WO2023100629A1 - Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention, a connector comprises a band-shaped conductive member, a connector housing that houses the conductive member, and a regulating member provided on the connector housing. The conductive member has a first end section that can be electrically and mechanically connected to a counterpart terminal, a second end section positioned on the opposite side from the first end section in the longitudinal direction of the conductive member, and a damper section that is provided between the first end section and the second end section, and is elastically deformable in the direction the first end section and the second end section approach one another. The connector housing has a wall provided with an opening in which the counterpart terminal can be inserted in a first direction that follows the longitudinal direction of the conductive member, in order to connect the counterpart terminal to the first end section. In order to limit displacement of the first end section when the damper section is elastically deformed, the regulating member is provided in a region adjacent to the first end section in the first direction.

Description

connector

The present disclosure relates to connectors.
This application claims priority based on Japanese application No. 2021-196966 filed on December 3, 2021, and incorporates all the descriptions described in the Japanese application.

Conventionally, wire harnesses are used to connect electrical devices such as motors and inverters. In order to reduce the number of parts and save space, a structure has been proposed in which electric devices are directly connected to each other (for example, Patent Document 1). Due to its construction, one electrical device has a first connector and the other electrical device has a second connector connectable to the first connector.

JP 2010-225488 A

A connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connector that is electrically connectable to a mating connector that includes a mating terminal, and includes a strip-shaped conductive member, a connector housing that accommodates the conductive member, and a connector housing provided in the connector housing. a regulating member, wherein the conductive member has a first end that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the mating terminal; and a damper portion that is provided between the first end and the second end and is elastically deformable in a direction in which the first end and the second end are brought closer to each other. and the connector housing is provided with an opening into which the mating terminal can be inserted in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the conductive member in order to connect the mating terminal to the first end. The restricting member has a wall and is provided in a region next to the first end in the first direction in order to restrict displacement of the first end when the damper portion is elastically deformed. .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector and a mating connector according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector and a mating connector according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector and the mating connector. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the connector in cross section. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the conductive member, clip spring, and clip stopper in an exploded state; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state between the conductive member and the mating terminal. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the connector with the restricting member removed. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conductive member and a clip stopper; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a clip spring and a clip stopper. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the clip spring is removed from the clip stopper. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification of the clip stopper. FIG. 13A is a perspective view showing a modification regarding the restricting member. FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing a modification regarding the restricting member. FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing a modification regarding the restricting member. FIG. 14B is a perspective view showing a modification regarding the restricting member. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the connector. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the connector.

<Problems to be solved by the present disclosure>
The connector disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a terminal fitting, a connector housing, and a support member mounted inside the connector housing. The terminal fitting consists of a first end (electrical contact part) that can be connected to the mating terminal of the mating connector, a second end (equipment connection part) on the opposite side, and a braid that connects the first terminal and the second terminal. have a line and The support member supports the first end portion (electrical contact portion) so as to be displaceable within the connector housing.

Even if the first end of the connector is displaced in relation to the mating terminal of the mating connector, the displacement of the first end and the bending of the braided wire absorb the misalignment, and the electric devices are connected to each other. are electrically connected.

In the case of the connector, it is necessary to join the braided wire to the first end and the second end, which makes it difficult to contribute to cost reduction.
In the work of connecting the mating terminal to the first end of the connector, if the mating terminal pushes the first terminal, the braided wire may bend and the first terminal may escape (retreat), making it difficult to perform the connection work. Sometimes.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable electrical connection by absorbing the positional deviation even if there is a positional deviation between the connector and the mating connector, and to facilitate the connection.

<Effects of the present disclosure>
According to the present disclosure, even if there is a misalignment between the connector and the mating connector, it is possible to absorb the misalignment to enable electrical connection, and to facilitate the connection. .

<Outline of Embodiment of Present Disclosure>
An outline of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described below.
(1) A connector according to the present embodiment is a connector that is electrically connectable to a mating connector having mating terminals, and includes a strip-shaped conductive member, a connector housing that accommodates the conductive member, and a connector housing provided in the connector housing. a regulating member, wherein the conductive member has a first end that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the mating terminal; and a damper portion that is provided between the first end and the second end and is elastically deformable in a direction in which the first end and the second end are brought closer to each other. and the connector housing is provided with an opening into which the mating terminal can be inserted in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the conductive member in order to connect the mating terminal to the first end. The restricting member has a wall and is provided in a region next to the first end in the first direction in order to restrict displacement of the first end when the damper portion is elastically deformed. .

According to the connector of this embodiment, when the mating terminal inserted through the opening of the housing is connected to the first end of the conductive member, even if the first end and the mating terminal are misaligned, , the positional deviation can be absorbed by elastic deformation of the conductive member. Moreover, by restricting the displacement of the first end by the restricting member provided in the region adjacent to the first end, the force for mechanical connection between the first end and the mating terminal The resulting elastic deformation of the damper portion is limited. As a result, connection between the first end portion and the mating terminal is facilitated.

(2) Preferably, the damper section includes a first portion that extends in a direction that intersects with the first direction and is continuous with the first end, and a first portion that is continuous with the second end and extends in a direction that intersects with the first direction. It has a second portion that extends and a connecting portion that connects the first portion and the second portion. With this configuration, a damper portion that can be elastically deformed in a direction in which the first end portion and the second end portion are brought closer to each other can be easily obtained.

(3) Preferably, in the connector of (2), the regulating member has a first contact surface facing the first portion, and the mating terminal is inserted through the opening to contact the first end. At the time of connection, when the first end is pressed and the damper portion is elastically deformed, at least one of the first end and the first portion contacts the first contact surface. In this case, at least one of the first end portion and the first portion of the damper portion contacts the first contact surface of the regulating member, thereby restricting displacement of the first end portion when the damper portion is elastically deformed. is obtained.

(4) Preferably, the connector of (2) includes a clip spring that is separate from the conductive member and capable of clamping the first end portion and the mating terminal, and is attached to the conductive member. a clip stopper that restricts the clip spring from being displaced in the first direction with respect to the first end, wherein the restricting member faces at least one of the clip stopper and the first portion. When the mating terminal is inserted through the opening and connected to the first end, when the first end is pushed and the damper part is elastically deformed, the At least one of the clip stopper and the first portion contacts the first contact surface. In this case, at least one of the clip stopper and the first portion of the damper portion contacts the first contact surface of the regulating member, thereby obtaining a configuration that limits displacement of the first end portion when the damper portion is elastically deformed. be done.

