Connector assembly

Abstract

A first connector (10) includes: a case (20) in which a first terminal (50) is held such that the first terminal (50) can be moved to a first position and a second position; and a coil spring (40) which is sandwiched between the case (20) and the first terminal. The second position is located away from the first position in a first direction (X1) and away from the first position in a second direction (Y1). A second connector (200) has a fit part (230) which is fitted in an interior space of the first connector (10) along the first direction (X1). A second terminal (210) has a facing surface (211) which faces the first terminal (50) and two contacts (212) which protrude in the first direction (X1) from the facing surface (211) and which are arranged along the second direction (Y1). The center (C1) between the two contacts (212) is provided at a position which, in the second direction (Y1), is located away from the center (C2) of the fit part (230) in the second direction (Y1).

Description

Connector Assembly

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly.

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle is equipped with a connector assembly including a first connector having a first terminal and a second connector having a second terminal. In the connector assembly, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected to each other by butting the second terminal against the first terminal. In the connector assembly, when the contacts of the first terminal and the second terminal are butted against each other, 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, in the above connector assembly, it is desirable to improve the connection reliability between the first terminal and the second terminal. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector assembly that can improve the connection reliability between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0005] The connector assembly of the present disclosure is a connector assembly including a first connector having a first terminal and a second connector having a second terminal connected to the first terminal along a first direction, wherein the first connector has a holding member that holds the first terminal movably between a first position and a second position, and an elastic member that is sandwiched between an end face of the holding member in a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction and an end face of the first terminal in the first direction, and that urges the first terminal toward the first opposite direction, and the second position is a position toward the first direction from the first position, and The first terminal is located in a position facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first terminal is movable from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the elastic member when the second terminal is connected along the first direction, the second connector has a mating portion that is mated with the internal space of the first connector along the first direction, the second terminal has an opposing surface that faces the first terminal, and two contacts that protrude from the opposing surface in the first direction and are arranged side by side along the second direction, and the center between the two contacts is located at a position facing the second direction from the center of the mating portion in the second direction.

[0006] The connector assembly of the present disclosure has the effect of improving the reliability of the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[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 first 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 first 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 an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a first connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a first connector according to one embodiment.

[0008] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] A connector assembly of the present disclosure is a connector assembly including a first connector having a first terminal and a second connector having a second terminal connected to the first terminal along a first direction, wherein the first connector has a holding member that holds the first terminal movably between a first position and a second position, and a resilient member that is sandwiched between an end face of the holding member in a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction and an end face of the first terminal in the first direction and that urges the first terminal in the first opposite direction, and the second position is a position facing the first direction from the first position and forward from the first position. The first terminal is located in a position facing a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first terminal is movable from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the elastic member when the second terminal is connected along the first direction, the second connector has a mating portion that is mated with the internal space of the first connector along the first direction, and the second terminal has an opposing surface that faces the first terminal and two contacts that protrude from the opposing surface in the first direction and are arranged side by side along the second direction, and the center between the two contacts is located at a position facing the second direction from the center of the mating portion in the second direction.

[0009] According to this configuration, when the second terminal is connected to the first terminal along the first direction, the contact of the second terminal comes into contact with the first terminal, and the first terminal is moved from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the elastic member. Then, the first terminal is moved from the first position toward the first direction and from the first position toward the second direction. At this time, the central axis of the elastic member sandwiched between the first terminal and the holding member is likely to deviate from the center of the mating portion in the second direction toward the second direction. In contrast, the center between the two contacts of the second terminal is located in a position facing the second direction from the center of the mating portion in the second direction. Therefore, the center between the two contacts can be suitably moved close to the central axis of the elastic member so as to coincide with the central axis of the elastic member. This allows the biasing force of the elastic member to suitably apply uniform contact pressure (contact pressure) to each of the two contacts, thereby stabilizing the contact resistance between the first terminal and the second terminal. As a result, the first terminal and the second terminal can be stably connected, and the reliability of the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal can be improved.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the second terminal may have a bent portion bent from an end of the opposing surface in a second opposite direction, which is opposite to the second direction, toward the first opposite direction.

[0011] According to this configuration, the end of the opposing surface of the second terminal in the second opposite direction is bent toward the first opposite direction, thereby forming the bent portion of the second terminal. Here, a pressing portion is required near the bent portion to prevent the opposing surface from lifting during the bending process, so the contacts must be located away from the bent portion. In this case, if the mating portion is narrow, the dimension of the opposing surface along the second direction becomes small, making it impossible to provide an area corresponding to the pressing portion at the end of the opposing surface opposite the bent portion. Therefore, when the mating portion is narrow, the two contacts are biased toward the area opposite the bent portion. In contrast, in the above configuration, the bent portion is located at the end of the opposing surface in the second opposite direction. Therefore, the two contacts can be biased toward the second direction, opposite the bent portion. This allows the center between the two contacts to be preferably located toward the second direction from the center of the mating portion in the second direction, even when the mating portion is narrow.

