Connector

Abstract

A connector for a vehicle-mounted component includes: a housing including a fitting portion that opens in a first direction that is a fitting direction with a mating connector, and an accommodating portion that opens in a second direction that intersects the first direction; a first terminal including an electrode portion provided in the fitting portion and connectable to the mating connector; a first wiring member extending in the second direction, passing through the accommodating portion, and electrically connected to the first terminal; and a first sealing member that seals a periphery of the first wiring member at a position away from the first terminal. The housing includes a first restricting portion that restricts a position of the first wiring member in the first direction at a position between the first terminal and the first seal in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle is known that includes a connector for charging an onboard battery.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector comprising a mounting plate, an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, a wire, and a rubber plug. In the connector described in Patent Document 1, the rubber plug seals the gap between the wire extending from the inner cylinder and the opening of the outer cylinder protruding into the vehicle.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2012-243467 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In connectors as described above, the misalignment of wiring components, such as wires, can increase. To absorb this misalignment and ensure sealing performance, a large sealing component is required. When using large sealing materials, it becomes difficult to reduce the connector size.

[0008] One embodiment provides a connector capable of reducing size.

[0009] One embodiment of the connector is a connector for an automotive component, comprising: a housing including a mating portion opening along a first direction (a mating direction of the mating connector) and a receiving portion opening along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first terminal including an electrode portion disposed in the mating portion and capable of being connected to the mating connector; a first wiring member extending along the second direction, passing through the receiving portion, and electrically connected to the first terminal; and a first seal sealing the periphery of the first wiring member at a location remote from the first terminal, wherein the housing includes a first limiting portion at a location between the first terminal and the first seal in the second direction, limiting the position of the first wiring member in the first direction.

[0010] One embodiment of the connector can reduce its size. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a view of the connector of this embodiment as seen from the -X direction.

[0013] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the accommodating portion is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a view of the housing as seen from the -Y direction.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the auxiliary component is installed onto the wiring component in this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the recess of the limiting portion in this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the housing of the wiring component that houses the auxiliary component of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following description, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Components having the same or similar functions are represented by the same reference numerals in the description. Redundant descriptions of these components may be omitted.

[0019] In this application, the terms are defined as follows. "Connection" is not limited to mechanical connections, but may also include electrical connections. That is, "connection" is not limited to the case where two elements to be connected are directly connected to each other, but may include the case where two elements to be connected are connected to each other by inserting another element. "Restriction" is not limited to the case where the movement of one component relative to the other is restricted by continuous contact between the two components. "Restriction" may, for example, include a situation where two components are not in contact with each other when no positional displacement occurs, but when one component attempts to shift its position relative to the other, the contact between the two components restricts the movement of one component relative to the other. Furthermore, "restriction" means that movement is restricted in at least one direction.

[0020] The +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z directions are defined as follows. The +X direction is from connector 1 toward mating connector 2 (see...). Figure 1 The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. When the +X and -X directions are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "X direction". The +Y and -Y directions are directions that intersect (e.g., are orthogonal) the X direction. The +Y direction is the direction in which wiring components 13 and 13C, described later, are inserted into housing 10. (See...) Figure 1 The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. When the +Y and -Y directions are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z and -Z directions are directions that intersect (e.g., are orthogonal) the X and Y directions. The +Z direction is... Figure 1 The forward direction is indicated by the +Z direction. The -Z direction is the opposite of the +Z direction. When the +Z and -Z directions are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z direction". The X direction is an example of the "first direction". The Y direction is an example of the "second direction".

[0021] (Example)

[0022] <1. Connector Configuration>

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a view of the connector of this embodiment as seen from the -X direction. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the accommodating portion is shown. Figure 4 This is a view of the housing as seen from the -Y direction.

[0024] Connector 1 is installed in a vehicle including an onboard battery, such as an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). A mating connector 2, installed in an external charging facility, is detachable from connector 1. Connector 1 supplies power from mating connector 2 to a charging circuit, for example, for charging the onboard battery.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, connector 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, terminals 11, busbars 12, wiring components 13, connecting terminals 14, fasteners 15, seals 16, and a rear retainer 18.

[0026] <1.1 Shell>

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 externally covers the exposed conductive parts. These exposed conductive parts are, for example, the ends of terminals 11 or wiring components 13. The housing 10 includes a fitting portion 21, a terminal block portion 22, and a receiving portion 23. The housing 10 is made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin. The housing 10 is, for example, fixed to a vehicle body (not shown).