(5) Preferably, the connector of (2) further includes a terminal portion that is integral with the first end portion and is mechanically connectable to the mating terminal, and the restricting member comprises the terminal portion. and the first portion, wherein the first end is pushed when the mating terminal is inserted through the opening and connected to the first end When the damper portion is elastically deformed in (1), at least one of the first end portion, the first portion, and the terminal portion contacts the first contact surface. In this case, at least one of the first end portion, the terminal portion, and the first portion of the damper portion contacts the first contact surface of the regulating member, thereby suppressing the displacement of the first end portion when the damper portion is elastically deformed. A limiting configuration is obtained.

(6) Preferably, in the connector of (4) above, the first contact surface has a first surface portion along a plane, and the clip stopper is opposed to the first contact surface and along the plane. In order to connect the first end and the mating terminal by clamping the first end and the mating terminal by the clip spring, the mating terminal pushes the first end. When the damper portion is elastically deformed, at least one of the second surface portion and the first portion of the second contact surface contacts the first surface portion of the first contact surface. In this case, the restricting member can stably support at least one of the clip stopper and the first portion of the damper portion. As a result, ease of connection between the first end portion and the mating terminal is improved.

(7) Preferably, in the connector according to any one of (3) to (5), the first contact surface has a first surface portion along a plane, and the first contact surface includes the A part of the first surface portion is contacted by the contact partner. In this case, when the contact partner approaches and contacts the restricting member from, for example, the first direction, the restricting member can stably support the contact partner. As a result, ease of connection between the first end portion and the mating terminal is improved.

(8) Alternatively, in the connector according to any one of (3) to (5), the first contact surface has a first surface portion along a curved surface, and the first contact surface has a first surface portion along the curved surface. A part of the one surface portion contacts the contact partner. In this case, even if the contact partner comes into contact with the regulating member in an inclined posture, the regulating member can stably support the contact partner. As a result, ease of connection between the first end portion and the mating terminal is improved.

(9) Preferably, the restricting member is a region formed between the first portion and the second portion, and a gap is provided between each of the first portion, the second portion, and the connecting portion. It has and is provided. With this configuration, the function of the damper portion to absorb the positional deviation between the first end portion and the mating terminal is not impaired, and the damper portion is elastic when the first end portion and the mating terminal are mechanically connected. It becomes possible to limit the amount of deformation.

(10) Preferably, the regulation member has non-conductivity. In this case, the first end and the second end are not short-circuited via the restricting member. Since the regulating member is not energized, it is not necessary to insulate the contact partner that contacts the regulating member.

(11) Preferably, the regulating member is a separate member from the connector housing, is insertable into the connector housing in a predetermined direction, and extends in the first direction intersecting the predetermined direction. A groove is provided to immovably mount the restricting member. In this case, the operation of attaching the restricting member to the connector housing is easy, and once attached, the function as the restricting member is exhibited.

(12) Preferably, the first end portion, the damper portion, and the second end portion are composed of a single elastic strip. In this case, by bending the elastic plate piece, for example, the first end portion, the damper portion and the second end portion are obtained, which contributes to cost reduction.

<Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure>
Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. At least part of the embodiments described below may be combined arbitrarily.

[Regarding the connector 10 and the mating connector 90]
1 and 2 are perspective views of a connector 10 and a mating connector 90 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 90 are connected. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the connector 10 and the mating connector 90 are not connected. The connector 10 is a first connector that the first electrical device 5 has, and the mating connector 90 is a second connector that a second electrical device 6 different from the first electrical device 5 has. The first electric device 5 and the second electric device 6 of the present embodiment are in-vehicle devices of automobiles.

The first electrical device 5 and the second electrical device 6 are directly connected. That is, the connector 10 is directly connected to the mating connector 90 without a wire harness. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the first electric device 5 and the second electric device 6 are indicated by two-dot chain lines. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 10 and the mating connector 90. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the connector 10 in cross section.

The connector 10 includes two strip-shaped conductive members 11 and 11 and one connector housing 12 that accommodates the conductive members 11 and 11 . Each conductive member 11 is composed of one belt-shaped member having a bent portion.
The mating connector 90 includes two strip-shaped mating terminals 91 , 91 and one mating housing 93 that accommodates the mating terminals 91 , 91 . One conductive member 11 and one mating terminal 91 are electrically connected.

Although the conductive member 11 has a bent portion, it is strip-shaped and has a first end portion 21 and a second end portion 22 as portions extending long in one direction (see FIG. 3). The one direction is the longitudinal direction of the conductive member 11, and the direction along the longitudinal direction is defined as the "first direction". The mating terminal 91 has a linear shape along the first direction. The two conductive members 11, 11 are provided side by side in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. A direction in which the two conductive members 11, 11 are arranged is defined as a "width direction". As will be described later (see FIG. 7), the first end portion 21 of the conductive member 11 and the mating end portion 92 of the mating terminal 91 overlap each other, and the conductive member 11 and the mating terminal 91 are electrically connected. connected The direction in which the mating terminal 91 (mating end portion 92) overlaps the first end portion 21 is defined as the "overlapping direction". The overlapping direction coincides with the direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the width direction.

　XYZ orthogonal coordinates are shown in each figure. The X direction is the width direction (direction from one width direction to the other width direction), the Y direction is the first direction (direction from the mating terminal 91 side to the conductive member 11 side), and the Z direction is the overlapping direction ( direction from the first end portion 21 to the mating end portion 92).

[Regarding the connector 10]
In FIG. 3 , the connector 10 includes a regulating member 13 , a clip spring 14 and a clip stopper 15 in addition to the conductive member 11 and connector housing 12 . One structure 16 is composed of one conductive member 11 , one clip spring 14 and one clip stopper 15 . A pair of structures 16 , 16 are arranged on both sides of the connector housing 12 in the width direction so as to be symmetrical with respect to the center C in the width direction of the connector housing 12 . The first structural body 16 on one side in the width direction and the second structural body 16 on the other side in the width direction are configured to be plane symmetric with respect to the virtual plane extending in the YZ direction including the center C as described above. However, the structure and function of each component are the same.

[Conductive member 11]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the conductive member 11, clip spring 14, and clip stopper 15 in a disassembled state. In FIG. 5, the regulating member 13 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line. The conductive member 11 is made of a strip-shaped conductive metal plate, and is also called a busbar. The conductive member 11 is made of, for example, a copper alloy. The conductive member 11 is an elastic member made of a strip that allows elastic bending deformation in its thickness direction. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of connector 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the conductive member 11 and the mating terminal 91 are not connected (unconnected state). FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state (connected state) in which the conductive member 11 and the mating terminal 91 are connected.