[0012] [3] In the above [1] or [2], the elastic member may be a coil spring, and the central axis of the coil spring when the first terminal is held in the second position may be located closer to the center between the two contacts in the second direction than the center of the fitting portion.

[0013] This configuration allows the center between the two contacts and the central axis of the coil spring to be suitably close to each other. This allows the biasing force of the coil spring to suitably apply uniform contact pressure to each of the two contacts, thereby stabilizing the contact resistance between the first terminal and the second terminal. As a result, the first terminal and the second terminal can be stably connected, improving the connection reliability between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0014] [4] In any of [1] to [3] above, the first connector may further have a resin housing that accommodates the first terminal, the retaining member, and the elastic member inside, the housing having a tubular hood portion extending along the first opposite direction to prevent contact with fingers, the hood portion exposing contact surfaces that come into contact with the two contacts of the first terminal, and the mating portion may be capable of fitting into the internal space of the hood portion.

[0015] According to this configuration, the hood portion exposing the contact surface of the first terminal is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first opposite direction. By providing this hood portion, the distance from the open end of the hood portion in the first opposite direction to the contact surface of the first terminal 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 getting an electric shock. As a result, the safety of the connector assembly can be improved.

[0016] [5] In the above [4], 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.

[0017] 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 first terminal. 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.

[0018] [6] In the above [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 first terminal. 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 the above [5] or [6], 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, and the outer peripheral dimension of the fitting portion may be formed smaller than the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion and larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip of the model finger.

[0020] According to this configuration, the outer peripheral dimension of the mating portion of the second connector is smaller than the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion, which does not allow insertion of the intermediate portion of the model finger. Therefore, the mating portion is formed narrow. Even when the mating portion is formed narrow in this manner, the center between the two contacts is located in the second direction from the center of the mating portion in the second direction, so that the center between the two contacts can be brought closer to the central axis of the elastic member. This allows the biasing force of the elastic member to suitably apply uniform contact pressure to each of the two contacts, thereby stabilizing the contact resistance between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0021] [8] In any of [1] to [7] above, the holding member may have a first inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction and inclined with respect to the second direction, the first terminal may have a second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, and when the second terminal is connected along the first direction, the first terminal may be movable from the first position to the second position while the second inclined surface slides on the first inclined surface while contacting the first inclined surface.

[0022] According to this configuration, when the second terminal is connected to the first terminal, the second inclined surface slides on the first inclined surface while contacting the first inclined surface of the holding member, thereby guiding the first terminal from the first position to the second position along the direction of extension of the first inclined surface. When the first terminal is guided from the first position to the second position in this manner, the inclined surfaces of 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 first terminal, 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 on the first and second inclined surfaces during sliding. As a result, the durability of the first terminal and the holding member can be improved.

[0023] [9] In the above [8], the holding member may have a third inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, the first terminal may have a fourth inclined surface extending parallel to the third inclined surface, the third inclined surface may be spaced apart from the first inclined surface in the second direction, the fourth inclined surface may be spaced apart from the second inclined surface in the second direction and face the third inclined surface in the second direction, and the first terminal 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 second terminal is released.

[0024] According to this configuration, when the first terminal and the second terminal are disconnected, the fourth inclined surface slides on the third inclined surface while contacting the third inclined surface of the holding member, thereby guiding the first terminal from the second position to the first position along the direction of extension of the third inclined surface. When the first terminal is guided from the second position to the first position in this manner, 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 first terminal, 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.

[0025] [Details of the Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of 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. Furthermore, 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 shape formed by combining multiple components, but also to a cylindrical shape with a circumferentially continuous wall, such as a C-shape or U-shape, which 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.

[0026] 1 and 2, the connector assembly 1 includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 200 electrically connected to the first connector 10. The connector assembly 1 electrically connects electrical devices for a vehicle together. Examples of electrical devices for a vehicle include a battery pack, an inverter, and a motor.

[0027] 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 during use. Note that FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating only the housing 100 of the first connector 10 of the connector assembly 1 in cross section.

[0028] 2, the first connector 10 includes one or more terminal modules 11 having first terminals 50, and a housing 100 that accommodates the terminal modules 11. The second connector 200 includes one or more second terminals 210 and a housing 220 that holds the second terminals 210. The second terminals 210 are made of metal. The housing 220 is made of synthetic resin.

[0029] The second terminals 210 are formed integrally with the housing 220 by, for example, insert molding. The housing 220 has a protrusion 221 that fits into the first connector 10 and a flange 222 provided at the end of the protrusion 221 in the first opposite direction X2. Here, in the second connector 200, a fitting portion 230 that fits into the internal space of the first connector 10 is formed by a portion that is provided in the first direction X1 relative to the flange 222, i.e., the protrusion 221 and the second terminals 210 held by the protrusion 221. The flange 222 is formed to protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 221.

