JP2014107016A - Electric connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To maintain electrical connection more reliably, in an electric connector for interconnecting a plurality of conductor members.SOLUTION: An electric connector has contacts 100, 200. The contacts 100, 200 include a seesaw structure having first parts 103, 203 coming into contact with a bus bar 1, second parts 106, 206 coming into contact with a crimp terminal 4, and fulcrums 101, 201.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical connector for electrically connecting two conductive members.

  A terminal for electrically connecting two conductive members is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  The relay terminal described in Patent Document 1 is formed in a rectangular tube shape and has a pair of side walls facing each other. A plurality of connecting pieces made of elastic pieces are provided on these side walls. A pair of connecting pieces is constituted by the connecting piece on one side wall and the connecting piece on the other side wall. A plurality of paired connection pieces are provided. A plurality of male terminals are electrically connected to each other by inserting different male terminals between each pair of connection pieces.

  The relay terminal described in Patent Document 2 is provided with a cylindrical female terminal portion. The two female terminal portions are joined by a buffer portion that can be easily deformed. A plurality of male terminals are electrically connected to each other by inserting different male terminals into the respective female terminal portions.

JP 2001-313132 A ([Summary]) JP 2005-129390 A ([Summary])

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, each pair of contact pieces is an independent configuration, and a certain pair of contact pieces is not a configuration that increases the contact pressure between the other pair of contact pieces and the male terminal.

  Moreover, in the structure of patent document 2, since each female terminal part is couple | bonded via the buffer part, in the structure where one female terminal part raises the contact pressure of the other female terminal part and a male terminal. Absent.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to more reliably maintain an electrical connection in an electrical connector for electrically connecting a plurality of conductive members.

  (1) In order to solve the above-described problem, an electrical connector according to an aspect of the present invention includes a contact having conductivity, and the contact includes a first portion for contacting a predetermined first conductive member, A seesaw structure having a second part for contacting a predetermined second conductive member, and a fulcrum part disposed between the first part and the second part, and the one of the part and the conductive member The other part and the conductive member are pressed against each other by the contact.

  According to this configuration, one of the first part and the second part (main part) is in contact with the corresponding conductive member. As a result, the contact is displaced with the main portion as a force point and the fulcrum portion as a fulcrum. As a result, one of the first part and the second part (secondary part) is displaced toward the conductive member in contact with the secondary part as an action point. Therefore, the subordinate portion and the corresponding conductive member are in contact with each other so as to generate a predetermined contact pressure. Further, the reaction force that the slave portion receives from the corresponding conductive member is a force that presses the main portion against the corresponding conductive member. Therefore, both the main portion and the subordinate portion can contact the corresponding conductive member with a sufficient contact pressure. As a result, the electrical connection between the first conductive member and the second conductive member via the contact can be more reliably maintained.

  (2) Preferably, the contact is provided in a pair, and the pair of contacts has a first opposing contact and a second opposing contact facing each other, and the first portion of the first opposing contact and the first A first space for inserting the first conductive member is formed between the first portion of the two opposed contacts, and the second portion of the first opposed contact and the second portion of the second opposed contact A second space for inserting the second conductive member is formed between the second portion and the second portion.

  According to this configuration, the corresponding conductive member is inserted between the pair of main portions, whereby a force for narrowing the distance between the pair of sub portions is generated in each of the opposing contacts. Accordingly, the portion between the pair of slave portions is pressurized by the conductive member disposed between the pair of slave portions. The reaction force received by the pair of subordinate portions from the corresponding conductive member is a force that presses the pair of main portions against the corresponding conductive member. Thus, the contact pressure between each conductive member and each opposing contact can be further increased. As a result, the electrical connection between the first conductive member and the second conductive member via the contact can be more reliably maintained. Further, even if the conductive member between the first counter contact and the second counter contact has a twisting motion, the first counter contact and the second counter contact can be displaced so as to follow the twisting motion. Thereby, the electrical connection between the first conductive member and the second conductive member via the contact can be more reliably maintained.

  (3) More preferably, the electrical connector further includes a connecting portion that connects the fulcrum portions of the opposing contacts.

  According to this configuration, each contact can perform a seesaw motion with the fulcrum portion as a fulcrum more reliably.

  (4) Preferably, a pair of the contacts are provided, and the pair of contacts includes a first parallel contact and a second parallel contact arranged side by side and apart from each other, and the first parallel contact is the The direction facing the first conductive member and the second conductive member and the direction where the second parallel contact faces the first conductive member and the second conductive member are set to be the same.

  According to this configuration, the pair of side-by-side contacts are arranged in a state of being separated from each other. For this reason, even when the conductive member is displaced to be twisted, the pair of side-by-side contacts are likely to be displaced following the twisting motion. Thereby, the contact state of a conductive member and each parallel contact can be maintained more reliably.

  (5) Preferably, the electrical connector further includes a restricting member for restricting the first conductive member from being detached from the first portion.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the first conductive member from being inadvertently detached from the contact.

  According to the present invention, in an electrical connector for electrically connecting a plurality of conductive members, electrical connection can be more reliably maintained.

It is a perspective view which shows the state which the electrical connector which concerns on embodiment of this invention has electrically connected the bus bar and the electric wire body. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the electrical connector, the bus bar, and the electric wire body isolate | separated from each other. It is sectional drawing which follows the III-III line | wire of FIG. 1, and has shown the state which looked at the electrical connector, the bus bar, and the electric wire body from the side. It is a perspective view of a contact device. It is a perspective view of the 1st contact formation object, and shows the state where the 1st contact formation object was seen from the front side. (A) is a plan view of the first contact formation body, (B) is a side view of the first contact formation body, and (C) is a front view of the first contact formation body. (A) is a plan view of the retainer, (B) is a side view of the retainer, (C) is a front view of the retainer, and (D) is a front view of the retainer. (A) is a top view of a cover. FIG. 8B is a side view of the cover. FIG. 8C is a rear view of the cover. It is sectional drawing which follows the IX-IX line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the XX line of FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. (A) is a front view of the housing, (B) is a side view of the housing, and (C) is a rear view of the housing. (A) is a top view of a housing, (B) is a bottom view of a housing. It is a figure which shows the principal part for demonstrating the operation | movement which connects a bus bar, a crimp terminal, and a 1st contact formation body. More specifically, (A) is a side view showing a state before connection. (B) is a side view showing a state during connection. (C) is a side view showing a connection completion state. (D) is a perspective view which shows the same state as FIG.14 (C). FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a contact device according to a first modification of the present invention, FIG. 15B is a front view of the contact device shown in FIG. 15A, and FIG. It is a bottom view of the contact apparatus shown to A). (A) is a perspective view of a contact device according to a second modification of the present invention, (B) is a front view of the contact device shown in FIG. 16 (A), and (C) is FIG. It is a bottom view of the contact apparatus shown to A). (A) is a perspective view of a contact device according to a third modification of the present invention, (B) is a front view of the contact device shown in FIG. 17 (A), and (C) is a perspective view of FIG. It is a bottom view of the contact apparatus shown to A). FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a contact device according to a fourth modification of the present invention, FIG. 18B is a front view of the contact device shown in FIG. 18A, and FIG. It is a bottom view of the contact apparatus shown to A). FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a contact device according to a fifth modification of the present invention, FIG. 19B is a front view of the contact device shown in FIG. 19A, and FIG. It is a bottom view of the contact apparatus shown to A). (A) is a perspective view of a contact device according to a sixth modification of the present invention, (B) is a front view of the contact device shown in FIG. 20 (A), and (C) is a perspective view of FIG. It is a bottom view of the contact apparatus shown to A). It is a perspective view of the electrical connector and bus bar which concern on the 7th modification of this invention, (A) has shown the state by which the bus bar and the electric wire body are not connected to the electrical connector, (B) is an electrical connector. The state which the bus bar and the electric wire body were connected to is shown. (A) is sectional drawing of the electrical connector which concerns on the 8th modification of this invention, (B) is a bottom view of a contact apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention can be widely applied to various uses as an electrical connector.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an electrical connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention electrically connects a bus bar 1 and a wire body 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the electrical connector 10, the bus bar 1 and the electric wire body 2 are separated from each other.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrical connector 10 is provided to electrically and mechanically connect the bus bar (first conductive member) 1 and the electric wire body 2. In this case, “mechanically connected” means that the one end 1 a of the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 at one end of the electric wire body 2 are fixed to each other via the electrical connector 10.

  The bus bar 1 is formed using a conductive material such as metal. In the present embodiment, the bus bar 1 is formed in an elongated thin plate shape. The bus bar 1 is electrically connected to a load such as an electric motor, for example. When the load is an electric motor, the bus bar 1 is electrically connected to, for example, a stator coil of a brushless motor, a brush of a brush motor, or the like.