The conductive member 11 has a first end portion 21 , a second end portion 22 and a damper portion 23 . The first end portion 21, the damper portion 23, and the second end portion 22 are formed by bending a single elastic strip. The first end portion 21 is a portion that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the mating end portion 92 of the mating terminal 91 . The second end portion 22 is a portion located on the opposite side of the first end portion 21 in the longitudinal direction of the conductive member 11 . The second end portion 22 is connected to a device-side terminal (not shown) or the like.

The damper portion 23 is a portion provided between the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 . The damper portion 23 is elastically deformable in a direction to bring the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 closer together and a direction to keep them away from each other. Not only the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed, but also the first end portion 21 is elastically deformable with a component in its thickness direction (Z direction), and the second end portion 22 is also elastically deformable. It is elastically deformable with a component in the longitudinal direction (Z direction). Therefore, the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 can be relatively displaced with a component in the Z direction. For example, one or both of the first end 21 and the second end 22 can be inclined with respect to the Y direction.

The damper portion 23 has a first portion 24 , a second portion 25 and a connecting portion 26 . The first portion 24 is a portion that continues to the first end portion 21 and extends in a direction that intersects (perpendicularly in the figure) the Y direction. The second portion 25 is a portion that continues to the second end portion 22 and extends in a direction that intersects (perpendicularly in the figure) the Y direction. The connecting portion 26 is a portion that connects the first portion 24 and the second portion 25 .

The first portion 24 and the second portion 25 are arranged to face each other. A plate-like restricting member 13 is provided between the first portion 24 and the second portion 25 . The unconnected state is an initial state in which no external force acts on the conductive member 11 and the conductive member 11 is not elastically deformed, that is, the conductive member 11 is in a free state. In the initial state, the regulation member 13 and the damper portion 23 are in a non-contact state.

Each of the first portion 24 and the second portion 25 has a flat plate shape extending linearly in the Z direction. The connecting portion 26 has a flat plate shape that connects the first portion 24 and the second portion 25 in the Y direction. Therefore, the damper portion 23 has four bent portions 27 (see FIG. 6). Since each portion of the conductive member 11 is elastically deformable, the angles of the four bent portions 27 can be changed. The illustrated conductive member 11 is bent at the bent portion 27 to form an angle, but may be bent to form a curve.

The first end 21 has a linear shape extending in the Y direction. The first end portion 21 (see FIG. 5 ) has a plate-like first body portion 21 b and a first fixing portion 21 c for fixing the clip stopper 15 . The first body portion 21b has a protruding portion 21a that protrudes in the Z direction in the middle. The first fixing portion 21 c has a first claw portion 28 and a second claw portion 29 . The first claw portions 28 are bent in opposite directions in the Z direction (downward in FIG. 5) from both side portions in the width direction of the first body portion 21b. The second claw portion 29 is provided apart from the first claw portion 28 in the Y direction, and protrudes further outward in the width direction from both side portions in the width direction of the first body portion 21b. An engaging portion 41 of the clip stopper 15, which will be described later, is engaged with the first fixing portion 21c. As a result, the clip stopper 15 is attached to the conductive member 11 (first end portion 21) so that it cannot be displaced in the XYZ directions.

In FIG. 5, the second end 22 has a shape extending in the Y direction. The second end portion 22 has a plate-like second body portion 22 b and a second fixing portion 22 c fixed to the connector housing 12 . The second fixing portion 22c has a third claw portion 30 that protrudes further outward in the width direction from both side portions in the width direction of the second body portion 22b. The third claw portion 30 engages with a second mounting groove 58 formed in a housing body 51 (see FIG. 4) which will be described later.

[Connector housing 12]
The connector housing 12 is made of resin. As shown in FIG. 3, the connector housing 12 has a housing body 51 and a cover 52. As shown in FIG. The housing body 51 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with a bottom. The cover 52 is removable from the housing body 51 . A space formed between the cover 52 and the housing body 51 serves as a space for accommodating the conductive member 11 , the regulating member 13 , the clip spring 14 and the clip stopper 15 . The second end portion 22 of the conductive member 11 protrudes in the Y direction from the connector housing 12 (see FIG. 4).

The housing body 51 has a first space K1 that accommodates the damper portion 23 and the restricting member 13, and a second space K2 that accommodates the first end portion 21, the clip spring 14, and the clip stopper 15. The housing body 51 has a partition wall 53 in the center in the width direction. The partition wall 53 partitions each of the first space K1 and the second space K2 into one side and the other side in the width direction. The partition wall 53 is provided along an imaginary plane in the YZ direction including the widthwise center C of the connector housing 12 . The first structure 16 is provided on one side of the partition wall 53 in the width direction, and the second structure 16 is provided on the other side of the partition wall 53 in the width direction.

The connector housing 12 (housing body 51) has walls 54 orthogonal to the Y direction (see FIG. 2). The wall 54 is provided with a pair of openings 55 , 55 for the first structure 16 and the second structure 16 . Each opening 55 is formed by a hole passing through the wall 54 in the Y direction. Each opening 55 connects the mating end 92 of the mating terminal 91 to the first end 21, so that the mating end 92 can be inserted in the Y direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the connector 10 with the restricting member 13 removed. The housing main body 51 has side walls 57, 57 on both sides in the width direction. A groove 56 for mounting the restricting member 13 is provided in a portion of the connector housing 12 corresponding to the first space K1. Hereinafter, this groove 56 will be referred to as a "first attachment groove 56". The first mounting grooves 56 are formed on both sides of the partition wall 53 and on both side walls 57 , 57 with the Z direction as the groove longitudinal direction.

The regulating member 13 is a plate-like member. Since the widthwise side portion 13a of the restricting member 13 is fitted in the first attachment groove 56, the restricting member 13 cannot move in the Y direction. By inserting the restricting member 13 along the first attachment groove 56 into the housing main body 51 with the cover 52 removed, the restricting member 13 can be attached to the housing main body 51 . In this manner, the first attachment groove 56 allows the restriction member 13 to be inserted in a predetermined direction, and the restriction member 13 to be immovably attached in the first direction (Y direction) intersecting the predetermined direction. .

A second mounting groove 58 is formed in the connector housing 12 with the Z direction as the groove longitudinal direction. The third claw portion 30 of the second end portion 22 of the conductive member 11 fits into the second mounting groove 58 . This prevents the second end 22 from displacing relative to the connector housing 12 in the X direction and the Y direction and vice versa. The third claw portion 30 is sandwiched in the Z direction by a portion of the housing body 51 (the inner surface of the second mounting groove 58) and a portion 52a of the cover 52 (see FIG. 6). As a result, the second end portion 22 cannot be displaced in the Z direction with respect to the connector housing 12 . The conductive member 11 is supported and restrained by the connector housing 12 in the second mounting groove 58, which is a part of the connector housing 12 in the Y direction, but is elastically deformable in the XYZ directions in other parts. , in a displaceable state.