[0030] The second connector 200 is connected to the first connector 10 along the first direction X1. The mating portion 230 of the second connector 200 is inserted into the housing 100 of the first connector 10 along the first direction X1. Then, inside the housing 100, the second terminal 210 constituting the mating portion 230 is abutted against the first terminal 50 along the first direction X1, thereby electrically connecting the second terminal 210 and the first terminal 50 to each other.

[0031] 3 and 4 , the terminal module 11 includes a case 20, a coil spring 40, and a first terminal 50. The terminal module 11 includes a flexible conductor 80 electrically connected to the first terminal 50, and an external connection member 90 electrically connected to the flexible conductor 80.

[0032] (Configuration of Case 20) As shown in Fig. 4, the case 20 holds the first terminal 50. The case 20 is formed, for example, 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).

[0033] 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. As shown in Fig. 6 , the case 20 has, for example, an engagement piece 38. The case 20 has an opening 20X that opens in the first opposite direction X2 and through which the second terminal 210 (see Fig. 2 ) can enter.

[0034] The ceiling wall 21 is formed in a flat plate shape. The inner surface of the ceiling wall 21, i.e., the end surface of the ceiling wall 21 facing 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. The pair of side walls 22 face each other in the width direction of the ceiling wall 21 (here, the Z-axis direction). Each side wall 22 is formed in a flat plate shape.

[0035] 7, each side wall 22 has, for example, an extension 23 that extends in the second direction Y1 beyond the end of the ceiling wall 21 in the second direction Y1. Note that in FIG. 7, the first divided body 110 of the housing 100 is drawn perspectively, and the outline of the first divided body 110 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0036] 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. The box portion of the case 20 has an opening 20X.

[0037] The two guide portions 30 are provided between a pair of side walls 22. Each guide portion 30 is formed, for example, by bending a part of the end portion of the side wall 22 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the paired side wall 22, i.e., the other side wall 22.

[0038] 6, each guide portion 30 has an inclined surface 31. Each inclined surface 31 faces, for example, in the second direction Y1. Each inclined surface 31 is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8 , each inclined surface 31 is inclined toward the second direction Y1, for example, 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 shifted in the second direction Y1 from the end of the inclined surface 31 in the first opposite direction X2. Each inclined surface 31 extends at a constant inclination angle. That is, each inclined surface 31 extends along an oblique direction S1 that is inclined with respect 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.

[0040] The two guide portions 35 are provided between the pair of side walls 22. The two guide portions 35 are respectively opposed to the two guide portions 30 in the Y-axis direction. Each guide portion 35 is formed, for example, by bending a part of the end portion of the side wall 22 in the first opposite direction X2 toward the paired side wall 22, i.e., the other side wall 22.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5 , each guide portion 35 has an inclined surface 36. Each inclined surface 36 faces, for example, the second opposite direction Y2. Each inclined surface 36 is spaced apart from each inclined surface 31 in the second direction Y1. Each inclined surface 36 faces each inclined surface 31 in the second direction Y1. 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.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 6, the engagement piece 38 protrudes from the end of the ceiling wall 21 in the second direction Y1 toward the first opposite direction X2. The engagement piece 38 is formed, for example, by bending at a right angle from the end of the ceiling wall 21 in the second direction Y1 toward the first opposite direction X2. As shown in Fig. 8, the engagement piece 38 is provided to face the coil spring 40 in the Y-axis direction. The engagement piece 38 is provided to be able to engage with the coil spring 40. The engagement piece 38 restricts movement of the coil spring 40 in the second direction Y1.

[0043] (Configuration of Coil Spring 40) The coil spring 40 is an elastic member sandwiched between an end face of the case 20 facing the first opposite direction X2 and an end face of the first terminal 50 facing the first direction X1. 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 first terminal 50. The coil spring 40 biases the first terminal 50 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0044] (Configuration of First Terminal 50) As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 , the first terminal 50 is housed inside the box portion of the case 20. The first terminal 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 second terminal 210 enters the housing 100, in which the first terminal 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 first terminal 50 is pressed in the first direction X1 by the second terminal 210. The second position is a position from the first position toward the first direction X1 and a position from the first position toward the second direction Y1. In this embodiment, the second position is closer to the ceiling wall 21 in the first direction X1 than the first position and is shifted in the second direction Y1 from the first position. When the first terminal 50 is pressed in the first direction X1 by the second terminal 210, 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.

[0045] The first terminal 50 of this embodiment is formed by bending a single metal plate. The first terminal 50 is made of metal. Examples of materials that can be used for the first terminal 50 include copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel (SUS). The first terminal 50 is, for example, a terminal for a power line.

[0046] 5 , the first terminal 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 first terminal 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 first terminal 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.

[0047] The bottom wall 51 is formed in a flat plate shape. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, an end surface of the bottom wall 51 in the first opposite direction X2 is a contact surface 51A that comes into contact with the second terminal 210. 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 surface of the bottom wall 51 in the first direction X1 faces the end surface of the ceiling wall 21 in the first direction X2 in the first direction X1. The end surface 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.

