connector

Abstract

One aspect of this disclosure provides a connector that improves assemblability. The connector (30) of one aspect of this disclosure has a connector housing (50) having multiple receiving portions (60A, 60B), multiple connecting terminals (40A, 40B) held by the connector housing (50), and multiple nuts (80) respectively received in the multiple receiving portions (60A, 60B). Each of the multiple connecting terminals (40A, 40B) has a terminal connecting portion (42) that is connected to a counterpart terminal (100) by bolt fastening based on nuts (80) and bolts (B1). The multiple terminal connecting portions (42) are arranged separately from each other in the arrangement direction (Z) of the multiple connecting terminals (40A, 40B), and are positioned in a non-overlapping manner when viewed from the arrangement direction (Z) in a top view.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, connectors are known to be mounted in the housing of electrical equipment installed in vehicles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such connectors have multiple terminal parts, each with a bolt insertion hole at its tip, for connection to a counterpart terminal located within the electrical equipment via bolt fastening. The connection portions of the aforementioned multiple terminal parts that connect to the counterpart terminal are aligned side-by-side along the length of the terminal parts.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-60680 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, in the connectors described above, there is room for improvement in terms of improving assemblability with respect to the other terminal.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector that improves assemblability.

[0008] Solution for solving the problem

[0009] The connector disclosed herein includes: a connector housing having multiple storage portions; multiple connecting terminals held by the connector housing; and multiple nuts respectively housed in the multiple storage portions, each connecting terminal having a terminal connection portion that is connected to a counterpart terminal by bolt fastening based on the nuts and bolts, the multiple terminal connection portions being arranged separately from each other in the arrangement direction of the multiple connecting terminals, and being arranged in a non-overlapping position in a top view viewed from the arrangement direction.

[0010] The effects of the invention

[0011] The connector disclosed herein has the effect of improving assemblability. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a wiring harness according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a connector and housing according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of the connector.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connector assembled in a housing according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a top view illustrating one embodiment of the connector.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the connector. Figure 4 (Sectional view along line 6-6 in the diagram).

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the connector. Figure 6 (Sectional view along line 7-7 in the diagram).

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of the connector. Figure 4 (8-8 line section view).

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of a nut cap.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a schematic front view showing one embodiment of the connector. Detailed Implementation

[0022] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0023] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0024] [1] The connector disclosed herein has: a connector housing having a plurality of storage portions; a plurality of connecting terminals held by the connector housing; and a plurality of nuts respectively housed in the plurality of storage portions, the plurality of connecting terminals each having a terminal connecting portion, the terminal connecting portion being connected to a counterpart terminal by bolt fastening based on the nuts and bolts, the plurality of terminal connecting portions being arranged separately from each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of connecting terminals, and being arranged in a non-overlapping position in a top view viewed from the arrangement direction.

[0025] According to this structure, multiple terminal connectors are arranged separately from each other in the arrangement direction of the multiple connecting terminals, and are positioned in a non-overlapping position when viewed from the arrangement direction. Therefore, the multiple terminal connectors are not arranged adjacently in the arrangement direction and two directions orthogonal to the arrangement direction. Thus, it is possible to connect the other terminal relative to the terminal connector from two of the three directions, excluding the direction parallel to the bolt tightening direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the multiple terminal connectors are positioned overlapping when viewed from the arrangement direction, the assembly direction (connection direction) of the other terminal relative to the terminal connector can be increased, thereby improving the degree of freedom in its assembly direction. As a result, the assemblability of the other terminal and the terminal connector can be improved.

[0026] [2] Preferably, it further includes a nut cap that covers the nut stored in the storage part, wherein the nut is inserted into the storage part in the insertion direction and stored therein, and the nut cap is inserted into the storage part in the insertion direction and stored therein, and the nut cap restricts the nut from moving in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

[0027] According to this structure, the nut is inserted into the receiving part along the insertion direction, and the nut cap is also inserted into the receiving part along the insertion direction. This allows the insertion direction of the nut relative to the receiving part and the insertion direction of the nut cap relative to the receiving part to be the same. Therefore, compared to cases where the insertion directions of the nut and nut cap are different, the assembly time of the connector can be reduced.

[0028] [3] Preferably, the insertion direction is a direction intersecting the tightening direction of the bolt. According to this structure, the nut and nut cap are inserted into the receiving portion in a direction intersecting the tightening direction of the bolt. Therefore, the nut cap is prevented from being positioned overlapping the nut in a top view observed from the tightening direction of the bolt. Thus, even if excessive load is applied to the nut from the tightening direction of the bolt, such as during bolt tightening operations, the load on the nut cap can be suppressed. Therefore, damage to the nut cap due to the aforementioned excessive load can be prevented.

[0029] [4] Preferably, the nut cap is a component different from the connector housing. The nut is formed as a quadrangular prism having an upper surface, a lower surface, and four sides disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The nut has a through hole that passes through between the upper surface and the lower surface. Three of the four sides are supported by the connector housing that constitutes the inner surface of the receiving part, and the remaining side is supported by the nut cap.

[0030] According to this structure, three of the four sides of the nut are supported by the connector housing, and the remaining side is supported by the nut cap. Therefore, during the bolt tightening operation, the connector housing and nut cap can bear the tightening force of the bolt, that is, the force that the nut intends to rotate about the bolt's tightening direction. Thus, the connector housing and nut cap can suppress the nut's positional displacement during the bolt tightening operation.

[0031] [5] Preferably, one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the nut is supported by the connector housing that forms the inner surface of the receiving portion, and the other of the upper surface and the lower surface of the nut is supported by the terminal connection portion.

[0032] According to this structure, the upper and lower surfaces of the end face of the nut facing the tightening direction of the bolt are supported by the connector housing and the terminal connection. Therefore, even if an excessive load is applied to the nut from the tightening direction of the bolt, the load can be absorbed by the highly rigid connector housing and the terminal connection. Thus, damage to the connector due to the aforementioned excessive load can be prevented.

[0033] [6] Preferably, the nut cap has a main body portion having an end face opposite to the nut, and a plurality of ribs protruding from the end face of the main body portion toward the insertion direction, the plurality of ribs contacting the remaining side of the nut. According to this structure, one side of the nut is supported by the plurality of ribs of the nut cap. Therefore, the tightening force of the bolt can be absorbed by the plurality of ribs. This allows the stress applied to the nut cap when tightening the bolt to be dispersed, thus preventing damage to the nut cap during bolt tightening.

[0034] [7] Preferably, the nut cap has a main body portion having an end face opposite to the nut, and a locking piece formed protruding from the end face of the main body portion toward the insertion direction, and the receiving portion has a locking portion that locks with the locking piece. According to this structure, by locking the locking piece of the nut cap with the locking portion of the receiving portion, it is possible to prevent the nut cap from falling off the receiving portion.

[0035] [8] Preferably, multiple nut caps are provided, and each of the multiple nut caps is individually housed in one of the multiple housing portions, wherein the multiple nut caps are formed to have the same shape and the same size. According to this structure, since the multiple nut caps are formed to have the same shape and the same size, the parts can be made universal.

[0036] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0037] Hereinafter, specific examples of the connectors of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of explanation, a portion of the structure is sometimes shown exaggeratedly or simplified. Additionally, the dimensional ratios of the parts may differ in different drawings. The terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification do not refer only to strictly parallel or orthogonal situations, but also to generally parallel or orthogonal situations within the range that achieves the desired effect of this embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, but refers to the invention as shown in the claims, and includes all modifications with the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0038] (Overall structure of conductive circuit 10)

[0039] Figure 1 The conductive circuit 10 shown electrically connects two or more electrical devices. The conductive circuit 10 has a wiring harness 20 and a pair of device-side connectors 30 connected to both ends of the wiring harness 20. For example, the conductive circuit 10 electrically connects an inverter 11, located at the front of a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle, to a high-voltage battery 12 located at the rear of the vehicle, beyond the inverter 11. The conductive circuit 10 is, for example, routed under the vehicle floor. The inverter 11 is connected to a wheel-driving motor (not shown) that serves as the power source for the vehicle's movement. The inverter 11 generates alternating current from the direct current (DC) of the high-voltage battery 12 and supplies this AC current to the motor. The high-voltage battery 12 is, for example, a battery capable of supplying several hundred volts.