[Clip spring 14]
As shown in FIG. 5 , the clip spring 14 is a separate member from the conductive member 11 . The clip spring 14 is a member having more elasticity than the conductive member 11, and is made of, for example, stainless steel for springs. The clip spring 14 can clamp the first end portion 21 and the mating end portion 92 of the mating terminal 91 (see FIG. 7). The clip spring 14 has a clip base 33 positioned next to the first end 21 in the X direction (or in the opposite direction), and a first elastic piece 31 and a second elastic piece 31 positioned on both sides of the first end 21 in the Z direction. strip 32; The first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 are provided extending in the X direction (or the opposite direction) from both ends of the clip base 33 in the Z direction. Each of the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 is provided in a cantilever shape from the clip base portion 33 .

In the unconnected state shown in FIG. 6, the clip spring 14 is in a state in which the first end portion 21 is accommodated. That is, the first end portion 21 is positioned between the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 . The mating end portion 92 of the mating terminal 91 inserted from the opening 55 of the connector housing 12 overlaps the first end portion 21 . In the connected state shown in FIG. 7 , the mating end portion 92 overlaps the first end portion 21 , and the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 sandwich the first end portion 21 and the mating end portion 92 .

The clip spring 14 is not fixed to the first end 21 and the connector housing 12 and is not restrained by the first end 21 and the connector housing 12 . In other words, the clip spring 14 is accommodated in the connector housing 12 in a position-unfixed state. However, as will be described later, the clip stopper 15 restricts (regulates) the displacement of the clip spring 14 in the Y direction and positions it in the Z direction.

Here, a connection structure in which the first end portion 21 and the mating end portion 92 are overlapped and connected at the clip spring 14 will be described. As described above, the first end 21 has a raised portion 21a raised in the Z direction. The first surface (upper surface in FIG. 7) of the mating end portion 92 has a convex surface 92a that protrudes toward the first elastic piece 31 in the connected state. The second surface (lower surface in FIG. 7) of the mating end portion 92 has a concave surface 92b that is concave toward the first elastic piece 31 in the connected state. In the connected state, the protuberance 21 a fits into the concave surface 92 b and the convex surface 92 a contacts the first elastic piece 31 . In the connected state (FIG. 7), the clip spring 14 is elastically deformed and the distance between the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 is widened as compared with the unconnected state (FIG. 6). Therefore, the clip spring 14 applies a tightening force along the Z direction as a reaction force to the overlapping first end portion 21 and the mating end portion 92 .

Due to the connection structure of the clip spring 14 as described above, the mating terminal 91 is less likely to drop off from the clip spring 14 . Further, when connecting the mating terminal 91 to the first end portion 21 from the unconnected state (FIG. 6), the clip spring 14 and the first end portion 21 are moved by the mating terminal 91 toward the second end portion 22 in the Y direction. is pushed towards and begins to displace. Then, the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed. As will be described later, the clip spring 14 is restricted in displacement with respect to the first end portion 21 by the clip stopper 15 , so the clip spring 14 is displaced in the Y direction together with the first end portion 21 . When the first end portion 21 is displaced by a predetermined amount, the displacement is restricted by the restricting member 13 . The restricting member 13 will be described later.

Here, as a description of the clip spring 14, the arrangement of the two structures 16, 16 on both sides in the width direction of the connector housing 12 will be described with reference to FIG. For the two structures 16, 16, two clip springs 14, 14 are provided side by side, and two clip stops 15, 15 are also provided side by side. In the two clip springs 14 , 14 , the clip bases 33 , 33 are arranged apart from each other on the outer side in the width direction of the connector housing 12 . For this reason, the portions where the clip springs 14 of the two structures 16, 16 clamp the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 are arranged close to each other in the width direction of the connector housing 12 with the partition wall 53 interposed therebetween. becomes possible. As a result, the two first ends 21 and 21 and the two mating terminals 91 and 91 can be brought closer in the width direction, which contributes to making the mating connector 90 compact in the width direction.

[Clip stopper 15]
The clip stopper 15 is a separate member from the conductive member 11 and the clip spring 14 (see FIG. 5). The clip stopper 15 is made of metal and is formed by bending a metal piece. The clip stopper 15 has a stopper base portion 45 located on the Y-direction side of the clip spring 14 (see FIG. 4). The stopper base portion 45 has a length that spans the first end portion 21 in the X direction. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the conductive member 11 and the clip stopper 15. FIG. The clip stopper 15 is attached to the first end portion 21 of the conductive member 11 and cannot be displaced in the Y direction with respect to the first end portion 21 . For this purpose, the clip stopper 15 has a locking portion 41 that locks onto the first end portion 21 of the conductive member 11 .

The clip stopper 15 has a first locking portion 41 a that is locked to one side of the first end portion 21 in the width direction, and a first locking portion 41 a that is locked to the other side of the first end portion 21 in the width direction. and a second locking portion 41b. The first locking portion 41a and the second locking portion 41b are provided on the opposite side of the stopper base 45 in the Z direction (lower side in FIG. 9). The first locking portion 41a includes a protruding piece 46 that contacts the first claw portion 28 of the first end portion 21 from the Y direction and the X direction, and a clamping piece 47 that sandwiches a portion of the first end portion 21 in the Z direction. have The first locking portion 41a and the second locking portion 41b have the same configuration, and the second locking portion 41b also has a projecting piece 46 and a clamping piece 47. As shown in FIG. The clip stopper 15 is attached to the first end portion 21 by the first locking portion 41a and the second locking portion 41b so as not to be displaceable in the XYZ directions.

The clip stopper 15 (see FIG. 5) limits the displacement of the clip spring 14 in the Y direction with respect to the first end portion 21 . For this purpose, the clip stopper 15 has a stopper portion 42 that can come into contact with the clip spring 14 that is about to be displaced in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the clip stopper 15 has, as the stopper portion 42, a first stopper portion 42a that can come into contact with the first elastic piece 31 and a second stopper portion 42b that can come into contact with the second elastic piece 32. . The first stopper portion 42a and the second stopper portion 42b are provided on both sides of the stopper base portion 45 in the width direction. In this embodiment, the second stopper portion 42b is also used as the protruding piece 46 that constitutes the locking portion 41 .

