connector

Abstract

Provided is a connector capable of suppressing a decrease in dimensional accuracy of a housing. A connector (10) includes: a plurality of terminals (20) extending side by side with each other; a plurality of electric wires (30) connected to the respective terminals (20) and extending side by side with each other; and a housing (40) made of resin, in which the plurality of terminals (20) and the plurality of electric wires (30) are embedded. The housing (40) includes: a main body portion (50) covering the plurality of terminals (20) together; a plurality of protruding portions (60) protruding from the main body portion (50) and covering the plurality of electric wires (30) individually, and arranged at intervals from each other in a first direction (Z); and a first connecting portion (63) connecting two of the protruding portions (60) adjacent to each other in the first direction (Z).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a shielded connector that includes a plurality of terminal parts in a plate shape, a plurality of electric wires connected to the respective terminal parts, and a housing made of resin in which the plurality of terminal parts and the plurality of electric wires are embedded.

[0003] The housing includes a cover portion in a cylindrical shape in which the terminal parts are arranged inside, and an electric wire leading-out portion connected to the outer periphery of the cover portion. The electric wire leading-out portion has a leading-out portion main body that covers the plurality of terminal parts together, and a plurality of leading-out cylinder portions that protrude from the leading-out portion main body and individually cover the plurality of electric wires. The plurality of leading-out cylinder portions are arranged at intervals from each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of electric wires. The respective terminal parts, the respective electric wires, and the housing are integrated by insert molding.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-84604 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in the shielded connector described in Patent Document 1, the leading-out cylinder portions protrude from the leading-out portion main body in a cantilevered manner. In this case, after injection molding of the housing in insert molding, the leading-out cylinder portions are likely to tilt with respect to the leading-out portion main body, and thus the dimensional accuracy of the housing can be reduced. When the above-described tilting occurs, the extension directions of the electric wires covered by the respective leading-out cylinder portions become different for each electric wire. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress reduction in the dimensional accuracy of the housing.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector capable of suppressing reduction in the dimensional accuracy of a housing.

[0010] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0011] The connector of the present disclosure includes a plurality of terminals extending side by side, a plurality of electric wires connected to the respective terminals and extending side by side, and a housing made of resin in which the plurality of terminals and the plurality of electric wires are embedded, the housing having a main body portion that covers the plurality of terminals together, a plurality of protruding portions that protrude from the main body portion, individually cover the plurality of electric wires, and are arranged at intervals from each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of electric wires, and a linking portion that links two of the protruding portions adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction.

[0012] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in dimensional accuracy of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the connector and the housing of an embodiment in an exploded manner.

[0015] Figure 2 is a front view of the housing.

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 of Figure 2 .

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a plurality of terminals and a plurality of electric wires.

[0018] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line 5-5 of Figure 2 .

[0019] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line 6-6 of Figure 2 .

[0020] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line 7-7 of Figure 2 .

[0021] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the housing and the shield case in an exploded manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] [Explanation of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0023] First, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained.

[0024] [1] A connector of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of terminals extending side by side with each other; a plurality of electric wires connected to the respective terminals and arranged side by side with each other; and a housing made of resin in which the plurality of terminals and the plurality of electric wires are embedded, the housing having: a main body portion covering the plurality of terminals as a whole; a plurality of protruding portions protruding from the main body portion and covering the plurality of electric wires individually and arranged at intervals from each other in an arrangement direction of the plurality of electric wires; and a linking portion linking two of the protruding portions adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction.

[0025] According to this structure, two of the protruding portions adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of electric wires are linked by the linking portion. Therefore, the inclination of each of the protruding portions with respect to the main body portion is restricted by the linking portion. Thus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in dimensional accuracy of the housing.

[0026] [2] Preferably, the terminals each have a wire connecting portion to which the electric wire is connected, and the wire connecting portion is embedded in each of the protruding portions.

[0027] According to this structure, each wire connecting portion is embedded in each protruding portion. That is, each wire connecting portion is individually covered by each protruding portion. The protruding portions are separated from each other in the arrangement direction, and thus, compared to a case where each wire connecting portion is covered together with the main body portion, the amount of resin material used for molding the housing can be reduced. Therefore, the housing, and further the connector, can be made lightweight.

[0028] [3] Preferably, the connecting portion partially connects the two protruding portions at a position where the protruding portions are separated from the main body portion in the protruding direction.