  The load to which the bus bar 1 is connected may be a device other than the electric motor. In the present embodiment, the bus bar 1 is provided as a high-power conductive member, and is connected to a high-output electric motor of about several tens of kw. One end 1a of the bus bar 1 is formed in a rectangular band shape. A hole 1b is formed in the one end 1a.

  The electric wire body 2 is electrically connected to a power source such as a battery, for example. Electric power from the power source is output to a load such as an electric motor via the electric wire body 2, the electric connector 10, and the bus bar 1. The electric wire body 2 includes a covered electric wire 3 and a crimp terminal (second conductive member) 4.

  The covered electric wire 3 has a covered portion 3a and a plurality of core wires 3b. The covering portion 3a is a cylindrical member formed using an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The covering portion 3a covers most of the plurality of core wires 3b over the entire circumference. A core wire 3b protrudes from one end of the covering portion 3a.

  The core wire 3b is formed using a conductive material such as metal. In addition, although this embodiment demonstrates the form which has the some core wire 3b as an example as the electric wire body 2, it does not need to be this way. For example, the number of the core wires 3b in the electric wire body 2 may be one. One end of the core wire 3b is fixed to the crimp terminal 4, and the other end of the core wire 3b is connected to the above-described power source.

  The crimp terminal 4 is formed using a conductive material such as metal. The crimp terminal 4 has a fixing part 4a and a tongue piece part 4b. The fixing portion 4a is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fitted to one end portion of the plurality of core wires 3b. The fixed portion 4a is crimped to one end of the plurality of core wires 3b. A tongue piece 4b extends from the edge of the fixed portion 4a.

  The tongue piece 4b is, for example, a flat plate-like small piece member formed in an annular shape, and has a hole 4c. In the present embodiment, in a state where the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 are connected to the electrical connector 10, the bus bar 1 and the tongue piece 4b are arranged in parallel. The crimp terminal 4 having the above configuration is inserted into the electrical connector 10.

[Detailed configuration of electrical connector]
The electrical connector 10 is formed in an elongated block shape as a whole. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the electrical connector 10 is referred to as a longitudinal direction X1. In the plan view of the electrical connector 10, the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X1 is referred to as a width direction Y1. A direction orthogonal to both the longitudinal direction X1 and the width direction Y1 is referred to as a thickness direction Z1.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1 and shows a state in which the electrical connector 10, the bus bar 1, and the wire body 2 are viewed from the side.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the electrical connector 10 includes a contact device 11, a housing 12, a cover 13, and retainers 14 and 15.

[Detailed configuration of contact device]
The contact device 11 electrically connects the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 by directly contacting each of the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4. In the present embodiment, the contact device 11 has a seesaw structure. Thereby, the contact pressure which acts on the bus bar 1 from the contact device 11 is made sufficiently high, and the contact pressure which acts on the crimp terminal 4 from the contact device 11 is made sufficiently high.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the contact device 11. 3 and 4, the contact device 11 is formed using a conductive material. The contact device 11 is made of, for example, a copper alloy as a material. The surface of the contact device 11 is subjected to a plating process such as tin plating or gold plating. The contact device 11 is accommodated in a contact accommodating portion 43 described later of the housing 12.

  The contact device 11 includes a first contact formation body 21 and a second contact formation body 22.

  The first contact forming body 21 and the second contact forming body 22 are formed in a symmetrical shape in the width direction Y1. In the present embodiment, the first contact forming body 21 and the second contact forming body 22 are formed using different members, and are disposed in the housing 12 in a state of being separated from each other.

  The first contact forming body 21 and the second contact forming body 22 have the same shape. Therefore, below, the structure of the 1st contact formation body 21 is mainly demonstrated among the contact formation bodies 21 and 22. FIG.

[Detailed Configuration of First Contact Forming Body]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first contact forming body 21 and shows the first contact forming body 21 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the first contact forming body 21. FIG. 6B is a side view of the first contact forming body 21. FIG. 6C is a front view of the first contact forming body 21.

  Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 6 (A), 6 (B) and 6 (C), the first contact forming body 21 is formed by pressing and bending the conductive plate member described above. It is formed by applying. In the present embodiment, the entire first contact forming body 21 is integrally formed using a single material.

  The first contact forming body 21 includes a first contact 100 elongated in the longitudinal direction X1, a second contact 200 elongated in the longitudinal direction X1, and a connecting portion 23 that couples the first contact 100 and the second contact 200 to each other. doing.

  The first contact 100 and the second contact 200 are an example of the “first opposed contact and second opposed contact that face each other” in the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the first contact forming body 21 is formed in a T shape in plan view (FIG. 6A) and has a symmetrical shape in the longitudinal direction X1. Further, the first contact forming body 21 is formed in an I shape in a side view (FIG. 6B), is formed in a symmetrical shape in the thickness direction Z1, and is formed in a symmetrical shape in the longitudinal direction X1. Is formed. Further, the first contact forming body 21 is formed in a U shape in a front view (FIG. 6C), and is formed in a symmetrical shape in the thickness direction Z1.

[Detailed configuration of first contact]
The first contact 100 is provided to contact the surface of the one end 1 a of the bus bar 1 and the surface of the tongue piece 4 b of the crimp terminal 4. The first contact 100 is arranged so that the thickness direction of the first contact 100 is the thickness direction Z1.

  The first contact 100 is formed in a shape having undulations as it proceeds in the longitudinal direction X1. The first contact 100 has a seesaw structure. Specifically, as well shown in FIG. 5, the first contact 100 includes a fulcrum portion 101, a first relay portion 102, a first portion 103, a first guide portion 104, and a second relay. A portion 105, a second portion 106, and a second guide portion 107 are included.

  The fulcrum portion 101 is provided as a fulcrum portion of the first contact 100 and is disposed between the first portion 103 and the second portion 106. That is, in the side view, the first contact 100 can swing in the direction of the arrow D1 with the fulcrum portion 101 as the center. The arrow D1 direction is a circumferential direction centering on the connecting portion 23 in a side view. In the embodiment, the fulcrum portion 101 extends so as to be orthogonal to the thickness direction Z1. The fulcrum part 101 has an edge part facing the second contact forming body 22, and a notch part 108 is formed at this edge part. Further, the fulcrum portion 101 has an edge portion where the notch portion 108 is formed and an edge portion aligned in the width direction Y <b> 1, and this edge portion is continuous with the connecting portion 23. Details of the connecting portion 23 will be described later. The fulcrum part 101 having the above configuration is continuous with the first relay part 102.

  The first relay part 102 is provided as a part connecting the fulcrum part 101 and the first part 103. In the present embodiment, the first relay portion 102 is formed in an S shape in a side view, and approaches the second contact 200 as it moves away from the fulcrum portion 101 along the longitudinal direction X1. The first relay unit 102 is continuous with the first portion 103.

  The first portion 103 is provided as a portion for directly contacting the one end 1 a of the bus bar 1. The first portion 103 is inclined with respect to the fulcrum portion 101. Specifically, the first portion 103 extends so as to approach the second contact 200 as it moves away from the fulcrum portion 101 along the longitudinal direction X1. In the present embodiment, the first portion 103 is a flat portion. In a free state (a state in which no external force is applied), the inclination angle θ1 of the first portion 103 with respect to the support portion 101 is set to about several degrees. Thereby, when the bus bar 1 is inserted into the contact device 11, the first portion 103 and the bus bar 1 become substantially parallel. The first portion 103 has one side surface that faces the second contact 200, and this one side surface contacts the surface of the bus bar 1.

  The first portion 103 has an edge portion that faces the second contact forming body 22, and a pin passage portion 109 is formed at the edge portion. The pin passage portion 109 penetrates the fulcrum portion 101 in the thickness direction Z1. The pin passage portion 109 is provided as a portion into which a later-described pin 14b of the retainer 14 is fitted. The pin passage portion 109 is formed in an arc shape in plan view. The first portion 103 has a size that can ensure a sufficient contact area with the surface of the bus bar 1. A first guide portion 104 extends from the distal end portion of the first portion 103.

  The first guide portion 104 is provided as a portion that guides insertion of the bus bar 1 into the first space S <b> 1 between the first contact 100 and the second contact 200. The first guide portion 104 extends away from the second contact 200 as the distance from the first guide portion 104 increases.

  Compared to the width of the first guide portion 104 (the width of the distal end portion of the first portion 103), the width of the base end portion of the first portion 103 and the width of the fulcrum portion 101 are set to be large. With such a configuration, when the bus bar 1 is inserted into the first space S1 between the first contact 100 and the second contact 200, the tip of the first contact 100 can be easily bent. Therefore, the insertion operation of the bus bar 1 is easy. Further, the reaction force from the bus bar 1 is reliably transmitted to the base end portion of the first portion 103 having high rigidity in the first contact 100, the first relay portion 102, and the fulcrum portion 101. Thereby, the seesaw motion of the first contact 100 around the fulcrum portion 101 can be reliably performed. A second relay portion 105 extends from the fulcrum portion 101.