As described above, the clip stopper 15 is attached to the conductive member 11 . The displacement of the clip spring 14 with respect to the conductive member 11 is restricted by the clip spring 14 about to be displaced in the Y direction coming into contact with the stopper portion 42 . The clip stopper 15 secures a space S (see FIG. 6) for inserting the mating terminal 91 between the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 in addition to the function of limiting the displacement of the clip spring 14 . It has the function to To that end, the clip stop 15 (see FIG. 5) has a first support piece 43 located next to the first end 21 in the width direction. In this embodiment, the clip stopper 15 also has a second support piece 44 positioned opposite the first support piece 43 across the first end 21 . The first support piece 43 and the second support piece 44 have the same shape.

The first support piece 43 is provided extending in the direction opposite to the Y direction from one end of the stopper base 45 in the width direction. The second support piece 44 is provided to extend from the other widthwise end of the stopper base 45 to the opposite side in the Y direction. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the clip spring 14 and the clip stopper 15. FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the clip spring 14 is removed from the clip stopper 15. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10 , the first support piece 43 and the second support piece 44 are positioned between the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 .

The dimension H of the first support piece 43 in the Z direction is set so as to satisfy both the following first and second conditions.
<First Condition> The overlapping portion between the first end portion 21 and the mating end portion 92 in the state of being overlapped by the clip spring 14 (see FIG. 7) is smaller than the first dimension Z1 in the Z direction.
<Second Condition> Among the overlapping portions, the first end portion 21 alone (see FIG. 6) is larger than the second dimension Z2 in the Z direction.
That is, the relationship between the dimension H of the first support piece 43 in the Z direction and the first dimension Z1 and the second dimension Z2 is Z2<H<Z1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10 , in the clip spring 14 , in a state where the first end portion 21 exists alone, that is, in a non-connected state where the mating terminal 91 does not overlap the first end portion 21 , the first The first support piece 43 is elastically sandwiched between the elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 . In other words, the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 are in contact with the first support piece 43 in the disconnected state. In addition, the first support piece 43 maintains the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 in a state of being forcibly elastically deformed in the direction away from each other compared to the free state.

The first end 21 is located on the side closer to the second elastic piece 32 in the clip space P formed between the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 . A space S for inserting the mating terminal 91 is formed in the clip space P on the side closer to the first elastic piece 31 . That is, the space S for inserting the mating terminal 91 is formed between the first end portion 21 and the first elastic piece 31 .

In the unconnected state, the second support piece 44 is positioned between the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32, and either one or both of the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 are positioned. is in a non-contact state. As shown in FIG. 7, in the connected state, the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 are elastically deformed in directions away from each other compared to the unconnected state, and the first support piece 43 is provided with the first elastic piece. The piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 are in a non-contact state.

As described above (see FIG. 10), the first elastic piece 31 can contact the end 43u of the first support piece 43 in the Z direction, and the second elastic piece 31 can contact the end 43d of the first support piece 43 on the opposite side in the Z direction. The first support piece 43 has a shape (dimension H in the Z direction) with which the piece 32 can come into contact. In the unconnected state, the first support piece 43 positions the clip spring 14 in the Z direction. However, clip spring 14 is not positioned (fixed in position) in one or both of the X and Y directions and remains displaceable in a small dimension.

As described above, the clip stopper 15 limits the Y-direction displacement of the clip spring 14 with respect to the first end portion 21 . Displacement of clip spring 14 in the opposite Y direction is limited by wall 54 (see FIG. 4) of connector housing 12 . That is, the connector housing 12 has the contact portion 59 with which the clip spring 14 displaced in the opposite direction in the Y direction can come into contact. Therefore, even when the mating terminal 91 is pulled out from the clip spring 14 from the connected state, the clip spring 14 does not drop off to the opposite side in the Y direction.

A clip stopper 15 may be used to prevent the clip spring 14 from falling off in the opposite direction in the Y direction. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the clip stopper 15. As shown in FIG. The clip stopper 15 has a third stopper portion 48 as a fall prevention stopper portion that can come into contact with the clip spring 14 from the Y direction. In the form shown in FIG. 12 , a third stopper portion 48 is provided on the tip portion 43 a of the first support piece 43 . The third stopper portion 48 protrudes from the tip portion 43a of the first support piece 43 to both sides in the Z direction. The third stopper portion 48 is similarly provided on the second support piece 44 . Accordingly, even when the mating terminal 91 is pulled out from the clip spring 14, the clip spring 14 does not come into contact with the connector housing 12 but comes into contact with the third stopper portion 48 and does not drop off to the opposite side in the Y direction.

[Regulating member 13]
As shown in FIG. 6 , the restricting member 13 is provided on the connector housing 12 . In this embodiment, the restricting member 13 is a separate member from the connector housing 12 . The restricting member 13 has a plate shape. The regulation member 13 is made of resin and has non-conductivity. The regulating member 13 is manufactured by injection molding. The regulating member 13 is provided in a region Q formed between the first portion 24 and the second portion 25 . In a state in which the damper portion 23 of the conductive member 11 is not deformed, that is, in a free state of the conductive member 11, the regulating member 13 is connected to the first portion 24, the second portion 25, and the connecting portion 26 in the region Q. It is provided with a gap e therebetween.

As described above (see FIG. 8), the partition wall 53 and the side walls 57, 57 of the connector housing 12 are formed with the first mounting grooves 56 having the groove longitudinal direction in the Z direction. Both side portions 13a, 13a of the regulating member 13 are fitted into the opposing first mounting grooves 56, 56, respectively. As a result, the restricting member 13 is attached to the connector housing 12 so that it cannot be displaced in the Y direction and the opposite direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the regulating member 13 has a first contact surface 61 facing both the clip stopper 15 (stopper base portion 45) and the first portion 24 of the damper portion 23. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the restricting member 13 is a plate-like member that is wide in the X and Z directions, but may be narrower in the Z direction than in the illustrated form. Even in this case, the restricting member 13 preferably has a first contact surface 61 facing at least one of the clip stopper 15 and the first portion 24 .

The function of the regulating member 13 will be explained. As described above, when the mating terminal 91 is inserted through the opening 55 and connected to the first end 21 , the mating terminal 91 pushes the first end 21 in the Y direction. The damper portion 23 is elastically deformed by pushing the first end portion 21 in the Y direction. Then, at least one of the stopper base portion 45 of the clip stopper 15 and the first portion 24 of the damper portion 23 contacts the first contact surface 61 . This limits the displacement of the first end portion 21 when the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed. That is, the amount of elastic deformation of the damper portion 23 is limited. As a result, even if the first end portion 21 is pushed in the Y direction, it becomes difficult to escape, and the connection between the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 is facilitated.