[0029] At the time of injection molding of the housing, each protruding portion can be thermally shrunk in a manner approaching the connecting portion, and thus, it is likely that each protruding portion collapses with respect to the main body portion. The greater the range in the protruding direction where the connecting portion is provided, the more significant such a disadvantage becomes. In addition, the greater the range, the more likely that a pore is generated at the connecting portion due to a difference in the amount of thermal shrinkage of the inside of the connecting portion.

[0030] In this regard, according to the above structure, the connecting portion partially connects the two protruding portions, and thus, the above disadvantage is less likely to occur. Therefore, the dimensional accuracy of the housing can be further suppressed from decreasing.

[0031] [4] Preferably, the electric wires each have a core wire and an insulating covering portion covering an outer periphery of the core wire, an exposed portion of the core wire exposed from an end portion of the insulating covering portion is connected to each of the terminals, the insulating covering portion and the exposed portion in each of the electric wires are embedded in each of the protruding portions, and the connecting portion connects portions embedded with the insulating covering portion in each of the two protruding portions to each other.

[0032] In a connector provided with a housing in which an electric wire is embedded, in order to stop water between the electric wire and the housing, a coated portion in which an adhesive is applied to a core wire exposed from an insulating covering portion is sometimes provided. In a case where portions embedded with the coated portion in two protruding portions adjacent to each other are connected to each other by the connecting portion, at the time of injection molding of the housing, each protruding portion can be thermally shrunk in a manner approaching the connecting portion, and thus, it is likely that the adhesive is peeled from the core wire.

[0033] In this regard, according to the above structure, the connecting portion connects portions embedded with the insulating covering portion in each of the two protruding portions to each other, and thus, the above disadvantage is less likely to occur.

[0034] [5] Preferably, when only the protruding direction of the protruding portion is set as the protruding direction, the connecting portion is provided at a position closer to the tip end than the middle portion between the base end and the tip end of the protruding portion in the protruding direction.

[0035] According to this structure, in the two protruding portions adjacent to each other, the portions closer to the tip end than the middle portion of the protruding portion are connected to each other by the connecting portion. Therefore, the inclination of each protruding portion with respect to the main body portion is further restricted by the connecting portion. Thus, the dimensional accuracy of the housing can be further suppressed from being reduced.

[0036] [6] Preferably, when the connecting portion is set as a first connecting portion, the housing has a second connecting portion provided between the main body portion and the first connecting portion in the protruding direction, connecting the two protruding portions, the terminals each have a wire connecting portion connected to the electric wire, the wire connecting portion is embedded in each of the protruding portions, and the second connecting portion connects the portions in each of the two protruding portions in which the wire connecting portion is embedded to each other.

[0037] According to this structure, by the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion provided at intervals from each other in the protruding direction, the position of each protruding portion with respect to the main body portion can be restricted. In particular, by the second connecting portion, the position of the portion in each protruding portion in which the wire connecting portion is embedded with respect to the main body portion can be restricted. Thus, the dimensional accuracy of the housing can be further suppressed from being reduced.

[0038] [7] Preferably, when a direction orthogonal to both the protruding direction of the protruding portion and the arrangement direction is set as an orthogonal direction, the connecting portion is located inward from the outer surfaces on both sides of each of the protruding portions in the orthogonal direction.

[0039] According to this structure, for example at the time of assembly of the connector and the like, the connecting portion can be suppressed from interfering with members and the like around the housing.

[0040] [8] Preferably, the connector has the plurality of terminals formed by a metal plate, is fitted to a case of an apparatus, and each of the terminals has a first extension portion extending in a fitting direction of the connector with respect to the case and a second extension portion extending from a portion on the side opposite to the case in the first extension portion and connected to the electric wire, the plate thickness directions of the plurality of first extension portions coincide with each other, and the plurality of second extension portions extend in a direction intersecting the fitting direction and a surface direction orthogonal to the plate thickness direction.

[0041] According to this structure, the second extension of each terminal extends in a plane direction that intersects the assembly direction and is orthogonal to the thickness direction of the first extension. Therefore, the direction in which the wire connected to the second extension extends can be different from the assembly direction without bending the wire. Thus, even if there are other components different from the connector on the side opposite to the housing in the assembly direction, interference between the wire and other components can be suppressed.

[0042] [9] Preferably, each of the terminals has a third extension extending from the portion of the first extension on the housing side toward the plate thickness direction, each of the third extensions having a bolt hole through the third extension in the assembly direction, the housing having a cylindrical portion through the housing in the assembly direction and housing each of the third extensions, the cylindrical portion having an opening exposing each of the bolt holes.