  The second relay part 105 is provided as a part connecting the fulcrum part 101 and the second part 106. In the present embodiment, the second relay portion 105 is formed in an S shape in a side view, and approaches the second contact 200 as it moves away from the fulcrum portion 101 along the longitudinal direction X1. The second relay unit 105 is continuous with the second part 106.

  The second portion 106 is provided as a portion for directly contacting the tongue piece portion 4 b of the crimp terminal 4. The second portion 106 is inclined with respect to the fulcrum portion 101. Specifically, the second portion 106 extends so as to approach the second contact 200 as it moves away from the fulcrum portion 101 along the longitudinal direction X1. In the present embodiment, the second portion 106 is a flat portion. In the free state, the inclination angle θ2 of the second portion 106 with respect to the fulcrum portion 101 is set to about several degrees. Thereby, when the tongue piece part 4b is inserted in the contact apparatus 11, the 2nd part 106 and the tongue piece part 4b become substantially parallel. The second portion 106 has one side surface that faces the second contact 200, and this one side surface contacts the surface of the tongue piece 4b.

  The second portion 106 has an edge portion that faces the second contact forming body 22, and a pin passage portion 110 is formed at the edge portion. The pin passage part 110 penetrates the fulcrum part 101 in the thickness direction Z1. The pin passage portion 110 is provided as a portion into which a later-described pin 15b of the retainer 15 is fitted. The pin passage portion 110 is formed in an arc shape in plan view. The second portion 106 has a size capable of ensuring a sufficient contact area with the surface of the tongue piece 4b. A second guide portion 107 extends from the distal end portion of the second portion 106.

  The second guide part 107 is provided as a part for guiding insertion of the tongue piece part 4 b into the second space S <b> 2 between the first contact 100 and the second contact 200. The second guide portion 107 extends away from the second contact 200 as it moves away from the second guide portion 107.

  Compared to the width of the second guide portion 107 (the width of the distal end portion of the second portion 106), the width of the base end portion of the second portion 106 and the width of the fulcrum portion 101 are set to be large. With such a configuration, when the tongue piece 4b is inserted into the second space S2 between the first contact 100 and the second contact 200, the tip of the first contact 100 can be easily bent. Therefore, the insertion work of the tongue piece 4b is easy. Further, the reaction force from the tongue piece portion 4 b is reliably transmitted to the base end portion of the second portion 106 having high rigidity, the second relay portion 105, and the fulcrum portion 101 in the first contact 100. Thereby, the seesaw motion of the first contact 100 around the fulcrum portion 101 can be reliably performed.

  The first contact 100 having the above configuration is aligned with the second contact 200 in the thickness direction Z1. In the present embodiment, the first contact 100 and the second contact 200 are symmetrical in the thickness direction Z1.

[Detailed configuration of second contact]
The second contact 200 is provided to contact the back surface of the one end portion 1 a of the bus bar 1 and the back surface of the tongue piece portion 4 b of the crimp terminal 4. The second contact 200 is arranged so that the thickness direction of the second contact 200 is the thickness direction Z1.

  The second contact 200 is disposed adjacent to the cover 13 of the housing 12. The second contact 200 is formed in a shape having undulations as it proceeds in the longitudinal direction X1.

  The second contact 200 has a seesaw structure. Specifically, as well shown in FIG. 5, the second contact 200 includes a fulcrum part 201, a first relay part 202, a first part 203, a first guide part 204, and a second relay. A portion 205, a second portion 206, and a second guide portion 207 are included.

  The fulcrum part 201 is provided as a fulcrum part of the second contact 200 and is disposed between the first part 203 and the second part 206. That is, in the side view, the second contact 200 can swing in the direction of the arrow D1 with the fulcrum portion 201 as the center. In the present embodiment, the fulcrum portion 201 extends so as to be orthogonal to the thickness direction Z1. The fulcrum part 201 has an edge part facing the second contact forming body 22, and a notch part 208 is formed at this edge part. Further, the fulcrum part 201 has an edge part where the notch part 208 is formed and an edge part aligned in the width direction Y <b> 1, and this edge part is continuous with the connecting part 23. Details of the connecting portion 23 will be described later. The fulcrum part 201 having the above configuration is continuous with the first relay part 202.

  The first relay unit 202 is provided as a part connecting the fulcrum part 201 and the first part 203. In the present embodiment, the first relay portion 202 is formed in an S shape in a side view, and approaches the first contact 100 as it moves away from the fulcrum portion 201 along the longitudinal direction X1. The first relay unit 202 is continuous with the first portion 203.

  The first portion 203 is provided as a portion for directly contacting the one end 1 a of the bus bar 1. The first portion 203 is inclined with respect to the fulcrum portion 201. Specifically, the first portion 203 extends so as to approach the first contact 100 as it moves away from the fulcrum portion 201 along the longitudinal direction X1. In the present embodiment, the first portion 203 is a flat portion. In the free state, the inclination angle θ3 of the first portion 203 with respect to the fulcrum portion 201 is set to about several degrees. Thereby, when the bus bar 1 is inserted into the first space S1 between the first parts 103 and 203, the first part 203 and the bus bar 1 are substantially parallel. In this embodiment, the inclination angle θ1 = θ3 is set, but this need not be the case. For example, θ1> θ3 may be satisfied, or θ1 <θ3 may be satisfied. The first portion 203 has one side surface that faces the first contact 100, and this one side surface contacts the back surface of the bus bar 1.

  The first portion 203 has an edge portion that faces the second contact forming body 22, and a pin passage portion 209 is formed at the edge portion. The pin passage portion 209 penetrates the first portion 203 in the thickness direction Z1. The pin passage portion 209 is provided as a portion into which a later-described pin 14b of the retainer 14 is fitted. The pin passage portion 209 is formed in an arc shape in plan view. The first portion 203 has a size that can ensure a sufficient contact area with the back surface of the bus bar 1. A first guide portion 204 extends from the distal end portion of the first portion 203.

  The first guide portion 204 is provided as a portion that guides the insertion of the bus bar 1 into the first space S <b> 1 between the first portions 103 and 203. The first guide portion 204 extends away from the first contact 100 as the distance from the first guide portion 204 increases.

  Compared to the width of the first guide portion 204 (the width of the distal end portion of the first portion 203), the width of the base end portion of the first portion 203 and the width of the fulcrum portion 201 are set larger. With this configuration, when the bus bar 1 is inserted into the first space S1 between the first contact 100 and the second contact 200, the tip of the second contact 200 can be easily bent. Therefore, the insertion operation of the bus bar 1 is easy. In addition, the reaction force from the bus bar 1 is reliably transmitted to the base end portion of the first portion 203 having high rigidity, the first relay portion 205, and the point portion 201 in the second contact 200. Thereby, the seesaw motion of the second contact 200 around the fulcrum portion 201 can be reliably performed. A second relay portion 205 extends from the fulcrum portion 201.

  The second relay unit 205 is provided as a part connecting the fulcrum part 201 and the second part 206. In the present embodiment, the second relay portion 205 is formed in an S shape in a side view, and approaches the first contact 100 as it moves away from the fulcrum portion 201 along the longitudinal direction X1. The second relay unit 205 is continuous with the second part 206.

  The second portion 206 is provided as a portion for directly contacting the tongue piece 4 b of the crimp terminal 4. The second portion 206 is inclined with respect to the fulcrum portion 201. Specifically, the second portion 206 extends so as to approach the first contact 100 as it moves away from the fulcrum portion 201 along the longitudinal direction X1. In the present embodiment, the second portion 206 is a flat portion. In the free state, the inclination angle θ4 of the second portion 106 with respect to the fulcrum portion 201 is set to about several degrees. Thereby, when the tongue piece part 4b is inserted in 2nd space S2 between the 2nd parts 106 and 206, the 2nd part 206 and the tongue piece part 4b become substantially parallel. In the present embodiment, the inclination angle θ2 = θ4 is set, but this need not be the case. For example, θ2> θ4 may be satisfied, or θ2 <θ4 may be satisfied. The second portion 206 has one side surface facing the first contact 100, and this one side surface is in contact with the back surface of the tongue piece portion 4b.

  The second portion 206 has an edge portion that faces the second contact forming body 22, and a pin passage portion 210 is formed at the edge portion. The pin passage portion 210 penetrates the second portion 206 in the thickness direction Z1. The pin passage portion 210 is provided as a portion into which a later-described pin 15b of the retainer 15 is fitted. The pin passage part 210 is formed in an arc shape in plan view. The second portion 206 has a size capable of ensuring a sufficient contact area with the back surface of the tongue piece 4b. A second guide portion 207 extends from the distal end portion of the second portion 206.

