Connector connection structure

Abstract

A connector connection structure includes a first connector, a second connector electrically connected to the first connector, a unit to which the first connector is ground connected, and a sealing member that seals a gap between the first connector and the unit. The unit has a hole portion including a first portion and a second portion having a diameter smaller than that of the first portion. The first connector includes a shield case provided with a contact portion having a contact member to be abutted against an inner peripheral surface. A radius of the first portion is larger than a distance from a center axis of an electric wire of the first connector to the contact member in a neutral state. A core wire of the electric wire is electrically connected to a terminal portion of the second connector via a terminal portion of the first connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector connection structure. Background Technology

[0002] For example, many automotive-mounted devices, such as motors, are installed on vehicles like automobiles, and the electromagnetic waves generated by these devices cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the electromagnetic waves generated by wires used for high current or high voltage cannot be ignored. Although countermeasures vary depending on the source and type of electromagnetic waves, various methods are used to suppress the effects of electromagnetic waves from automotive-mounted devices, etc. For example, in related fields, a connector has been proposed that is installed on a vehicle and has excellent shielding performance for blocking electrical noise (e.g., electromagnetic waves and static electricity generated by wires) (see, for example, JP2016-076438A).

[0003] JP2016-076438A discloses a connector comprising a wire covered with braid, a terminal portion connected to the end of the wire, a housing housing the terminal portion, and a shielding shell externally attached to the housing. Such connectors in the related art are configured to be inserted into a hole provided in a housing of an electronic control unit, etc., for connection to a mating connector, etc., housed within the housing, with the shielding shell fixed to the housing and the connector grounded and connected to the housing.

[0004] In connectors in this field, from a sealing performance perspective, the gap between the housing and the wire is sealed by an external rubber plug attached to the wire. As mentioned above, although connectors in this field are configured to prevent water intrusion, there is still room for further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a connector connection structure with excellent sealing performance.

[0006] A connector connection structure includes: a first connector; a second connector electrically connected to the first connector; a unit to which the first connector is grounded; and a sealing member configured to seal a gap between the first connector and the unit. The unit has a hole portion. The hole portion includes a first portion on one side of the hole portion and a second portion on the opposite side of the hole portion relative to the first portion, and the diameter of the second portion is smaller than the diameter of the first portion. The first connector includes a terminal portion to be inserted into the hole portion, a housing receiving the terminal portion, a wire connected at one end to the terminal portion, and a shielding shell having a contact portion having a contact member abutting an inner peripheral surface of the second portion, and the first connector being electrically connected to the second connector via the hole portion. The wire includes a core wire connected to the terminal portion, a first insulating coating covering the outer periphery of the core wire, a shielding member covering the outer periphery of the first insulating coating, and a second insulating coating covering the outer periphery of the shielding member, such that a portion of the shielding member is exposed to the outside. The sealing member is positioned between the housing and the inner peripheral surface of the first portion. In the connector connection structure, the radius of the first part is greater than the distance from the central axis of the wire to the contact member of the contact portion in the neutral state. The exposed portion of the shielding member is connected to the shielding shell, and the contact member of the contact portion abuts the inner circumferential surface of the second part, thereby establishing a ground connection between the shielding member and the unit. The core wire is connected to the terminal portion of the first connector, and the terminal portion of the first connector is connected to the terminal portion of the second connector, thereby electrically connecting the core wire to the terminal portion of the second connector.

[0007] The present disclosure has been briefly described above. The details of the disclosure will be further clarified by referring to the accompanying drawings and reading the models used to perform the present disclosure described below. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the main part.

[0010] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part B.

[0012] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of a male connector.

[0013] Figure 5B It corresponds to Figure 5A A partial exploded view of the CC cross-section.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the female connector;

[0015] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a wire harness according to another embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A An exploded perspective view of the main parts.

[0017] Figure 8 It's viewed from the back. Figure 7A Front view of the center harness.

[0018] Figure 9A It is along Figure 7A The cross-sectional view of line DD.

[0019] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A magnified view of part E.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a front view of a crimping clamp according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following description, a connector connection structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connector connection structure 1 shown includes a female connector 3, a male connector 2, a unit 5, and a seal 28. The unit 5 is a shield or similar enclosure to which the female connector 3 is grounded. In this configured connector connection structure 1, a conductive connection is established between the female connector 3, which is connected to an external device, and the male connector 2, which is housed in the unit 5 and connected to the electronic device within the unit 5, wherein the unit 5 is inserted between the two. The female connector 3 corresponds to the "first connector" of this disclosure, the male connector 2 corresponds to the "second connector" of this disclosure, and the seal 28 corresponds to the "sealing member" of this disclosure.

[0022] In the following text, for ease of description, such as Figures 1 to 9B The terms "front-back direction," "up-down direction," "left-right direction," "front," "back," "up," "down," "right," and "left" are defined. The front-back direction, up-down direction, and left-right direction are orthogonal to each other. The front-back direction corresponds to the direction in which the terminal portion 22 of the female connector 3 is inserted into the hole portion 44 of the unit 5.