[0043] According to this structure, bolts can be easily inserted into the bolt holes of the third extension of the terminal housed inside the cylindrical section through the opening. Therefore, the third extension of the terminal and the connecting member located inside the housing can be easily fastened using bolts. This facilitates easy connection operations between connectors and devices.

[0044] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0045] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 Specific examples of the connectors described herein are illustrated below. In the accompanying drawings, for ease of illustration, portions of the structure are sometimes shown enlarged or simplified. Additionally, the dimensional ratios of the various parts sometimes differ in the drawings. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended, through the claims, to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. The term "orthogonal" in this specification includes not only strictly orthogonal cases, but also cases where they are substantially orthogonal to the extent that they achieve the desired effect in this embodiment.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, connector 10 is assembled into the housing 101 of a vehicle-use device 100, such as an electric motor or inverter.

[0047] An opening 102 for inserting a portion of the connector 10 and two fixing holes 103 for securing the connector 10 are provided on the outer surface of the housing 101. Three metal connecting members 104 protruding from the opening 102 are arranged side-by-side inside the housing 101. Each connecting member 104 protrudes beyond the outer surface of the housing 101. Each connecting member 104 has a threaded hole 105.

[0048] (Structure of connector 10)

[0049] likeFigure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, connector 10 includes multiple terminals 20, multiple wires 30, a resin housing 40, and a metal shielding shell 80. Connector 10, for example, includes three terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C and three wires 30.

[0050] Each terminal 20, each wire 30, and the housing 40 are integrated by insert molding. Each terminal 20 and each wire 30 are embedded in the housing 40 in an electrically connected state. Multiple terminals 20 are embedded in the housing 40 in a separate state. Multiple wires 30 extend from the housing 40 in the same direction. The shielding shell 80 provides electromagnetic shielding for each terminal 20 and each wire 30 by covering a portion of the outer periphery of the housing 40.

[0051] From now on, the assembly direction of the connector 10 relative to the housing 101 will be referred to as the first direction Z, the direction in which each wire 30 extends will be referred to as the second direction X, and the direction orthogonal to both the first direction Z and the second direction X will be referred to as the third direction Y. In this embodiment, the first direction Z, the second direction X, and the third direction Y are orthogonal to each other.

[0052] (Structure of wire 30)

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the wire 30 has a core wire 31 and an insulating covering portion 32 that encloses the outer periphery of the core wire 31. The core wire 31 of the wire 30 has an exposed portion 31a that protrudes from the insulating covering portion 32 at the end of the wire 30. The exposed portion 31a is electrically connected to the terminal 20.

[0054] A water-stopping treatment is applied to the exposed portion 31a to prevent the core wire 31 from contacting water. In this embodiment, the water-stopping treatment involves applying an adhesive to the exposed portion 31a. The application of the adhesive prevents water from entering the housing 40, even if water has seeped into it. Furthermore, if the core wire 31 is a stranded wire composed of multiple metal wires twisted together, water can be prevented from seeping between the metal wires due to capillary action. In this embodiment, the exposed portion 31a functions as a coating portion where the adhesive is applied to the core wire 31 exposed from the insulation covering portion 32. It is not necessary to provide a coating portion on the wire 30.

[0055] For example, copper-based or aluminum-based metal materials can be used as the material for the core wire 31. For example, resin materials with cross-linked polyethylene or cross-linked polypropylene as the main component can be used as the material for the insulating sheath 32.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple wires 30 are arranged side by side with intervals between each other in the first direction Z.

[0057] (Structure of terminal 20)

[0058] Terminal 20 is formed from a metal plate. The material of terminal 20 can be, for example, iron-based, copper-based, or aluminum-based metals.

[0059] Terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C are arranged in this order in the first direction Z at positions away from housing 101.

[0060] Terminals 20B and 20C have the same or corresponding structures as terminal 20A. The structure of terminal 20A, which is furthest from housing 101 in the first direction Z, will be described in detail below. In the structures of terminals 20B and 20C, structures identical to those of terminal 20A are labeled with the same reference numerals. For structures corresponding to terminal 20A, the last "A" in the reference numeral "2*A" representing the structure of terminal 20A is changed to "B" and "C" respectively, thus sometimes omitting redundant descriptions.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, terminal 20A has a first extension 21A, a second extension 22A and a third extension 26.

[0062] (Structure of the first extension 21A, 21B, 21C)

[0063] The first extension 21A extends in the first direction Z. The thickness direction of the first extension 21A is consistent with the third direction Y.