[0048] The contact portion 60 protrudes in the diagonal direction S1 from a first edge, which is an end portion of the bottom wall 51 in the second opposite direction Y2. The contact portion 60 is formed, for example, by being bent from the end portion of the bottom wall 51 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the ceiling wall 21.

[0049] 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 opposite direction Y2. 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.

[0050] The contact portion 65 protrudes in the diagonal direction S1 from a second edge, which is the end portion of the bottom wall 51 in the second direction Y1. 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 portion of the bottom wall 51 in the second direction Y1 toward the ceiling wall 21.

[0051] 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 direction Y1. 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 extends in the third direction Z1 and is formed as a flat surface that also extends 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.

[0052] The engaging portion 70 extends in the second opposite direction Y2 from the end of the contact portion 60 in the first direction X1. 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 opposite direction X2.

[0053] 5, the connecting piece 75 extends in the second direction Y1 from the end of the contact portion 65 in the first direction X1. As shown in Fig. 8, the connecting piece 75 is formed to be able to engage with the end surface of the guide portion 35 in the first direction X1 in the first opposite direction X2.

[0054] (Configuration of the Flexible Conductor 80) The flexible conductor 80 electrically connects the first terminal 50 and the external connection member 90 to each other. The flexible conductor 80 is more flexible and pliable than the first terminal 50. The flexible conductor 80 is more flexible and pliable than, for example, 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 opposite direction Y2 is joined to the end of the first terminal 50 in the second direction Y1, i.e., the connecting piece portion 75. The end of the flexible conductor 80 in the second direction Y1 is joined to the end of the external connection member 90 in the second opposite direction Y2. The flexible conductor 80 and the first terminal 50 and the flexible conductor 80 and the external connection member 90 can be joined by, for example, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, crimping, or soldering.

[0055] 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 flexural deformation in response to movement of the first terminal 50. For example, when the first terminal 50 moves relative to the external connection member 90, the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 in the Y-axis direction flexes and deforms.

[0056] (Configuration of External Connection Member 90) As shown in Fig. 5 , the external connection member 90 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape. The end of the external connection member 90 in the second direction Y1 has a bolt hole 91 that 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 opposite direction Y2, 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 direction Y1 is arranged outside the housing 100. The end of the external connection member 90 in the second direction Y1 is drawn out along the second direction Y1 from the end of the housing 100 in the second direction Y1.

[0057] (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 terminal module 11 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.

[0058] The housing 100 has a first accommodating portion 101 provided at an end in the second opposite direction Y2, a second accommodating portion 102 provided at an end in the second direction Y1, 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 in communication with one another.

[0059] The first accommodating section 101 accommodates the case 20, the coil spring 40, and the first terminal 50. The internal space of the first accommodating section 101 accommodates a portion of the first terminal 50 other than the end portion in the second direction Y1. The second accommodating section 102 has an outlet for guiding the external connection member 90 to the outside. The second accommodating section 102 accommodates, for example, a connection portion between the external connection member 90 and the flexible conductor 80. The third accommodating section 103 accommodates, for example, a connection portion between the first terminal 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.

[0060] (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 in the second direction Y1. 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 storage 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 direction Y1. The restricting portion 112 restricts movement of the case 20 in the second direction Y1.

[0061] The end of the first divided body 110 in the second direction Y1 is recessed more in the first opposite direction X2 than the other portions. This causes the internal space of the second accommodating section 102 to be 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 and is formed to press the connection portion from the first direction X1. The pressing portion 113 restricts movement of the external connection member 90 in the first direction X1.

[0062] 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 opposite direction Y2 toward the radially outward direction of the housing 100 (here, the second opposite direction Y2).

[0063] (Configuration of second divided body 120) The second divided body 120 is arranged, 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 second terminal 210 (see FIG. 2 ) to enter the interior 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 contact surface 51A of the first terminal 50 can be exposed to the outside of the housing 100.

[0064] 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 opposite direction Y2, and a peripheral wall 124 protruding from an end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second direction Y1. The peripheral wall 122 is formed to connect the peripheral wall 123 and the peripheral wall 124.

[0065] The peripheral wall 122 is formed in a flat plate shape. The peripheral wall 122 is provided with an opening 100X that 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.

[0066] The peripheral wall 123 protrudes in the first direction X1 from the end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second opposite direction Y2. The peripheral wall 124 protrudes in the first direction X1 from the end of the peripheral wall 122 in the second direction Y1. The peripheral walls 123 and 124 face each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0067] The second divided body 120 has an engaging portion 125. 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 (here, the Y-axis direction). 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 divided body 110 and the second divided body 120 in a combined state.

[0068] 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 opposite direction X2. The hood portion 130 is formed so as to expose the contact surface 51A of the first terminal 50. 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 both the first direction X1 and the first opposite direction X2.

[0069] 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. 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 this embodiment, an end surface of the peripheral wall 131 in the first direction X1 faces the contact surface 51A of the first terminal 50 in the first direction X1.