Thus, in order to limit the displacement of the first end portion 21 when the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed, the restricting member 13 is provided in the region Q next to the first end portion 21 in the Y direction. In the free state of the conductive member 11, the regulating member 13 is provided in the region Q with a gap from the clip stopper 15 (stopper base portion 45) and the first portion 24, which are contact partners.

The first contact surface 61 will be further explained. The first contact surface 61 has a first surface portion 61a along an imaginary plane in the XZ direction. The clip stopper 15 (stopper base 45 ), which is a contact partner candidate, has a second contact surface 49 facing the first contact surface 61 . The second contact surface 49 has a second surface portion 49a along another imaginary plane in the XZ direction. As described above, in order to connect the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 by clamping them with the clip spring 14 , the mating terminal 91 pushes the first end portion 21 to elastically deform the damper portion 23 . Then, at least one of the second surface portion 49a and the first portion 24 contacts the first surface portion 61a. It may be possible for the first surface portion 61a along the virtual plane and the second surface portion 49a along the virtual plane to come into surface contact.

In the form shown in FIG. 6, as described above, the first contact surface 61 of the regulating member 13 has the first surface portion 61a along the virtual plane in the XZ direction. A part of the first surface portion 61 a of the first contact surface 61 is in contact with a contact partner (for example, the clip stopper 15 ). According to this configuration, when the contact partner approaches and contacts the first contact surface 61 in the Y direction, the regulating member 13 can stably support the contact partner. As a result, ease of connection between the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 is improved.

[Modified Example of Regulating Member 13]
13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B are perspective views showing modifications of the regulating member 13. FIG. A first modified example shown in FIG. 13A will be described. The first contact surface 61 of the regulating member 13 has a first surface portion 61a along an imaginary curved surface P1 that is convex on the opposite side in the Y direction. In the first modified example, the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the restricting member 13 that includes the first contact surface 61 does not change in the Z direction and is constant. In the first modified example, the regulating member 13 has a plurality of ridges 62 whose longitudinal direction is the Z direction. The surface on the opposite side in the Y direction of each ridge 62 has a shape along the virtual curved surface P1. Therefore, the first surface portion 61a becomes an uneven surface along the virtual curved surface P1. Since the regulating member 13 has the uneven surface, it is possible to suppress molding defects such as sink marks (dents) when the regulating member 13 is injection-molded.

It should be noted that the entire first surface portion 61a may be a smooth curved surface without the uneven shape. Alternatively, it has a plurality of ridges 62 whose longitudinal direction is the Z direction and, although not shown, a plurality of ridges whose longitudinal direction is the X direction, and the first surface portion 61a extends along the virtual curved surface P1. It may be a lattice-shaped surface. Alternatively, only the ridges long in the X direction may be used.

A second modification shown in FIG. 13B will be described. The first contact surface 61 of the regulating member 13 has a first surface portion 61a along an imaginary curved surface P2 that is convex on the opposite side in the Y direction. In the second modified example, the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the restricting member 13 that includes the first contact surface 61 does not change in the X direction and is constant. In the second modified example, the regulating member 13 has a plurality of ridges 62 whose longitudinal direction is the Z direction, and the surface opposite to the Y direction of each ridge 62 has a shape along the virtual curved surface P2. . Therefore, the first surface portion 61a becomes an uneven surface along the virtual curved surface P2.

Also in the second modified example, the entire first surface portion 61a may be a smooth curved surface without the uneven shape. Alternatively, it has a plurality of ridges 62 whose longitudinal direction is the Z direction and, although not shown, a plurality of ridges whose longitudinal direction is the X direction, and the first surface portion 61a extends along the virtual curved surface P2. It may be a lattice-shaped surface. Alternatively, only the ridges long in the X direction may be used.

A third modified example shown in FIG. 14A will be described. The first contact surface 61 of the regulating member 13 has a first surface portion 61a along an imaginary curved surface P3 that is convex on the opposite side in the Y direction. The curved surface P3 is a surface along the spherical surface. In the third modification, the protruding line 62 as in the first modification is not provided, but may be provided.

A fourth modified example shown in FIG. 14B will be described. The fourth modification differs in the number of ridges 62 from the first modification. In the fourth modified example, one protruding line 62 is provided at the central portion in the X direction. The surface on the opposite side of the ridge 62 in the Y direction is the first surface portion 61a, which has a shape along the virtual curved surface P1. That is, also in the fourth modification, the first contact surface 61 has a first surface 61a portion along the virtual curved surface P1. In addition, in the fourth modified example, there is one protruding line 62, but there may be a plurality of protruding lines 62, such as two. However, the protruding line 62 is not provided to extend over the entire X direction, but is provided in a part (central portion) in the X direction.

As described above, in the restricting member 13 of each of the first to fourth modifications, the first contact surface 61 has the first surface portion 61a along the curved surface, and the first contact surface 61 has the first surface portion 61a along the curved surface. A part of the surface portion 61a contacts the contact partner. In this case, even if the contact partner comes into contact with the regulating member 13 in an inclined posture, the regulating member 13 can stably support the contact partner. As a result, ease of connection between the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 is improved.

[Modified Example of Connection Structure with Mating Terminal 91 (Part 1)]
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of connector 10. As shown in FIG. In the form shown in FIG. 4, the connector 10 has the clip stopper 15, but the clip stopper 15 is omitted in the connector 10 according to the first modification shown in FIG. Instead, in the first modification, the clip spring 14 is attached to the first end 21 in such a way that its displacement in the Y direction is restricted.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and the first modification shown in FIG. 15 differ in that the clip stopper 15 is omitted and in the attachment structure of the clip spring 14 to the first end portion 21, but the others are the same. , and the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the description thereof is omitted. The restricting member 13 has a first contact surface 61 facing the first portion 24 of the damper portion 23 . This point is the same as the form shown in FIG. It should be noted that the restriction member 13 shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B may also be employed in the first modification.

Also in the first modification, when the mating terminal 91 is inserted through the opening 55 and connected to the first end 21, the mating terminal 91 pushes the first end 21 in the Y direction. The damper portion 23 is elastically deformed by pushing the first end portion 21 in the Y direction. Then, at least one of the Y-direction end of the first end portion 21 and the first portion 24 contacts the first contact surface 61 . This limits the displacement of the first end portion 21 when the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed.

Also in the first modified example, in order to limit the displacement of the first end portion 21 when the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed, the restricting member 13 is provided in the region Q adjacent to the first end portion 21 in the Y direction (gap ) is provided.

