An assembly comprising a cable and a connector

Abstract

The present application relates to an assembly including a cable and a connector, wherein: the cable contains at least four direct current (DC) wires; each of the DC wires has a first bonding portion at an end portion; the connector is attached to the cable; the connector is capable of being mated with a mating connector having mating contacts; the connector includes a housing and two DC contacts; the housing has two receiving portions; the two DC contacts are arranged in a horizontal direction; the DC contacts are respectively received in the receiving portions; each of the DC contacts has a contact portion and a second bonding portion; the contact portion is located in front of the second bonding portion in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction; the contact portions of the DC contacts respectively contact the mating contacts when the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other; the second bonding portions of each of the DC contacts are connected with the first bonding portions of at least two of the DC wires in the corresponding receiving portion; and the first bonding portions connected with the second bonding portions are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an assembly including a cable and a connector attached to the cable. BACKGROUND

[0002] As shown in Figure 18 Patent Document 1 discloses an assembly 900 including a cable 950 and a connector 910 attached to the cable 950. The cable 950 includes two direct current (DC) wires 952. The connector 910 includes a housing 912 and two DC contacts 914. The DC wires 952 are connected to the DC contacts 914, respectively.

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP-A 2017-27824

[0004] In the assembly 900 of Patent Document 1, the heat generated in the DC wires 952 becomes large when a large current flows through the DC wires 952. In order to reduce the heat generated in the DC wires 952 when a large current flows through the DC wires 952, each of the DC wires 952 must have an increased cross section. However, the DC wires 952 having an increased cross section are expensive and difficult to handle. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an assembly including a novel configuration capable of handling a large current.

[0006] One aspect of the present application provides an assembly including a cable and a connector. The cable includes at least four direct current (DC) wires. Each of the DC wires has a first bonding portion at an end portion. The connector is attached to the cable. The connector is capable of mating with a mating connector having mating contacts. The connector includes a housing and two DC contacts. The housing has two receiving portions. The two DC contacts are arranged in a horizontal direction. The DC contacts are received in the receiving portions, respectively. Each of the DC contacts has a contact portion and a second bonding portion. The contact portion is located forward of the second bonding portion in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The contact portions of the DC contacts are brought into contact with the mating contacts, respectively, when the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other. The second bonding portion of each of the DC contacts is connected to the first bonding portions of at least two of the DC wires in the corresponding receiving portion. The first bonding portions connected to the second bonding portions are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction.

[0007] The assembly of the present application is configured such that the second bonding portion of each of the DC contacts is connected to the first bonding portions of at least two of the DC wires in the corresponding receiving portion. Specifically, the assembly of the present application is configured such that two or more of the DC wires are connected to a single DC contact, so that less current flows through each of the DC wires. This reduces the heat generation of each of the DC wires.

[0008] In addition, the assembly of the present application is configured such that the first connecting portions of the DC wires connected to the second connecting portions of the DC contacts are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. Specifically, when a large current flows through the DC wires, the connecting portions connecting the DC contacts and the DC wires tend to generate more heat than other portions, and the first connecting portions included in the connecting portions are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. This reduces heat transfer from one first connecting portion to another first connecting portion, as compared to a case where the first connecting portions are arranged in the up-and-down direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. Therefore, the assembly of the present application is configured such that the temperature rise at the first connecting portions is reduced when a large current flows through the DC wires.

[0009] A more complete appreciation of the purpose and structure of the present application will be gained as the description proceeds below, with reference being had to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a front perspective view showing the assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0011] Figure 2 is a front view showing the assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0012] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the assembly of Figure 2 ;

[0013] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the portion enclosed by the broken line B in Figure 3 ;

[0014] Figure 5 is a side view showing the assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0015] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of the assembly of Figure 5 , in which a portion of the connector is shown enlarged;

[0016] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view showing the assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view showing the internal structure of the assembly of Figure 7 , in which one cover is removed from the connector;