[0070] 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, i.e., at the opening end 130X in the first opposite direction X2. The guide portion 132 is formed so that the opening area of ​​the hood portion 130 increases with increasing proximity to the opening end 130X. 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 second terminal 210 toward the opening 100X communicating with the hood portion 130 when the second terminal 210 is inserted into the hood portion 130.

[0071] 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 230 of the second 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 230, specifically, the combined outer peripheral dimension of the protrusion 221 and the second terminal 210. Hereinafter, 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 first terminal 50 is referred to as the first distance L1. The first distance L1 may be, for example, approximately 8 mm to 10 mm.

[0072] 11 and 12 , the size of the internal space of the hood portion 130 is set according to the model finger 300. As shown in FIG. 12 , 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 first terminal 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 contact surface 51A of the first terminal 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. In this way, the size of the hood portion 130 is set so that the model finger 300 does not reach the first terminal 50, thereby effectively preventing the operator's fingertip or the like from coming into contact with the first terminal 50. Here, the model finger 300 is, for example, an inspection probe B (articulated test finger) as defined in JIS-C0922:2002. Note that FIG. 12 illustrates only the first connector 10 of the first connector 10 and the model finger 300 as a cross section.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 11 , 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.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 12 , 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 the intermediate position 305, which 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, which is a 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 beyond 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 provided, for example, in the portion where the inclined surface 303 is formed.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 12 , when the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130, the model finger 300 is inserted into the internal space of the hood portion 130 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 first terminal 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.

[0076] 8 , the second terminal 210 has an opposing surface 211 facing the first terminal 50 and two contacts 212 arranged side by side in the second direction Y1. The second terminal 210 is formed, for example, into an L-shape by bending a metal plate extending in the Y-axis direction at a right angle in the first opposite direction X2. The second terminal 210 has, for example, a bent portion 213 bent from an end of the opposing surface 211 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the first opposite direction X2.

[0077] The facing surface 211 is an end surface of the second terminal 210 facing in the first direction X1. The facing surface 211 is provided on an end surface of the protrusion 221 of the housing 220 facing in the first direction X1. Each contact 212 is formed to protrude from the facing surface 211 in the first direction X1. Each contact 212 is provided in a bead shape on the facing surface 211 by plastically deforming a portion of the facing surface 211. As shown in FIG. 2 , each contact 212 extends, for example, along the Z-axis direction. Two contacts 212 are provided side by side on the facing surface 211 along the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 10 , an facing surface 211 extending horizontally along the Y-axis direction is provided between the two contacts 212.

[0078] The center C1 between the two contacts 212 is located in the second direction Y1 from the center C2 of the fitting portion 230 in the second direction Y1. The center C1 between the two contacts 212 in the Y-axis direction is located at a position offset in the second direction Y1 from the center C2 of the fitting portion 230 in the Y-axis direction. The two contacts 212 are located offset in the second direction Y1 from the center C2 of the fitting portion 230 in the Y-axis direction. The second direction Y1 in this case coincides with the sliding direction of the first terminal 50 when moving from the first position (see FIG. 8 ) to the second position (see FIG. 9 ). The center C1 between the two contacts 212 is located in the Y-axis direction so as to be closer to the center axis C3 of the coil spring 40 at the second position. When the first terminal 50 is held at the second position, the center axis C3 of the coil spring 40 is located closer to the center C1 than the center C2 in the second direction Y1. In this embodiment, the center C1 between the two contact points 212 coincides with the central axis C3 of the coil spring 40 in the second position.

[0079] The bent portion 213 is located in the Y-axis direction at a position closer to the inclined surface 31 of the inclined surfaces 31, 36 of the case 20. The bent portion 213 is located in the Y-axis direction at a position closer to the inclined surface 61 of the inclined surfaces 61, 66 of the first terminal 50. The bent portion 213 is located away from the two contacts 212 in the Y-axis direction. More specifically, a pressing portion 214 is located between the bent portion 213 and the contacts 212. Here, the pressing portion 214 is a portion that is pressed by a jig or the like to prevent the opposing surface 211 from lifting up during the bending process to form the bent portion 213. As such, the pressing portion 214 is required to form the bent portion 213, and therefore the bent portion 213 and the contacts 212 are located away from each other.

