Joint connector and method of assembling it

摘要

A joint connector has a housing ( 10 ) with insertion spaces ( 11 ) for receiving terminal fittings ( 20 ). A joint terminal ( 30 ) is mounted in the housing ( 10 ) at a first position where the joint terminal ( 30 ) is retracted from the insertion spaces ( 11 ). The terminal fittings ( 20 ) then are inserted into the insertion spaces ( 11 ) of the housing ( 10 ). The joint terminal ( 30 ) then is displaced to a full locking position for contacting and shorting the terminal fittings ( 20 ). As a result, the joint terminal ( 30 ) does not hinder insertion of the terminal fittings ( 20 ). Furthermore, the joint terminal ( 30 ) is mounted directly in the housing ( 10 ) and does not require a separate holder. Thus, the number of parts is reduced.