[0018] Figure 9 is a partially cutaway rear perspective view showing the internal structure of Figure 8 , in which a portion of the housing main body and the sleeve is cut away, and a portion of the assembly elements is shown enlarged;

[0019] Figure 10 is a front perspective view showing the assembly of FIG. 1 in which the mating portion is separated from the connector;

[0020] Figure 11 is a front perspective view showing the housing body included in the assembly of Figure 10 ;

[0021] Figure 12 is a front view showing the housing body of Figure 11 ;

[0022] Figure 13 is a rear view showing the body housing of Figure 11 , in which a portion of the body housing is shown enlarged;

[0023] Figure 14 is a rear perspective view showing the housing body of Figure 11 ;

[0024] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the assembly elements included in the internal structure of Figure 9 ;

[0025] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly elements of Figure 15 , in which the sleeve is separated from the connector element while the second engagement portion is connected to the first engagement portion;

[0026] Figure 17 is another exploded perspective view showing the assembly elements of Figure 15 , in which the sleeve is separated from the connector element. In addition, the rivet is separated from the DC contact and the second engagement portion is not connected to any first engagement portion;

[0027] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the assembly of Patent Document 1 in which a portion of the housing is removed from the connector.

[0028] While the application is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail in this document. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and its detailed description are not intended to limit the application to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] As shown in FIG. 8, the assembly 800 according to an embodiment of the present application includes the cable 700 and the connector 100. Figure 5

[0030] As shown in FIG. 8, the assembly 800 according to an embodiment of the present application includes the cable 700 and the connector 100. Figure 4 ​As shown, the cable 700 of this embodiment includes four direct current (DC) wires 710. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the cable 700 may include at least four DC wires 710. The DC wires 710 have the same construction as each other. Each DC wire 710 has a core wire 711. One end of the core wire 711 serves as a first joint 712. In other words, each DC wire 710 has a first joint 712 at its end. The first joint 712 is located at the front end of the DC wire 710 in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the front-back direction is the X direction. Specifically, forward is the positive X direction, and backward is the negative X direction.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the component 800 in this embodiment also includes four terminals 750.

[0032] refer to Figure 4 Each terminal 750 is made of metal. Terminals 750 are respectively connected to the first junction 712 of the DC wire 710. For example... Figure 17 As shown, each terminal 750 has a first hole 752. The first hole 752 passes through the terminal 750 in a horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the horizontal direction is the Y direction. Additionally, the horizontal direction is also referred to as the left-right direction. Specifically, it is assumed that rightward is the positive Y direction, and leftward is the negative Y direction.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, connector 100 is attached to cable 700. Connector 100 can mate with a mating connector (not shown) having mating contacts (not shown). More specifically, connector 100 can mate with a mating connector located in front of connector 100 from the rear in a front-rear direction. The mating contacts of the mating connector are so-called male contacts.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, connector 100 includes housing 200 and two DC contacts 400.

[0035] refer to Figure 10 In this embodiment, the housing 200 is made of resin. The housing 200 has two covers 204, a mating part 205, and a housing body 208.

[0036] refer to Figure 10 In this embodiment, the cover 204 is attached to opposite sides of the connector 100 in the horizontal direction.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the mating portion 205 defines the front end of the housing 200 in the front-rear direction. When the connector 100 mates with the mating connector, the mating portion 205 is received by the mating portion receiving portion of the mating connector.

[0038] like Figure 4As shown, the housing body 208 has two receiving portions 210. In other words, the housing 200 has two receiving portions 210.

[0039] like Figure 13 As shown, each receiving portion 210 in this embodiment is a hole with a circular cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Each receiving portion 210 passes through the housing body 208 in the front-rear direction. Figure 3 and 4 As shown, each receiving portion 210 has an inner wall 212. The inner wall 212 defines the outer end of the receiving portion 210 in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0040] like Figure 11 As shown, the housing body 208 of this embodiment has two first tubes 2081 and two second tubes 2082.