[0080] The fitting portion 230 of the second connector 200 is formed so as to be able to fit into the internal space of the hood portion 130 of the first connector 10 along the first direction X1. The fitting portion 230 is insertable into the housing 100 through the internal space of the hood portion 130. The outer peripheral dimension of the fitting portion 230 is formed smaller than the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130. The outer peripheral dimension of the fitting portion 230 is formed larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip 301 of the model finger 300 shown in FIG. 12. The outer peripheral dimension of the fitting portion 230 is formed smaller than the outer peripheral dimension of the model finger 300 at the intermediate position 305 shown in FIG. 12.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8 , the second terminal 210 is connected to the first terminal 50 along the first direction X1. More specifically, the mating portion 230 of the second connector 200 is inserted into the housing 100 along the first direction X1 through the internal space of the hood portion 130. Then, the two contact points 212 of the second terminal 210 abut against the contact surface 51A of the first terminal 50. Further insertion of the second connector 200 into the case 20 along the first direction X1 causes the second terminal 210 to press the first terminal 50 in the first direction X1. This causes the first terminal 50 to move in the first direction X1 while further compressing the coil spring 40 in the X-axis direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 40. At this time, the first terminal 50 slides on the inclined surface 31 of the case 20 while the inclined surface 61 is in contact with the inclined surface 31, and is guided in the diagonal direction S1 (i.e., diagonally upward to the right in the figure) along which the inclined surface 31 extends. Therefore, as the first terminal 50 moves in the first direction X1 due to pressure from the second terminal 210, the first terminal 50 slides in the second direction Y1. As a result, the contact surface 51A of the first terminal 50 slides along the second direction Y1 while in contact with the contact point 212, that is, the first terminal 50 slides laterally relative to the direction of insertion of the second terminal 210. This lateral shift allows foreign matter between the contact surface 51A and the contact point 212 to be removed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9 , the intermediate portion of the flexible conductor 80 is flexed and deformed as the first terminal 50 moves.

[0082] When the second connector 200 is mated with the first connector 10, the first terminal 50 is clamped by the biasing force of the coil spring 40 and the pressing force of the contacts 212. This electrically connects the first terminal 50 and the second terminal 210, and holds the first terminal 50 in the second position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10 , the central axis C3 of the coil spring 40 and the center C1 between the two contacts 212 coincide with each other. This allows the biasing force of the coil spring 40 to suitably apply uniform contact pressure to each of the two contacts 212. This allows the connection between the first terminal 50 and the second terminal 210 to be stably maintained, and advantageously reduces contact resistance between the first terminal 50 and the second terminal 210.

[0083] Subsequently, when the second connector 200 is removed from the first connector 10 and the second connector 200 and the first connector 10 are disengaged, the pressing force from the second terminal 210 is eliminated and the first terminal 50 is moved in the first opposite direction X2 by the biasing force of the coil spring 40. At this time, the inclined surface 66 of the case 20 slides on the inclined surface 36 while in contact with the inclined surface 36, and the first terminal 50 is guided in the opposite direction of the diagonal direction S1 (i.e., diagonally downward to the left in the figure). Therefore, as the first terminal 50 moves in the first opposite direction X2, the first terminal 50 slides in the second opposite direction Y2. As a result, the first terminal 50 is guided to a position shifted in the second opposite direction Y2 compared to before the second connector 200 was disengaged, and the first terminal 50 returns to the first position shown in FIG. 8 .

[0084] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The connector assembly 1 includes a first connector 10 having a first terminal 50 and a second connector 200 having a second terminal 210 connected to the first terminal 50 along a first direction X1. The first connector 10 includes a case 20 that movably holds the first terminal 50 between a first position and a second position, and a coil spring 40 that is sandwiched between an end face of the case 20 facing the first opposite direction X2 and an end face of the first terminal 50 facing the first direction X1. The second position is a position facing from the first position toward the first direction X1 and a position facing from the first position toward the second direction Y1. When the second terminal 210 is connected along the first direction X1, the first terminal 50 is movable from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the coil spring 40. The second connector 200 includes a mating portion 230 that is mated with an internal space of the first connector 10 along the first direction X1. The second terminal 210 has an opposing surface 211 opposing the first terminal 50, and two contacts 212 protruding in the first direction X1 from the opposing surface 211 and arranged side by side along the second direction Y1. A center C1 between the two contacts 212 is located in a position toward the second direction Y1 from a center C2 of the fitting portion 230 in the second direction Y1.

[0085] According to this configuration, when the second terminal 210 is connected to the first terminal 50 in the first direction X1, the contact 212 of the second terminal 210 comes into contact with the first terminal 50, and the first terminal 50 is moved from the first position to the second position against the biasing force of the coil spring 40. Then, the first terminal 50 is moved from the first position toward the first direction X1 and also from the first position toward the second direction Y1. At this time, the central axis C3 of the coil spring 40 sandwiched between the first terminal 50 and the case 20 is likely to deviate toward the second direction Y1 from the center C2 of the mating portion 230 in the second direction Y1. In contrast, in the second terminal 210 of this embodiment, the center C1 between the two contacts 212 is located in a position toward the second direction Y1 from the center C2 of the mating portion 230 in the second direction Y1. Therefore, the center C1 between the two contacts 212 can be suitably brought close to the central axis C3 of the coil spring 40 so as to coincide with the central axis C3 of the coil spring 40. This allows a uniform contact pressure to be suitably applied to each of the two contacts 212 by the biasing force of the coil spring 40, thereby stabilizing the contact resistance between the first terminal 50 and the second terminal 210. As a result, the first terminal 50 and the second terminal 210 can be stably connected, and the connection reliability between the first terminal 50 and the second terminal 210 can be improved.