[0028] <1.1.1 Fitting part>

[0029] The mating portion 21 has a first opening 24 that opens in the +X direction (first direction) in which it engages with the mating connector 2. The mating connector 2 protrudes in the X direction. The mating portion 21 is recessed in the X direction to correspond to the mating connector 2. The mating portion 21 forms a connector space 26. The mating connector 2 can be inserted into and removed from the connector space 26 in the X direction through the first opening 24. Within the housing 10, only the mating portion 21 can be accessed from outside the vehicle body.

[0030] The mating portion 21 has a partition wall 25 in the -X direction opposite to the first opening 24. The partition wall 25 separates the space from the terminal block portion 22. A through hole 25h is formed in the partition wall 25, penetrating the partition wall 25 in the X direction. The terminal 11, described later, is disposed in the connector space 26 and the receiving space 27 of the terminal block portion 22 through the through hole 25h of the partition wall 25. The electrode portion 29 of the terminal 11 is disposed in the connector space 26.

[0031] <1.1.2 Terminal Block>

[0032] The terminal block portion 22 forms a receiving space 27. The receiving space 27 receives the fastening portion 30 of the terminal 11, the fastening portion 31 of the connecting terminal 14, the busbar 12, and the fastener 15. The terminal block portion 22 has an inspection hole 32 that opens in the -X direction, so that tools (not shown), the busbar 12, the fastener 15, etc. can be inserted into the receiving space 27.

[0033] <1.1.3 Reception Section>

[0034] The receiving portion 23 forms a receiving space 28 for receiving the wiring component 13. The receiving portion 23 has a tubular shape extending in the Y direction. The receiving portion 23 has a second opening 33 opening in the -Y direction. The receiving space 28 receives a portion of the wiring component 13, described later, in the +Y direction. The end 34 of the wiring component 13 to which the connecting terminal 14 is mounted is inserted into the receiving portion 23 from the second opening 33 in the +Y direction. The portion of the wiring component 13 received in the receiving space 28 includes the end 34 to which the connecting terminal 14 is mounted.

[0035] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the receiving portion 23 of this embodiment has a cylindrical outer wall 35. The outer wall 35 has a cylindrical shape, and its diameter is equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of the wiring member 13 assumed to be used. The outer wall 35 extends in the Y direction. The outer wall 35 has a constant inner diameter in the Y direction. The receiving space 28 communicates with the receiving space 27 of the terminal block portion 22 in the Y direction. The connecting terminal 14, which is mounted to the end 34 of the wiring member 13, extends from the receiving space 28 in the +Y direction and reaches the receiving space 27 of the terminal block portion 22.

[0036] The receiving part 23 includes a sealing receiving part 36, an abutment surface 37, and a limiting part 38.

[0037] The sealing receiving portion 36 accommodates the seal 16, which will be described later. The sealing receiving portion 36 has an annular outer peripheral sealing surface 39. The outer peripheral sealing surface 39 has an annular shape that is in full circumferential contact with the outer peripheral surface 16o of the annular seal 16. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral sealing surface 39 is constant in the Y direction. The outer peripheral sealing surface 39 extends from the second opening 33 in the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall 35 becomes the outer peripheral sealing surface 39.

[0038] Here, the housing 10 of this embodiment includes a first receiving portion 23A and a second receiving portion 23B. The first receiving portion 23A and the second receiving portion 23B are two receiving portions 23 adjacent to each other in the X direction. The first receiving portion 23A receives a first wiring member 13A, which serves as a wiring member 13. The second receiving portion 23B receives a second wiring member 13B, which serves as a wiring member 13. Furthermore, the housing 10 of this embodiment includes a first sealing receiving portion 36A and a second sealing receiving portion 36B, which are two sealing receiving portions 36 adjacent to each other in the X direction. The first sealing receiving portion 36A is disposed in the first receiving portion 23A. The second sealing receiving portion 36B is disposed in the second receiving portion 23B. Note that in the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first receiving portion 23A and the second receiving portion 23B, they are simply referred to as receiving portions 23. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first sealing receiving portion 36A and the second sealing receiving portion 36B, they are simply referred to as sealing receiving portions 36.