[0040] (Structure of wire harness 20)

[0041] The wiring harness 20 has multiple (two in this embodiment) wires 21, a pair of wire-side connectors 22 mounted at both ends of the wires 21, and a protective tube 23 that surrounds the multiple wires 21. One wire-side connector 22 is connected to a connector 30 mounted on the device side of the inverter 11, and the other wire-side connector 22 is connected to a connector 30 mounted on the device side of the high-voltage battery 12. The protective tube 23 can be made of metal, resin, a flexible corrugated tube made of resin, a rubber waterproof cover, or a combination thereof. The protective tube 23 protects the wires 21 housed within it from projectiles and liquids.

[0042] Each connector 30 is fixed to the conductive housing 15 of the inverter 11 and high-voltage battery 12, etc. Each wire-side connector 22 is fitted into each connector 30, and the wire-side connectors 22 are electrically connected. As the material of the housing 15, metal materials such as iron-based or aluminum-based materials can be used.

[0043] (Structure of shell 15)

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the housing 15 has a box-shaped housing body 16 and a cylindrical mounting portion 17 integrally formed on the housing body 16 and protruding outward from the housing body 16. The mounting portion 17 is formed into a cylindrical shape through a mounting hole 17X that passes through the mounting portion 17. The mounting hole 17X is formed to communicate between the internal space of the housing body 16 and the external space of the housing body 16. The shape of the mounting hole 17X, for example, when viewed from the through direction, is formed into a flat shape having a long side direction and a short side direction. In this specification, "flat shape" includes, for example, a rectangle, an oblong shape, an ellipse, etc. In this specification, "oblong shape" is a shape composed of two parallel lines of approximately equal length and two semicircles. The shape of the mounting hole 17X in this embodiment when viewed from the through direction is an oblong shape. The mounting portion 17 in this embodiment is formed into an approximately oblong cylindrical shape.

[0045] In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the X-axis represents the front-back direction of connector 30, the Y-axis represents the left-right direction (width direction) of connector 30 orthogonal to the X-axis, and the Z-axis represents the up-down direction (height direction) of connector 30 orthogonal to the XY plane. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the direction extending along the X-axis will be referred to as the front-back direction X, the direction extending along the Y-axis will be referred to as the left-right direction Y, and the direction extending along the Z-axis will be referred to as the up-down direction Z. Furthermore, in the following description, Figure 2 In the diagram, the X arrow is set to forward, and the Z arrow is set to upward.

[0046] The housing 15 has a fixing portion 18 for securing the connector 30 to the housing 15. The fixing portion 18 is, for example, formed to protrude outwards from the housing body 16. The fixing portion 18 is, for example, integrally formed with the assembly portion 17. The fixing portion 18 and the assembly portion 17 are arranged in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 18 is located above the assembly portion 17. A bolt fixing hole 18X is formed in the fixing portion 18. The bolt fixing hole 18X is, for example, formed to extend in the front-rear direction X.

[0047] (Structure of connector 30)

[0048] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, connector 30, for example, has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) metal connecting terminals 40A, 40B, a connector housing 50 fitted with connecting terminals 40A, 40B, a rubber ring 71 and a rubber ring 72 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of connector housing 50. Connector 30, for example, has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) nuts 80 and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) nut caps 90. Connector housing 50, for example, is cylindrical.

[0049] (Structure of connecting terminals 40A and 40B)

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, each connecting terminal 40A, 40B is formed, for example, to extend along the axial direction (here, the front-to-back direction X) of the connector housing 50. The connecting terminals 40A, 40B are, for example, elongated strips in the axial direction of the connector housing 50 compared to the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the connector housing 50 (here, the left-to-right direction Y). In this embodiment, the width direction of the connecting terminals 40A, 40B is aligned with the left-to-right direction Y, and the length direction of the connecting terminals 40A, 40B is aligned with the front-to-back direction X.

[0051] Each connecting terminal 40A, 40B has a male terminal portion 41, a terminal connecting portion 42, and a connecting portion 43 that connects the male terminal portion 41 and the terminal connecting portion 42. Each connecting terminal 40A, 40B is, for example, a single component formed by connecting the male terminal portion 41, the connecting portion 43, and the terminal connecting portion 42 in the longitudinal direction (here, the front-to-back direction X). The materials used for each connecting terminal 40A, 40B can be, for example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or other metallic materials. Each connecting terminal 40A, 40B can also undergo surface treatments such as silver plating, tin plating, or aluminum plating, depending on the type of metal it is made of and the environment in which it is used.

[0052] The male terminal portion 41 is, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape. The male terminal portion 41 is, for example, formed to extend rearward from the connecting portion 43. The male terminal portion 41 is, for example, provided with... Figure 1 The female terminal (not shown) of the wire-side connector 22 is electrically connected to the wire 21.

[0053] The connecting portion 43 is, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape. The connecting portion 43 is, for example, formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the male terminal portion 41. The connecting portion 43 is, for example, formed to extend forward from the male terminal portion 41. The connecting portion 43 is, for example, held by the connector housing 50. For example, the connecting portion 43 is integrally assembled with respect to the connector housing 50.

[0054] The terminal connection portion 42 is, for example, formed in a flat plate shape. The terminal connection portion 42 is, for example, formed to extend forward from the front end of the connecting portion 43. The terminal connection portion 42 is, for example, held by the connector housing 50. For example, the terminal connection portion 42 is integrally assembled with respect to the connector housing 50.

[0055] The terminal connection portion 42 has a through hole 44 that extends through the terminal connection portion 42 along the thickness direction (here, the vertical direction Z). The through hole 44 is, for example, circular when viewed from the through direction (here, the vertical direction Z).

[0056] The terminal connection portion 42 is electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 100, for example, within the internal space of the housing body 16. Here, the counterpart terminal 100 is, for example, a... Figure 1The inverter 11, high-voltage battery 12, and other electrical equipment shown are connected to the terminal blocks. The counterpart terminal 100 is, for example, a flat busbar. The counterpart terminal 100 has, for example, a through hole 10 extending along the thickness direction (here, the vertical direction Z). The through hole 101 is, for example, circular when viewed from the through direction (here, the vertical direction Z). Each connecting terminal 40A, 40B is connected to the counterpart terminal 100 by a bolt B1. Each connecting terminal 40A, 40B is connected to the counterpart terminal 100 by bolts B1 and nuts 80. Specifically, the counterpart terminal 100 is provided on the upper surface of the terminal connecting portion 42 such that the through hole 44 of each terminal connecting portion 42 overlaps with the through hole 101 of each counterpart terminal 100 in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the through hole 44 and through hole 101 are connected by the bolt B1 through the shaft portion from above along the tightening direction C1 (vertical direction Z in this embodiment), and the nut 80 is tightened on the shaft portion of the bolt B1. Thus, the connecting terminals 40A and 40B are electrically connected to the counterpart terminal 100. Here, the tightening direction C1 of the bolt B1 is, for example, parallel to the axial direction of the bolt B1 shaft portion. Additionally, the tightening direction C1 of the bolt B1 is, for example, parallel to the direction in which the bolt B1 shaft portion passes through the through holes 44 and 101. Furthermore, the materials for each counterpart terminal 100 can be, for example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or other metallic materials. Each counterpart terminal 100 can also undergo surface treatments such as silver plating, tin plating, or aluminum plating, depending on the type of metal it is made of and the environment in which it is used.

[0057] Connecting terminal 40B is, for example, longer than connecting terminal 40A. The length-direction dimension of connecting terminal 40B is, for example, longer than the length-direction dimension of connecting terminal 40A. For example, the length-direction dimensions of the connecting portions 43 of connecting terminals 40A and 40B are set to be different. The length-direction dimension of the connecting portion 43 of connecting terminal 40B is, for example, longer than that of the connecting portion 43 of connecting terminal 40A. Furthermore, the male terminal portion 41 of connecting terminal 40A and the male terminal portion 41 of connecting terminal 40B are formed with the same shape and the same size. Additionally, the terminal connecting portion 42 of connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connecting portion 42 of connecting terminal 40B are formed with the same shape and the same size.