  The second guide part 207 is provided as a part for guiding the insertion of the tongue piece part 4 b into the second space S <b> 2 between the first contact 100 and the second contact 200. The second guide portion 207 extends away from the first contact 100 as the distance from the second guide portion 207 increases.

  The width of the base end portion of the second portion 206 and the width of the fulcrum portion 201 are set larger than the width of the second guide portion 207 (the width of the distal end portion of the second portion 206). With such a configuration, when the tongue piece 4b is inserted into the second space S2 between the first contact 100 and the second portions 106 and 206 of the second contact 200, the tip of the second contact 200 is bent. Easy to do. Therefore, the insertion work of the tongue piece 4b is easy. Further, the reaction force from the tongue piece portion 4 b is reliably transmitted to the base end portion of the second portion 206 having high rigidity, the second relay portion 205, and the fulcrum portion 201 in the second contact 200. As a result, the seesaw motion of the second contact 200 around the fulcrum portion 201 can be reliably performed.

  The first contact 100 and the second contact 200 having the above configuration are connected to each other by the connecting portion 23.

[Detailed structure of connecting part]
The connecting part 23 connects the fulcrum part 101 of the first contact 100 and the fulcrum part 201 of the second contact 200. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 23 is formed in a U shape in a front view. In plan view, the connecting portion 23 is disposed so as not to overlap the first contact 100 and the second contact 200. The connection part 23 is continuous with the edge part on the opposite side to the edge part in which the notch parts 108 and 208 are formed in the fulcrum parts 101 and 201. One end portion of the connecting portion 23 in the thickness direction Z1 is continuous with the fulcrum portion 101 in a state of being bent by approximately 90 °. Similarly, the other end portion of the connecting portion 23 in the thickness direction Z1 is continuous with the fulcrum portion 201 in a state of being bent by approximately 90 °. The ease of seesaw motion of the contacts 100 and 200 is determined according to the length of the connecting portion 23 in the longitudinal direction X1.

  4 and 5, the first contact forming body 21 having the above-described configuration is arranged so as to be symmetrical with the second contact forming body 22 in the width direction Y1 as described above. Yes.

[Details of Configuration of Second Contact Forming Body]
The second contact forming body 22 includes a third contact 300 elongated in the longitudinal direction X1, a fourth contact 400 elongated in the longitudinal direction X1, and a connecting portion 24 that couples the third contact 300 and the fourth contact 400 to each other. doing.

  The third contact 300 and the fourth contact 400 are an example of the “first opposed contact and second opposed contact that face each other” in the present invention.

  The first contact 100 and the third contact 300 are an example of the “first parallel contact and second parallel contact arranged laterally and apart from each other” in the present invention. Similarly, the second contact 200 and the fourth contact 400 are an example of “a first parallel contact and a second parallel contact arranged laterally and spaced apart from each other” of the present invention.

[Detailed configuration of third contact]
The third contact 300 has the same configuration as that of the first contact 100 and has a seesaw structure. More specifically, the third contact 300 includes a fulcrum part 301, a first relay part 302, a first part 303, a first guide part 304, a second relay part 305, a second part 306, 2nd guide part 307.

  The fulcrum part 301, the first relay part 302, the first part 303, the first guide part 304, the second relay part 305, the second part 306, and the second guide part 307 of the third contact 300 are respectively the first contact. 100 corresponding fulcrum portions 101, first relay portion 102, first portion 103, first guide portion 104, second relay portion 105, second portion 106, and second guide portion 107 have the same configuration. ing.

  The fulcrum part 301 of the third contact 300 has an edge part facing the first contact forming body 21, and a notch part 308 is formed at this edge part. The notch 308 has the same configuration as the notch 108.

  The first portion 303 of the third contact 300 has an edge portion that faces the first contact forming body 21, and a pin passage portion 309 is formed at this edge portion. The pin 14 b of the retainer 14 is inserted into the space between the pin passage portions 109 and 309.

  The second portion 306 of the third contact 300 has an edge portion that faces the first contact forming body 21, and a pin passage portion 310 is formed at this edge portion. The pin 15 b of the retainer 15 is inserted into the space between the pin passage portions 110 and 310.

[Detailed configuration of the fourth contact]
The fourth contact 400 has the same configuration as that of the second contact 200 and has a seesaw structure. More specifically, the fourth contact 400 includes a fulcrum part 401, a first relay part 402, a first part 403, a first guide part 404, a second relay part 405, a second part 406, 2nd guide part 407.

  The fulcrum part 401, the first relay part 402, the first part 403, the first guide part 404, the second relay part 405, the second part 406, and the second guide part 407 of the fourth contact 400 are respectively a second contact. The corresponding fulcrum part 201, the first relay part 202, the first part 203, the first guide part 204, the second relay part 205, the second part 206, and the second guide part 207 of 200 have the same configuration. ing.

  The fulcrum part 401 of the fourth contact 400 has an edge part facing the first contact forming body 21, and a notch part 408 is formed at this edge part. The notch 408 has the same configuration as the notch 208.

  The first portion 403 of the fourth contact 400 has an edge portion that faces the first contact forming body 21, and a pin passage portion 409 (not shown in FIG. 4) is formed on this edge portion. . The pin 14b of the retainer 14 is inserted into the space between the pin passage portions 209 and 409.

  The second portion 406 of the fourth contact 400 has an edge portion that faces the first contact forming body 21, and a pin passage portion 410 (not shown in FIG. 4) is formed on this edge portion. . The pin 15 b of the retainer 15 is inserted into the space between the pin passage portions 110 and 410.

  The third contact 300 and the fourth contact 400 having the above-described configuration are connected to each other by the connecting portion 24. The connecting portion 24 has the same configuration as the connecting portion 23 of the first contact forming body 21 and is continuous with the fulcrum portions 301 and 401.

  With the above configuration, the first space S1 for inserting the bus bar 1 is also formed between the first portions 303 and 403 of the second contact forming body 22. A second space S2 for inserting the tongue piece 4b of the crimp terminal 4 is also formed between the second portions 306 and 406 of the second contact forming body 22.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first contact 100 faces the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 in the state where the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 are connected to the contacts 100, 200, 300, and 400 with the above configuration. The direction and the direction in which the third contact 300 faces the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 are set to be the same (one of the thickness directions Z1). Similarly, the direction in which the second contact 200 faces the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 and the direction in which the fourth contact 400 faces the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 are set to be the same (the other in the thickness direction Z1).

  The above is the schematic configuration of the contact device 11. Next, details of the retainers 14 and 15 attached to the contact device 11 will be described.

[Detailed configuration of retainer]
FIG. 7A is a plan view of the retainer 14. FIG. 7B is a side view of the retainer 14. FIG. 7C is a front view of the retainer 14. FIG. 7D is a front view of the retainer 15.

  With reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 7A to 7D, the retainer 14 serves as a restricting member for restricting the bus bar 1 from being detached from the first portions 103, 203, 303, 403. Is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the retainer 14 is fixed to the housing 12 by linear displacement in the thickness direction Z <b> 1 with respect to the housing 12. The retainer 14 has a head 14a and a pin 14b. In this embodiment, the retainer 14 is an integrally molded product formed using a synthetic resin, and the entire retainer 14 is an insulator. The head portion 14a may be formed of a synthetic resin, and the pin 14b may be formed of a highly rigid material such as a metal.

  The head 14a is provided as a grip when the retainer 14 is operated by an operator or the like. In the present embodiment, the head portion 14a is formed in a polygonal column shape (a quadrangular column shape). A plurality of convex portions 14c are formed on the side surface of the head portion 14a. A pin 14b extends from the bottom surface of the head 14a.

  The pin 14 b is inserted into the hole 1 b of the bus bar 1, thereby restricting the bus bar 1 from coming out of the contact device 11. The pin 14b is formed in a round shaft shape, for example. The retainer 14 having the above configuration and the retainer 15 have the same configuration.

  The retainer 15 is provided as a restricting member for restricting the tongue piece 4 b of the crimp terminal 4 from being detached from the second portions 106, 206, 306, and 406.

  In the present embodiment, the retainer 15 is fixed to the housing 12 by linear displacement in the thickness direction Z <b> 1 with respect to the housing 12. The shape of the retainer 15 is the same as the shape of the retainer 14. That is, the retainer 15 has a head portion 15a and a pin 15b, and a plurality of convex portions 15c are formed on the side surface of the head portion 15a. The retainer 14 is formed using the same material as the retainer 15. The pin 15b is inserted into the hole 4c of the tongue piece 4b, thereby restricting the crimp terminal 4 from coming off from the contact device 11.

  The retainers 14 and 15 are arranged so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction X1. A cover 13 is arranged so as to be aligned with the retainers 14 and 15 in the thickness direction Z1.