[0086] (2) The bent portion 213 of the second terminal 210 is formed by bending the end portion of the opposing surface 211 of the second terminal 210 in the second opposite direction Y2 toward the first opposite direction X2. Here, a pressing portion 214 is required near the bending portion 213 to prevent the opposing surface 211 from lifting up during the bending process, so the contact 212 needs to be located away from the bending portion 213. In this case, if the fitting portion 230 is thin, the dimension of the opposing surface 211 along the second direction Y1 becomes small, making it impossible to provide an area corresponding to the pressing portion 214 at the end portion of the opposing surface 211 opposite the bending portion 213. Therefore, if the fitting portion 230 is thin, the two contacts 212 will be biased toward the area opposite the bending portion 213. In contrast, in the above configuration, the bending portion 213 is provided at the end portion of the opposing surface 211 in the second opposite direction Y2. Therefore, the two contacts 212 can be provided offset in the second direction Y1, which is the opposite side to the bent portion 213. As a result, even if the fitting portion 230 is thin, the center C1 between the two contacts 212 can be suitably provided at a position toward the second direction Y1 from the center C2 of the fitting portion 230 in the second direction Y1.

[0087] (3) The resin housing 100 exposes the contact surfaces 51A of the first terminals 50 and includes a cylindrical hood portion 130 extending along the first opposite direction X2 to prevent finger contact. Providing this hood portion 130 increases the distance from the opening end 130X of the hood portion 130 in the first opposite direction X2 to the contact surfaces 51A. This effectively prevents the worker's fingers or the like from touching the contact surfaces 51A through the hood portion 130. This effectively prevents the worker's fingers or the like from touching the contact surfaces 51A and getting an electric shock. As a result, the safety of the connector assembly 1 can be improved.

[0088] (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.

[0089] (5) The outer peripheral dimension of the fitting portion 230 is smaller than the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion 130, which does not allow insertion of the middle portion of the model finger 300. Therefore, the fitting portion 230 is formed narrow. Even when the fitting portion 230 is formed narrow in this manner, the center C1 between the two contacts 212 is located in a position toward the second direction Y1 from the center C2 of the fitting portion 230 in the second direction Y1. This allows the center C1 between the two contacts 212 to be closer to the central axis C3 of the coil spring 40. This allows the biasing force of the coil spring 40 to preferably apply uniform contact pressure to each of the two contacts 212, thereby stabilizing the contact resistance between the first terminal 50 and the second terminal 210.

[0090] (6) The case 20 has an inclined surface 31 that is inclined with respect to the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. The first terminal 50 has an inclined surface 61 that extends parallel to the inclined surface 31. When the second terminal 210 is connected along the first direction X1, the first terminal 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.

[0091] According to this configuration, when the second terminal 210 is connected to the first terminal 50, the inclined surface 61 slides on the inclined surface 31 while contacting the inclined surface 31, thereby guiding the first terminal 50 from the first position to the second position along the oblique direction S1 along which the inclined surface 31 extends. When the first terminal 50 is guided from the first position to the second position in this manner, the inclined surfaces of 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 first terminal 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 first terminal 50 and the case 20 can be improved.

[0092] (7) The case 20 has an inclined surface 36 that extends parallel to the inclined surface 31. The first terminal 50 has an inclined surface 66 that extends 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 first terminal 50 is disconnected from the second terminal 210, 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.

[0093] According to this configuration, when the first terminal 50 and the second terminal 210 are disconnected, the inclined surface 66 slides on the inclined surface 36 while contacting the inclined surface 36, thereby guiding the first terminal 50 from the second position to the first position along the direction of extension of the inclined surface 36. When the first terminal 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. Therefore, the contact area of ​​the guide portion during movement of the first terminal 50, i.e., the contact area between the inclined surface 36 and the inclined surface 66, can be increased 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. Therefore, the amount of wear on the inclined surfaces 36, 66 during sliding can be reduced.

[0094] (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.

[0095] The structure of the housing 100 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. As long as the housing 100 has a structure that can hold the first terminal 50 therein, other structures of the housing 100 are not particularly limited.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The hood portion 130 may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the first division 110 and the second division 120 are configured as separate parts in the housing 100, 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The guide portion 30 may be provided on an end surface of the case 20 in the second opposite direction Y2. The guide portion 35 may be provided on an end surface of the case 20 in the second direction Y1. 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.

[0101] The extension 23 of the case 20 may be omitted. The engagement piece 38 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 each be formed from separate metal plates.

[0102] 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 first terminal 50 so that the first terminal 50 can move between the first position and the second position. The housing 100 may also be provided with inclined surfaces 31, 36. In this case, the housing 100 functions as a holding member that holds the first terminal 50.

[0103] The structure of the first terminal 50 in the above embodiment may be modified as appropriate. The engaging portion 70 of the first terminal 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.