[0023] First, the male connector 2 will be described. For example... Figures 1 to 4 5A and 5B (especially) Figure 5A and 5BAs shown, the male connector 2 includes a housing 11 and a pair of male terminals 12. The housing 11 includes a main body portion 111, a pair of mating grooves 113 and a pair of terminal receiving cavities 114.

[0024] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the mating groove 113 is a groove recessed from the rear end face of the main body portion 111 towards the front in a substantially cylindrical shape. An open end 112 of the mating groove 113 is provided so that it protrudes rearward from the rear end face of the main body portion 111. In this example, the pair of mating grooves 113 are arranged side-by-side at a certain interval in the left-right direction.

[0025] The terminal receiving cavity 114 is a recessed groove in a substantially cylindrical shape from the front end face of the main body portion 111 toward the rear. In this example, the terminal receiving cavity 114 is arranged adjacent to the mating groove 113 in the front-rear direction, with a wall portion 115 inserted therebetween, which is the bottom wall of the mating groove 113. In other words, the wall portion 115 serves as the bottom wall of both the mating groove 113 and the terminal receiving cavity 114. The wall portion 115 is provided with a hole portion 116 through which the insertion portion 122 of the male terminal 12 is inserted. In other words, the mating groove 113 and the terminal receiving cavity 114 communicate with each other through the hole portion 116.

[0026] The housing 11 includes a pair of contact portions 15 located in each mating groove 113. The contact portions 15 are made of a conductive material. When the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 mate with each other, the contact portions 15 contact and are electrically connected to a conductive ring 30 disposed in the female connector 3, which will be described later. The contact portions 15 are also electrically connected to a detection circuit (not shown), which is relative to... Figure 5B The male connector 2 is located on the upper right side of the paper surface. As described above, when the contact portion 15 and the conductive ring 30 of the female connector 3 are electrically connected to each other, the detection circuit detects the conductive state (conductive, non-conductive, etc.) between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3.

[0027] Flange portions 17 are provided on the rear end side of the main body portion 111. Each flange portion 17 has a fastening hole 18. When the male connector 2 is tightened and secured to the unit 5, a fastening member (not shown) is inserted through the fastening hole 18.

[0028] The male terminal 12 includes a body portion 121 housed in a terminal receiving cavity 114, and an insertion portion 122 inserted through a hole portion 116 to be positioned in a mating groove 113. A spring 13 is attached to the rear end side of the insertion portion 122. A conductive connection is established between the male terminal 12 and the female terminal 22 of the female connector 3 via the spring 13 attached to the rear end side of the insertion portion 122 (specifically, see...). Figure 3 and 4 ).

[0029] The front end of the main body 121 is connected to the rear end of the wire 19, thereby electrically connecting to an electronic device or the like connected to the front end of the wire 19. An insulating cap 14 is attached to the rear end of the insertion portion 122. The insulating cap 14 is made of insulating material and is located on the rear side of the spring 13. In the male terminal 12, the insulating cap 14 is attached to the rear side of the spring 13 to prevent the spring 13 from detaching from the insertion portion 122.

[0030] The above is a description of male connector 2.

[0031] Next, unit 5 will be described. Unit 5 is made of conductive material and is disposed between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, unit 5 includes a wall portion 45 and a pair of hole portions 44, the hole portions being disposed in the wall portion 45 and penetrating the wall portion 45 in the front-back direction. According to this embodiment, unit 5 is a shielding cover or the like. That is, the wall portion 45 of unit 5 is the peripheral wall of a shielding cover or the like.

[0032] The hole portion 44 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Specifically, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the open end 112 of the mating groove 113 of the male connector 2 is inserted into the hole portion 44 from the front side along the front-back direction, and the front end portion of the female terminal 22 of the female connector 3 is inserted through the hole portion 44 from the rear side.

[0033] The hole portion 44 includes a first portion 41 positioned on the rear side, a second portion 42 positioned on the front side of the first portion 41 and having a diameter smaller than that of the first portion 41, and a third portion 43 positioned between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 and having a diameter that decreases from the rear side toward the front side.

[0034] The first portion 41 is an open end on the rear side of the hole portion 44 and protrudes rearward from the wall portion 45. That is, the first portion 41 has an annular shape and is a protrusion protruding rearward from the wall portion 45. The first portion 41 is inserted into the recess 213 of the female connector 3, which will be described later.

[0035] The front end of the second part 42, which is the open end on the front side of the hole portion 44, protrudes forward from the wall portion 45. That is, the front end of the second part 42 has an annular shape and is a protrusion protruding forward from the wall portion 45. When the female connector 3 is inserted into the hole portion 44, the inner circumferential surface of the second part 42 contacts the contact portion 25 of the female connector 3, which will be described later, and the unit 5 and the female connector 3 are grounded.