[0058] Multiple connecting terminals 40A and 40B are arranged, for example, in a direction orthogonal to both the width direction (Y in this case) and the length direction (X in this case) of each connecting terminal 40A and 40B (Z in this case). Multiple connecting terminals 40A and 40B are also arranged, for example, along the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1 (Z in this case). In this embodiment, connecting terminals 40A and 40B are arranged along the Z-axis. Multiple connecting terminals 40A and 40B are separated from each other in the arrangement direction (Z in this case). The terminal connection portion 42 of connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connection portion 42 of connecting terminal 40B are separated from each other in the arrangement direction of connecting terminals 40A and 40B. In this embodiment, connecting terminal 40A is positioned above connecting terminal 40B. In this embodiment, the arrangement direction of connecting terminals 40A and 40B is parallel to the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1. In this embodiment, the connection terminals 40A and 40B are arranged in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the terminal connection portion 42.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, in a top view taken from the arrangement direction of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B (here, the vertical Z direction), the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B are positioned in a non-overlapping manner. That is, among the plurality of connecting terminals 40A and 40B, the terminal connection portion 42 is positioned in a non-overlapping manner in the arrangement direction of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the terminal connecting portion 42 of connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connecting portion 42 of connecting terminal 40B are provided in positions that do not overlap each other, for example, in the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1. The terminal connecting portions 42 of connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connecting portions 42 of connecting terminal 40B are provided in different positions, for example, in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of connecting terminals 40A and 40B (here, the front-rear direction X). In this embodiment, the terminal connecting portions 42 of connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connecting portions 42 of connecting terminal 40B are provided in different positions along the length direction of connecting terminals 40A and 40B. The terminal connecting portion 42 of connecting terminal 40B is formed to protrude further forward than the terminal connecting portion 42 of connecting terminal 40A. As described above, in this embodiment, the terminal connecting portions 42 of connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connecting portions 42 of connecting terminal 40B are arranged in a stepped configuration. In addition, the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B are provided at the same position in the width direction (in this case, the left-right direction Y) of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B.

[0061] In the plurality of connecting terminals 40A and 40B, for example, the rear end of the male terminal portion 41 is provided in a position that overlaps with each other in the arrangement direction (here, the vertical direction Z) of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B. In addition, the connecting portion 43 of the connecting terminal 40B is formed, for example, to overlap with the connecting portion 43 of the connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connecting portion 42 in the vertical direction Z.

[0062] (Structure of connector housing 50)

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the connector housing 50 is, for example, generally cylindrical, extending in the front-rear direction X. The connector housing 50 is, for example, formed into a flat shape that is longer in the vertical direction Z than in the left-right direction Y. The connector housing 50 has a cover portion 51 disposed on the outside of the housing 15 and an insertion portion 52 inserted into the mounting hole 17X of the housing 15. The connector housing 50 is, for example, a single component formed by connecting the cover portion 51 and the insertion portion 52 axially in the connector housing 50. As the material for the connector housing 50, insulating materials such as synthetic resin can be used, for example.

[0064] (Structure of cover 51)

[0065] The cover portion 51 is, for example, formed into a flat shape that is longer in the vertical direction Z than in the horizontal direction Y. The cover portion 51 is, for example, formed into a cylindrical shape with an elongated circumference and extending in the front-rear direction X. The cover portion 51 in this embodiment is formed into an elongated cylindrical shape. A fixing portion 53 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the cover portion 51 is formed. The fixing portion 53 is, for example, generally formed into a plate shape. A bolt insertion hole 53X extending through the fixing portion 53 in the plate thickness direction (in this case, the front-rear direction X) is formed in the fixing portion 53.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, a metal collar 54, through which the fixing bolt B2 can be inserted, is assembled within the bolt insertion hole 53X. The connector housing 50 is fixed to the housing 15 by screwing the fixing bolt B2 into the bolt insertion hole 53X of the fixing part 53 and the bolt fixing hole 18X provided in the fixing part 18 of the housing 15. Therefore, the fixing part 53 of the connector housing 50 is disposed on the outside of the housing 15.

[0067] For example, a receiving groove 51X for receiving a rubber ring 71 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 51, which is located rearward than the fixing portion 53. The receiving groove 51X is formed, for example, throughout the entire circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the cover portion 51. A rubber ring 71 is fitted into the receiving groove 51X. The rubber ring 71 is used, for example, to connect the connector 30 to the wire-side connector 22 (see reference). Figure 1 After fitting, the outer peripheral surface of the cover 51 and the inner peripheral surface of the wire-side connector 22 are sealed.

[0068] (Structure of the insertion part 52)

[0069] The insertion portion 52 is formed protruding forward from the front end of the cover portion 51, for example. The insertion portion 52 has a cylindrical portion 55 and terminal holding portions 56A and 56B that protrude forward further than the cylindrical portion 55.

[0070] (Structure of cylinder 55)

[0071] The cylindrical portion 55 is, for example, formed as a cylindrical shape having an outer peripheral surface with a shape corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 17X. The cylindrical portion 55 is, for example, formed as a cylindrical shape with an elongated oval outer periphery extending in the front-rear direction X. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 55 is formed as an elongated cylindrical shape.

[0072] For example, a receiving groove 55X for receiving a rubber ring 72 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 55. The receiving groove 55X is formed, for example, throughout the entire circumferential surface of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 55. The rubber ring 72 is fitted into the receiving groove 55X. After the insertion portion 52 is fitted into the mounting hole 17X, the rubber ring 72 seals the outer peripheral surface of the connector housing 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 17X.

[0073] (Structure of terminal holding parts 56A and 56B)

[0074] Terminal holding portions 56A and 56B are provided, for example, on the inner sidewall of the cylindrical portion 55. Terminal holding portions 56A and 56B are formed to protrude forward from the inner sidewall of the cylindrical portion 55. Terminal holding portions 56A and 56B are provided to protrude into the internal space of the housing 15 in such a way that part or all of them protrude forward beyond the mounting hole 17X.

[0075] Terminal holding portion 56A holds connecting terminal 40A. Terminal holding portion 56B holds connecting terminal 40B. Multiple terminal holding portions 56A and 56B are arranged integrally, for example, in the vertical Z-direction. The dimension of terminal holding portion 56B is, for example, formed to be longer than terminal holding portion 56A in the axial direction of connector housing 50. The front end portion of terminal holding portion 56B is formed to protrude further forward than the front end portion of terminal holding portion 56A. The front end portion of terminal holding portion 56B protrudes from the front end portion of terminal holding portion 56A. A terminal connecting portion 42 for connecting terminal 40A is held at the front end portion of terminal holding portion 56A. A terminal connecting portion 42 for connecting terminal 40B is held at the front end portion of terminal holding portion 56B. For example, a stepped height difference is formed at the front ends of terminal holding portions 56A and 56B.

[0076] Terminal holding portions 56A and 56B, for example, each have holding holes 57A and 57B. The holding holes 57A and 57B are formed to extend through the terminal holding portions 56A and 56B in the front-rear direction X, for example. For example, connecting terminals 40A and 40B are held inside the holding holes 57A and 57B, respectively. In the connector 30, for example, the connecting terminal 40A is integrally formed with the terminal holding portion 56A, and the connecting terminal 40B is integrally formed with the terminal holding portion 56B. For example, the connecting terminals 40A and 40B are integrally assembled with respect to the terminal holding portions 56A and 56B by insert forming or the like. For example, the terminal connecting portion 42 and the connecting portion 43 in the connecting terminals 40A and 40B are integrally assembled with respect to the terminal holding portions 56A and 56B by insert forming or the like.

[0077] Here, the male terminal portions 41 of each connecting terminal 40A, 40B are formed to protrude rearward from the inner sidewall of the cylindrical portion 55 toward the cover portion 51. Each male terminal portion 41 is formed to extend, for example, to the vicinity of the rear end of the cylindrical portion 55. For example, a partition wall 58 is formed between the plurality of male terminal portions 41. The partition wall 58 is provided, for example, between two male terminal portions 41 arranged in the vertical direction Z, and is formed to extend rearward from the inner sidewall of the cylindrical portion 55 in the front-rear direction X. The partition wall 58 is formed, for example, to extend into the internal space of the cover portion 51.