[0064] The thickness directions of the plurality of first extensions 21A, 21B, and 21C are consistent with each other. The plurality of first extensions 21A, 21B, and 21C are arranged side by side in the second direction X. The first extensions 21A, 21B, and 21C are formed in this order and are long.

[0065] (Structure of the second extension 22A, 22B, 22C)

[0066] The second extension 22A extends from the portion of the first extension 21A opposite to the housing 101. A wire 30 is connected to the second extension 22A. The thickness direction of the second extension 22A is aligned with the third direction Y.

[0067] Multiple second extensions 22A, 22B, and 22C extend in a planar direction that intersects the first direction Z and is orthogonal to the thickness direction of the first extension 21A. The second extensions 22A, 22B, and 22C are formed in this order and are elongated. Hereinafter, the planar direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the first extension 21A will sometimes be referred to simply as the "planar direction".

[0068] The second extension 22A has a wire connection portion 23 connected to the exposed portion 31a of the wire 30, and a straight portion 24A connected to the wire connection portion 23. The exposed portion 31a is crimped to the wire connection portion 23. The straight portion 24A extends linearly in the second direction X. Therefore, the straight portion 24A extends orthogonally to the first extension 21A. Each wire 30 extends in the extension direction of each straight portion 24A, 24B, 24C, i.e., the second direction X.

[0069] Multiple wire connection portions 23 are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the straight portion 24A, i.e., the first direction Z. Similarly, multiple straight portions 24A, 24B, and 24C are arranged side by side in the first direction Z.

[0070] The second extension 22A has an inclined portion 25A that connects the end of the first extension 21A and the end of the straight portion 24A. The inclined portion 25A is connected to the first extension 21A and extends obliquely relative to the first direction Z in the planar direction. The inclined portion 25A is inclined in such a way that the further away from the first extension 21A in the first direction Z, the closer to the straight portion 24A in the second direction X. The inclined portion 25A is longer than the inclined portion 25B.

[0071] Terminal 20C does not have a structure equivalent to the inclined portions 25A and 25B. That is, the second extension 22C of terminal 20C is formed by the wire connection portion 23 and the straight portion 24C. Therefore, in terminal 20C, the first extension 21C and the straight portion 24C are directly connected.

[0072] Based on the above, the plurality of first extensions 21A, 21B, and 21C are arranged side by side in the planar direction. Furthermore, the plurality of second extensions 22A, 22B, and 22C are also arranged side by side in the planar direction. That is, each of the first extensions 21A, 21B, and 21C and each of the second extensions 22A, 22B, and 22C are located on the same plane.

[0073] (Structure of the third extension 26)

[0074] The third extension 26 extends from the portion of the first extension 21A on the side of the housing 101 in the third direction Y. In other words, the third extension 26 extends orthogonally to the first extension 21A in the thickness direction from the portion of the first extension 21A opposite to the second extension 22A. The thickness direction of the third extension 26 is consistent with the first direction Z.

[0075] The thickness directions of the plurality of third extensions 26 are consistent with each other. The plurality of third extensions 26 are arranged side by side in the second direction X.

[0076] The third extension 26 has a bolt hole 27 through which it passes in the first direction Z. For example... Figure 5As shown, the terminal 20 is electrically connected to the connecting member 104 by fastening the bolt 110 inserted into the bolt hole 27 to the threaded hole 105 of the connecting member 104.

[0077] (Structure of shell 40)

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 40 has: a main body 50 that covers a plurality of terminals 20; and a plurality of protrusions 60 that protrude from the main body 50 in a second direction X and individually cover a plurality of wires 30. The housing 40 has, for example, three protrusions 60. The three protrusions 60 are spaced apart from each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of wires 30, i.e., the first direction Z.

[0079] The housing 40 is formed of an insulating resin material. For example, a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) can be used as the material for the housing 40.

[0080] (Structure of main body 50)

[0081] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the main body 50 has a cylindrical portion 51 that extends through in the first direction Z, and a retaining portion 53 that extends from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 51 in the first direction Z.

[0082] The cylindrical portion 51 houses each of the third extensions 26. The cylindrical portion 51 has an opening 51a that exposes each bolt hole 27. The opening 51a extends through the cylindrical portion 51 in the first direction Z. The opening 51a is formed as an elongated oval in the second direction X.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, an insertion part 52 is provided at one end of the cylindrical portion 51 in the first direction Z, and the insertion part 52 is inserted into the opening 102 of the housing 101. An annular sealing member 70 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part 52. The insertion part 52 and the housing 101 are sealed by the sealing member 70.