[0036] In unit 5, a fastening hole (not shown) is provided on the front end face of the hole portion 44 at a position corresponding to the fastening hole 18 of the male connector 2. When unit 5 and male connector 2 are fastened and fixed to each other, a fastening member (not shown) is inserted into the fastening hole in the front end face of the hole portion 44.

[0037] In unit 5, the fastening hole 46 is provided on the rear end face of the hole portion 44 at a position corresponding to the fastening hole 216 of the female connector 3, which will be described later (see, in particular, see...). Figure 2 When unit 5 and female connector 3 are fastened and secured to each other, fastening member (not shown) is inserted through fastening hole 46.

[0038] The above is a description of Unit 5.

[0039] Next, the female connector 3 will be described. For example... Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 6 (in particular, Figure 6 As shown, the female connector 3 includes a housing 21 and a pair of female terminals 22. The housing 21 includes a pair of first tubular portions 211, a flange portion 212, and a pair of second tubular portions 23.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the first tubular portion 211 has a substantially cylindrical shape. In this example, the pair of first tubular portions 211 are arranged side by side along the left-right direction. A substantially rectangular flange portion 212 is provided on the front side of the first tubular portion 211. The periphery of the flange portion 212 has a cover portion 215, which extends shortly to the front and rear sides. In other words, the cover portion 215 has a substantially rectangular shape extending from the periphery of the flange portion 212 toward the front and opening toward the front, and also has a substantially rectangular shape extending from the periphery of the flange portion 212 toward the rear and opening toward the rear.

[0041] The open end 214 of the first tubular portion 211 protrudes a short distance forward from the front end face of the flange portion 212. The open end 214 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the open end 214 is smaller than the diameter of the first tubular portion 211.

[0042] The recess 213, which opens towards the front, is defined within the housing 21 by the cover portion 215 on the front side of the flange portion 212, the opening end 214, and the front end face of the flange 212 (see [reference]). Figure 3 and 4 In other words, the recess 213 is a groove whose bottom wall is the front face of the flange portion 212 and whose side walls are the cover portion 215 and the opening end 214. The first portion 41 of the unit 5 is inserted into the recess 213.

[0043] The seal 28 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the opening end 214. When the first portion 41 is inserted into the recess 213, the seal 28 seals the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the receiving groove 231 and the inner peripheral surface of the first portion 41 (see, in particular, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 4 ).

[0044] The pair of second tubular portions 23 are disposed on the front side of the flange portion 212. Each second tubular portion 23 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the diameter of the second tubular portion 23 is smaller than the diameter of the first tubular portion 211 and the diameter of the opening end 214 of the first tubular portion 211.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, each of the second tubular portions 23 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the corresponding open end 214, such that the rear end portion of the second tubular portion 23 is covered by the corresponding open end 214. Regarding the first tubular portion 211 and the second tubular portion 23, the inner circumferential surface of the first tubular portion 211 and the outer circumferential surface of the second tubular portion 23 are spaced apart from each other. In other words, an annular gap is defined between the inner circumferential surface of the first tubular portion 211 and the outer circumferential surface of the second tubular portion 23. Furthermore, the tubular holes of the first tubular portion 211 and the tubular holes of the second tubular portion 23 are in communication with each other, and the wire 4 connected to the female terminal 22 is inserted through the communicating portion of the tubular hole.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, an annular receiving groove 231 is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the front side of each second tubular portion 23, and is recessed to have a reduced outer diameter in the circumferential direction. A conductive ring 30 made of conductive material is attached to each receiving groove 231. The conductive ring 30 is made of conductive material, formed by bending a strip of conductive material, and has an annular shape in which a portion is cut off in the circumferential direction. In other words, the conductive ring 30 has a substantially C-shaped form.

[0047] In the second tubular portion 23, a rotation limiting portion (not shown) is provided in the receiving groove 231. The conductive ring 30 is attached to the receiving groove 231 such that the rotation limiting portion is positioned at the portion cut off in the circumferential direction of the conductive ring 30. Therefore, after the conductive ring 30 is attached to the receiving groove 231, the displacement in the circumferential direction (the direction of rotation about the second tubular portion 23 as the central axis) is limited.

[0048] When the female connector 3 and the male connector 2 are fully engaged, the conductive ring 30 contacts and is electrically connected to the contact portion 15 of the male connector 2. Then, the detection circuit connected to the contact portion 15 detects the electrical conductivity between the male connector 2 and the female connector 3.

[0049] The flange portion 212 also includes a fastening hole 216. When the female connector 3 is fastened and secured to the unit 5, a fastening member (not shown) is inserted through the fastening hole 216.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the female terminal 22 includes a mating tubular portion 221 that is inserted into the male terminal 12, and a wire connection portion 222 that is electrically connected to the front end of the wire 4 (i.e., the exposed core wire 31).