[0078] (Structure of storage sections 60A and 60B)

[0079] The connector housing 50 has multiple receiving portions 60A and 60B. Receiving portion 60A is, for example, provided at the front end of terminal holding portion 56A. Receiving portion 60A is positioned, for example, overlapping with the terminal connection portion 42 of connecting terminal 40A in a top view, viewed from the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1. Receiving portion 60B is, for example, provided at the front end of terminal holding portion 56B. Receiving portion 60B is positioned, for example, overlapping with the terminal connection portion 42 of connecting terminal 40B in a top view, viewed from the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1. Figure 3 As shown, multiple nuts 80 are individually stored in multiple storage sections 60A and 60B. Multiple nut caps 90 are also individually stored in multiple storage sections 60A and 60B. Each nut 80 is inserted along the insertion direction D1 and stored in its respective storage section 60A or 60B. Each nut cap 90 is inserted along the insertion direction D1 and stored in its respective storage section 60A or 60B. In this embodiment, the insertion direction D1 of each nut 80 relative to each storage section 60A or 60B and the insertion direction D1 of each nut cap 90 relative to each storage section 60A or 60B are set to the same direction. The insertion direction D1 in this embodiment is parallel to the front-rear direction X, and is a direction from the front to the rear in the front-rear direction X. Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the insertion direction D1 is set to a direction intersecting the tightening direction C1 of the bolt B1. In this embodiment, the insertion direction D1 is set to a direction parallel to the length direction of each connecting terminal 40A, 40B. Multiple storage portions 60A, 60B are provided separately from each other in the arrangement direction of the connecting terminals 40A, 40B, and are positioned in a non-overlapping manner when viewed from the top view in the arrangement direction.

[0080] (Structure of nut 80)

[0081] Here, the structure of nut 80 will be explained.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, each nut 80 is, for example, formed as a quadrangular prism. Each nut 80 has an upper surface, a lower surface on the opposite side of the upper surface in the vertical direction Z, and four side surfaces disposed between the upper and lower surfaces. Each nut 80 has a through hole 84 extending through the nut 80 in the thickness direction. Each through hole 84 is formed, for example, extending from the upper surface of the nut 80 to the lower surface. The shape of each through hole 84 when viewed from the through direction (here, the vertical direction Z) is, for example, circular. Each through hole 84 is formed, for example, at the center of the plane of the upper and lower surfaces. For example, when each nut 80 is housed in the housing portions 60A and 60B, each through hole 84 is formed to overlap with the through hole 44 of the terminal connection portion 42 in the vertical direction Z. The planar shape of the nut 80 when viewed from the through direction of the through hole 84 is, for example, square.

[0083] (Structure of storage section 60A)

[0084] Next, the structure of the storage section 60A will be explained.

[0085] The storage section 60A, for example, has a nut storage section 61 for storing a nut 80 and a nut cap storage section 62 for storing a nut cap 90. The nut cap storage section 62 is provided, for example, on the outside of the nut storage section 61.

[0086] (Structure of nut storage part 61)

[0087] The nut storage portion 61 is provided, for example, at the front end of the terminal holding portion 56A. The nut storage portion 61 is provided, for example, at the lower part of the front end of the terminal holding portion 56A. The nut storage portion 61 is formed to open forward, for example.

[0088] like Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the nut storage portion 61 is composed of, for example, a base portion 63, a pair of sidewall portions 64 formed on the upper surface of the base portion 63, an inner sidewall portion 65 formed between the pair of sidewall portions 64, an upper wall portion 66 disposed opposite to the base portion 63, and the lower surface of the terminal connection portion 42 held by the upper wall portion 66.

[0089] In this specification, "opposite" refers to a situation where surfaces or components are positioned face-to-face, including not only situations where they are completely face-to-face but also situations where they are partially face-to-face. Furthermore, "opposite" in this specification includes both situations where a component different from the two parts is sandwiched between the two parts and situations where no component is sandwiched between the two parts.

[0090] like Figure 3 As shown, each sidewall portion 64 is formed, for example, to protrude upward from the upper surface of the base portion 63. Each sidewall portion 64 is formed, for example, to stand continuously upward from the upper surface of the base portion 63. Each sidewall portion 64 extends, for example, in the front-rear direction X. Each sidewall portion 64 is formed, for example, at a position separating from the rearward facing direction of the front end of the base portion 63. For example, each sidewall portion 64 is formed to extend rearward along the front-rear direction X from the position separating from the rearward facing direction of the front end of the base portion 63. A pair of sidewall portions 64 are provided separately from each other in the left-right direction Y.

[0091] like Figure 6 As shown, each sidewall portion 64 has a side surface 64A forming the inner surface of the nut receiving portion 61, a side surface 64B forming the outer surface of the nut receiving portion 61, and an upper surface disposed between the side surfaces 64A and 64B. Each side surface 64A is, for example, formed as a plane. A pair of side surfaces 64A are, for example, opposite to each other in the left-right direction Y. The interval between a pair of side surfaces 64A is, for example, equal to the length of the nut 80 in the left-right direction Y. Each side surface 64A is, for example, in contact with the side surface of the nut 80 housed in the nut receiving portion 61.

[0092] In this specification, "equal" includes not only cases where they are correctly equal, but also cases where the objects being compared differ slightly from each other due to factors such as dimensional tolerances.

[0093] like Figure 3 As shown, a recess 63X is formed on the upper surface of the base portion 63 located between a pair of sidewall portions 64, extending downward from the upper surface. The bottom surface of the recess 63X, for example, constitutes the bottom surface of the nut receiving portion 61. The inner surface of the recess 63X is integrally formed with the side surface 64A of each sidewall portion 64, for example. For example, the inner surface of the recess 63X and the side surface 64A are formed continuously without any difference in height.

[0094] For example, a recess 63Y is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 63X. The recess 63Y is formed, for example, to be recessed downwards from the bottom surface of the recess 63X. The recess 63Y is, for example, located at a position overlapping the through hole 44 of the terminal connection portion 42 in the vertical direction Z. Figure 4 As shown, for example, the top end of the shaft portion of the bolt B1 is received in the recess 63Y after the through hole 101 of the opposite terminal 100, the through hole 44 of the terminal connection portion 42 and the through hole 84 of the nut 80.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown, the inner sidewall portion 65 is provided, for example, at the rear end of the nut receiving portion 61. The inner sidewall portion 65 is configured to connect the rear ends of a pair of sidewall portions 64 to each other. The inner sidewall portion 65 extends, for example, in the left-right direction Y. The inner sidewall portion 65, for example, is formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the base portion 63, similar to each sidewall portion 64. The vertical height Z of the inner sidewall portion 65 is, for example, equal to the vertical height Z of the sidewall portions 64. The inner sidewall portion 65 has an inner sidewall surface that forms the inner surface of the nut receiving portion 61.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper wall portion 66 is formed, for example, on the upper surface of a pair of side wall portions 64. The size of the planar shape of the upper wall portion 66 when viewed from the vertical direction Z is equal to the size of the planar shape of the base portion 63. However, the upper wall portion 66 is not formed in the portion overlapping the bottom surface of the recess 63X of the base portion 63 in the vertical direction Z. In other words, an opening is formed in the upper wall portion 66 that exposes the entire bottom surface of the recess 63X.

[0097] A receiving recess 66X for receiving the terminal connection portion 42 is formed on the upper surface of the upper wall portion 66. The receiving recess 66X is formed, for example, to be recessed downwards from the upper surface of the upper wall portion 66. The receiving recess 66X is formed, for example, in the vertical direction Z along the side wall portion 64 and the inner side wall portion 65 (see reference). Figure 6 The overlapping portion. The planar shape of the receiving recess 66X when viewed from the vertical direction Z is equal to the planar shape of the terminal connection portion 42. The terminal connection portion 42 is, for example, housed in the receiving recess 66X. The terminal connection portion 42 is, for example, integrally formed with the upper wall portion 66. For example, the terminal connection portion 42 is integrally formed with the upper wall portion 66 by insert forming or the like. At this time, a portion of the lower surface of the terminal connection portion 42, specifically the portion of the lower surface of the terminal connection portion 42 that overlaps with the bottom surface of the recesses 63X and 63Y in the vertical direction Z, is exposed from the bottom surface of the receiving recess 66X.

