size that allows insertion into the internal space of the hood portion 130, but is also larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300. As a result, the mating portion 210 contacts the contact surface 51A through the internal space of the hood portion 130, and the mating terminals 201 and the contact surface 51A that constitute the mating portion 210 contact each other over a relatively large contact area. Therefore, while preventing the operator's fingers or the like from touching the contact surface 51A, it is possible to suitably prevent a decrease in the reliability of the electrical connection between the mating terminals 201 and the contact surface 51A.

[0100] (Other Embodiments) The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0101] The structure of the housing 100 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. As long as the housing 100 has a structure capable of holding the electrical contact members 50 therein and the hood portion 130, other structures of the housing 100 are not particularly limited.

[0102] The guide portion 132 may be omitted from the hood portion 130. The opening area of ​​the internal space of the hood portion 130 may be set to the same size as the opening area of ​​the opening 100X.

[0103] In the housing 100 of the above embodiment, the first division 110 and the second division 120 are configured as separate parts, but this is not limiting. For example, the first division 110 and the second division 120 may be integrally formed via a hinge or the like.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the housing 100 is configured by two divided bodies, that is, the first divided body 110 and the second divided body 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the housing 100 may be configured by three or more divided bodies.

[0105] The structure of the case 20 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. For example, the guide portions 30, 35 may be formed by bending only one of the pair of side walls 22.

[0106] The guide portion 30 may be provided on an end surface of the case 20 in the second direction Y1. The guide portion 35 may be provided on an end surface of the case 20 in the second opposite direction Y2. The inclined surface 36 may be formed so as to be inclined at an angle different from the inclination angle of the inclined surface 31.

[0107] The extension 23 of the case 20 may be omitted. The case 20 may be formed by combining multiple metal plates. For example, the side wall 22, the guide portion 30, and the guide portion 35 may be formed from separate metal plates.

[0108] The case 20 may be made of synthetic resin. The case 20 may be omitted. In this case, for example, the housing 100 holds the electrical contact member 50 so that the electrical contact member 50 can move between the first position and the second position. In addition, the housing 100 may be provided with inclined surfaces 31, 36.

[0109] The structure of the electrical contact member 50 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The engaging portion 70 of the electrical contact member 50 may be omitted. The connecting piece portion 75 may be formed to extend along the first direction X1. In this case, for example, the external connection member 90 may be drawn out of the housing 100 in the first direction X1.

[0110] The inclined surface 66 may be formed to be inclined at an angle different from the inclination angle of the inclined surface 61. The flexible conductor 80 of the above embodiment may be embodied as a thin coated electric wire that is more flexible than the electrical contact member 50.

[0111] The electrical contact member 50, the flexible conductor 80, and the external connection member 90 in the above embodiment may be integrally formed. The flexible conductor 80 and the external connection member 90 in the above embodiment may be omitted. In this case, for example, an electric wire is connected to the connection piece portion 75 of the electrical contact member 50, and the electrical contact member 50 is connected to the outside via the electric wire.

[0112] In the above embodiment, other elastic members such as high-strength rubber may be used instead of the coil spring 40. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment of the electrical contact member 50, the first and second edges of the bottom wall 51 may be referred to as a first bent portion and a second bent portion. The first and second bent portions may have non-right-angle bent angles. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment of the electrical contact member 50, the contact portion 60 may be referred to as a first plate-shaped contact portion that is continuous with the bottom wall 51 via the first bent portion, which may be the first edge of the bottom wall 51. The contact portion 65 may be referred to as a second plate-shaped contact portion that is continuous with the bottom wall 51 via the second bent portion, which may be the second edge of the bottom wall 51.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 8 , the housing 100 of a non-limiting embodiment may include a seating surface or stepped surface that directly contacts a portion of the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50 (e.g., the first and second edges of the bottom wall 51 and / or the bent portion between the bottom wall 51 and the contact portions 60, 65) to support the bottom wall 51 when the electrical contact member 50 is in the first position. As shown in FIG. 8 , when the electrical contact member 50 is in the first position and a portion of the bottom wall 51 of the electrical contact member 50 is in direct contact with the seating surface of the housing 100, the contact surface 51A of the electrical contact member 50 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 100 through the open end 130X of the hood portion 130 of the housing 100. The distance between the seating surface of the housing 100 and the open end 130X of the hood portion 130 may be referred to as the hood length of the hood portion 130. The hood portion 130 of the illustrated embodiment may be referred to as a cylindrical hood having a hood length and a hood inner diameter.