[0039] <1.1.4 Abutment Surface>

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the abutment surface 37 abuts against the seal 16 in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the abutment surface 37 is formed in each of the first receiving portion 23A and the second receiving portion 23B. The abutment surface 37 positions the seal 16 in the Y direction. The abutment surface 37 abuts against the seal 16 inserted from the second opening 33 in the +Y direction, thereby limiting further displacement of the seal 16 in the +Y axis direction. The abutment surface 37 is a surface extending in the X and Z directions perpendicular to the Y direction. The abutment surface 37 is formed adjacent to the outer peripheral sealing surface 39 in the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the abutment surface 37 is formed by the -Y direction-facing end face of the rib 40 extending from the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall 35 in a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the -Y direction-facing end face of the first limiting portion 38A.

[0041] <1.1.5 Restriction Section>

[0042] The limiting part 38 positions the wiring member 13 disposed within the housing 10 along the X direction. Specifically, the limiting part 38 positions the wiring member 13 located between the sealing receiving part 36 and the connecting terminal 14 in the X direction. The housing 10 of this embodiment includes a first limiting part 38A and a second limiting part 38B, which are two limiting parts 38. The first limiting part 38A positions the first wiring member 13A. The second limiting part 38B positions the second wiring member 13B. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first limiting part 38A and the second limiting part 38B, they are simply referred to as limiting parts 38. Note that in addition to positioning the wiring member 13 disposed within the housing 10 along the X direction, the limiting part 38 can also position the wiring member 13 disposed within the housing 10 along the Z direction.

[0043] The limiting portion 38 includes a first protrusion 41 and a second protrusion 42. That is, the first limiting portion 38A of this embodiment includes a first protrusion 41 and a second protrusion 42. Similarly, the second limiting portion 38B of this embodiment also includes a first protrusion 41 and a second protrusion 42. The first protrusion 41 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall 35 at the position furthest from the -X direction along the +X direction. The second protrusion 42 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall 35 at the position furthest from the +X direction along the -X direction. The first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 extend from the abutment surface 37 at the position in the Y direction along the +Y direction.

[0044] The limiting portion 38 is located closer to the seal 16 than the terminal 11. The width of the limiting portion 38 in the Y direction is greater than the width of the seal 16 in the Y direction. The limiting portion 38 extends along the entire length of the wiring member 13, which extends beyond the seal 16 toward the terminal 11. The protrusion of the limiting portion 38 in the X direction is greater than the thickness of the connecting terminal 14.

[0045] The first protrusion 41 has a first curved surface 43, which has an arcuate shape when viewed from the Y direction. The first curved surface 43 is centered on an extension line O2 obtained by extending the center line O1 of the outer peripheral sealing surface 39 along the +Y direction. Similarly, the second protrusion 42 has a second curved surface 44, which has an arcuate shape when viewed from the Y direction. The second curved surface 44 is centered on the extension line O2. That is, when viewed from the Y direction, the first curved surface 43 and the second curved surface 44 are formed on the same virtual circle R2 centered on the extension line O2.

[0046] The diameter of the virtual circle R2 is set to be the same as the largest diameter among the assumed wiring components 13 used. For example, when such a wiring component 13 with the largest diameter is inserted into the receiving portion 23 along the +Y direction, each of the first curved surface 43 and the second curved surface 44 contacts the outer peripheral surface 13o of the wiring component 13. As a result, the displacement of the wiring component 13 in the X direction is restricted. Furthermore, since the first curved surface 43 and the second curved surface 44 are concave surfaces, the displacement of the wiring component 13 relative to the restricting portion 38 in the Z direction is also simultaneously restricted. Note that... Figure 1 and Figure 3 This illustrates the case where the first wiring component 13A, having the largest diameter, is housed within the first receiving portion 23A. Similarly, Figure 1 and Figure 3 The diagram shows a second wiring component 13B with the largest diameter being housed in a second receiving portion 23B.

[0047] <1.2 terminal>

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, terminal 11 includes an electrode portion 29 disposed in the fitting portion 21 as described above and a fastening portion 30 supported by housing 10. In this embodiment, the two terminals 11, first terminal 11A and second terminal 11B, are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. First terminal 11A and second terminal 11B have the same shape. Note that when it is not necessary to distinguish between first terminal 11A and second terminal 11B, they are simply referred to as terminal 11.