[0084] Although the illustration is omitted, a maintenance cover that closes the opening 51a is fitted at the other end of the cylindrical portion 51 opposite to one end in the first direction Z.

[0085] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the retaining part 53 extends from the outer periphery of the other end of the cylindrical part 51 toward the side opposite to the housing 101 in the first direction Z. The retaining part 53 covers a plurality of first extensions 21A, 21B, 21C and a plurality of second extensions 22A, 22B, 22C.

[0086] The retaining portion 53 has an outer surface 53a that extends along and covers the inclined portion 25A of the terminal 20A. The outer surface 53a extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the direction in which the inclined portion 25A extends.

[0087] (Structure of protrusion 60)

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, each protrusion 60 has: a first portion 61, with an insulating covering portion 32 and an exposed portion 31a for embedding the wire 30; and a second portion 62, with an embedded wire connection portion 23. The wire 30 extends from the first portion 61 in a second direction X. The second portion 62 protrudes from the end of the holding portion 53 in a second direction X. Each first portion 61 protrudes from the end of the second portion 62 in a second direction X.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the first part 61, orthogonal to the second direction X, is, for example, circular. The cross-sectional shape of the second part 62, orthogonal to the second direction X, is, for example, quadrilateral. The thickness of the second part 62 in the first direction Z is greater than the thickness of the first part 61 in the first direction Z. The thickness of the second part 62 in the third direction Y is slightly greater than the thickness of the first part 61 in the first direction Z.

[0090] (Structure of the first connecting part 63 and the second connecting part 64)

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 40 has: a plurality of first connecting portions 63 that connect two adjacent first portions 61 in the first direction Z; and a plurality of second connecting portions 64 that connect two adjacent second portions 62 in the first direction Z. The housing 40 has, for example, two first connecting portions 63 and two second connecting portions 64.

[0092] From now on, two adjacent first parts 61 in the first direction Z will be referred to as "two first parts 61", and two adjacent second parts 62 in the first direction Z will be referred to as "two second parts 62".

[0093] The first connecting portion 63 is disposed in the second direction X at a position away from the second part 62. More specifically, the first connecting portion 63 is disposed at a position closer to the top end 60c than the intermediate portion 60b between the base end 60a and the top end 60c of the protrusion 60 in the second direction X. Therefore, the first connecting portion 63 partially connects the two first parts 61. In addition, the base end 60a is formed by the second part 62. The intermediate portion 60b and the top end 60c are formed by the first part 61.

[0094] An insulating covering portion 32 of the wire 30 is embedded in the portion of the protrusion 60 that is closer to the top end 60c than the middle portion 60b. Therefore, the first connecting portion 63 connects the portions of the two first portions 61 in which the insulating covering portion 32 is embedded to each other.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown, the first connecting portion 63 is located inside the outer surfaces 61a on both sides of each of the first portions 61 in the third direction Y. Therefore, the thickness of the first connecting portion 63 in the third direction Y is less than the thickness of the first portion 61 in the third direction Y.

[0096] like Figure 2 As shown, the second connecting portion 64 is positioned away from the retaining portion 53 in the second direction X. Therefore, the second connecting portion 64 partially connects the two second portions 62. The second connecting portion 64 is positioned between the retaining portion 53 and the first connecting portion 63 in the second direction X. The second connecting portion 64 connects the portions of each of the two second portions 62 in which the embedded wire connection portion 23 is located to each other.

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, the second connecting portion 64 is located inside the outer surfaces 62a on both sides of each of the second portions 62 in the third direction Y. Therefore, the thickness of the second connecting portion 64 in the third direction Y is less than the thickness of the second portion 62 in the third direction Y.

[0098] (Structure of shielding shell 80)

[0099] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the shielding shell 80 covers the housing 40 from one of the third directions Y. The shielding shell 80 has: a first shielding portion 81 that covers the portion of the cylindrical portion 51 except for the insertion portion 52; and a second shielding portion 83 that covers the retaining portion 53 and each of the second portions 62. The first shielding portion 81 and the second shielding portion 83 are formed integrally.

[0100] The material used for the shielding shell 80 can be, for example, iron-based or aluminum-based metals.

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, fixing parts 82 are provided on both sides of the first shielding part 81 in the second direction X, and the fixing parts 82 are fixed to the housing 101. A through hole 82a is provided in the fixing part 82, penetrating in the first direction Z. The shielding shell 80 is fixed to the housing 101 by fastening it with bolts 120 inserted into the through holes 82a and fastened to the fixing holes 103 of the housing 101.