[0041] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, each first tube portion 2081 in this embodiment has a generally cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The first tube portion 2081 is located behind the second tube portion 2082 in the front-rear direction. The first tube portion 2081 defines the rear end of the housing body 208 in the front-rear direction. The two first tube portions 2081 are not in communication with each other in the horizontal direction. Each first tube portion 2081 has a first receiving portion 213.

[0042] like Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, the first receiving portion 213 is a hole with a circular cross-section perpendicular to the front-back direction. The first receiving portion 213 has a first inner wall 2132. The first inner wall 2132 defines the outer end of the first receiving portion 213 in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction. Figure 4 As shown, the first connecting portion 712 is accommodated in the first receiving portion 213. In other words, the first connecting portion 712 is accommodated in the receiving portion 210. The terminal 750 is accommodated in the first receiving portion 213. In other words, the terminal 750 is accommodated in the receiving portion 210.

[0043] like Figure 13 As shown, the first tube portion 2081 in this embodiment has a limiting portion 220. In other words, the housing 200 has two limiting portions 220.

[0044] like Figure 13As shown in

[0045] As shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 Each second tube portion 2082 of the present embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The second tube portion 2082 is located in front of the first tube portion 2081 in the front-rear direction. The second tube portion 2082 defines the front end of the housing main body 208 in the front-rear direction. The two second tube portions 2082 are apart from each other in the horizontal direction. As shown in Figure 2 Each second tube portion 2082 is surrounded by the fitting portion 205 in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 3 In the front-rear direction, the front end of the second tube portion 2082 is located behind the front end of the fitting portion 205. Each second tube portion 2082 has a second housing portion 214. The housing portion 210 includes the first housing portion 213 and the second housing portion 214.

[0046] As shown in Figure 13 The second housing portion 214 of the present embodiment is a hole having a circular cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second housing portion 214 is located in front of the first housing portion 213 in the front-rear direction. The second housing portion 214 has a second inner wall 2142. The second inner wall 2142 defines the outer end of the second housing portion 214 in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The inner wall 212 includes the first inner wall 2132 and the second inner wall 2142.

[0047] As shown in Figure 17 Each DC contact 400 of the present embodiment is made of metal. The DC contact 400 is a so-called female contact. As shown in Figure 3 and 4 The two DC contacts 400 are arranged in the horizontal direction. The DC contacts 400 are housed in the housing portion 210, respectively. Each DC contact 400 has a contact portion 410 and a second coupling portion 420.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3 andFigure 4 In this embodiment, the contact portion 410 is located in front of the second mating portion 420 in the front-back direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. When the connector 100 and the mating connector mate with each other, the contact portion 410 of the DC contact 400 contacts the mating contact. The contact portion 410 is located around the front end of the DC contact 400 in the front-back direction. The contact portion 410 is housed in the second receiving portion 214.

[0049] like Figure 17 As shown, in this embodiment, the second connecting portion 420 defines the rear end of the DC contact 400 in the front-rear direction. The dimension of the second connecting portion 420 in the vertical direction is larger than the dimension of the second connecting portion 420 in the horizontal direction. The second connecting portion 420 has a second hole 422. The second hole 422 passes through the second connecting portion 420 in the horizontal direction. Figure 4 As shown, the second joint 420 is housed within the first receiving portion 213. In other words, the second joint 420 is housed within the receiving portion 210.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the second connection portion 420 of each DC contact 400 is connected to the first connection portion 712 of two DC wires 710. Therefore, connecting these two DC wires 710 to a single DC contact 400 reduces the current flowing through each DC wire 710. Consequently, the assembly 800 of this embodiment is configured to reduce the heat generated by each DC wire 710.

[0051] However, the invention is not limited thereto; the second connection portion 420 of each DC contact 400 may be connected to the first connection portion 712 of three or more DC wires 710. In other words, the second connection portion 420 of each DC contact 400 should be connected to the first connection portion 712 of at least two DC wires 710 in the corresponding receiving portion 210. Therefore, connecting two or more DC wires 710 to a single DC contact 400 reduces the current flowing through each DC wire 710. This further reduces the heat generated in each DC wire 710.