[0051] The mating tubular portion 221 is a bottomed tube with a bottom wall 223 and an opening to the front side, and has a substantially cylindrical shape. Similarly, the wire connection portion 222 is a bottomed tube with a bottom wall 223 and an opening to the rear side, and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The bottom wall 223 also serves as the bottom wall for both the mating tubular portion 221 and the wire connection portion 222.

[0052] A shielding shell 24, having a generally cylindrical shape, is attached to the outer periphery of the second tubular portion 23 from front to rear. Specifically, the shielding shell 24 is inserted into an annular gap defined between the inner peripheral surface of the first tubular portion 211 and the outer peripheral surface of the second tubular portion 23, and is attached to the second tubular portion 23. A plurality of cantilevered contact portions 25 protruding forward are provided at the front end portion of the shielding shell 24 (see also...). Figure 6 Although recessed portions are provided in the plurality of contact portions 25 in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide recessed portions in the contact portions 25. The plurality of contact portions 25 may be provided at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the shielding shell 24.

[0053] Each contact portion 25 is formed by bending a strip-shaped conductive member to have a substantially V-shaped shape. Specifically, the contact portion 25 includes a first portion extending forward and inclined upward from the front end portion of the shielding shell 24, and a second portion extending forward and inclined downward. Therefore, the bent portion of the contact portion 25 (i.e., the continuous portion of the first and second portions) is located on the outer side of the shielding shell 24 in the radial direction. In other words, the bent portion of the contact portion 25 is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 42 when the female connector 3 is inserted into the hole portion 44. More specifically, the distance from the bent portion of the contact portion 25 to the central axis of the wire 4 is less than the radius of the first portion 41. Furthermore, the distance from the bent portion of the contact portion 25 to the central axis of the wire 4 is greater than the radius of the second portion 42. When the female connector 3 is inserted into the hole portion 44, the contact portion 25 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 42 of the unit 5, and the female connector 3 and the unit 5 are grounded.

[0054] The wire 4 includes a core wire 31, an insulating coating 32 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 31, a braided conductor 33 covering the outer periphery of the insulating coating 32, a sheath 34 covering the outer periphery of the braided conductor 33, and a shielding ring 35. At the front end of the wire 4, the insulating coating 32 is peeled off to expose the core wire 31. A predetermined length of the sheath 34 is removed from the front end portion of a portion of the insulating coating 32 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 31 (i.e., the unpeeled portion). The shielding ring 35 is attached to the outer periphery of the front end portion of the sheath 34 (i.e., the portion where the sheath 34 is not removed). The insulating coating 32 corresponds to the "first insulating coating" of this disclosure, the braided conductor 33 corresponds to the "shielding member" of this disclosure, and the sheath 34 corresponds to the "second insulating coating" of this disclosure. Although the braided conductor 33 is used as a shielding member in this embodiment, metal foil or the like can be used as a shielding member as long as it has a shielding effect.

[0055] The front end face of the sheath 34 and the front end face of the shielding ring 35 are configured to be positioned on the same plane in a plane including the vertical and horizontal directions. The front end face of the sheath 34 and the front end face of the shielding ring 35 are configured to be positioned on the same plane, but may not be positioned on the same plane due to design tolerances, manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0056] The braided conductor 33 is folded back from the front to the rear at the positions where the front portions of the sheath 34 and the shielding ring 35 are located, and the folded portion 331 of the braided conductor 33 covers the outer periphery of the shielding ring 35. In this way, the covered portions (hereinafter also referred to as "crimp portions") of the braided conductor 33, sheath 34, shielding ring 35, and folded portion 331 are crimped together to press against the core wire 31 and the insulating coating 32. The crimp portions are electrically connected to the shielding shell 24 via shielding terminals 29, which will be described later. The crimp portions and the shielding shell 24 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0057] The female connector 3 also includes a shielding terminal 29, which electrically connects the shielding housing 24 and the crimping portion. The shielding terminal 29 has a substantially cylindrical shape, is attached to the outer periphery of the crimping portion and the outer periphery of the shielding housing 24, and electrically connects the crimping portion and the shielding housing 24.

[0058] Because the crimped portion is crimped, it does not have a cylindrical shape. Therefore, even when the shielding terminal 29 is attached, the outer peripheral surface of the crimped portion and the inner peripheral surface of the shielding terminal 29 may not come into contact with each other, and an electrical connection may not be achieved. Therefore, a protruding contact portion (not shown) for electrical connection to the outer peripheral surface of the crimped portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the shielding terminal 29.

[0059] The wire 4 attached to the female terminal 22 is inserted into the housing 21, for example, from the rear to the front. When the insertion of the female terminal 22 and the wire 4 into the housing 21 is completed, the front end portions of the female terminal 22 and the wire 4 are accommodated in the second tubular portion 23, and the crimped portion and the portion of the wire 4 around the crimped portion are accommodated in the first tubular portion 211.