[0102] The second shielding part 83 has an outer surface 83a extending along the outer surface 53a of the housing 40. Two mounting parts 84 are provided at one end of the second shielding part 83 in the second direction X, and female threads are formed in the two mounting parts 84.

[0103] Although not shown in the diagram, the assembly section 84 is fitted with a metal cylindrical support that covers multiple first parts 61 together. Additionally, a braided component formed by weaving metal wires is fitted onto this support.

[0104] The function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0105] Two adjacent protrusions 60 in the first direction Z are connected by a first connecting part 63. Therefore, the tilting of each protrusion 60 relative to the main body 50 is restricted by the first connecting part 63.

[0106] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0107] (1) The connector 10 includes: a plurality of terminals 20 extending side by side; a plurality of wires 30 connected to each terminal 20 and arranged side by side; and a resin housing 40 embedded with the plurality of terminals 20 and the plurality of wires 30. The housing 40 includes: a main body 50 covering the plurality of terminals 20; a plurality of protrusions 60 protruding from the main body 50 and individually covering the plurality of wires 30, and arranged at intervals from each other in the first direction Z; and a first connecting portion 63 connecting two protrusions 60 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction Z.

[0108] Because of this structure, the aforementioned function is achieved, thus suppressing the reduction in the dimensional accuracy of the housing 40.

[0109] (2) Each terminal 20 has a wire connection portion 23 that connects to each wire 30. Each wire connection portion 23 is embedded in each protrusion 60.

[0110] With this structure, each wire connection portion 23 is embedded in each protrusion 60. That is, each wire connection portion 23 is individually covered by each protrusion 60. The protrusions 60 are separated from each other in the first direction Z, so compared with the case where each wire connection portion 23 is covered together by the main body portion 50, the amount of resin material used for molding the housing 40 can be reduced. Therefore, the housing 40, and thus the connector 10, can be made lighter.

[0111] (3) The first connecting part 63 partially connects two adjacent protrusions 60 at a position away from the main body part 50 in the second direction X.

[0112] During injection molding of the housing 40, each protrusion 60 undergoes thermal shrinkage as it approaches the first connecting portion 63, potentially causing each protrusion 60 to tilt relative to the main body 50. The larger the area in the second direction X where the first connecting portion 63 is located, the more pronounced this defect becomes. Furthermore, the larger this area, the more likely pores will form in the first connecting portion 63 due to differences in the amount of thermal shrinkage within the first connecting portion 63.

[0113] In this respect, according to the above structure, the first connecting portion 63 partially connects two adjacent protrusions 60, thus making it less likely for the aforementioned adverse conditions to occur. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the reduction in the dimensional accuracy of the housing 40.

[0114] (4) Each wire 30 has a core wire 31 and an insulating covering portion 32 that covers the outer periphery of the core wire 31. The exposed portion 31a of the core wire 31, which protrudes from the end of the insulating covering portion 32, is connected to each terminal 20. The insulating covering portion 32 and the exposed portion 31a in each wire 30 are embedded in the first portion 61 of each protrusion 60. The first connecting portion 63 connects the portions of two adjacent first portions 61 in which the insulating covering portion 32 is embedded to each other.

[0115] In a connector with a housing 40 containing embedded wires 30, a coating portion is provided to apply adhesive to the core wire 31 exposed from the insulating cover portion 32 in order to prevent water from entering between the wires 30 and the housing 40. When the portions of two adjacent protrusions 60 in which the coating portion is embedded are connected to each other by a connecting portion, during the injection molding of the housing 40, the protrusions 60 shrink thermally as they approach the connecting portion, making it possible for the adhesive to peel off from the core wire.

[0116] In this respect, according to the above structure, since the first connecting part 63 connects the portions of the two first parts 61 in which the insulating covering part 32 is embedded to each other, the above-mentioned adverse situation is less likely to occur.

[0117] (5) The first connecting part 63 is located in the middle part 60b, which is closer to the top end 60c than the base end 60a and the top end 60c of the protrusion 60 in the second direction X.

[0118] According to this structure, in two adjacent protrusions 60, the portion closer to the top end 60c than the middle portion 60b of the protrusion 60 is connected to each other by a first connecting portion 63. Therefore, the tilting of each protrusion 60 relative to the main body 50 is further restricted by the first connecting portion 63. Thus, the reduction in dimensional accuracy of the housing 40 can be further suppressed.