[Detailed cover configuration]
FIG. 8A is a plan view of the cover 13. FIG. 8B is a side view of the cover 13. FIG. 8C is a rear view of the cover 13.

  With reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 8A to 8C, the cover 13 is provided as a lid member that closes the opening 16 of the bottom surface 12 f of the housing 12. The cover 13 is provided as a member that supports the contact device 11. The cover 13 is an integrally molded product formed using an insulating material such as a synthetic resin.

  The cover 13 includes a cover body 25, a plurality of coupling pieces 26, and restricting convex portions 27, 28, 29, and 30.

  The cover body 25 is formed in a rectangular plate shape elongated in the longitudinal direction X1. A coupling piece 26 is disposed on the outer periphery of the cover body 25.

  The coupling piece 26 is fixed to the opening 16 by being fitted to a portion around the opening 16 of the housing 12. The coupling pieces 26 are appropriately arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the cover main body 25, and are arranged at six locations in the present embodiment. Pin receiving portions 32 and 33 are formed on the upper surface 31 of the cover body 25.

  The pin receiving portions 32 and 33 are provided as holes that fit into the corresponding pins 14 b and 15 b of the retainers 14 and 15, respectively.

  The pin receiving portion 32 forms a space having a shape (in this embodiment, a columnar shape) corresponding to the shape of the pin 14b. The pin receiving portion 32 is fitted to the tip end portion of the pin 14 b of the retainer 14 held by the housing 12. The pin receiving portion 32 and the pin 14b may be a clearance fit or a tight fit.

  The pin receiving part 33 forms a space having a shape (in this embodiment, a columnar shape) corresponding to the shape of the pin 15b. The pin receiving portion 33 is fitted to the tip portion of the pin 15 b of the retainer 15 held by the housing 12. The pin receiving portion 33 and the pin 15b may be a clearance fit or an interference fit.

  Thus, the electrical connector 10 can be made thinner by adopting a configuration in which the pin receiving portions 32 and 33 are fitted to the corresponding pins 14b and 15b. Restricting convex portions 27, 28, 29, 30 are arranged around the pin receiving portions 32, 33.

  9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

  With reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C, 9, and 10, the restricting convex portions 27, 28, 29, and 30 are respectively provided as small piece members that protrude from the upper surface 31 of the cover 13. ing. In the present embodiment, the protruding amounts of the restricting convex portions 27, 28, 29, and 30 from the upper surface 31 are set to be the same. The restricting convex portions 27, 28, 29, and 30 are disposed adjacent to the corresponding first portion 203, second portion 206, first portion 403, and second portion 406 of the contact device 11, respectively. These restricting convex portions 27, 28, 29, 30 receive excessively deformed contact device 11 by receiving the corresponding portions when the corresponding portions are displaced by a predetermined amount or more toward the cover 13 ( (Plastic deformation) is regulated. Next, the configuration of the housing 12 will be described more specifically.

[Detailed configuration of housing]
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 1, and the electrical connector 10 is shown in a state where the pins 14b and 15b of the retainers 14 and 15 are cut so as not to be displayed. 12A is a front view of the housing 12, FIG. 12B is a side view of the housing 12, and FIG. 12C is a rear view of the housing 12. FIG. 13A is a plan view of the housing 12, and FIG. 13B is a bottom view of the housing 12.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 9 to 13, the housing 12 accommodates the contact device 11. The housing 12 holds the retainers 14 and 15 and the cover 13. The housing 12 is formed using an insulating material such as synthetic resin.

  The housing 12 is formed in a block shape extending in the longitudinal direction X1, and has a substantially quadrangular prism appearance in this embodiment.

  As well shown in each of FIGS. 1, 12, and 13, the housing 12 has a pair of side surfaces 12c and 12d.

  One side surface 12 c has a groove forming portion 34. The groove forming part 34 forms a groove 34a extending in the longitudinal direction X1. The groove 34a is formed in an inversely tapered shape when viewed from the front, and the groove width becomes narrower as the distance from the center of the housing 12 increases along the width direction Y1. The groove 34 a is open to the front surface 12 a side of the housing 12.

  The other side surface 12 d has a ridge 35. The ridge 35 is formed in a shape corresponding to the groove 34a. Specifically, the ridge 35 is formed in a reverse taper shape in a front view, and the groove width increases as the distance from the center of the housing 12 increases along the width direction Y1. The protruding portion 35 can be press-fitted into a groove 34 a of the housing 12 different from the housing 12 in which the protruding portion 35 is formed. The housing 12 and another housing 12 can be fixed to each other by the fitting of the groove 34 a and the ridge 35. That is, a dedicated member for bundling the plurality of electrical connectors 10 is not necessary.

  As well shown in FIG. 12C, a plurality of hole portions 36 to 41 and a bus bar insertion portion 42 are formed in a portion of the housing 12 on the back surface 12 b side.

  Each of the holes 36 to 41 is a hole opened on the back surface 12b of the housing 12, and extends along the longitudinal direction X1. By providing the holes 36 to 41, the weight of the housing 12 is reduced. The holes 36, 37, and 38 are disposed near the upper surface 12e of the housing 12, and are aligned in the width direction Y1. The holes 39 to 41 are disposed near the bottom surface 12f of the housing 12, and are arranged in the width direction Y1. The hole 40 is opened to a contact accommodating portion 43 described later of the housing 12. A bus bar insertion portion 42 is formed between the hole portions 36, 37, and 38 and the hole portions 39 to 41.

  As well shown in FIGS. 11 and 12C, the bus bar insertion portion 42 is provided for inserting the bus bar 1 from the back surface 12 b of the housing 12. The bus bar insertion portion 42 is formed in a flat shape in the width direction Y1, and is provided as a slot for inserting the one end 1a of the bus bar 1. The bus bar insertion portion 42 extends from the back surface 12 b of the housing 12 to the inside of the housing 12, and is open to the contact accommodating portion 43.

  As well shown in FIGS. 1, 11, and 12 (A), holes 44, 45, 46 and a terminal insertion portion 47 are formed on the front surface 12 a side of the housing 12.

  The holes 44, 45, and 46 are holes that are opened to the front surface 12a of the housing 12, and extend along the longitudinal direction X1. By providing the holes 44, 45, 46, the weight of the housing 12 is reduced. The holes 44, 45, 46 are arranged near the bottom surface 12f of the housing 12, and are arranged in the width direction Y1. The hole 45 is open to the contact accommodating portion 43 of the housing 12. A terminal insertion portion 47 is formed at a position adjacent to the holes 44, 45, 46.

  The terminal insertion portion 47 is provided for inserting the electric wire body 2 from the front surface 12 a of the housing 12. The terminal insertion portion 47 has a first portion 47a into which the fixing portion 4a of the crimp terminal 4 and the covered electric wire 3 are inserted, and a second portion 47b into which the tongue piece portion 4b of the crimp terminal 4 is inserted. .

  The second portion 47b is disposed on the bottom side of the first portion 47a. The second portion 47b is formed in a flat shape in the width direction Y1, and is provided as a slot for inserting the tongue piece portion 4b. The second portion 47b extends from the front surface 12a of the housing 12 to the inside of the housing 12 along the longitudinal direction X1, and is open to the contact accommodating portion 43.

  As well shown in FIG. 3, retainer holding portions 48 and 49 are formed on the upper surface 12 e of the housing 12.

  The retainer holding portion 48 is a hole portion having a shape corresponding to the shape of the head portion 14a of the retainer 14, and is formed as a quadrangular columnar hole portion in the present embodiment. The retainer holding portion 48 is inserted with the head 14 a of the retainer 14. Each convex portion 14 c of the head portion 14 a is locked to the inner side surface of the retainer holding portion 48, whereby the retainer 14 is fixed to the retainer holding portion 48. A pin insertion hole 51 is formed at the bottom of the retainer holding portion 48. In this embodiment, the pin insertion hole 51 forms a cylindrical space, and the pin 14b of the retainer 14 is inserted therein. The pin insertion hole 51 is open to the contact accommodating portion 43. A retainer holding portion 49 is formed so as to line up with the retainer holding portion 48 in the longitudinal direction X1.

  In this embodiment, the retainer holding part 49 has a shape similar to the shape of the retainer holding part 48. Specifically, the retainer holding portion 49 is a hole having a shape corresponding to the shape of the head 15a of the retainer 15, and is formed as a quadrangular columnar hole in the present embodiment. A head 15 a of the retainer 15 is inserted into the retainer holding portion 49. Each convex portion 15 c of the head portion 15 a is locked to the inner surface of the retainer holding portion 49, whereby the retainer 15 is fixed to the retainer holding portion 49. A pin insertion hole 52 is formed at the bottom of the retainer holding portion 49. In this embodiment, the pin insertion hole 52 forms a cylindrical space, and the pin 15b of the retainer 15 is inserted therein. The pin insertion hole 52 is open to the contact accommodating portion 43.