[0060] A seal 26 is attached to the rear side of a portion of each wire 4 housed in the first tubular portion 211. The seal 26 seals the gap between the first tubular portion 211 and the wire 4. A rear retainer 27 is attached to the rear end portion of the wire 4 housed in the first tubular portion 211 (specifically, the portion on the rear side of the seal 26). The rear retainer 27 engages with the seal 26 to prevent displacement of the seal 26 in the longitudinal and rotational directions.

[0061] The above is a description of female connector 3.

[0062] The connection process of male connector 2, female connector 3, and unit 5 will be described next. First, the rear end portion of the housing 11 of male connector 2 is inserted from the front to the rear into the hole portion 44 of unit 5. Then, male connector 2 and unit 5 are fastened and secured by inserting fastening members through the fastening hole 18 of male connector 2 and the fastening hole (not shown) of unit 5.

[0063] Next, the female connector 3 is positioned on the rear side of the unit 5, and the second tubular portion 23 of the female connector 3 is inserted into the hole portion 44 from the rear to the front. As the female connector 3 moves from the rear to the front, the second tubular portion 23 enters the mating groove 113 of the male connector 2. As described above, the second tubular portion 23 enters the mating groove 113 before the contact portion 25 contacts the hole portion 44 (specifically, the second portion 42), thereby restricting the displacement of the female connector 3.

[0064] As the female connector 3 continues to move, the contact portion 25 enters the hole portion 44. Because the radius of the first portion 41 is configured to be greater than the distance from the curved portion of the contact portion 25 to the central axis of the wire, the contact portion 25 will not contact the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 41 even as the female connector 3 continues to move. In other words, the contact portion 25 does not slide on the inner circumferential surfaces of the first portion 41 and the third portion 43, but instead contacts the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 42 at a predetermined position.

[0065] For example, when the inner circumferential surfaces of the contact portion 25 and the first portion 41 slide against each other, the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 41 may be damaged. When the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 41 is damaged, a gap may be generated between the first portion 41 and the seal 28, and the sealing performance between the female connector 3 and the unit 5 may be compromised. However, the connector connection structure 1 according to this embodiment has excellent sealing performance because the contact portion 25 and the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 41 do not slide against each other.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of wires 4 have a pair of braided conductors 33 that correspond to each other. In other words, the braided conductors 33 cover the shielded wires (core wires 31 and insulating sheaths 32) to correspond to each other. Therefore, compared to the case where a single braided conductor 33 covers the pair of shielded wires (i.e., a pair of core wires 31 and a pair of insulating sheaths 32), the connector connection structure 1 according to this embodiment has excellent shielding performance.

[0067] Furthermore, when the inner peripheral surfaces of the contact portion 25 and the first portion 41 slide against each other, abrasion powder may be generated on the inner peripheral surface of the first portion 41. When the abrasion powder generated due to sliding adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the contact portion 25 or the second portion 42, the conductive state between the female connector 3 and the unit 5 may become unstable. However, in the connector connection structure 1 according to this embodiment, since the inner peripheral surfaces of the contact portion 25 and the first portion 41 do not slide against each other, a stable conductive state is ensured. The connector connection structure 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that the inner peripheral surfaces of the contact portion 25 and the third portion 43 do not slide against each other.

[0068] As the female connector 3 continues to move, the rear end portion of the first part 41 enters the recess 213. As the female connector 3 continues to move further, the second tubular portion 23, the female terminal 22, and the contact portion 25 reach predetermined positions. Specifically, the second tubular portion 23 reaches the wall portion 115 of the mating groove 113, and the rear end portion of the insertion portion 122 of the male terminal 12 is inserted into the mating tubular portion 221 of the female terminal 22. Then, a conductive connection is established between the female terminal 22 and the male terminal 12 by the spring 13, and the contact portion 25 contacts and grounds the inner circumferential surface of the second part 42 of the hole portion 44.

[0069] At this time, the first part 41 is inserted into the recess 213. Therefore, the connector connection structure 1 according to this embodiment can prevent displacement of the female connector 3 that may damage the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 44 (in particular, the second part 42), as well as displacement of the female connector 3 that may cause the conductive state between the female connector 3 and the unit 5 to become unstable (e.g., displacement that causes the contact portion 25 to damage the inner peripheral surface of the second part 42), even after the connection of the male connector 2, the female connector 3 and the unit 5 is completed.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, with the male connector 2, female connector 3, and unit 5 connected, the crimped portion of the wire 4, including the braided conductor 33, is electrically connected to the shielding shell 24, and the contact portion 25 abuts the inner circumferential surface of the second portion 42, thereby grounding the braided conductor 33 and unit 5. Furthermore, the core wire 31 of the wire 4 is electrically connected to the female terminal 22, and the female terminal 22 and the male terminal 12 are electrically connected to each other via the spring 13, thereby establishing a conductive connection between the core wire 31 and the male terminal 12. Additionally, the conductive ring 30 and the contact portion 15 are electrically connected to each other.