[0119] (6) The housing 40 is disposed between the main body 50 and the first connecting part 63 in the second direction X, and has a second connecting part 64 that connects the second parts 62 of two adjacent protrusions 60. The second connecting part 64 connects the portions of the two adjacent second parts 62 in which the wire connection part 23 is embedded to each other.

[0120] With this structure, the positions of each protrusion 60 relative to the main body 50 can be limited by the first connecting portion 63 and the second connecting portion 64, which are spaced apart from each other in the second direction X. In particular, the positions of the portions of each second part 62 in which the wire connection portion 23 is embedded can be limited relative to the main body 50. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the reduction of dimensional accuracy of the housing 40.

[0121] (7) The first connecting part 63 is located inside the outer surface 61a on both sides of each first part 61 in the third direction Y. The second connecting part 64 is located inside the outer surface 62a on both sides of each second part 62 in the third direction Y.

[0122] With such a structure, for example during the assembly of connector 10, it is possible to suppress interference between the first connecting part 63 and the second connecting part 64 and the components around the housing 40.

[0123] (8) The connector 10 includes a plurality of terminals 20 formed by a metal plate and is mounted on the housing 101 of the device 100. Terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C each have: first extensions 21A, 21B, and 21C extending in the first direction Z; and second extensions 22A, 22B, and 22C extending from a portion of the first extensions 21A, 21B, and 21C opposite to the housing 101 and connected to a wire 30. The thickness directions of the plurality of first extensions 21A, 21B, and 21C are aligned with each other. The plurality of second extensions 22A, 22B, and 22C extend in a plane direction orthogonal to the first direction Z and orthogonal to the aforementioned thickness directions.

[0124] The second extensions 22A, 22B, and 22C of each terminal 20 extend in a plane direction that intersects the first direction Z and is orthogonal to the thickness direction of the first extensions 21A, 21B, and 21C. Therefore, the direction in which the wires 30 connected to each second extension 22A, 22B, and 22C extend can be different from the first direction Z, which is the assembly direction of the connector 10, without bending the wires 30. Thus, even if there are other components different from the connector 10 on the side opposite to the housing 101 across the connector 10, interference of the wires 30 with other components can be suppressed.

[0125] (9) Terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C each have a third extension 26 extending from the portion of the first extension 21A, 21B, and 21C on the housing 101 side in the plate thickness direction. The third extension 26 has a bolt hole 27 through which the third extension 26 passes in the first direction Z. The housing 40 has a cylindrical portion 51 through which the housing 40 passes in the first direction Z and which houses each of the third extensions 26. The cylindrical portion 51 has an opening 51a exposing each bolt hole 27.

[0126] With this structure, the bolt 110 can be easily inserted into the bolt hole 27 of the third extension 26 housed inside the cylindrical portion 51 through the opening 51a. Thus, the third extension 26 and the connecting member 104 provided inside the housing 101 can be easily fastened using the bolt 110. Therefore, the connection operation between the connector 10 and the device 100 can be easily performed.

[0127] <Example of Change>

[0128] This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0129] Each third extension 26 may also extend in the first direction Z in the planar direction. In this case, the axial direction of each bolt hole 27 is orthogonal to the planar direction. In such a connector, for example, each third extension 26 and each connecting member 104 are bolted together in the third direction Y.

[0130] The connection between the third extension 26 and the connecting member 104 is not limited to bolt fastening. Alternatively, for example, the third extension 26 and the connecting member 104 can be clamped using a spring member or the like while they are overlapping.

[0131] The straight sections 24A, 24B, and 24C can extend at an angle relative to the first extension sections 21A, 21B, and 21C, respectively, and the angle formed by each of the straight sections 24A, 24B, and 24C and the first extension sections 21A, 21B, and 21C can be set to any angle, such as 100°. In this case, each protrusion 60 can also be inclined at any angle relative to the first direction Z.

[0132] • Each terminal 20 is not limited to being plate-shaped; in addition, it may also be pin-shaped, for example.

[0133] • The first connecting portion 63 may also protrude beyond the outer surface 61a of the first portion 61 in the third direction Y. The second connecting portion 64 may also protrude beyond the outer surface 62a of the second portion 62 in the third direction Y.

[0134] • The second connecting part 64 can also connect the two second parts 62 in the whole of the second direction X.

[0135] • The second connecting part 64 can be omitted from the housing 40.

[0136] • The position of the first connecting part 63 in the second direction X can be appropriately set. For example, the first connecting part 63 can also connect the portions of the two first parts 61 in which the exposed portion 31a is embedded to each other.

[0137] • The first connecting part 63 can also connect the two first parts 61 as a whole in the second direction X.