[0052] refer to Figure 4 The first joint portions 712 connected to the second joint portion 420 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. The first joint portions 712 connected to the second joint portion 420 are located at the same position in the front-back direction. The first joint portions 712 connected to the second joint portion 420 are arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0053] As described above, the first joint 712 connected to the second joint 420 is arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction. This reduces heat transfer from one first joint 712 to the remaining first joint 712 compared to assuming the first joint 712 is arranged in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. Therefore, the component 800 of this embodiment is configured such that the temperature rise at the first joint 712 is reduced when a large current flows through the DC wire 710.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, each second coupling 420 is inserted with two terminals 750 in the horizontal direction. The two terminals 750 inserted into the second coupling 420 are positioned at the same position in the vertical direction. The two terminals 750 inserted into the second coupling 420 are positioned at the same position in the front-back direction.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the component 800 in this embodiment further includes two retaining members 300 and two sleeves 600.

[0056] refer to Figure 17 In this embodiment, the retaining member 300 is made of an insulator such as elastic rubber. Each retaining member 300 has two through holes 310 and four retaining holes 320. Two DC wires 710 are respectively inserted into the two through holes 310 of the retaining member 300. In other words, the retaining member 300 retains the DC wires 710. The retaining members 300 respectively serve as the rear waterproofing member 300. Figure 4 As shown, the rear waterproofing member 300 is located in the receiving portion 210. The rear waterproofing member 300 is located in the first receiving portion 213. More specifically, the rear waterproofing member 300 is located at the rear end of the first receiving portion 213 in the front-rear direction. (See reference...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rear waterproof member 300 is located behind the second receiving portion 214 in the front-rear direction. The rear waterproof member 300 is located behind the contact portion 410 in the front-rear direction. The rear waterproof member 300 is located behind the second connecting portion 420 in the front-rear direction. The rear waterproof member 300 is located behind the terminal 750 in the front-rear direction. The rear waterproof member 300 is located behind the first connecting portion 712 in the front-rear direction. The rear waterproof member 300 corresponds to the DC contact 400 and the receiving portion 210, respectively. Each rear waterproof member 300 seals between the DC wire 710 and the inner wall 212 of the corresponding receiving portion 210. More specifically, each rear waterproof member 300 seals between the DC wire 710 and the first inner wall 2132 of the first receiving portion 213 of the corresponding receiving portion 210.

[0057] like Figure 16As shown, each sleeve 600 in this embodiment extends in the front-to-back direction. Each sleeve 600 has a generally C-shaped cross-section in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. Each sleeve 600 opens upward in the vertical direction. In other words, each sleeve 600 has an opening 605 at its upper end in the vertical direction.

[0058] refer to Figure 6 Each sleeve 600 has a set of ends of its generally C-shaped cross-section serving as a restrained portion 610. In other words, each sleeve 600 is provided with a restrained portion 610. Restrained portions 220 correspond to sleeves 600 respectively. Each restrained portion 220 faces the restrained portion 610 of the corresponding sleeve 600 in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction, thereby restricting the movement of the corresponding sleeve 600 in the vertical plane. Specifically, refer to... Figure 6 and 13 The protrusions 222 of the limiting part 220 face the ends of the approximately C-shaped cross-section of the corresponding sleeve 600 in the vertical plane, thereby limiting the movement of the corresponding sleeve 600 in the vertical plane. At the same time, the protrusions 222 of the limiting part 220 are located in the opening 605 of the corresponding sleeve 600.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, sleeves 600 are located in receiving portions 210. More specifically, sleeves 600 are located in first receiving portions 213. Sleeves 600 correspond to DC contacts 400. Each sleeve 600 accommodates a second engaging portion 420 corresponding to the DC contact 400 and a first engaging portion 712 connected to the second engaging portion 420 of the corresponding DC contact 400. However, the invention is not limited thereto, but each sleeve 600 should at least partially accommodate the second engaging portion 420 of the corresponding DC contact 400 and the first engaging portion 712 connected to the second engaging portion 420 of the corresponding DC contact 400.