[0098] Here, the vertical height Z from the bottom surface of the recess 63X to the bottom surface of the receiving recess 66X is, for example, equal to the vertical height Z of the nut 80. That is, the vertical height Z from the bottom surface of the recess 63X to the lower surface of the terminal connection portion 42 is, for example, equal to the vertical height Z of the nut 80.

[0099] Utilizing the bottom surface and inner surface of the recess 63X of the base portion 63, the side surface 64A of the side wall portion 64, and the inner side wall portion 65 (see above) as described above. Figure 6 The nut storage portion 61 is formed by the space surrounded by the inner wall surface of the recess 63X and the lower surface of the terminal connection portion 42 which faces the bottom of the recess 63X.

[0100] like Figure 3 As shown, the nut 80 is inserted into the nut receiving portion 61 from the front side along the insertion direction D1. For example, the nut 80 is pressed into the nut receiving portion 61 along the insertion direction D1 and is stored in the nut receiving portion 61. Figure 6 As shown, each nut 80 is inserted into the nut receiving portion 61 along the insertion direction D1 until one side contacts the inner wall 65 of the nut receiving portion 61. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the nut 80 housed in the nut housing portion 61 has its lower surface in contact with the bottom surface of the recess 63X, its upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the terminal connection portion 42, and its side surface in contact with the side surface 64A of the side wall portion 64 and the inner side wall surface of the inner side wall portion 65. At this time, as... Figure 7 As shown, in a top view taken from the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1, the through hole 84 of nut 80 is designed to overlap with the through hole 44 of terminal connection part 42.

[0101] (Structure of nut cap storage part 62)

[0102] Next, the structure of the nut cap storage part 62 will be explained.

[0103] The upper wall portion 66 is, for example, formed to extend further outward than the side surface 64B of each side wall portion 64 in the left-right direction Y. The base portion 63 is, for example, formed to extend further outward than the side surface 64B of each side wall portion 64 in the left-right direction Y. Figure 3As shown, the upper wall portion 66 is formed, for example, to extend further forward than the front end face of each side wall portion 64 in the front-rear direction X. The base portion 63 is formed, for example, to extend further forward than the front end face of each side wall portion 64 in the front-rear direction X. For example, a portion of the upper wall portion 66 that protrudes further outward or forward than the side wall portion 64 faces the upper surface of the base portion 63. Moreover, a nut cap storage portion 62 for storing the nut cap 90 is constructed using the space surrounded by the side wall portion 64, the upper surface of the base portion 63 that protrudes further outward or forward than the side wall portion 64, and the lower surface of the upper wall portion 66 that protrudes further outward or forward than the side wall portion 64. The nut cap storage portion 62 is formed, for example, to surround the nut storage portion 61 from the outside. For example, the nut cap storage portion 62 is formed to surround the nut storage portion 61 from the outside in the left-right direction Y and from the front in the front in the front-rear direction X. The nut cap storage portion 62 is formed, for example, to be open to the front.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, the side wall portion 64 constituting the nut cap receiving portion 62 has, for example, a locking portion 67 that engages with the nut cap 90. Each locking portion 67 is formed to protrude outward from the side surface 64B of the side wall portion 64 in the left-right direction Y. Each locking portion 67 is provided, for example, on the front side of the side surface 64B in the front-rear direction X. For example, a guide surface 67A is formed at the front end of each locking portion 67. The guide surface 67A is formed on the surface of the locking portion 67 located outside in the left-right direction Y. The guide surface 67A is formed, for example, to extend outward from the front end surface of the locking portion 67 toward the rear. For example, in a top view viewed from a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D1 of the nut cap 90 (here, the vertical direction Z), the guide surface 67A is formed obliquely in a manner that extends outward in the left-right direction Y as the front end surface of the locking portion 67 moves toward the rear.

[0105] (Structure of storage section 60B)

[0106] like Figure 8 As shown, the storage section 60B includes, for example, a nut storage section 61 for storing a nut 80 and a nut cap storage section 62 for storing a nut cap 90. That is, the storage section 60B has the same... Figure 6 The storage section 60A shown has a substantially the same structure. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same parts as the storage section 60A, and detailed descriptions of the above-mentioned elements are omitted.

[0107] (Structure of nut cap 90)

[0108] Next, the structure of the nut cap 90 will be explained.

[0109] like Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of nut caps 90 are, for example, components different from the connector housing 50. The plurality of nut caps 90 are, for example, formed to be identical in shape and size to each other.

[0110] like Figure 9 As shown, each nut cap 90 is, for example, formed in a flat plate shape. Each nut cap 90 has a flat body portion 91 and a pair of locking tabs 92 formed on the end face 91A of the body portion 91. Each nut cap 90 is, for example, a single integral component formed by continuously forming the body portion 91 and the pair of locking tabs 92. The planar shape of each nut cap 90 when viewed from the vertical direction Z is, for example, U-shaped. As the material for each nut cap 90, insulating materials such as synthetic resin can be used, for example.

[0111] (Structure of main body 91)

[0112] The main body 91 is, for example, formed as a long strip that is longer in the left-right direction Y than in the vertical direction Z. The main body 91 is, for example, formed as a strip with a predetermined width in the vertical direction Z. At the center of the main body 91 in the left-right direction Y, a wide portion 93 is formed, which is wider in the vertical direction Z than other portions. At the end face 91A of the wide portion 93, a plurality of ribs 94 (three in this embodiment) protruding rearward from the end face 91A along the insertion direction D1 are formed. Here, as... Figure 6 As shown, the end face 91A of the main body 91 is the end face opposite to the nut 80. Multiple ribs 94 are provided separately from each other, for example, in the left-right direction Y. The protrusion amount of the multiple ribs 94 from the end face 91A, i.e., their length along the insertion direction D1, is equal to that of each other. The multiple ribs 94, for example, contact the side of the nut 80 housed in the nut housing 61. Figure 9 As shown, each rib 94 extends, for example, along the vertical direction Z. Each rib 94 extends, for example, along the entire length of the width portion 93 in the vertical direction Z.

[0113] (Structure of locking piece 92)

[0114] Each locking tab 92 is provided, for example, at each end of the main body 91 in the left-right direction Y. A pair of locking tabs 92 are positioned opposite each other in the left-right direction Y. Each locking tab 92 protrudes rearward from the end face 91A of the main body 91 along the insertion direction D1. Each locking tab 92 is formed in a cantilever shape, with the base end connected to the main body 91 as the fixed end and the top end located on the side opposite to the base end in the insertion direction D1 as the free end. Each locking tab 92 is elastic. Each locking tab 92 is configured, for example, to be able to flex in the left-right direction Y by elastic deformation. In the nut cap 90, the distance between the pair of locking tabs 92 in the left-right direction Y can be changed by elastic deformation. The protrusion amount of the pair of locking tabs 92 from the end face 91A, that is, the length along the insertion direction D1, is set to be the same size. The size of each locking tab 92 is, for example, formed to be longer than each rib 94 in the insertion direction D1. For example, a locking portion 95 protruding in the left-right direction Y is formed at the top of each locking piece 92. Each locking portion 95 protrudes inward in the left-right direction Y, for example. A pair of locking portions 95 are arranged to be opposite each other in the left-right direction Y, for example.

[0115] like Figure 3 As shown, each nut cap 90 is inserted into the nut cap storage portion 62 from the front side along the insertion direction D1 and is thus stored. That is, each nut cap 90 is inserted into the nut cap storage portion 62 along the same insertion direction D1 as the nut 80. Multiple nut caps 90 are individually stored in the nut cap storage portions 62 of multiple storage portions 60A and 60B. Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, if the nut cap 90 is housed in the nut cap housing portion 62, the locking portions 95 of each locking piece 92 are locked into the locking portions 67 of the nut cap housing portion 62. Specifically, if the nut cap 90 is inserted relative to the nut cap housing portion 62 along the insertion direction D1, while each locking portion 95 slides on the guide surface 67A of each locking portion 67, a pair of locking pieces 92 elastically displaces by flexing outward in the left-right direction Y. Thus, the locking portions 95 move past the locking portions 67 towards the inward side (right side in the figure) of the insertion direction D1. If the locking portions 95 move to a position further inward in the insertion direction D1 than the locking portions 67, the pair of locking pieces 92 elastically return to their original shape, and each locking portion 95 is locked into each locking portion 67. Specifically, the front surface of each locking portion 95 is locked into the rear surface of each locking portion 67. If the aforementioned locking portions 95 and 67 are engaged, the nut cap 90 is prevented from falling out of the nut cap receiving portion 62. Furthermore, when the nut cap 90 is received in the nut cap receiving portion 62, the rear end faces of the plurality of ribs 94 of the nut cap 90 contact the side faces of the nut 80. Using this nut cap 90, movement of the nut 80 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction D1 (in this case, the direction of arrow X) can be restricted. Here, in the nut cap 90 received in the nut cap receiving portion 62, the end face 91A of the main body portion 91 contacts the front end faces of each side wall portion 64. Additionally, each locking piece 92 is received in the nut cap receiving portion 62 outside the side face 64B of each side wall portion 64, along the side face 64B of the side wall portion 64.