[0049] The electrode portion 29 of terminal 11 has a columnar shape extending from the partition wall 25 in the +X direction. In this embodiment, terminal 11 has a columnar shape. The electrode portion 29 of terminal 11 contacts the electrode (not shown) of the mating connector 2 inserted into the fitting portion 21.

[0050] The fastening portion 30 of terminal 11 is provided in the receiving space 27 of terminal block portion 22. When viewed from the Y direction, the fastening portion 30 of terminal 11 is formed to have a larger diameter than the electrode portion 29. The fastening portion 30 of terminal 11 has an internal thread portion 45 that opens in the -X direction. The internal thread portion 45 is formed along an axis O3 extending in the X direction. In this embodiment, the fastening portion 30 of terminal 11 has a plane 46 facing the -X direction around the internal thread portion 45. The plane 46 formed on the fastening portion 30 of terminal 11 is a contact surface that contacts the connecting terminal 14 and the busbar 12.

[0051] The planes 46 formed on the fastening portions 30 of the first terminal 11A and the fastening portions 30 of the second terminal 11B are formed at the same position in the X direction. The plane 46 of the terminal 11 is formed, for example, at the same position in the X direction as the lower surface 47 of the connecting terminal 14 (the second connecting terminal 14B) which is closer to the terminal 11 in the X direction among the two connecting terminals 14 that are adjacent to each other in the X direction.

[0052] <1.3 Busbar>

[0053] Busbar 12 has at least a first end 48 and a second end 49. Busbar 12 connects a first connecting terminal 14A, which is mounted to a connecting terminal 14 of the first wiring member 13A, to a fastening portion 31 of the first terminal 11A. The position of the first connecting terminal 14A in the X direction is different from the position of the fastening portion 31 of the first terminal 11A in the X direction. In this embodiment, busbar 12 connects the fastening portion 30 of the first terminal 11A to the first connecting terminal 14A. The fastening portion 30 of the first terminal 11A is the fastening portion 30 of the two terminals 11 that is farther from the first wiring member 13A in the +Y direction. The first connecting terminal 14A is the connecting terminal 14 that is farther from the terminal 11 in the -X direction.

[0054] The busbar 12 in this embodiment has a first end 48, a second end 49, and a middle portion 50. The first end 48 is fastened to a first connecting terminal 14A. The first end 48 is formed as a flat plate with the thickness direction in the X direction. The first end 48 has a through hole 51 that allows the external thread portion 57 of the fastener 15 to pass through in the X direction. Similar to the first end 48, the second end 49 is formed as a flat plate with the thickness direction in the X direction. The second end 49 has a through hole 52 that allows the external thread portion 57 of the fastener 15 to pass through in the X direction.

[0055] The intermediate portion 50 connects the first end 48 to the second end 49. The intermediate portion 50 extends in the X direction. The first end 48 extends from the +X end of the intermediate portion 50 along the +Y direction. The second end 49 extends from the -X end of the intermediate portion 50 along the -Y direction. That is, when viewed from the Z direction, the busbar 12 has a crank shape. In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 50 is integrally formed with the first end 48 and the second end 49. The busbar 12 having the first end 48, the second end 49, and the intermediate portion 50 can be formed, for example, by bending the two ends of a strip of metal.

[0056] <1.4 Wiring Components>

[0057] The wiring component 13 supplies power via the mating connector 2 to the charging circuit (not shown) of the vehicle battery. The wiring component 13 includes a core wire portion 53 and an insulating coating portion 54. The core wire portion 53 is made of a conductive metal such as conductive copper or aluminum alloy. The insulating coating portion 54 forms an electrically insulating layer covering the outer periphery of the core wire portion 53. Examples of the insulating coating portion 54 include synthetic resins such as polyvinyl chloride. At the ends of the wiring component 13, the core wire portion 53 is exposed without the insulating coating portion 54. Here, the diameter of the wiring component 13 in this embodiment includes the diameter including the insulating coating portion 54. Note that examples of the wiring component 13 include wires with insulating coatings and busbars with insulating coatings. The wiring component 13 may be a shielded wire. As described above, the connector 1 of this embodiment includes a first wiring component 13A and a second wiring component 13B as two wiring components 13.