  A contact accommodating portion 43 is formed on the bottom surface 12 f side of the housing 12. The contact accommodating portion 43 defines an accommodating space S <b> 3 for accommodating the contact device 11 in cooperation with the cover 13 around the bottom surface 12 f of the housing 12. In the present embodiment, the accommodation space S3 in the contact accommodation portion 43 is a space that is elongated in the longitudinal direction X1 and thin in the thickness direction Z1.

  As well shown in FIGS. 3 and 13B, the contact accommodating portion 43 includes a first inner side surface 61, a second inner side surface 62, a third inner side surface 63, and a fourth inner side surface 64. , And an upper surface 65.

  The first to fourth inner side surfaces 61 to 64 extend in parallel with the thickness direction Z1 and are formed in a rectangular shape surrounding the contact device 11 when viewed from the bottom. In FIG. 13B, the contact device 11 is illustrated by a two-dot chain line which is an imaginary line.

  The above-described bus bar insertion portion 42 is opened on the first inner surface 61. With this configuration, the bus bar 1 inserted into the bus bar insertion portion 42 can reach the first space S 1 in the contact accommodating portion 43. That is, the bus bar 1 and the contact device 11 can be contacted. The first inner surface 61 is opened with the aforementioned hole 45 formed in the back surface 12b. One edge 26 of the cover 13 is hung on the edge of the hole 45 to prevent the cover 13 from being inadvertently removed from the housing 12. A second inner side surface 62 is disposed so as to face the first inner side surface 61 in the longitudinal direction X1.

  On the second inner side surface 62, the second portion 47b of the terminal insertion portion 47 is opened. With this configuration, the tongue piece portion 4 b inserted into the terminal insertion portion 47 can reach the second space S <b> 2 in the contact accommodating portion 43. That is, contact between the crimp terminal 4 and the contact device 11 becomes possible. Further, the above-described hole 45 formed in the front surface 12a is opened in the second inner side surface 62. One edge 26 of the cover 13 is hung on the edge of the hole 45 to prevent the cover 13 from being inadvertently removed from the housing 12.

  Pin insertion holes 51 and 52 are opened on the upper surface 65 of the contact accommodating portion 43. Further, cover receiving portions 66, 67, 68, 69, restricting convex portions 71, 72, 73, 74 and a separator 75 are formed on the upper surface 65 of the contact accommodating portion 43.

  As well shown in each of FIGS. 9 to 13, the cover receiving portions 66, 67, 68, 69 are provided as portions for receiving the upper surface 31 of the cover 13. The cover receiving portions 66, 67, 68, and 69 are disposed at the four corners of the upper surface 65 of the contact accommodating portion 43 as viewed from the bottom, and project from the upper surface 65 of the contact accommodating portion 43 toward the cover 13. Grooves for holding the bus bar 1 are formed in the cover receiving portions 66 and 68. In addition, a groove for holding the crimp terminal 4 is formed in the cover receiving portions 67 and 69. Between these cover receiving portions 66, 67, 68, 69, restricting convex portions 71, 72, 73, 74 are formed.

  The restricting convex portions 71, 72, 73, 74 are configured to restrict excessive deformation of the contact device 11.

  The restricting convex portions 71, 72, 73, 74 are provided as small piece members that protrude from the upper surface 65 of the contact accommodating portion 43 toward the cover 13. In the present embodiment, the protruding amounts of the restricting convex portions 71, 72, 73, 74 from the upper surface 65 are set to be the same. The restricting convex portions 71, 72, 73, 74 are disposed adjacent to the corresponding first portion 103, second portion 106, first portion 303, and second portion 306 of the contact device 11, respectively. These restricting convex portions 71, 72, 73, 74 receive the corresponding portions when the corresponding portions are displaced by a predetermined amount or more toward the upper surface 65 side of the contact accommodating portion 43, so that the contact device 11 Restricts excessive deformation (plastic deformation). A separator 75 is disposed at a position adjacent to the restricting convex portions 71, 72, 73, 74 having the above configuration.

  As well shown in FIG. 13B, the separator 75 is provided to dispose the first contact forming body 21 and the second contact forming body 22 of the contact device 11 in a separated state. In the present embodiment, the separator 75 is composed of a plurality of small piece members.

  Specifically, the separator 75 has a main block 75a and sub blocks 75b to 75e.

  The main block 75 a is a small piece member disposed at the center of the upper surface 65 of the contact accommodating portion 43. The main block 75 a is fitted in the notch 108 of the fulcrum part 101 of the first contact formation body 21 and is fitted in the notch 308 of the fulcrum part 301 of the second contact formation body 22. The main block 75a is sandwiched between the sub blocks 75b and 75c.

  The sub blocks 75b and 75c are small piece members arranged between the fulcrum portions 101 and 301. The main block 75a and the sub blocks 75b and 75c prevent the fulcrum portions 101 and 301 from contacting each other. The sub-blocks 75d and 75e are disposed at a pair of ends of the contact forming bodies 21 and 22 in the longitudinal direction X1, and prevent the contact forming bodies 21 and 22 from contacting each other.

  The above is the schematic configuration of the electrical connector 10. Next, (1) an operation for electrically connecting the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 via the electrical connector 10, and (2) an operation for preventing the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 from being detached from the electrical connector 10. And will be explained.

[(1) Operation to electrically connect bus bar and crimp terminal via electrical connector]
Referring to FIG. 2, when the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 are electrically connected, an operator can connect the electrical connector 10 between the one end 1 a of the bus bar 1 and the tongue piece 4 b of the crimp terminal 4. Place. Next, the worker inserts the bus bar 1 into the bus bar insertion portion 42 (not shown in FIG. 2) of the electrical connector 10. In addition, the worker inserts the crimp terminal 4 into the terminal insertion portion 47 of the electrical connector 10.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11, the one end 1 a of the bus bar 1 is inserted into the accommodation space S <b> 3 in the contact accommodation portion 43. By this insertion operation, the one end 1a of the bus bar 1 is inserted into the first space S1 of each contact forming body 21, 22 (in FIG. 11, the second contact forming body 22 is not shown), and each first portion 103 is inserted. , 203, 303, 403.

  The crimp terminal 4 is inserted into the terminal insertion portion 47. The tongue piece portion 4 b of the crimp terminal 4 is inserted into the accommodation space S <b> 3 in the contact accommodation portion 43. By this insertion operation, the tongue piece portion 4b is inserted into the second space S2 of each of the first contact forming bodies 21, 22, and comes into contact with the second portions 106, 206, 306, 406.

  Next, the insertion operation of the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 into the first contact forming bodies 21 and 22 will be described in more detail. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a main part for explaining an operation of connecting the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 to the first contact forming body 21. More specifically, FIG. 14A is a side view showing a state before connection. FIG. 14B is a side view showing a state during connection. FIG. 14C is a side view showing a connection completion state, and FIG. 14D is a perspective view showing the same state as FIG. 14C.

  Referring to FIG. 14A, for example, when attaching the bus bar 1 to the first contact formation body 21 first among the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4, the worker moves the bus bar 1 along the longitudinal direction X1. The first contact forming body 21 is inserted between the first portions 103 and 203 (first space S1). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14B, the interval between the first portions 103 and 203 of the first contact forming body 21 is widened. By this operation, the first contact 100 rotates around the fulcrum portion 101 in the direction of arrow D1, and the second contact 200 rotates around the fulcrum portion 201 in the direction of arrow D1. As a result, the distance between the second portion 106 of the first contact 100 and the second portion 206 of the second contact 200 is reduced.

  Next, the worker inserts the tongue piece 4b of the crimp terminal 4 into the second portions 106 and 206 (second space S2) of the first contact forming body 21 along the longitudinal direction X1. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D, the distance between the second portions 106 and 206 of the first contact forming body 21 is widened. By this operation, the first contact 100 receives a force that rotates around the fulcrum portion 101 in the direction of the arrow D1. The second contact 200 receives a force rotating around the fulcrum 201 in the direction of the arrow D1. As a result, a force for sandwiching the bus bar 1 acts on the first portions 103 and 203 of the first contact forming body 21, and a force for sandwiching the crimp terminal 4 acts on the second portions 106 and 206. That is, by the seesaw motion by the first contact 100 and the second contact 200, the first portions 103 and 203 hold the bus bar 1 with a strong force, and the second portions 106 and 206 hold the crimp terminal 4 with a strong force. .

  In addition, also when attaching the crimp terminal 4 to the 1st contact formation body 21 among the bus bars 1 and the crimp terminals 4, the same operation as described above occurs. Further, in the second contact forming body 22, the same operation as that of the first contact forming body 21 occurs, so that the first portions 303 and 403 hold the bus bar 1 with a strong force, and the second portions 306 and 406 The crimp terminal 4 is clamped with a strong force.