[Modified Example of Connection Structure with Mating Terminal (Part 2)]
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the connector 10. As shown in FIG. In the form shown in FIG. 4, the connector 10 has a clip spring 14 which is separate from the conductive member 11 and is not fixed to the conductive member 11, but the connector 10 according to the second modification shown in FIG. , a box-shaped terminal 65 is provided as a terminal unit which is a separate member from the conductive member 11 but is fixed to and integrated with the conductive member 11 . The box-shaped terminal 65 mechanically and electrically connects the mating end portion 92 of the mating terminal 91 and the first end portion 21 of the conductive member 11 . Therefore, the box-shaped terminal 65 has a space W into which the mating end portion 92 is inserted. The box-shaped terminal 65 has a spring piece 65 a that elastically contacts the mating end 92 . The box-shaped terminal 65 is integrated with the first end portion 21 by, for example, fixing means such as crimping, crimping, welding, or ultrasonic bonding.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 and the second modification shown in FIG. 16 differ in the structure for connecting the mating terminal 91 to the first end portion 21, but are otherwise the same. and the explanation thereof is omitted. The restricting member 13 has a first contact surface 61 facing at least one of the box-shaped terminal 65 and the first portion 24 . Note that the restriction member 13 shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B may also be employed in the second modification.

Also in the second modification, when the mating terminal 91 is inserted through the opening 55 and connected to the first end 21, the mating terminal 91 pushes the first end 21 in the Y direction. The damper portion 23 is elastically deformed by pushing the first end portion 21 in the Y direction. Then, at least one of the Y-direction end of the first end portion 21 , the first portion 24 , and the box-shaped terminal 65 that is the terminal portion comes into contact with the first contact surface 61 . In the form shown in FIG. 16 , at least one of the Y-direction end of the first end portion 21 and the first portion 24 contacts the first contact surface 61 . This limits the displacement of the first end portion 21 when the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed.

Thus, the connector 10 shown in FIG. 16 includes the box-shaped terminal 65 as a terminal portion that is integral with the first end portion 21 and mechanically and electrically connectable to the mating terminal 91 . The terminal portion fixed to the conductive member 11 may have a form other than the box-shaped terminal.
Also in the second modification, in order to limit the displacement of the first end portion 21 when the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed, the restricting member 13 is provided in the region Q adjacent to the first end portion 21 in the Y direction (gap ) is provided.

[Connector 10 according to each embodiment]
As described above, the connector 10 of each form is a connector that can be electrically connected to the mating connector 90 having the mating terminal 91 as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 7, 15 and 16, the connector 10 includes a strip-shaped conductive member 11, a connector housing 12 that accommodates the conductive member 11, and a regulating member 13 provided on the connector housing 12. . The conductive member 11 includes a first end portion 21 electrically and mechanically connectable to the mating terminal 91, a second end portion 22 located on the opposite side of the first end portion 21 in the longitudinal direction of the conductive member 11, It has a damper portion 23 provided between the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 . The damper portion 23 is elastically deformable at least in a direction in which the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 are brought closer to each other. The damper portion 23 is also elastically deformable in the Z direction.

The connector housing 12 has a wall 54 provided with an opening 55 allowing insertion of the mating terminal 91 in the Y direction for connecting the mating terminal 91 to the first end 21 . The restricting member 13 is provided in a region Q next to the first end portion 21 in the Y direction, and restricts displacement of the first end portion 21 when the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed.

According to the connector 10 of each embodiment, when connecting the mating terminal 91 inserted from the opening 55 of the connector housing 12 to the first end 21 of the conductive member 11, the first end 21 and the mating terminal 91 are connected. In between, for example, even if there is a positional deviation in the Z direction, the positional deviation can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the conductive member 11 . Moreover, the displacement of the first end portion 21 is restricted by the restricting member 13 provided in the region Q adjacent to the first end portion 21 . Therefore, the amount of elastic deformation of the damper portion 23 caused by the force for mechanical connection between the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 is limited. That is, it becomes difficult for the first end portion 21 to escape in the Y direction. As a result, connection between the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 is facilitated.

The damper portion 23 includes a first portion 24 connected to the first end portion 21 and extending in a direction crossing the Y direction, a second portion 25 connected to the second end portion 22 and extending in a direction crossing the Y direction, and a first portion 24 and a connecting portion 26 that connects the second portion 25 . With this configuration, the damper portion 23 that can be elastically deformed in the direction in which the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 are brought closer can be easily obtained.

In the form shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the connector 10 includes a clip spring 14 and a clip stopper 15. The clip spring 14 is a separate member from the conductive member 11 and can clamp the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 . The clip stopper 15 is attached to the conductive member 11 and restricts the clip spring 14 from being displaced in the Y direction with respect to the first end portion 21 .

The regulating member 13 has a first contact surface 61 facing at least one of the clip stopper 15 and the first portion 24 . When the mating terminal 91 is inserted through the opening 55 and connected to the first end 21, the first end 21 is pressed by the mating terminal 91 and the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed. 24 contacts the first contact surface 61 . Thereby, a configuration is obtained that limits the displacement of the first end portion 21 when the damper portion 23 is elastically deformed.

In a state in which the damper portion 23 is not deformed, that is, in a free state of the damper portion 23, the regulating member 13 is a region Q formed between the first portion 24 and the second portion 25, and the first portion 24 , the second portion 25 and the connecting portion 26 with a gap e therebetween. The damper portion 23 can be displaced with respect to the dimension of the gap e, and when the damper portion 23 is displaced with respect to the dimension of the gap e, the displacement is restricted. In this way, the function of the damper portion 23 that absorbs the positional deviation between the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 is not impaired by the restricting member 13, and the mechanical contact between the first end portion 21 and the mating terminal 91 is prevented. At the time of proper connection, the amount of elastic deformation of the damper portion 23 can be restricted by the restricting member 13 .

In each of the above embodiments, the restricting member 13 is made of resin and has non-conductivity. Therefore, even if the conductive member 11 elastically deforms and the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 come into contact with the restricting member 13 , the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 do not move the restricting member 13 . Do not short circuit through Since the regulating member 13 is not energized, it is not necessary to insulate, for example, the clip stopper 15 or the box-shaped terminal 65 shown in FIG.

The regulating member 13 is a separate member from the connector housing 12. As explained with reference to FIG. 8, the connector housing 12 is provided with grooves 56 . The groove 56 allows the restriction member 13 to be inserted in the direction opposite to the Z direction, and the restriction member 13 to be immovable in the Y direction. With this configuration, the work of attaching the restricting member 13 to the connector housing 12 is easy, and once attached, the function as the restricting member 13 is exhibited.