[0060] refer to Figure 16 Each sleeve 600 has four retaining protrusions 620. In this embodiment, the retaining protrusions 620 define the rear end of the sleeve 600 in the front-rear direction. Each retaining protrusion 620 extends in the front-rear direction. Figure 15 and Figure 16 It can be seen that the retaining protrusions 620 of the sleeve 600 are respectively inserted into the retaining holes 320 of the retaining member 300 and are thus retained. In other words, the sleeve 600 is fixed to the retaining member 300.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a set of retaining members 300, a corresponding sleeve 600, and a corresponding limiting portion 220 serve as retaining mechanisms 500. In other words, the assembly 800 of this embodiment further includes two retaining mechanisms 500. The retaining mechanisms 500 correspond to the receiving portion 210 respectively.

[0062] As described above, in the assembly 800 of the present embodiment, each of the restriction portions 220 of the housing 200 restricts movement of the corresponding sleeve 600 in a vertical plane, each of the sleeves 600 is fixed to the corresponding holding member 300, and the holding member 300 holds the DC electric wire 710 each having the first coupling portion 712. Specifically, the holding member 300 holds the parallel arrangement of the first coupling portions 712 of the DC electric wires 710 housed in the accommodation portions 210, the holding member 300 holds the DC electric wires 710, the corresponding sleeves 600, and the corresponding restriction portions 220. In other words, each of the maintenance mechanisms 500 restricts movement of the first coupling portions 712 in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction to maintain the parallel arrangement of the first coupling portions 712 in the corresponding accommodation portion 210.

[0063] As described above, the assembly 800 of the present embodiment includes two maintenance mechanisms 500 each of which maintains the parallel arrangement of the first coupling portions 712 in the corresponding accommodation portion 210. Therefore, even if the connector 100 of the assembly 800 repeatedly mates and unmates with a mating connector, the parallel arrangement of the first coupling portions 712 in the accommodation portions 210 can be prevented from being changed, and the heat transfer from one of the first coupling portions 712 to the remaining one of the first coupling portions 712 can be prevented from increasing compared to when the assembly 800 is initially used.

[0064] As Figure 4 shown, the assembly 800 of the present embodiment further includes two front waterproof members 350.

[0065] Referring to Figure 17 , each of the front waterproof members 350 is made of an insulator such as rubber having elasticity or the like. As Figure 4 shown, the front waterproof members 350 are respectively located in the accommodation portions 210. The front waterproof members 350 are located in the first accommodation portion 213. More specifically, the front waterproof members 350 are located at the front end of the first accommodation portion 213 in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4The front waterproof member 350 is located behind the second housing portion 214 in the front-rear direction. The front waterproof member 350 is located behind the contact portion 410 in the front-rear direction. The front waterproof member 350 is located in front of the second coupling portion 420 in the front-rear direction. The front waterproof member 350 is located in front of the terminal 750 in the front-rear direction. The front waterproof member 350 is located in front of the first coupling portion 712 in the front-rear direction. The front waterproof member 350 is located in front of the DC electric wire 710 in the front-rear direction. The front waterproof member 350 is located in front of the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction. The second coupling portion 420 is located between the front waterproof member 350 and the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction. The terminal 750 is located between the front waterproof member 350 and the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction. The first coupling portion 712 is located between the front waterproof member 350 and the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction. A portion of the DC electric wire 710 is located between the front waterproof member 350 and the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction. The sleeve 600 is located between the front waterproof member 350 and the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction. The front waterproof member 350 corresponds to the DC contact 400 and the housing portion 210, respectively. More specifically, each front waterproof member 350 is sealed between the corresponding DC contact 400 and the first inner wall 2132 of the first housing portion 213 of the corresponding housing portion 210. The second coupling portion 420 of each DC contact 400 is connected with the first coupling portion 712 between the corresponding front waterproof member 350 and the corresponding rear waterproof member 300.