[0058] <1.5 Connecting Terminals>

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, the connecting terminal 14 is mounted to the end 34 of the wiring member 13. The connecting terminal 14 extends from the end 34 in the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the connecting terminal 14 is a so-called ring terminal. The connecting terminal 14 includes a crimping portion 55 and a fastening portion 31. The crimping portion 55 is fixed to the end 34 of the wiring member 13 in the +Y direction. The fastening portion 31 is formed as a flat plate extending from the crimping portion 55 in the +Y direction. The fastening portion 31 has a through hole 56 extending through the fastening portion 31 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the connecting terminal 14 is fixed to the end 34 of the wiring member 13 with the thickness direction of the fastening portion 31 of the connecting terminal 14 in the X direction.

[0060] The connector 1 of this embodiment has a first connecting terminal 14A and a second connecting terminal 14B as two connecting terminals 14. The fastening part 31 of the first connecting terminal 14A is fastened to the first end 48 of the busbar 12 in an overlapping manner in the X direction by fasteners 15. The fastening part 31 of the second connecting terminal 14B is fastened to the fastening part 30 of the second terminal 11B in an overlapping manner in the X direction by fasteners 15.

[0061] <1.6 Fasteners>

[0062] Fastener 15 includes a fastening portion 30 for terminal 11 and an external thread portion 57 to be screwed into an internal thread portion 45 formed on fastening base 70. Examples of fastener 15 include bolts and screws. In this embodiment, fastener 15 is used to fasten busbar 12 to terminal 11, to secure busbar 12 to connecting terminal 14, and to secure connecting terminal 14 to terminal 11. Each of the plurality of fasteners 15 is screwed into the internal thread portion 45 in the +X direction. Note that the first end 48 of busbar 12 and the first connecting terminal 14A are fastened to each other in an overlapping manner in the X direction by fastener 15 using fastening base 70 having an internal thread portion 45 that opens in the -X direction.

[0063] <1.7 Sealing>

[0064] The seal 16 seals the gap between the wiring member 13 and the housing 10. The seal 16 is formed in annular shape and surrounds the entire circumference of the wiring member 13. The seal 16 is disposed between the wiring member 13 and the housing 10 in a compressed deformed state. The radial dimension of the seal 16 is constant over the entire circumferential region of the seal 16. Furthermore, the amount of radial compression deformation of the seal 16 is preferably constant over the entire circumferential region of the seal 16 to ensure sealing performance throughout the circumference. The seal 16 in this embodiment is provided for waterproofing. Examples of materials for the seal 16 include synthetic rubber. The inner diameter of the seal 16 corresponds to the outer diameter of the wiring member 13 to which the seal 16 is to be installed. That is, when the wiring member 13 is changed to a wiring member 13C with a smaller outer diameter (see...), Figure 6 and Figure 7 Alternatively, a different seal 16C with an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the wiring member 13C can be used. Note that the seals 16 and 16C can be of any shape, as long as they can seal the gap between the outer peripheral surface 13o of the wiring member 13 and the outer peripheral sealing surface 39 of the sealing receiving portion 36 under radial compression deformation centered on the centerline O1.

[0065] The connector 1 of this embodiment has a first seal 16A and a second seal 16B as two seals 16. The first seal 16A surrounds the first wiring member 13A. The second seal 16B surrounds the second wiring member 13B.

[0066] <1.8 Auxiliary Components>

[0067] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the auxiliary component is installed onto the wiring component in this embodiment. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the recess of the limiting portion in this embodiment. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the area surrounding the housing of the wiring component in which the auxiliary component of this embodiment is installed.

[0068] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the auxiliary member 17 enables the limiting portion 38 to restrict the position of the wiring member 13C (hereinafter referred to as wiring member 13C) in the X direction, whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the wiring member 13, which has a assumed maximum diameter (hereinafter referred to as maximum diameter). In this embodiment, the auxiliary member 17 surrounds the wiring member 13C. The auxiliary member 17 corrects the outer diameter of the wiring member 13C. In this embodiment, the auxiliary member 17 is fixed to the wiring member 13C. Specifically, the auxiliary member 17 does not shift relative to the wiring member 13C in the X, Y, or Z directions. Note that the wiring member 13C can be used as at least one of the first wiring member 13A and the second wiring member 13B.