  With the above operation, the one end 1 a of the bus bar 1 and the tongue piece 4 b of the crimp terminal 4 are electrically connected via the contact device 11. After this electrical connection is achieved, an operation for preventing the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 from coming off from the contact device 11 is performed.

[(2) Operation to prevent disconnection of bus bar and crimp terminal from electrical connector]
Next, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 14D, the worker inserts the retainer 14 into the retainer holding portion 48 of the housing 12. Thereby, the head 14 a of the retainer 14 is fixed to the retainer holding portion 48. The pin 14 b of the retainer 14 passes through the pin insertion hole 51. The pin 14b further passes between the pin passage portions 109 and 309 of the contact device 11, passes through the hole 1b of the one end portion 1a of the bus bar 1, and passes between the pin passage portions 209 and 409. 11 is penetrated. The tip end portion of the pin 14 b is inserted into the pin receiving portion 32 of the cover 13.

  In addition, the worker inserts the retainer 15 into the retainer holding portion 49 of the housing 12. Thereby, the head 15 a of the retainer 15 is fixed to the retainer holding portion 49. Further, the pin 15 b of the retainer 15 passes through the pin insertion hole 52. The pin 15b further passes through the contact device 11 by passing between the pin passage portions 110 and 310 of the contact device 11, passing through the hole 4c of the crimp terminal 4 and passing between the pin passage portions 210 and 410. To do. The tip of the pin 15 b is inserted into the pin receiving portion 33 of the cover 13.

  When removing the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 from the contact device 11, the worker first pulls the retainers 14 and 15 out of the housing 12 along the thickness direction Z1. Next, the worker pulls out the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 from the housing 12 respectively.

  As described above, according to the electrical connector 10, the contacts 100, 200, 300, and 400 each include a seesaw structure. According to this configuration, in the contacts 100, 200, 300, and 400, one of the first portions 103, 203, 303, and 403 and the second portions 106, 206, 306, and 406 (for example, the first portions 103, 203, 303, 403) and the corresponding bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 (for example, bus bar 1) are in contact with each other. Thereby, each contact 100, 200, 300, 400 is displaced, for example, using the first portions 103, 203, 303, 403 as the power points and the fulcrum portions 101, 201, 301, 401 as the fulcrums. Thereby, any one of the first portions 103, 203, 303, 403 and the second portions 106, 206, 306, 406 (for example, the second portions 106, 206, 306, 406) serves as a crimping terminal. Displaces to the 4th side. Accordingly, the second portions 106, 206, 306, 406 and the crimp terminal 4 are brought into contact with each other so as to generate a predetermined contact pressure. The reaction force received by the second portions 106, 206, 306, and 406 from the crimp terminal 4 is a force that presses the first portions 103, 203, 303, and 403 against the bus bar 1. Therefore, any of the first portions 103, 203, 303, 403 and the second portions 106, 206, 306, 406 can contact the corresponding bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 with sufficient contact pressure. As a result, the electrical connection between the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 via the contact device 11 can be more reliably maintained.

  Further, according to the electrical connector 10, a first space S <b> 1 for inserting the bus bar 1 is formed between the first portions 103, 203, 303, 403 of the contacts 100, 200, 300, 400. Further, a second space S <b> 2 for inserting the crimp terminal 4 is formed between the second portions 106, 206, 306, 406 of the contacts 100, 200, 300, 400. According to this configuration, when the bus bar 1 is inserted between the first portions 103, 203; 303, 403, a force for narrowing the interval between the second portions 106, 206; 306, 406 is generated. As a result, the second portions 106, 206; 306, 406 are pressed against the crimp terminal 4 disposed between the second portions 106, 206; 306, 406. In addition, the reaction force received by the second portions 106, 206; 306, 406 from the crimp terminal 4 is a force that presses the first portions 103, 203; 303, 403 against the bus bar 1. Thus, the contact pressure between each contact 100, 200, 300, 400 and the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 can be further increased. As a result, the electrical connection between the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 via the contact device 11 can be more reliably maintained.

  Further, even if the bus bar 1 or the crimp terminal 4 between the contacts 100 and 200 has a twisting motion, the contacts 100 and 200 can be displaced so as to follow the twisting motion. Thereby, the electrical connection between the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 via the contacts 100 and 200 can be more reliably maintained. Similarly, even if a twisting motion occurs in the bus bar 1 or the crimp terminal 4 between the contacts 300 and 400, the contacts 300 and 400 can be displaced so as to follow the twisting motion. Thereby, the electrical connection between the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 via the contacts 300 and 400 can be more reliably maintained.

  Further, according to the electrical connector 10, the contact forming bodies 21 and 22 include the connecting portions 23 and 24. According to this structure, each contact 100, 200, 300, 400 can perform the seesaw motion with the corresponding fulcrum portions 101, 201, 301, 401 as fulcrums more reliably.

  Moreover, according to the electrical connector 10, the contacts 100 and 300 are arranged side by side in a state of being separated from each other. For this reason, even when the bus bar 1 or the crimp terminal 4 is displaced so as to be twisted, the contacts 100 and 300 are likely to be displaced following the torsional motion. Thereby, the contact state of the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 and the contacts 100 and 300 can be more reliably maintained.

  Similarly, the contacts 200 and 400 are arranged side by side while being separated from each other. For this reason, even when the bus bar 1 or the crimp terminal 4 is displaced so as to be twisted, the contacts 200 and 400 are likely to be displaced following the torsional motion. Thereby, the contact state of the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 and the respective contacts 200 and 400 can be more reliably maintained.

  Further, the electrical connector 10 has a retainer 14 for restricting the bus bar 1 from coming off from the first portions 103, 203, 303, 403. Further, the electrical connector 10 has a retainer 15 for restricting the crimp terminal 4 from coming off from the second portions 106, 206, 306, and 406. According to this structure, it can suppress that the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 remove | deviate from the contact apparatus 11 carelessly.

  Moreover, according to the electrical connector 10, the retainers 14 and 15 are fixed to the housing 12 by press fitting. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to use a screw member for fixing the bus bar 1 and the contact device 11 and fixing the crimp terminal 4 and the contact device 11. For this reason, when the retainers 14 and 15 are fixed to the housing 12, a troublesome operation of rotating the retainers 14 and 15 with a tool a plurality of times is unnecessary. Further, it is not necessary to periodically tighten the screw member to prevent the screw member from loosening, and the maintenance work of the electrical connector 10 is easy. Further, the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 can be directly connected by the electrical connector 10. Thereby, it is not necessary to prepare members, such as a terminal block, separately.

  Although a plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible as long as they are described in the claims. For example, the following modifications may be made. In the following description, configurations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and components similar to those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[First Modification]
15A is a perspective view of a contact device 11A according to a first modification of the present invention, and FIG. 15B is a front view of the contact device 11A shown in FIG. 15A. FIG. 15C is a bottom view of the contact device 11A shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15C, contact device 11A is different from contact device 11 in that contact device 11A is composed of a single component.

  Specifically, the contact device 11A includes a first contact forming body 21A, a second contact forming body 22A, and a coupling portion 80.

  The first contact forming bodies 21A and 22A have the same configuration as the corresponding contact forming bodies 21 and 22, respectively. However, each fulcrum part 101A, 201A, 301A, 401A does not have a notch part.

  Although not shown, the housing for accommodating the contact device 11 </ b> A has substantially the same configuration as the housing 12 except that the main block 75 a of the separator 75 is omitted.

  The coupling portion 80 couples the first contact forming body 21A and the second contact forming body 22A. The coupling portion 80 is formed in a shape in which the second contact 200A is extended in the width direction Y1, and has the same shape as the second contact 200A and the fourth contact 400A in a side view.

  The coupling portion 80 has pin through portions 81 and 82. The pin through portion 81 forms a circular through hole in cooperation with the first portions 203A and 403A of the second contact 200A and the fourth contact 400A. The pin 14b of the retainer 14 is inserted into this through hole. The pin insertion portion 82 forms a circular through hole in cooperation with the second portions 206A and 406A of the second contact 200A and the fourth contact 400A. The pin 15b of the retainer 15 is inserted into this through hole.

  According to the contact device 11A, the number of parts constituting the contact device 11A can be reduced. Moreover, each contact formation body 21A, 22A can be assembled | attached to a housing collectively. Therefore, the labor for manufacturing the electrical connector can be reduced.

[Second Modification]
16A is a perspective view of a contact device 11B according to a second modification of the present invention, and FIG. 16B is a front view of the contact device 11B shown in FIG. FIG. 16C is a bottom view of the contact device 11B shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 16A to 16C, the contact device 11B according to the second modification of the present invention is different from the contact device 11A according to the first modification in that the retainers 14 and 15 are different. The configuration for inserting the pins 14b and 15b is omitted. Specifically, no pin through portion is formed in any of the contacts 100B, 200B, 300B, 400B and the coupling portion 80B of the contact forming bodies 21B, 22B.