[0066] As described above, each rear waterproof member 300 is sealed between the DC electric wire 710 and the inner wall 212 of the corresponding housing portion 210, and each front waterproof member 350 is sealed between the corresponding DC contact 400 and the inner wall 212 of the corresponding housing portion 210. In addition, as described above, the second coupling portion 420 of each DC contact 400 is connected with the first coupling portion 712 between the corresponding front waterproof member 350 and the corresponding rear waterproof member 300. This prevents water droplets from entering the space where the second coupling portion 420 and the first coupling portion 712 are connected from the outside of the front waterproof member 350 and the rear waterproof member 300. In other words, the connection portion of the second coupling portion 420 and the first coupling portion 712 is waterproof.

[0067] With reference to Figure 4 and 17 The assembly 800 of the present embodiment further includes four spring washers 770 and two rivets 780.

[0068] With reference to Figure 17 Each spring washer 770 of the present embodiment is made of metal. As Figure 16As shown, each spring washer 770 is located between the terminal 750 and the second coupling 420. Specifically, each spring washer 770 is located between the terminal 750 and the second coupling 420 in the horizontal direction. The spring washer 770 is located at the same position as the terminal 750 in the vertical direction. The spring washer 770 is located at the same position as the terminal 750 in the front-back direction. The spring washer 770 is located at the same position as the second coupling 420 in the vertical direction. The spring washer 770 is located at the same position as the second coupling 420 in the front-back direction.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the spring washer 770 is located in the receiving portion 210. The spring washer 770 is located in the first receiving portion 213. Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The spring washer 770 is located behind the second receiving portion 214 in the front-rear direction. The spring washer 770 is located behind the contact portion 410 in the front-rear direction. The spring washer 770 is located behind the front waterproof member 350 in the front-rear direction. The spring washer 770 is located in front of the first connecting portion 712 in the front-rear direction. The spring washer 770 is located in front of the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction. The spring washer 770 is located between the front waterproof member 350 and the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction.

[0070] refer to Figure 17 In this embodiment, each rivet 780 is made of metal. For example... Figure 4 As shown, rivet 780 is located in receiving section 210. Rivet 780 is located in first receiving section 213. Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Rivet 780 is located behind the second receiving portion 214 in the front-rear direction. Rivet 780 is located behind the contact portion 410 in the front-rear direction. Rivet 780 is located behind the front waterproof member 350 in the front-rear direction. Rivet 780 is located at the same position as the second connecting portion 420 in the front-rear direction. Rivet 780 is located in front of the first connecting portion 712 in the front-rear direction. Rivet 780 is located at the same position as the terminal 750 in the front-rear direction. Rivet 780 is located in front of the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction. Rivet 780 is located between the front waterproof member 350 and the rear waterproof member 300 in the front-rear direction. Rivet 780 corresponds to the DC contact 400. Figure 16 and Figure 17 It can be seen that each rivet 780 passes through the first hole 752 and the second hole 422 and is fixed to the corresponding DC contact 400. The first joint 712 is fixed to the second joint 420 by the rivet 780.

[0071] refer to Figure 16A set of DC contacts 400, the front waterproof member 350, the spring washer 770, the rivet 780, the terminal 750, the rear waterproof member 300, and the DC wire 710 form a connector element 550. In other words, the assembly 800 has two connector elements 550.

[0072] With reference to Figure 15 A set of connector elements 550 and the sleeve 600 form an assembly element 650. In other words, the assembly 800 has two assembly elements 650.

[0073] Although the present application has been specifically described above with reference to the embodiments, the present application is not limited to this, but can have various modifications and alternative forms.

[0074] Although the assembly 800 of the present embodiment is configured such that the first coupling portion 712 is fixed to the second coupling portion 420 by the rivet 780, the present application is not limited to this. Specifically, the first coupling portion 712 can be fixed to the second coupling portion 420 by a screw and a nut. In other words, the assembly 800 can have two screws and two nuts instead of two rivets 780.