[0116] like Figure 10 As shown, the portion of the main body 91 of the nut cap 90, excluding the wide portion 93, is housed in the nut cap housing 62 between the upper wall portion 66 and the base portion 63. Furthermore, the wide portion 93 is housed, for example, in the nut cap housing 62 within a recess 63X of the base portion 63, and also within an opening in the upper wall portion 66 that exposes the bottom surface of the recess 63X.

[0117] Here, as Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, in each of the storage sections 60A and 60B, three of the four sides of each nut 80 are supported by the connector housing 50 that forms the inner surface of the nut storage section 61, and the remaining side is supported by the nut cap 90. Additionally, as... Figure 7 As shown, in each nut storage section 61, the lower surface of each nut 80 is supported by the connector housing 50 (specifically, the bottom surface of the recess 63X) constituting the nut storage section 61, and the upper surface of each nut 80 is supported by the lower surface of the terminal connection portion 42 exposed in the nut storage section 61. Thus, in each nut storage section 61, the movement of each nut 80 is restricted, and the rotation of each nut 80 about the central axis of the through hole 84 is also restricted.

[0118] (Connection method between terminals 40A and 40B and terminal 100)

[0119] Next, the connection method between the connecting terminals 40A and 40B and the other terminal 100 will be explained.

[0120] like Figure 4 As shown, first, a connector 30 is prepared, which is fixed to the housing 15 by a fixing bolt B2, and a nut 80 and a nut cap 90 are respectively stored in the storage parts 60A and 60B.

[0121] Next, the connecting terminal 40B of connecting terminals 40A and 40B is connected to the counterpart terminal 100. Specifically, firstly, the counterpart terminal 100 overlaps on the upper surface (also called the contact surface) of the terminal connecting portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B. Specifically, the counterpart terminal 100 overlaps on the upper surface (also called the contact surface) of the terminal connecting portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B so that, in a top view viewed from the tightening direction C1 of the bolt B1, the through hole 101 of the counterpart terminal 100 overlaps with the through hole 44 of the terminal connecting portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B and the through hole 84 of the nut 80. At this time, the multiple terminal connecting portions 42 are arranged separately from each other in the arrangement direction of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B, and are positioned in a non-overlapping position in a top view viewed from the arrangement direction. Therefore, for example, in the arrangement direction, the front-back direction X (orthogonal to the arrangement direction), and the left-right direction Y, the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B are not arranged adjacent to each other. Therefore, at least in the arrangement direction (excluding the direction parallel to the tightening direction C1 of the bolt B1), the other terminal 100 can be extended from the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B in the front-back direction X and the left-right direction Y. In other words, the other terminal 100 can be connected to the connecting terminal 40B from at least two directions relative to the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the other terminal 100 is connected to the connecting terminal 40B from the front-back direction X relative to the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B.

[0122] Next, the shaft portion of bolt B1 passes through the through holes 101 and 44 from above along the tightening direction C1. This shaft portion of bolt B1 is screwed into the through hole 84 of the nut 80, whose rotation is restricted within the receiving portion 60B. For example, by tightening bolt B1 using a tool such as a wrench, the nut 80 is secured to the shaft portion of bolt B1 passing through the through holes 101 and 44, thereby connecting the terminal connection portion 42 to the counterpart terminal 100. At this time, the tightening force of bolt B1 (refer to the dashed arrow in the diagram), i.e., the force that the nut 80 intends to rotate about the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1, can be absorbed by the connector housing 50 and the nut cap 90. In other words, the tightening force of bolt B1 can be absorbed by the connector housing 50, which restricts the rotation of the nut 80 by contacting three sides of the nut 80, and the nut cap 90, which restricts the rotation of the nut 80 by contacting one side of the nut 80. Therefore, during the tightening of bolt B1, it is possible to prevent the nut 80 from shifting position due to the tightening force of bolt B1. At this time, the nut cap 90 can utilize multiple ribs 94 (see reference). Figure 6 The nut cap 90 is used to bear the tightening force of bolt B1. As a result, the stress applied to the nut cap 90 when tightening bolt B1 can be dispersed, thus appropriately preventing damage to the nut cap 90 when tightening bolt B1.

[0123] Furthermore, in the housing 60B, the lower surface of the nut 80 is supported by the connector housing 50 constituting the housing 60B, and the upper surface of the nut 80 is supported by the lower surface of the terminal connection portion 42 constituting the housing 60B. Therefore, even when excessive load is applied downward toward the nut 80, such as when tightening the bolt B1, the connector housing 50 can absorb the load. Thus, the connector housing 50, which has a higher rigidity than the nut cap 90, can absorb the aforementioned excessive load. As a result, damage to the nut cap 90 and the connector housing 50 due to the aforementioned excessive load can be prevented.

[0124] Next, the counterpart terminal 100 is overlapped on the upper surface of the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40A. Furthermore, similar to the connection between the connecting terminal 40B and the counterpart terminal 100, the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40A is connected to the counterpart terminal 100 by tightening the bolt B1 and nut 80. At this time, similar to the case of the connecting terminal 40B, the counterpart terminal 100 can be connected to the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40A from at least two directions.

[0125] Next, the effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0126] (1) Multiple terminal connection portions 42 are provided separately from each other in the arrangement direction of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B, and are positioned in a non-overlapping position when viewed from the arrangement direction. Therefore, in the arrangement direction, the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40A and the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B are not arranged adjacent to each other. At least in the arrangement direction, the front-back direction X, and the left-right direction Y (excluding the arrangement direction which is parallel to the tightening direction C1 of the bolt B1), the other terminal 100 can be connected relative to the terminal connection portion 42. As a result, compared to the case where multiple terminal connection portions 42 are positioned in an overlapping position when viewed from the arrangement direction, the assembly direction (connection direction) of the other terminal 100 relative to the terminal connection portion 42 can be increased, thereby improving the degree of freedom of its assembly direction. As a result, the assemblability of the other terminal 100 and the terminal connection portion 42 can be improved.

[0127] (2) In other words, the counterpart terminal 100 can be led out from the terminal connection portion 42 of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B in at least two directions: the front-back direction X and the left-right direction Y. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the lead-out direction of the counterpart terminal 100 can be increased.

[0128] (3) Insert the nut 80 into the receiving portions 60A and 60B along the insertion direction D1, and insert the nut cap 90 into the receiving portions 60A and 60B along the insertion direction D1. This allows the insertion direction of the nut 80 relative to the receiving portions 60A and 60B to be the same as the insertion direction of the nut cap 90 relative to the receiving portions 60A and 60B. That is, the nut 80 and nut cap 90 can be inserted along the same insertion direction D1 relative to the receiving portions 60A and 60B. Therefore, compared to the case where the insertion directions of the nut 80 and nut cap 90 relative to the receiving portions 60A and 60B are different, the assembly time of the connector 30 can be reduced.

[0129] (4) Three of the four sides of each nut 80 are supported by the connector housing 50, and the remaining side is supported by the nut cap 90. Therefore, during the tightening of bolt B1, the tightening force of bolt B1, i.e., the force that the nut 80 intends to rotate around the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1, can be absorbed by the connector housing 50 and the nut cap 90. By using the connector housing 50 and the nut cap 90, the positional displacement of the nut 80 during the tightening of bolt B1 can be suppressed.