[0069] The auxiliary member 17 includes a sleeve portion 58 and a protrusion 59. The sleeve portion 58 has a cylindrical shape. The sleeve portion 58 is fixed to the wiring member 13C, for example, by passing a limiting member (not shown) through the interior of the sleeve portion 58. The outer diameter of the sleeve portion 58, i.e., the diameter of its outer peripheral surface 58o, is, for example, the same as the maximum diameter when the sleeve portion 58 is fixed to the wiring member 13C. For example, when the sleeve portion 58 is fixed to the wiring member 13C by crimping, the inner diameter of the sleeve portion 58, i.e., the diameter of its inner peripheral surface, is slightly smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the wiring member 13C to which the auxiliary member 17 is to be installed. The inner diameter of the auxiliary member 17 corresponds to the outer diameter of the wiring member 13C to which the auxiliary member 17 is to be installed.

[0070] The protrusion 59 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 58o of the sleeve portion 58. The protrusion 59 extends in the longitudinal direction of the wiring member 13C. In this embodiment, the length of the protrusion 59 in the longitudinal direction of the wiring member 13C is the same as the length of the sleeve portion 58 in the longitudinal direction of the wiring member 13C. When the wiring member 13C is received in the receiving portion 23, the protrusion 59 is formed at the position in the -X direction or the +X direction in the circumferential direction of the wiring member 13C.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the aforementioned limiting portion 38 has a recess 60. A protrusion 59 of the auxiliary member 17 is disposed in the recess 60. The recess 60 can guide the protrusion 59 in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the recess 60 allows the protrusion 59 to be positioned in the circumferential direction of the wiring member 13C. In this embodiment, the recess 60 opens in the X direction towards the side closest to the extension line O2. The recess 60 further opens in the -Y direction. Due to the opening of the recess 60 in the -Y direction, the protrusion 59 can be slidably inserted into the recess 60 in the +Y direction.

[0072] The recess 60 also has a stop surface 61 for positioning the protrusion 59 in the +Y direction. The stop surface 61 is located in the recess 60 in the +Y direction. Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the recess 60 is formed in each of the second protrusion 42 of the first receiving portion 23A and the first protrusion 41 of the second receiving portion 23B. In other words, the recess 60 is formed in each of the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42, which are positioned close to each other in the X direction when viewed from the -Y direction.

[0073] <1.9 Rear Holder>

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the rear retainer 18 is mounted to the end of the receiving portion 23 in the -Y direction. The rear retainer 18 closes the second opening 33. The rear retainer 18 positions the wiring member 13 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the rear retainer 18 includes a deflection prevention portion 62 extending in the X direction and a mounting portion 63 extending from the periphery of the deflection prevention portion 162 in the +Y direction. The mounting portion 63 is detachably mounted to the housing 10. The deflection prevention portion 62 has a wire insertion hole 64 concentric with the outer peripheral sealing surface 39. The wiring member 13 can be inserted into the wire insertion hole 64 in the Y direction. The entire inner peripheral surface of the wire insertion hole 64 contacts the outer peripheral surface 13o of the wiring member 13. The wire insertion hole 64 is formed to have an inner diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the wiring member 13. This contact between the inner peripheral surface of the wire insertion hole 64 and the outer peripheral surface 13o of the wiring member 13 restricts the displacement of the wiring member 13 in the X and Z directions. Note that when using the above-described wiring component 13C, a rear retainer 18 with a wire insertion hole 64 corresponding to the diameter of the wiring component 13C is used.

[0075] <2. Advantages>

[0076] As a comparative example, we will consider the case where the offset of the wiring components in the connector increases. In this case, a larger seal is required to absorb the offset of the wiring components and ensure the sealing performance. When using a large seal, it is difficult to reduce the size of the connector.

[0077] On the other hand, the connector 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 10, a first terminal 11A, a first wiring member 13A, and a first seal 16A. The housing 10 includes a mating portion 21, a receiving portion 23, and a first restricting portion 38A. The mating portion 21 opens in the mating direction with the mating connector 2, i.e., the X direction. The receiving portion 23 opens in the Y direction, intersecting the X direction. The first terminal 11A includes an electrode portion 29. The electrode portion 29 is disposed in the mating portion 21. The first terminal 11A can be connected to the mating connector 2. The first wiring member 13A extends in the Y direction. The first wiring member 13A passes through the receiving portion 23. The first wiring member 13A is electrically connected to the first terminal 11A. The first seal 16A seals the area around the first wiring member 13A at a location away from the first terminal 11A. The first restricting portion 38A restricts the position of the first wiring member 13A in the X direction at a location between the first terminal 11A and the first seal 16A in the Y direction.