[0071] The above describes the connection process of male connector 2, female connector 3 and unit 5.

[0072] Since the connector connection structure 1 according to this embodiment is configured as described above, all connector connection structures 1 have excellent sealing performance.

[0073] Other embodiments

[0074] This disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified and improved as appropriate. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, sizes, quantities, and arrangement positions of the constituent elements in the above embodiments are optional and not limited, as long as the purpose of this disclosure is achieved.

[0075] As another embodiment, reference will be made to Figures 7A to 10 This describes an example of a method different from the one described in the above embodiments, which involves connecting the crimped portion to the shielding terminal and connecting the shielding terminal to the shielding shell.

[0076] like Figures 7A to 9B As shown, in other embodiments, similar to the embodiments described above, the wire 4 includes a core wire 31, an insulating coating 32 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 31, a braided conductor 33 covering the outer periphery of the insulating coating 32, a sheath 34 covering the outer periphery of the braided conductor 33, and a shielding ring 35, and the front end of the wire 4 is electrically connected to the female terminal 22.

[0077] In other embodiments, the core wire 31 and the insulating coating 32 are covered with a braided conductor 33, a sheath 34, a shielding ring 35, a folded portion of the braided conductor 33, and a shielding terminal 291 at the location corresponding to the crimped portion in the above embodiments. In another embodiment, a shielding shell 24a is attached to cover the above-mentioned covered portion. In the above embodiments, the shielding terminal 29 is not crimped, but in other embodiments, the shielding terminal 291 is also crimped.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the sheath 34 and the shield 24 are electrically connected to each other via the shield terminal 29, but in other embodiments, the shield 24a is attached to and electrically connected to the shield terminal 291 in a manner that covers the shield terminal 291.

[0079] In this way, even if an attempt is made to electrically connect the crimped shielding terminal and the shielding shell, the electrical connection with the shielding shell cannot be simply achieved by attaching the shielding shell, since the shielding terminal has a shape different from a cylindrical shape due to crimping. For this reason, for example, a method can be used to achieve electrical connection by providing a protruding contact portion on the inner circumferential surface of the shielding shell and making the protruding contact portion contact the outer circumferential surface of the shielding terminal. However, using this method, the size of the shielding shell increases, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the shielding shell.

[0080] On the other hand, in another embodiment of this disclosure, the shielding terminal 291 is provided with a protruding conductive portion 291a, and the protruding conductive portion 291a contacts the inner peripheral surface of the shielding shell 24a, thereby achieving an electrical connection.

[0081] Use crimping clamp 6 to crimp the crimped portion 290. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the crimping fixture 6 includes an upper member 51 and a lower member 52, and has a substantially cubic shape. In the crimping fixture 6, when the upper member 51 and the lower member 52 are abutting each other in the vertical direction, a crimping receiving portion 53 is substantially defined at its center. The crimping receiving portion 53 has a substantially hexagonal shape in the front view (cross-sectional view) and has a three-dimensional shape extending to the back side of the paper surface. The portion of the wire 4 to be crimped (crimping portion 290) is received in the recess of the lower member 52 defining the crimping receiving portion 53. The crimping portion 290 is crimped when the upper member 51 moves toward the lower member 52. Transition thickness adjustment portions 54 are respectively provided at the corner portions in the left and right directions of the crimping receiving portion 53.

[0082] Generally, when a portion covered with multiple layers is crimped, excessive thickness may occur. In other embodiments of this disclosure, a protruding conductive portion 291a is formed by allowing excessive thickness generated when the shielding terminal 291 is crimped to escape into the excessive thickness adjustment portion 54 of the crimping fixture 6.

[0083] In particular, such as Figure 8 As shown, the protruding conductive portion 291a formed by the excessive thickness adjustment portion 54 protrudes outward in the circumferential direction of the crimping portion and contacts and is electrically connected to the inner circumferential surface of the shielding shell 24a. As described above, in the connector connection structure according to other embodiments, an excessive thickness that is not normally used is used. Therefore, the shielding terminal 291 and the shielding shell 24a can be electrically connected to each other without intentionally providing a protruding contact portion or the like on the inner circumferential surface of the shielding shell 24a. Furthermore, the shielding terminal 291 and the shielding shell 24a can be electrically connected to each other without providing another component between them. Therefore, the size of the shielding shell 24a can be reduced, and the number of connector components can be reduced, resulting in a reduction in cost.