[0075] In the assembly 800 of the present embodiment, each of the housing portions 210 is a hole having a circular cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the restriction portions 220 protrude in the housing portions 210, and the restricted portions 610 are a set of end portions of each of the sleeves 600 having a substantially C-shaped cross section. However, the present application is not limited to this. The configuration of the assembly 800 can be modified as follows: the housing portions 210 are holes having a polygonal cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction; the sleeves 600 have polygonal tubular shapes corresponding to the shapes of the housing portions 210; a set of corner portions of the polygonal holes of the housing portions 210 serve as the restriction portions 220; and a set of corner portions of the polygonal tubes of the sleeves 600 serve as the restricted portions 610.

[0076] Although the preferred embodiments of the present application have been described above, it should be recognized that other and further modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present application, and it is thus intended to claim all embodiments falling within the true range of the present application.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a cable and a connector, wherein: the cable contains at least four DC electric wires; each of the DC electric wires has a first joint at an end portion; the connector is attached to the cable; the connector is mateable with a mating connector having mating contacts; the connector comprises a housing and two DC contacts; the housing has two receiving portions; the two DC contacts are arranged in a horizontal direction; the DC contacts are respectively received in the receiving portions; each of the DC contacts has a contact portion and a second joint; the contact portion is located forward of the second joint in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction; the contact portions of the DC contacts respectively contact the mating contacts when the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other; the second joint of each of the DC contacts is connected with the first joints of at least two of the DC electric wires in the corresponding receiving portion; the first joints connected with the second joints are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction; the first joints of the at least two of the DC electric wires are separate and isolated from each other; the first joints of the at least two of the DC electric wires are connected with each other only at the second joints; and in the corresponding receiving portion, the at least two of the DC electric wires are spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the assembly further comprises two maintaining mechanisms; the maintaining mechanisms respectively correspond to the receiving portions; and each of the maintaining mechanisms restricts movement of the first joints in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction to maintain the parallel arrangement of the first joints in the corresponding receiving portion.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein: the assembly further comprises two retaining members and two sleeves; the retaining members retain the DC electric wires; the sleeves are respectively fixed to the retaining members; the sleeves are respectively located in the receiving portions; the sleeves respectively correspond to the DC contacts; each of the sleeves at least partially accommodates the second joint of the corresponding DC contact and the first joint connected with the second joint of the corresponding DC contact; each of the sleeves is provided with a restricted portion; the housing has two restricted portions; the restricted portions respectively correspond to the sleeves; the restricted portions respectively protrude in the receiving portions; each of the restricted portions faces the restricted portion of the corresponding sleeve in the vertical plane to restrict movement of the corresponding sleeve in the vertical plane; and a set of the retaining member, the corresponding sleeve and the corresponding restricted portion functions as one of the maintaining mechanisms.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein: the retaining members respectively function as rear waterproof members; the rear waterproof members respectively correspond to the DC contacts and the receiving portions; each of the receiving portions has an inner wall; each of the rear waterproof members seals between the DC electric wires and the inner wall of the corresponding receiving portion; the assembly further comprises two front waterproof members; the front waterproof members respectively correspond to the DC contacts and the receiving portions; each of the front waterproof members seals between the corresponding DC contact and the inner wall of the corresponding receiving portion; and The second joint of each of the DC contacts is connected with the first joint between the corresponding front waterproof member and the corresponding rear waterproof member.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the second joint of each of the DC contacts is connected with the first joint of two DC wires; the assembly further comprises terminals connected with the first joint of the DC wires, respectively; and each of the second joints is clamped between two of the terminals in a horizontal direction.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein: each of the terminals has a first hole; the second joint has a second hole; the assembly further comprises four spring washers and two rivets; each of the spring washers is located between the terminal and the second joint; the rivets correspond to the DC contacts, respectively; and each of the rivets is fixed to the corresponding DC contact through the first hole and the second hole.

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