[0078] With this configuration, since the increase in the offset of the first wiring member 13A in the X direction can be suppressed, a large seal for absorbing the offset of the first wiring member 13A is not required. Therefore, the size of the connector 1 can be reduced.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first limiting part 38A is provided as a part of the housing 10.

[0080] This design reduces the number of components.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first limiting portion 38A includes a first protrusion 41 and a second protrusion 42 that protrude from a portion of the inner surface of the receiving portion 23 toward the first wiring member 13A.

[0082] With this configuration, the increase in the offset of the first wiring member 13A in the X direction can be effectively suppressed without complicating the shape of the first limiting part 38A.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 extend in the Y direction.

[0084] With this configuration, the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42 can make long-distance contact with the first wiring member 13A in the Y direction. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the offset of the first wiring member 13A in the X direction.

[0085] In this embodiment, a second terminal 11B, a second wiring member 13B, and a second seal 16B are also included. The housing 10 further includes a second limiting portion 38B. The second terminal 11B includes an electrode portion 29. The electrode portion 29 is disposed in the mating portion 21. The second terminal 11B is connectable to the mating connector 2. The second wiring member 13B extends in the Y direction. The second wiring member 13B passes through the receiving portion 23. The second wiring member 13B is electrically connected to the second terminal 11B. The second seal 16B seals the area around the second wiring member 13B at a location away from the second terminal 11B. The second limiting portion 38B, located in the Y direction between the second terminal 11B and the second seal 16B, limits the position of the second wiring member 13B in the X direction.

[0086] With this configuration, since the increase in the offset of the second wiring component 13B in the X direction can be suppressed, a large seal is not required to absorb the offset of the second wiring component 13B. Therefore, the size of the connector 1 can be reduced.

[0087] The connector 1 in this embodiment also includes an auxiliary member 17 disposed between the wiring member 13C and the limiting part 38.

[0088] With this configuration, the position of the wiring member 13C, whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the first wiring member 13A and the second wiring member 13B, can be restricted in the X direction by the limiting part 38 without changing the size of the limiting part 38.

[0089] The auxiliary member 17 in this embodiment also includes a protrusion 59 projecting from its outer peripheral surface. The limiting portion 38 also includes a recess 60 in which the protrusion 59 is disposed. The recess 60 extends in the Y direction. The recess 60 can guide the protrusion 59 in the Y direction.

[0090] With this configuration, the recess 60 guides the protrusion 59 in the Y direction, so that the wiring member 13C can be smoothly accommodated in the receiving portion 23 together with the auxiliary member 17.

[0091] <3. Other embodiments>

[0092] Some examples of this embodiment have been described above. However, this embodiment is not limited to the examples described above.

[0093] In the above embodiments, connector 1 has been illustrated as a charging port for charging the vehicle battery. However, connector 1 is suitable for connecting various electrical devices in a vehicle.

[0094] In the above embodiments, the case where the X direction is vertical and the Y and Z directions are horizontal has been described. However, the X, Y, and Z directions are not limited to the directions described above.

[0095] In the above embodiments, Figure 1 The left terminal 11 is the first terminal 11A, and the right terminal 11 is the second terminal 11B. However, the positions of the first terminal 11A and the second terminal 11B are not limited to... Figure 1 The location of the receiving portion 23 in the -X direction is also considered. Similarly, in the above embodiment, the receiving portion 23 located in the -X direction is the first receiving portion 23A, and the receiving portion 23 located in the +X direction is the second receiving portion 23B. However, the location of the first receiving portion 23A is not limited to the -X direction, and the location of the second receiving portion 23B is not limited to the +X direction. Similarly, the locations of the first wiring member 13A, the first seal 16A, and the first limiting portion 38A are not limited to the -X direction. The locations of the second wiring member 13B, the second seal 16B, and the second limiting portion 38B are not limited to the +X direction.

[0096] In the above embodiments, a case including a pair of terminals 11, a pair of wiring components 13, a pair of seals 16, and a pair of limiting portions 38 has been described. However, each of the following can be one or more: the number of terminals 11, the number of wiring components 13, the number of seals 16, and the number of limiting portions 38.