[0104] 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 wire that is more flexible than the first terminal 50.

[0105] The first terminal 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 first terminal 50, and the first terminal 50 is connected to the outside via the electric wire.

[0106] In the above embodiment, instead of the coil spring 40, other elastic members such as high-strength rubber may be used.

[0107] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment of the electrical contact member 50, the bottom wall 51 may be a flat plate extending in a plane direction, which may be the YZ plane. For example, the first and second edges of the bottom wall 51 in the length direction (Y axis) 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 a bent angle that is not perpendicular to the bottom wall 51. 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. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the guide portion 30 may be referred to as an inclined guide including an inclined surface 31, which may be a flat surface that is continuous with the side wall 22 via a bent corner.

[0108] The opposing surface 211 of the second terminal in the illustrated non-limiting embodiment may be a flat surface extending in a plane direction substantially parallel to the bottom wall 51 of the first terminal, which may be, for example, the YZ plane. The two contacts 212 of the second terminal may be provided so as to directly contact the lower surface of the bottom wall 51 of the first terminal at first and second intermediate positions spaced apart by a distance between a first edge and a second edge of the bottom wall 51 in the length direction (Y axis) of the bottom wall 51. Each of the two contacts 212 may be an elongated contact extending in the width direction (Z axis) of the bottom wall 51. As shown in FIG. 8 , the two contacts 212 may be an elongated convex surface having a maximum protruding height from the opposing surface 211 and / or a convex surface profile. Local contact between the two contacts 212 of the second terminal and two positions on the bottom wall 51 of the first terminal that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the bottom wall 51 is advantageous in reducing tilting of the bottom wall 51 and in improving contact stability between the bottom wall 51 and the opposing surface 211.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 1 Connector assembly 10 First connector 11 Terminal module 20 Case (holding member) 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) 38 Engagement piece 40 Coil spring (elastic member) 50 First terminal 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 Regulating portion 113 Pressing portion 114 Engaging portion 120 Second divided body 121 Accommodating recess 122, 123, 124 Peripheral wall 125 Engaging portion 130 Hood portion 130X Opening end 131 Peripheral wall 132 Guiding portion 200 Second connector 210 Second terminal 211 Opposing surface 212 Contact point 213 Bent portion 214 Pressing portion 220 Housing 221 Convex portion 222 Flange portion 230 Fitting portion 300 Model finger 301 Tip 302 Tip region 303 Slope 304 Base 305 Intermediate position C1 Center C2 Center C3 Central axis 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 assembly comprising a first connector having a first terminal, and a second connector having a second terminal connected to the first terminal along a first direction, wherein the first connector has: a holding member that holds the first terminal movably between a first position and a second position; and an elastic member that is sandwiched between an end face of the holding member in a first opposite direction that is opposite to the first direction and an end face of the first terminal in the first direction and that urges the first terminal in the first opposite direction, wherein the second position is a position facing the first direction from the first position and is a position facing a second direction from the first position that intersects with the first direction, wherein the first terminal is movable from the first position to the second position against the urging force of the elastic member when the second terminal is connected along the first direction, and wherein the second connector has a fitting portion that is fitted into an internal space of the first connector along the first direction, A connector assembly, wherein the second terminal has an opposing surface facing the first terminal and two contacts protruding from the opposing surface in the first direction and arranged side by side along the second direction, and the center between the two contacts is located at a position toward the second direction from the center of the mating portion in the second direction.

2. A connector assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the second terminal has a bent portion bent from an end of the opposing surface in a second opposite direction, which is opposite to the second direction, toward the first opposite direction.

3. A connector assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring, and the central axis of the coil spring when the first terminal is held in the second position is located in a position in the second direction closer to the center between the two contacts than to the center of the mating portion.

4. A connector assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the first connector further has a resin housing that accommodates the first terminal, the retaining member and the elastic member therein, the housing has a tubular hood portion extending along the first opposite direction to prevent touching, the hood portion exposes a contact surface that comes into contact with the two contacts of the first terminal, and the mating portion is capable of being fitted into the internal space of the hood portion.

5. A connector assembly as described in claim 4, 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.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the model finger is inspection probe B as defined in JIS-C0922:2002.

7. A connector assembly as described in claim 5, 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 peripheral dimension of the hood portion is formed constant over the entire length in the first direction, and the outer peripheral dimension of the mating portion is formed smaller than the inner peripheral dimension of the hood portion and larger than the outer peripheral dimension of the tip of the model finger.

8. A connector assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the retaining member has a first inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction and inclined with respect to the second direction, the first terminal has a second inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, and the first terminal is movable from the first position to the second position while the second inclined surface slides on the first inclined surface with the second inclined surface in contact with the first inclined surface when the second terminal is connected along the first direction.

9. A connector assembly as described in claim 8, wherein the retaining member has a third inclined surface extending parallel to the first inclined surface, the first terminal 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 first terminal 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 first terminal is disconnected from the second terminal.

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