[0084] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the connector connection structure (1) includes: a first connector (female connector 3); a second connector (male connector 2) electrically connected to the first connector (3); a unit (5) to which the first connector is grounded; and a sealing member (seal 28) configured to seal the gap between the first connector (3) and the unit (5). The unit (5) has a hole portion (44). The hole portion (44) includes a first portion (41) located on one side of the hole portion (44) and a second portion (42) located on the other side of the hole portion (44) opposite to the first portion (41), and the diameter of the second portion (42) is smaller than the diameter of the first portion (41). The first connector (3) includes a terminal portion (female terminal 22) for inserting into a hole portion (44), a housing (21) for receiving the terminal portion (22), a wire (4) connected at one end to the terminal portion (22), and a shield (24) having a contact portion (25) abutting the inner peripheral surface of the second portion (42) and electrically connected to the second connector (2) via the hole portion (44). The wire (4) includes a core wire (31) connected to the terminal portion (22), a first insulating layer (insulating layer 32) covering the outer periphery of the core wire (31), a shielding member (braided conductor 33) covering the outer periphery of the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer (sheath 34) covering the outer periphery of the shielding member (33), such that a portion of the shielding member is exposed to the outside. A sealing member (28) is positioned between the housing (21) and the inner peripheral surface of the first portion (41). In the connector connection structure, the radius of the first part (41) is greater than the distance from the central axis of the wire (4) to the contact member of the contact part (25) in the neutral state. The exposed portion of the shielding member (33) is connected to the shielding shell (24), and the contact member of the contact part (25) is adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the second part (42), so that a ground connection is established between the shielding member (33) and the unit (5). The core wire (31) is connected to the terminal portion (22) of the first connector (3), and the terminal portion (22) of the first connector (3) is connected to the terminal portion (12) of the second connector (2), so that the core wire (31) is electrically connected to the terminal portion (12) of the second connector (2).

[0085] A connector connection structure with the first aspect configuration will be described below. In this connector connection structure, the radius of the first portion in the hole portion of the unit is greater than the distance from the central axis of the wire to the contact member of the contact portion in a neutral state, in which the contact portion is not deformed by external force (in this case, the neutral state is the state before the contact portion is deformed by contact with the second portion). Furthermore, the diameter of the first portion is configured to be larger than the diameter of the second portion. Therefore, when a conductive connection is established between the first connector and the second connector (specifically, when the tubular portion and the terminal portion of the first connector are directly inserted into the hole portion of the unit), the contact portion of the shielding shell and the inner circumferential surface of the first portion of the hole portion do not slide against each other. For example, if the contact portion and the inner circumferential surface of the first portion slide against each other, the inner circumferential surface of the first portion may be damaged. When the inner circumferential surface of the first portion is damaged, a gap may be generated between the first portion and the sealing member externally attached to the tubular portion, and the sealing performance between the first connector and the unit may be compromised. However, the connector connection structure constructed in this way has excellent sealing performance because the inner circumferential surfaces of the contact portion and the first portion do not slide against each other, unlike the case where the inner circumferential surfaces of the contact portion and the first portion slide against each other.

[0086] Although the contact portion is configured not to contact the inner circumferential surface of the first portion when a conductive connection is established between the first and second connectors, the contact portion may accidentally contact the inner circumferential surface of the first portion under unforeseen circumstances (e.g., by a defective method). However, it goes without saying that this situation is acceptable.

[0087] The following describes another effect of this connector connection structure configuration. The core wire of the wire, whose outer periphery is covered by a first insulating coating, is connected to the terminal portion of the first connector. When the terminal portion of the first connector is connected to the terminal portion of the second connector, a conductive connection is established between the core wire and the terminal portion of the second connector. Therefore, a conductive connection is established between the first and second connectors. Furthermore, the exposed portion of the shielding member of the wire, covered by a second insulating coating, is connected to the shielding shell of the first connector. The contact portion of the shielding shell contacts the inner peripheral surface of the second portion of the hole portion of the unit, grounding the shielding member and the unit. Therefore, the first connector is grounded to the unit. In other words, this connector connection structure configuration also offers excellent shielding performance.

[0088] The following describes another effect of this connector connection structure configuration. Typically, when the contact portion and the inner circumferential surface of the first portion slide against each other, abrasive powder may be generated on the inner circumferential surface of the first portion. When this abrasive powder, generated due to sliding, adheres to the inner circumferential surface of the contact portion or the second portion, the conductive state between the first connector and the unit may become unstable. That is, in this connector connection structure configuration, a stable conductive state is ensured because the contact portion and the inner circumferential surface of the first portion do not slide against each other.

[0089] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the hole portion (44) includes a third portion (43) located between the first portion (41) and the second portion (42) and having a diameter that decreases from one side toward the other side of the hole portion (44).

[0090] According to the connector connection structure with the second aspect configuration, the same effect as the first aspect is obtained.

[0091] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, before the contact portion (25) abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the second portion (42), the terminal portion (female terminal 22) of the first connector is electrically connected to the terminal portion (male terminal 12) of the second connector.

[0092] A connector connection structure with a third configuration will be described below. A conductive connection is established between the terminal portions of the first connector and the terminal portions of the second connector before the contact portion contacts the inner circumferential surface of the second portion. Therefore, in this connector connection structure, even when the displacement of the first connector is restricted and prying occurs in the rotational direction (the direction in which the terminal portions of the first connector rotate about the direction in which the terminal portions of the first connector are inserted into the hole portion of the unit as the central axis), the contact portion does not contact the second portion, and thus an unstable conductive state that might occur between the first connector and the unit due to prying can be prevented.