[0114] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0115] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Connector assembly 10 Connector 11 Terminal module 20 Case 20X Opening 21 Ceiling wall 22 Side wall 23 Extension portion 30 Guide portion 31 Inclined surface (first inclined surface) 35 Guide portion 36 Inclined surface (third inclined surface) 40 Coil spring (elastic member) 50 Electrical contact member 51 Bottom wall 51A Contact surface 60 Contact portion 61 Inclined surface (second inclined surface) 65 Contact portion 66 Inclined surface (fourth inclined surface) 70 Engagement portion 75 Connection piece portion 80 Flexible conductor 90 External connection member 91 Bolt hole 100 Housing 100X Opening 101 First accommodating portion 102 Second accommodating portion 103 Third accommodating portion 110 First divided body 111 Peripheral wall 112 Restricting portion 113 Pressing portion 114 Engagement portion 120 Second divided body 121 Accommodating recess 122, 123, 124 Peripheral wall 125 Engagement portion 130 Hood portion 130X Opening end 131 Peripheral wall 132 Guiding portion 200 Mating connector 201 Mating terminal 202 Mating housing 203 Mating contact 204 Convex portion 205 Flange portion 210 Fitting portion 300 Model finger 301 Tip 302 Tip region 303 Slope 304 Base 305 Intermediate position L1 First distance L2 Second distance S1 Diagonal direction X1 First direction X2 First opposite direction Y1 Second direction Y2 Second opposite direction Z1 Third direction Z2 Third opposite direction

Claims

1. A connector electrically connected to a mating connector having a mating terminal, comprising: an electrical contact member to which the mating terminal is connected along a first direction; and a resin housing that holds the electrical contact member therein, wherein the electrical contact member is movable between a first position and a second position inside the housing, the second position being a position different from the first position in the first direction and a position different from the first position in a second direction that intersects the first direction, the housing having a tubular hood portion extending along the first direction to prevent touching, and the hood portion exposing a contact surface of the electrical contact member that contacts the mating terminal.

2. A connector as described in claim 1, wherein the housing has an opening that opens in a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction and through which the mating terminal enters along the first direction, the opening communicates with the internal space of the hood portion and is formed so as to expose the contact surface, the hood portion is formed so as to cover a portion of the contact surface, and the internal space of the hood portion has an opening area smaller than that of the opening.

3. A connector as described in claim 2, wherein a peripheral wall constituting the hood portion is arranged to overlap a periphery of the opening when viewed in a plan view from the first direction, and the peripheral wall protrudes from the opening in the first opposite direction.

4. A connector as described in claim 3, wherein the size of the internal space of the hood portion is set so that a model finger inserted into the internal space of the hood portion from the first opposite opening end of the hood portion does not reach the contact surface.

5. A connector as described in claim 4, wherein the size of the internal space of the hood portion is set to a size that provides a gap between the tip of the model finger inserted into the internal space of the hood portion up to its insertion limit position and the contact surface.

6. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the model finger is inspection probe B as defined in JIS-C0922:2002.

7. A connector as described in claim 4, wherein the tip region of the model finger is formed in a tapered shape that becomes narrower toward the tip of the model finger, the inner circumference dimension of the hood portion is formed constant over the entire length in the first direction, the shortest distance along the first direction from the end face of the hood portion in the first opposite direction to the contact surface at the first position is a first distance, and the inner circumference dimension of the hood portion is formed larger than the outer circumference dimension of the tip of the model finger and smaller than the outer circumference dimension of the model finger at an intermediate position a second distance away from the tip of the model finger that is shorter than the first distance.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the electrical contact member is a terminal for a power line.

9. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector is mounted to a battery pack.

10. The connector as described in claim 1, further comprising a case that holds the electrical contact members so that they can be moved between the first position and the second position, the case being held inside the housing, the case having a first inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction and also inclined with respect to the second direction, the electrical contact members having a second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, and the electrical contact members are movable from the first position to the second position while sliding on the first inclined surface with the second inclined surface in contact with the first inclined surface when the mating terminal is connected along the first direction.

11. The connector as described in claim 10, wherein the case has a third inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, the electrical contact member has a fourth inclined surface extending parallel to the third inclined surface, the third inclined surface being spaced apart from the first inclined surface in the second direction, the fourth inclined surface being spaced apart from the second inclined surface in the second direction and facing the third inclined surface in the second direction, and the electrical contact member is movable from the second position to the first position while sliding on the third inclined surface with the fourth inclined surface in contact with the third inclined surface when the electrical contact member is disconnected from the mating terminal.

12. A connector assembly comprising the connector described in claim 7 and a mating connector having the mating terminal, wherein the mating connector has an engaging portion that is engaged with the internal space of the hood portion along the first direction, the engaging portion being formed in a columnar shape extending along the first direction, and the outer circumferential dimension of the engaging portion being smaller than the inner circumferential dimension of the hood portion and larger than the outer circumferential dimension of the tip of the model finger.

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