  The retainers 14 and 15 are not attached to the housing that accommodates the contact device 11B.

[Third Modification]
FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a contact device 11C according to a third modification of the present invention, and FIG. 17B is a front view of the contact device 11C shown in FIG. FIG. 18C is a bottom view of the contact device 11C shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 17A to 17C, the contact device 11C according to the third modified example of the present invention is different from the contact device 11B according to the second modified example in the second contact 200C. In the fourth contact 400C and the coupling portion 80C, convex portions 83 and 84 are formed.

  The convex portion 83 is formed in the first portions 203C and 403C of the contacts 200C and 400C and the coupling portion 80C, and protrudes toward the first space S1. Thereby, the convex part 83 can be fitted in the hole 1b (not shown in FIG. 17) of the bus bar 1 inserted into the first space S1. Thereby, the omission of the bus bar 1 from the contact device 11C can be suppressed without using a retainer.

  The convex portion 84 is formed in the second portions 206C and 406C of the contacts 200C and 400C and the coupling portion 80C, and protrudes toward the second space S2. Thereby, the convex part 84 can fit in the hole 4c (not shown in FIG. 17) of the crimp terminal 4 inserted in 2nd space S2. Thereby, the disconnection of the crimp terminal 4 from the contact device 11C can be suppressed without using a retainer.

[Fourth Modification]
18A is a perspective view of a contact device 11D according to a fourth modification of the present invention, and FIG. 18B is a front view of the contact device 11D shown in FIG. 18A. FIG. 18C is a bottom view of the contact device 11D shown in FIG.

  18A to 18C, the contact device 11D according to the fourth modification of the present invention is different from the contact device 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention mainly in that The second contact forming body is omitted and the first contact forming body 21D is formed wider.

  More specifically, the contact device 11D includes a first contact forming body 21D.

  The first contact formation body 21D includes a first contact 100D, a second contact 200D, and a connecting portion 23.

  Notches are not formed in the fulcrum portions 101D and 201D of the contacts 100D and 200D. Pin through portions 109D and 209D are formed in the first portions 103D and 203D of the contacts 100D and 200D. Each of the pin passage portions 109D and 209D is a circular hole portion into which the pin 14b of the retainer 14 can be inserted. Further, pin through portions 110D and 210D are formed in the second portions 106D and 206D of the contacts 100D and 200D. Each of the pin passage portions 110D and 210D is a circular hole portion into which the pin 15b of the retainer 15 can be inserted.

  Although not shown, the housing that houses the contact device 11 </ b> D has substantially the same configuration as the housing 12 except that the separator 75 is omitted.

[Fifth Modification]
FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a contact device 11E according to a fifth modification of the present invention, and FIG. 19B is a front view of the contact device 11E shown in FIG. 19A. FIG. 19C is a bottom view of the contact device 11E shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 19A to 19C, the contact device 11E according to the fifth modification of the present invention is different from the contact device 11D according to the fourth modification in the pin passage portion 109D. , 110D, 209D, and 210D are omitted. Regarding other configurations, the contacts 100E and 200E have the same configuration as the corresponding contacts 100D and 200D. Further, the retainers 14 and 15 are not attached to the housing that houses the contact device 11E.

[Sixth Modification]
20A is a perspective view of a contact device 11F according to a sixth modification of the present invention, and FIG. 20B is a front view of the contact device 11F shown in FIG. FIG. 20C is a bottom view of the contact device 11F shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 20A to 20C, the contact device 11F according to the sixth modification of the present invention is different from the contact device 11E according to the fifth modification in that the second contact 200E. Further, the convex portions 85, 86, 87, and 88 are formed.

  The convex portions 85 and 86 are formed on the first portions 103F and 203F of the contacts 100F and 200F, and protrude so as to face each other. Thereby, the convex parts 85 and 86 can be fitted into the hole 1b (not shown in FIG. 20) of the bus bar 1 inserted into the first space S1. Thereby, the omission of the bus bar 1 from the contact device 11F can be suppressed without using a retainer. The convex portions 87 and 88 are formed on the second portions 106F and 206F of the contacts 100F and 200F, and protrude so as to face each other. Thereby, the convex parts 87 and 88 can be fitted into the hole 4c (not shown in FIG. 20) of the crimp terminal 4 inserted into the second space S2. Thereby, the disconnection of the crimp terminal 4 from the contact device 11F can be suppressed without using a retainer.

[Seventh Modification]
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an electrical connector 10G and a bus bar 1G according to a seventh modification of the present invention, and FIG. 21A shows a state where the bus bar 1G and the electric wire body 2 are not connected to the electrical connector 10G. FIG. 21B shows a state in which the bus bar 1G and the electric wire body 2 are connected to the electrical connector 10G.

  Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, electrical connector 10 </ b> G has bus bar insertion portion 42 </ b> G instead of bus bar insertion portion 42. The bus bar insertion portion 42G penetrates the housing 12G in the width direction Y1.

  The bus bar 1G has an elongated shape in the width direction Y1, and has a width larger than the width of the housing 12G (electrical connector 10G). The bus bar 1G is inserted into the bus bar insertion part 42G by being displaced along the longitudinal direction X1, for example. As a result, the bus bar 1G is connected to the contact device 11 (not shown in FIG. 20).

  According to the electrical connector 10G, the bus bar 1G can be inserted into the bus bar insertion portion 42G regardless of the width of the bus bar 1G. Therefore, the versatility of the electrical connector 10G can be further increased.

[Eighth Modification]
FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector 10H according to an eighth modification of the present invention. FIG. 22B is a bottom view of the contact device 11H. 22A and 22B, the electrical connector 10H is different from the electrical connector 10 mainly in the configuration of the contact device 11H.

  The contact device 11H has one second contact 200H. The second contact 200H has the same configuration as the second contact 200. However, the pin passage portions 209H and 210H of the second contact 200H are each formed in a circular shape. In the width direction Y1, the second contact 200H extends over substantially the entire area of the contact accommodating portion 43H.

  A pressing portion 89 is formed in the contact accommodating portion 43H of the housing 12H. In addition, a pressing portion 90 is formed on the cover 13H. The front ends of the pressing portions 89 and 90 are each tapered (for example, hemispherical) in a side view. The fulcrum part 201H of the second contact 200H is sandwiched between the pressing parts 89 and 90. Thereby, the second contact 200H can perform a seesaw motion (rotational motion) in the contact accommodating portion 43H.

  In this way, the bus bar 1 and the crimp terminal 4 can be electrically connected by one second contact 200H.

  In the eighth modification, the configuration in which the contact device 11H is configured by the second contact 200H has been described. However, this need not be the case. For example, a contact device similar to the contact device 11H may be formed by one first contact.

[Other variations]

  In the above-described embodiment and each modification, the conductive member is a bus bar and a crimp terminal. However, this need not be the case. As for the first conductive member and the second conductive member, both may be bus bars, or both may be crimp terminals. Further, for example, other conductive members such as a circuit board, FFC (flexible flat cable), and FPC (flexible printed circuit board) may be used as the conductive member.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment and each modification, you may comprise an electrical connector with a contact apparatus single-piece | unit.

  The present invention can be widely applied as an electrical connector.

1 Busbar (first conductive member)
4 Crimp terminal (second conductive member)
10 Electrical connector 14 Retainer (regulating member)
23, 24 Connection part 100, 200, 300, 400 Contact 101, 201, 301, 401 Support point part 103, 203, 303, 403 First part 106, 206, 306, 406 Second part S1 First space S2 Second space

Claims (5)

With conductive contacts,
The contact is disposed between a first part for contacting a predetermined first conductive member, a second part for contacting a predetermined second conductive member, and the first part and the second part. A seesaw structure having a fulcrum portion,
The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the other part and the conductive member are pressed against each other by the contact of the one part and the conductive member. The electrical connector according to claim 1,
A pair of the contacts are provided,
The pair of contacts has a first counter contact and a second counter contact facing each other,
A first space for inserting the first conductive member is formed between the first portion of the first counter contact and the first portion of the second counter contact;
A second space for inserting the second conductive member is formed between the second portion of the first counter contact and the second portion of the second counter contact. Electrical connector. The electrical connector according to claim 2,
An electrical connector further comprising a connecting portion for connecting the fulcrum portions of each of the opposing contacts. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A pair of the contacts are provided,
The pair of contacts has a first parallel contact and a second parallel contact arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other,
The direction in which the first parallel contact faces the first conductive member and the second conductive member and the direction in which the second parallel contact faces the first conductive member and the second conductive member are set to be the same. An electrical connector, characterized in that The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An electrical connector, further comprising a regulating member for regulating the first conductive member from coming off from the first portion.

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