[0093] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, one of the unit (5) and the housing (21) has a protrusion (first portion 41), and the other of the unit (5) and the housing (21) has a recess (213), and the protrusion (41) is inserted into the recess (213).

[0094] The connector connection structure with the fourth aspect configuration will be described below. One of the unit and the housing has a protrusion, and the other of the unit and the housing has a recess into which the protrusion is inserted. Therefore, even after the connection of the first connector, the second connector, and the unit is completed, displacement of the first connector that could cause instability in the conductive state between the first connector and the unit (e.g., displacement of the inner circumferential surface of the hole portion that could cause damage to the contact portion) can be prevented.

[0095] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, the first connector (female connector 3) includes a metal layer (shielding terminal 291) covering the outer periphery of a second insulating sheath (sheath 34). The metal layer (291) includes a protruding portion (protruding conductive portion 291a) projecting outward in the radial direction of the wire (4). In the connector connection structure, the exposed portion of the shielding member (braided conductor 33) is connected to the metal layer (291), and the protruding portion (291a) abuts the inner peripheral surface of the shielding shell (24a), such that the shielding member (33) and the shielding shell (24a) are connected to each other.

[0096] The connector connection structure with the configuration described in the fifth aspect above will be described below. The exposed portion of the shielding member is connected to a metal layer covering the outer periphery of the second insulating coating. A radially outwardly projecting portion of the metal layer abuts the inner peripheral surface of the shielding shell, thereby connecting the shielding member and the shielding shell to each other. Therefore, in this connector connection structure, the metal layer and the shielding shell are connected without using another component. Consequently, the number of components is reduced, and the cost is correspondingly reduced.

[0097] According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the central axis of the first part (41) and the center of the second part (42) coincide with each other.

[0098] According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, the first part (41) has an annular shape and is a protrusion projecting toward the rear. The second part (42) has an annular shape and is a protrusion projecting toward the front.

[0099] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, the hole portion (44) of the unit (5) penetrates in the front-back direction.

[0100] According to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, the contact portion (25) and other contact portions (25) are disposed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the shielding shell (24).

Claims

1. A connector connection structure, comprising: First connector; The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector; Unit, wherein the first connector is grounded and connected to the unit; as well as A sealing member configured to seal the gap between the first connector and the unit. The unit has a hole portion. The hole portion includes a first portion located on one side of the hole portion and a second portion located on the other side of the hole portion opposite to the first portion, wherein the diameter of the second portion is smaller than the diameter of the first portion. Wherein, the first connector The device includes a terminal portion to be inserted into the hole, a housing accommodating the terminal portion, a wire connected at one end to the terminal portion, and a shielding shell having a contact portion having a contact member that abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the second portion. It is electrically connected to the second connector via the hole portion. The wire includes a core wire connected to the terminal portion, a first insulating layer covering the outer periphery of the core wire, a shielding member covering the outer periphery of the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer covering the outer periphery of the shielding member, such that a portion of the shielding member is exposed to the outside. The sealing member is positioned between the housing and the inner circumferential surface of the first portion, and In the connector connection structure... The radius of the first portion is greater than the distance from the central axis of the wire to the contact member of the contact portion in the neutral state. The exposed portion of the shielding member is connected to the shielding shell, and the contact member of the contact portion abuts the inner circumferential surface of the second portion, thereby establishing a grounding connection between the shielding member and the unit. The core wire is connected to the terminal portion of the first connector, and the terminal portion of the first connector is connected to the terminal portion of the second connector, such that the core wire is electrically connected to the terminal portion of the second connector.

2. The connector connection structure according to claim 1, wherein The hole portion includes a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion, and has a diameter that decreases from one side of the hole portion toward the other side.

3. The connector connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Before the contact portion abuts the inner circumferential surface of the second portion, the terminal portion of the first connector is electrically connected to the terminal portion of the second connector.

4. The connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, One of the unit and the housing has a protrusion, and the other of the unit and the housing has a recess, with the protrusion inserted into the recess.

5. The connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first connector includes a metal layer covering the outer periphery of the second insulating coating. The metal layer includes a protruding portion that projects outward in the radial direction of the wire, and In the connector connection structure, the exposed portion of the shielding member is connected to the metal layer, and the protruding portion is adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the shielding shell, such that the shielding member and the shielding shell are connected to each other.

6. The connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The central axis of the first part and the center of the second part coincide with each other.

7. The connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first portion has an annular shape and is a protrusion projecting rearward. The second part has a ring shape and is a protrusion that protrudes towards the front.

8. The connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The hole portion of the unit penetrates in the front-to-back direction.

9. The connector connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The contact portion and other contact portions are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the shielding shell.

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