[0130] (5) However, during the tightening of bolt B1, tools such as wrenches may accidentally strike the head of bolt B1. In this case, an impact force is applied to the nut 80 from the top of the bolt B1 shaft, and also to the components supporting the lower surface of the nut 80. Since the lower surface of the nut 80 is supported by a nut cap with relatively low rigidity, there is a concern that the nut cap may be damaged by the aforementioned impact force. This would prevent the nut 80 from being supported by the nut cap, causing a positional shift in the nut 80, resulting in the inability to tighten bolt B1 smoothly.

[0131] In contrast, in this embodiment, the nut 80 and nut cap 90 are housed in the receiving portions 60A and 60B along the insertion direction D1, which intersects the tightening direction C1 of the bolt B1. Furthermore, the lower surface of the nut 80 is supported by the connector housing 50, which forms the inner surface of the receiving portions 60A and 60B. Thus, the lower surface of the nut 80 can be supported by the connector housing 50, which has a higher rigidity than the nut cap 90. Therefore, even if the aforementioned impact force is applied to the nut 80, the higher rigidity of the connector housing 50 can absorb the impact force. Therefore, damage to the components of the connector 30 due to the aforementioned impact force can be appropriately suppressed.

[0132] (6) Multiple nuts and caps 90 are formed to be identical in shape and size. This enables the standardization of parts.

[0133] (7) A wide portion 93 is provided on the main body portion 91 of the nut cap 90. This increases the area subjected to operating force when the nut cap 90 is inserted into the connector housing 50. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the nut cap 90 with respect to the connector housing 50 can be improved.

[0134] (Other implementation methods)

[0135] The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to implement them without creating technical inconsistencies.

[0136] In the above embodiments, the plurality of nut caps 90 are formed to have the same shape and the same size, but are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of nut caps 90 may also be formed to have different sizes. For example, the plurality of nut caps 90 may also be formed to have different shapes.

[0137] In the above embodiment, multiple nut caps 90 are individually inserted into multiple storage portions 60A and 60B, but this is not a limitation. For example, a single nut cap may be inserted relative to the multiple storage portions 60A and 60B.

[0138] • The shape of the nut cap 90 in the above embodiments is not particularly limited. For example, multiple ribs 94 may be omitted. For example, the wide portion 93 of the main body 91 may be omitted. For example, a protruding piece may be provided that protrudes from the main body 91 along the insertion direction D1 and is inserted between the side of the nut 80 and the inner surface of the nut receiving portion 61. For example, the nut cap 90 may be formed in a box shape.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the insertion direction D1 of the nut 80 relative to the storage portions 60A and 60B is set to the same direction as the insertion direction D1 of the nut cap 90 relative to the storage portions 60A and 60B, but this is not a limitation. For example, the insertion directions of the nut 80 and the nut cap 90 relative to the storage portions 60A and 60B may be set to different directions.

[0140] • In the above embodiments, the connector housing 50 and the nut cap 90 are constituted by different components, but are not limited thereto. For example, the connector housing 50 and the nut cap 90 may also be formed integrally. In this case, for example, the nut cap 90 may be integrally formed with the connector housing 50 via a hinge or the like.

[0141] • The nut cap 90 in the above embodiment can also be omitted.

[0142] • The shape of the nut 80 in the above embodiments is not particularly limited. For example, the planar shape of the nut 80 when viewed from the through-hole 84 may be a triangle, a pentagon or other polygon.

[0143] • In the above embodiment, the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1 is set to be consistent with the arrangement direction of the plurality of connecting terminals 40A and 40B, but it is not limited to this. For example, the tightening direction C1 of bolt B1 may also be set to be consistent with the direction that intersects with the arrangement direction of the plurality of connecting terminals 40A and 40B.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of connecting terminals 40A and 40B is set to be consistent with the thickness direction of each terminal connecting portion 42, but it is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement direction of the plurality of connecting terminals 40A and 40B may also be set to be consistent with the width direction of each terminal connecting portion 42.

[0145] In the above embodiment, by offsetting the multiple terminal connection portions 42 from each other in the length direction of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B, the multiple terminal connection portions 42 are positioned so as not to overlap in a top view when viewed from the arrangement direction of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B. However, this is not a limitation. For example, the multiple terminal connection portions 42 can also be offset from each other in a direction orthogonal to both the length direction and the arrangement direction of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B, thus positioning them so as not to overlap in a top view when viewed from the arrangement direction. For example, the multiple terminal connection portions 42 can also be offset from each other in the width direction of the terminal connection portions 42, thus positioning them so as not to overlap in a top view when viewed from the arrangement direction.

[0146] The shapes of the connecting terminals 40A and 40B in the above embodiments are not particularly limited. In the above embodiments, the connecting terminals 40A and 40B have a male terminal portion 41, but are not limited thereto. For example, the connecting terminals 40A and 40B may also have a female terminal portion. In this case, for example, the wire-side connector 22 has a male terminal portion.

[0147] The number of storage portions 60A and 60B in the connector 30 of the above embodiment is not particularly limited. The number of storage portions 60A and 60B may also be three or more.

[0148] The number of connection terminals 40A and 40B assembled in the connector housing 50 of the above embodiment is not particularly limited. The number of connection terminals 40A and 40B may also be three or more.

[0149] The configuration relationship between the inverter 11 and the high-voltage battery 12 in the vehicle is not limited to the above-described implementation method, and can be appropriately changed according to the vehicle structure.

[0150] In the above embodiment, an inverter 11 and a high-voltage battery 12 are used as electrical devices connected via the conductive circuit 10, but the method is not limited to these. For example, wires connecting the inverter 11 to a motor for driving the wheels can also be used. In other words, any component that electrically connects the electrical devices mounted on the vehicle can be used.

[0151] The connector housing 50 in the illustrated example is sometimes referenced as an elongated connector housing. The retaining portion 53 of the connector housing 50 in the illustrated example is sometimes referenced as a flange-like retaining portion, a retaining flange, or a base of the connector housing 50. The cover portion 51 of the connector housing 50 is sometimes referenced as the rear end of the connector housing 50. Figure 3In the example, the receiving portions 60A and 60B are sometimes referenced as the stepped front end of the connector housing 50. The receiving portion 60A may be located at the uppermost or first layer of the stepped front end of the connector housing 50, and the receiving portion 60B may be located at the lowermost or second layer of the stepped front end of the connector housing 50. The contact surface of the receiving portion 60A or the terminal connecting portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40A may be located at a first length direction position away from the fixing portion 53 of the connector housing 50 at a first distance along the length of the connector housing 50. The contact surface of the receiving portion 60B or the terminal connecting portion 42 of the connecting terminal 40B may be located at a second length direction position away from the fixing portion 53 of the connector housing 50 at a second distance along the length of the connector housing 50. The nut receiving portion 61 in the illustrated example is sometimes referenced as a straight nut receiving slot that receives the nut 80 from the length direction of the connector housing 50. The nut 80 in the illustrated example is sometimes referenced as a square nut.

[0152] This disclosure contains a combination of the following elements.

[0153] [Note 1] The connector 30 based on several embodiments of this disclosure has:

[0154] Connector housing 50, which has multiple storage sections 60A, 60B;

[0155] Multiple connection terminals 40A and 40B are held by the connector housing 50; and

[0156] Multiple nuts 80 are respectively housed in multiple housing portions 60A and 60B in such a way that multiple bolts B1 can be threadedly engaged with the multiple nuts 80 from the same bolt tightening direction C1.

[0157] The plurality of connecting terminals 40A and 40B each have a terminal connecting portion 42, which is mechanically fastened and electrically connected to the opposite terminal 100 by a bolt B1 that is threaded into a corresponding nut among the plurality of nuts 80.

[0158] The connector housing 50 has a stepped front end comprising multiple layers.

[0159] The plurality of storage portions 60A and 60B are respectively disposed on the multilayer of the stepped front end portion of the connector housing 50.

[0160] The terminal connection portions 42 of the plurality of connecting terminals 40A and 40B are arranged separately from each other along the bolt tightening direction C1, and are arranged in a position that does not overlap with each other when viewed from the top view from the bolt tightening direction C1.