As a modified example of the restricting member 13, the restricting member 13 may be integrated with a part of the connector housing 12. For example, the restricting member 13 and the cover 52 may be integrally molded from resin. By attaching the cover 52 to the housing body 51 , the regulating member 13 integral with the cover 52 is positioned at a predetermined position (area Q) between the first portion 24 and the second portion 25 of the damper portion 23 .

In each of the above embodiments, the first end portion 21, the damper portion 23, and the second end portion 22 are composed of a single elastic strip. Therefore, by bending the elastic plate piece, the first end portion 21, the damper portion 23 and the second end portion 22 can be obtained as one component, which contributes to cost reduction.

[Other configurations]
In the present embodiment, the conductive member 11 has been described as being composed of a single strip. . Although the damper portion 23 has been described as having a configuration including the first portion 24 and the second portion 25 having a flat plate shape and the connecting portion 26 connecting the first portion 24 and the second portion 25, the damper portion 23 may be formed in another form. There may be.

The clip stopper 15 may also have another form, and for example, the second support piece 44 may be omitted. Moreover, the clip stopper 15 may be configured to contact at least one of the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 of the clip spring 14 . Further, the clip spring 14 may also have other forms.
The first structural body 16 and the second structural body 16 may not be arranged in plane symmetry as in the above embodiment, and the first structural body 16 and the second structural body 16 may have partially different shapes. may be

The above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of rights of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the above embodiments, and includes all modifications within the scope of equivalents to the structure described in the scope of claims.

5 first electric device 6 second electric device 10 connector 11 conductive member 12 connector housing 13 regulating member 13a both sides 14 clip spring 15 clip stopper 16 structure 21 first end 21b first main body 21c first fixing portion 21a protuberance Part 22 Second end 22b Second body part 22c Second fixing part 23 Damper part 24 First part 25 Second part 26 Connecting part 27 Bending part 28 First claw part 29 Second claw part 30 Third claw part 31 First Elastic piece 32 Second elastic piece 33 Clip base 41 Locking portion 41a First locking portion 41b Second locking portion 42 Stopper 42a First stopper 42b Second stopper 43 First support piece 43u End 43d End 44 Second Second support piece 45 Stopper base 46 Protruding piece 47 Clamping piece 48 Third stopper portion 49 Second contact surface 49a Second surface portion 51 Housing body 52 Cover 52a Part 53 Partition wall 54 Wall 55 Opening 56 Second mounting groove (groove)
57 side wall 58 second mounting groove 59 contact portion 61 first contact surface 61a first surface portion 62 ridge 65 box-shaped terminal 65a spring piece 90 mating connector 91 mating terminal 92 mating end 92a convex 92b concave 93 mating housing K1 first Space K
K2 Second space P1 Curved surface P2 Curved surface P3 Curved surface Z1 First dimension Z2 Second dimension

Claims (12)

1. A connector electrically connectable to a mating connector having a mating terminal,
   a strip-shaped conductive member;
   a connector housing that accommodates the conductive member;
   a regulating member provided on the connector housing;
   with
   The conductive member is
   a first end that is electrically and mechanically connectable to the mating terminal;
   a second end located on the side opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction of the conductive member;
   a damper portion provided between the first end portion and the second end portion and elastically deformable in a direction in which the first end portion and the second end portion are brought closer;
   has
   The connector housing has a wall provided with an opening into which the mating terminal can be inserted in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the conductive member in order to connect the mating terminal to the first end. death,
   The regulating member is provided in a region adjacent to the first end in the first direction in order to limit displacement of the first end when the damper portion is elastically deformed.
   connector.
2. The damper section
   a first portion continuous with the first end portion and extending in a direction intersecting the first direction;
   a second portion continuous with the second end portion and extending in a direction intersecting the first direction;
   a connecting portion that connects the first portion and the second portion;
   having
   A connector according to claim 1.
3. The regulating member has a first contact surface facing the first portion,
   When the mating terminal is inserted through the opening and connected to the first end, when the first end is pressed and the damper portion is elastically deformed, the first end and the first portion are separated from each other. at least one of contacts the first contact surface,
   3. A connector according to claim 2.
4. a clip spring that is separate from the conductive member and capable of holding the first end and the mating terminal;
   a clip stopper attached to the conductive member and configured to restrict displacement of the clip spring in the first direction with respect to the first end;
   furthermore,
   the regulating member has a first contact surface facing at least one of the clip stopper and the first portion;
   When the mating terminal is inserted through the opening and connected to the first end, when the first end is pushed and the damper part is elastically deformed, at least the clip stopper and the first portion one contacting the first contact surface;
   3. A connector according to claim 2.
5. further comprising a terminal portion that is integral with the first end portion and mechanically connectable to the mating terminal;
   the regulating member has a first contact surface facing at least one of the terminal portion and the first portion;
   When the mating terminal is inserted through the opening and connected to the first end, when the first end is pressed and the damper portion is elastically deformed, the first end and the first portion are separated from each other. At least one of the terminal portion contacts the first contact surface,
   3. A connector according to claim 2.
6. The first contact surface has a first surface portion along a plane,
   The clip stopper has a second contact surface facing the first contact surface and including a second surface portion along a plane,
   In order to clamp and connect the first end and the mating terminal by the clip spring, when the damper part is elastically deformed by the mating terminal pushing the first end, the second contact surface is deformed. at least one of the second surface portion and the first portion contacts the first surface portion of the first contact surface;
   5. A connector according to claim 4.
7. The first contact surface has a first surface portion along a plane,
   A contact partner contacts with a part of the first surface portion of the first contact surface,
   6. The connector according to any one of claims 3-5.
8. The first contact surface has a first surface portion along a curved surface,
   A part of the first surface portion of the first contact surface is in contact with the contact partner,
   6. The connector according to any one of claims 3-5.
9. The regulating member is a region formed between the first portion and the second portion, and is provided with a gap between each of the first portion, the second portion, and the connecting portion. there is
   9. The connector according to any one of claims 2-8.
10. The regulation member has non-conductivity,
    10. A connector according to any one of claims 1-9.
11. The regulating member is a separate member from the connector housing,
    The connector housing is provided with a groove into which the restricting member can be inserted in a predetermined direction and in which the restricting member is fixed so as not to move in the first direction intersecting the predetermined direction.
    11. A connector according to any one of claims 1-10.
12. 12. A connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end, the damper portion and the second end comprise a single elastic strip.
    

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