[0138] • Each wire connection part 23 can also be embedded in the main body part 50.

[0139] • The number of the first connecting part 63 and the second connecting part 64 can be appropriately changed.

[0140] The number of terminals 20 and wires 30 can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of connector 10.

[0141] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0142] Z - Direction 1 (Arrangement Direction)

[0143] X, Direction 2 (Prominent Direction)

[0144] Y, the third direction (orthogonal direction)

[0145] 10 Connectors

[0146] 20 terminals

[0147] 20A terminal

[0148] 20B terminal

[0149] 20C terminal

[0150] 21A Extension 1

[0151] 21B Extension 1

[0152] 21C First Extension

[0153] 22A Second Extension

[0154] 22B Second Extension

[0155] 22C Second Extension

[0156] 23. Wire connection part

[0157] 24A Straight Section

[0158] 24B Straight Section

[0159] 24C Straight Section

[0160] 25A Inclined section

[0161] 25B Inclined section

[0162] 26. Third Extension

[0163] 27 Bolt holes

[0164] 30 wires

[0165] 31-core wire

[0166] 31a Exposed part

[0167] 32 Insulation Covering Part

[0168] 40 Housing

[0169] 50 Main body

[0170] 51 cylindrical part

[0171] 51a Opening

[0172] 52 Insertion section

[0173] 53. Maintenance Section

[0174] 53a Outer surface

[0175] 60 Protrusion

[0176] 60a base end

[0177] 60b Middle section

[0178] 60c top

[0179] 61 Part 1

[0180] 61a Outer surface

[0181] 62 Part 2

[0182] 62a Outer surface

[0183] 63 First connecting section

[0184] 64 Second connecting section

[0185] 70 Sealing components

[0186] 80 Shielding shell

[0187] 81 First Shielding Section

[0188] 82 Fixing part

[0189] 82a Through Hole

[0190] 83 Second Shielding Section

[0191] 83a Outer Surface

[0192] 84 Assembly Department

[0193] 100 devices

[0194] 101 enclosure

[0195] 102 Opening

[0196] 103 Fixing Holes

[0197] 104 Connecting Components

[0198] 105 threaded hole

[0199] 110 bolts

[0200] 120 bolts

Claims

1. A connector comprising: Multiple terminals extending side by side; Multiple wires, each connected to the terminal and arranged in parallel; and The resin housing has embedded the plurality of terminals and the plurality of wires. The housing has: The main body covers all the terminals. Multiple protrusions protrude from the main body and individually cover the multiple wires, and are spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the multiple wires are arranged; and A plurality of first connecting parts and a plurality of second connecting parts connect two adjacent protrusions in the arrangement direction. Each of the wires has a core wire, an insulating covering portion that covers the outer periphery of the core wire, and an exposed portion at the end of the wire where the core wire protrudes from the insulating covering portion. Each terminal has a wire connection portion that connects to the exposed portion of each wire. Each of the protrusions has: a first portion, in which the insulating covering portion and the exposed portion of the wire are embedded; and a second portion, in which the wire connection portion is embedded. Each of the first connecting portions is located closer to the top of the first portion than the base end of the second portion and the top end of the first portion in the protruding direction of the protrusion. The first connecting portion connects the portions of the first portions of the two protrusions in which the insulating covering portion is embedded to each other. Each of the second connecting portions is disposed between the main body portion and the first connecting portion in the protruding direction, connecting the portion of each of the second portions of the two protrusions in which the wire connecting portion is embedded to each other.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion partially connects the two protrusions at a position away from the main body in the protruding direction.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, When the direction orthogonal to both the protruding direction and the arrangement direction is defined as the orthogonal direction... The first connecting portion is located on the inner side of the outer surface of each of the protrusions in the orthogonal direction.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The connector has the plurality of terminals formed by a metal plate and is assembled into the housing of the device. Each terminal has: a first extension that extends in the assembly direction of the connector relative to the housing; And a second extension, extending from the portion of the first extension on the side opposite to the housing and connected to the wire. The thickness directions of the plurality of first extensions are consistent with each other. The plurality of the second extensions extend in a surface direction that intersects the assembly direction and is orthogonal to the plate thickness direction.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, Each terminal has a third extension extending from the portion of the first extension on the housing side in the direction of plate thickness. Each of the third extensions has a bolt hole through which the third extension passes in the assembly direction. The housing has a cylindrical portion that extends through the housing in the assembly direction and accommodates each of the third extensions. The cylindrical portion has an opening that exposes each of the bolt holes.

Images