[0161] [Appendix 2] As Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in one aspect of this disclosure,

[0162] The connector housing 50 may be an elongated connector housing. The connector housing 50 may have a flange-shaped fixing portion 53 for fixing the connector 30 to the housing 15 of the electrical equipment. The contact surface of the terminal connecting portion 42 of the first connecting terminal 40A, which is one of the plurality of connecting terminals 40A, 40B, and the first nut 80 corresponding to the first connecting terminal 40A may be provided at a first length direction position in the length direction (X) of the connector housing 50, away from the flange-shaped fixing portion 53 by a first distance. The contact surface of the terminal connecting portion 42 of the second connecting terminal 40B, which is another of the plurality of connecting terminals 40A, 40B, and the second nut 80 corresponding to the second connecting terminal 40B may be provided at a second length direction position in the length direction (X) of the connector housing 50, away from the flange-shaped fixing portion 53 by a second distance.

[0163] [Appendix 3] such as Figure 4 As shown, in one aspect of this disclosure, multiple connecting terminals 40A, 40B can be stacked in the height direction (Z) of the connector housing 50 while maintaining electrical insulation between them.

[0164] The terminal connection portion 42 of the first connection terminal 40A, which is one of a plurality of connection terminals 40A and 40B, can be provided at a first height position in the height direction (Z) of the connector housing 50.

[0165] The first nut 80, which is associated with the terminal connection portion 42 of the first connection terminal 40A, can be positioned at a second height position directly below the first height position.

[0166] The terminal connection portion 42 of the second connection terminal 40B, which is another of the multiple connection terminals 40A and 40B, can be provided at a third height position in the height direction (Z) of the connector housing 50, which is lower than the second height position.

[0167] The second nut 80, which is associated with the terminal connection portion 42 of the second connection terminal 40B, can also be provided at a fourth height position directly below the third height position.

[0168] [Appendix 4] such as Figure 3 As shown, in one aspect of this disclosure, the connector housing 50 may have a plurality of linear nut receiving slots (61), which are respectively disposed at a plurality of height positions in the height direction (Z) of the connector housing 50 and respectively receive a plurality of nuts 80 from the length direction (X) of the connector housing 50.

[0169] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing meaning, but extends to all modifications set forth in the claims and encompassing all equivalent meanings and scope thereof.

[0170] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0171] 10. Conductive circuit

[0172] 11 Inverter

[0173] 12 High-voltage batteries

[0174] 15. Housing

[0175] 16. Main body of the shell

[0176] 17 Assembly Department

[0177] 17X mounting holes

[0178] 18 Fixing part

[0179] 18X bolt fixing holes

[0180] 20 wire harness

[0181] 21. Wire

[0182] 22 Wire-side connector

[0183] 23 Protective tube

[0184] 30 connectors

[0185] 40A, 40B connection terminals

[0186] 41 Male terminal section

[0187] 42 Terminal connection section

[0188] 43 Connecting parts

[0189] 44 Through holes

[0190] 50 Connector Housing

[0191] 51 Cover section

[0192] 51 X Storage Slots

[0193] 52 Insertion section

[0194] 53 Fixing part

[0195] 53X Bolt Through Hole

[0196] 54 rings

[0197] 55. Cylindrical section

[0198] 55X Storage Slot

[0199] 56A and 56B terminal holding parts

[0200] 57A and 57B retaining holes

[0201] 58 partition wall

[0202] Storage sections 60A and 60B

[0203] 61 Nut Storage Section

[0204] 62 Nut and Cap Storage Section

[0205] 63 Abutment

[0206] 63X recess

[0207] 63Y concave part

[0208] 64 Side wall portion

[0209] Side views of 64A and 64B

[0210] 65. Inner side wall

[0211] 66 Upper wall

[0212] 66X Storage Recess

[0213] 67. Locking part

[0214] 67A Guide Surface

[0215] 71, 72 rubber rings

[0216] 80 nuts

[0217] 84 Through Holes

[0218] 90 Nut Cap

[0219] 91 Main Body

[0220] 91A end face

[0221] 92 locking clips

[0222] 93 Wide section

[0223] 94 ribs

[0224] 95 Locking Part

[0225] 100 opposite terminal

[0226] 101 Through Hole

[0227] B1 bolt

[0228] B2 Fixing Bolt

[0229] C1 Fastening direction

[0230] D1 Insertion Direction

Claims

1. A connector having: Connector housing with multiple storage compartments; Multiple connection terminals held by the connector housing; and Multiple nuts are respectively housed in the multiple storage sections. Each of the plurality of connecting terminals has a terminal connecting portion, which is connected to the other terminal by bolt fastening based on the nuts and bolts. The plurality of terminal connection portions are disposed separately from each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of connection terminals, and are positioned in a non-overlapping manner when viewed from the top view of the arrangement direction. The plurality of connecting terminals are arranged only along the thickness direction of the terminal connection portion or only along the width direction of the terminal connection portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, It also has a nut cap that covers the nut stored in the storage section. The nut is inserted into the receiving part along the insertion direction and is then received. The nut cap is inserted into the receiving part along the insertion direction and is then received. The nut cap restricts the nut from moving in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The insertion direction is the direction that intersects with the tightening direction of the bolt.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The nut cap is a component distinct from the connector housing. The nut is formed as a quadrangular prism having an upper surface, a lower surface, and four sides disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The nut has a through hole extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. Three of the four sides are supported by the connector housing that forms the inner surface of the storage section, and the remaining side is supported by the nut cap.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, One of the upper and lower surfaces of the nut is supported by the connector housing, which forms the inner surface of the receiving portion, and the other of the upper and lower surfaces of the nut is supported by the terminal connection portion.

6. The connector according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein, The nut cap has a main body portion having an end face opposite to the nut, and a plurality of ribs protruding from the end face of the main body portion toward the insertion direction. The plurality of ribs contact the remaining side of the nut.

7. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The nut cap has a main body portion having an end face opposite to the nut, and a locking tab that protrudes from the end face of the main body portion toward the insertion direction. The storage section has a locking portion that engages with the locking piece.

8. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The nut cap is provided in multiple ways. Each of the aforementioned nut caps is individually stored in one of the aforementioned storage compartments. The plurality of nut caps are formed to be identical in shape and size.

9. A connector having: Connector housing with multiple storage compartments; Multiple connection terminals held by the connector housing; and Multiple nuts are respectively housed in the multiple storage sections. Each of the plurality of connecting terminals has a terminal connecting portion, which is connected to the other terminal by bolt fastening based on the nuts and bolts. The plurality of terminal connection portions are disposed separately from each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of connection terminals, and are positioned in a non-overlapping manner when viewed from the top view of the arrangement direction. The connector also has a nut cap that covers the nut stored in the receiving part. The nut is inserted into the receiving part along the insertion direction and is then received. The nut cap is inserted into the receiving part along the insertion direction and is then received. The nut cap restricts the nut from moving in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. The insertion direction is a direction that intersects with the tightening direction of the bolt. The nut cap is a component distinct from the connector housing. The nut is formed as a quadrangular prism having an upper surface, a lower surface, and four sides disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The nut has a through hole extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. Three of the four sides are supported by the connector housing, which forms the inner surface of the receiving part, and the remaining side is supported by the nut cap. The nut cap has a main body portion having an end face opposite to the nut, and a plurality of ribs protruding from the end face of the main body portion toward the insertion direction. The plurality of ribs contact the remaining side of the nut.

10. A connector having: Connector housing with multiple storage compartments; Multiple connection terminals held by the connector housing; and Multiple nuts are respectively housed in the multiple storage sections. Each of the plurality of connecting terminals has a terminal connecting portion, which is connected to the other terminal by bolt fastening based on the nuts and bolts. The plurality of terminal connection portions are disposed separately from each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of connection terminals, and are positioned in a non-overlapping manner when viewed from the top view of the arrangement direction. The connector also has a nut cap that covers the nut stored in the receiving part. The nut is inserted into the receiving part along the insertion direction and is then received. The nut cap is inserted into the receiving part along the insertion direction and is then received. The nut cap restricts the nut from moving in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. The nut cap is provided in multiple ways. Each of the aforementioned nut caps is individually stored in one of the aforementioned storage compartments. The plurality of nut caps are formed to be identical in shape and size.

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