[0097] In the above embodiments, the case where the seal 16 is disposed between the wiring member 13 and the housing 10 has been described. However, the seal may also be disposed between the wiring member 13 and the rear retainer 18.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the auxiliary member 17 has been shown to surround the wiring member 13C. However, the auxiliary member 17 does not necessarily have a shape surrounding the wiring member 13C, as long as it is disposed between the wiring member 13C and the limiting portion 38.

[0099] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are examples of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms and can be added, omitted, substituted, and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0100] Industrial applicability

[0101] The connector disclosed herein can reduce size.

[0102] Reference tag list

[0103] 1 connector

[0104] 2 mating connectors

[0105] 10 housing

[0106] 11 terminals

[0107] 11A First Terminal

[0108] 11B Second Terminal

[0109] 12 busbars

[0110] 13.13C wiring components

[0111] 13A First Wiring Component

[0112] 13B Second Wiring Component

[0113] 13° outer perimeter

[0114] 14 connection terminals

[0115] 14A First Connection Terminal

[0116] 14B Second Connection Terminal

[0117] 15 Fasteners

[0118] 16, 16C seals

[0119] 16A First Seal

[0120] 16B Second Seal

[0121] 16° outer perimeter

[0122] 17 Auxiliary Components

[0123] 18 Rear Retainer

[0124] 21 Chimera Department

[0125] 22 terminal block section

[0126] 23 Accommodation Department

[0127] 24 First Opening

[0128] 25 partition walls

[0129] 25h through hole

[0130] 26 connector space

[0131] 27 storage space

[0132] 28 storage spaces

[0133] 29 Electrode Section

[0134] 30 Fasteners

[0135] 31 Fastening parts

[0136] 32 inspection holes

[0137] 33 Second opening

[0138] 34 end

[0139] 35 outer wall

[0140] 36 Sealing Reception

[0141] 36A First Sealing Receiving Section

[0142] 36B Second Sealing Receiving Section

[0143] 37 contact surfaces

[0144] 38 Restricted Department

[0145] 38A First Restriction Section

[0146] 38B Second Restriction Section

[0147] 39 Outer peripheral sealing surface

[0148] 40 ribs

[0149] 41 First protrusion

[0150] 42 Second protrusion

[0151] 43 First Surface

[0152] 44 Second Surface

[0153] 45 Internal Thread Section

[0154] 46 plane

[0155] 47 Lower surface

[0156] 48 First end

[0157] 49 Second end

[0158] 50 Middle Section

[0159] 51, 52 Through Holes

[0160] 53-core wire section

[0161] 54 Insulation Coating Section

[0162] 55 crimping part

[0163] 56 through holes

[0164] 57 External thread section

[0165] 58 sleeve section

[0166] 58° outer perimeter

[0167] 59 protrusions

[0168] 60 recess

[0169] 61 Stop surface

[0170] 62 Offset Prevention Section

[0171] 63 Installation Department

[0172] 64 wire insertion hole

[0173] 70 Fastening Table

Claims

1. A connector for an automotive component, comprising: The housing includes a mating portion that opens in a first direction, which is the mating direction of the mating connector, and a receiving portion that opens in a second direction, which intersects the first direction. The first terminal includes an electrode portion disposed in the mating portion and is capable of being connected to the mating connector; A first wiring component extends along the second direction, passes through the receiving portion, and is electrically connected to the first terminal; as well as A first seal, located away from the first terminal, seals the area around the first wiring component. The housing includes a first limiting portion located between the first terminal and the first seal in the second direction, which limits the position of the first wiring member in the first direction.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first limiting part is provided by a portion of the housing.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first limiting portion is a protrusion that extends from a portion of the inner surface of the receiving portion toward the first wiring member.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein, The protrusion extends along the second direction.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The second terminal includes an electrode portion disposed in the mating portion and is capable of being connected to the mating connector; A second wiring component extends along the second direction, passes through the receiving portion, and is electrically connected to the second terminal; and The second seal, located away from the second terminal, seals the area around the second wiring component. Wherein, the first wiring component and the second wiring component are adjacent to each other in the first direction, and The housing further includes a second limiting portion located between the second terminal and the second seal in the second direction, which limits the position of the second wiring member in the first direction.

6. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: An auxiliary component is disposed between the first wiring component and the first limiting part.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, The auxiliary component also includes protrusions extending from the outer surface of the auxiliary component. The first limiting portion further includes a recess, and the protrusion is disposed in the recess. The recess extends along the second direction and is capable of guiding the protrusion along the second direction.

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