Connector

Abstract

The invention provides a connector capable of improving waterproofness. The connector is provided with a terminal (12) and a synthetic resin housing (11) integrally formed with the terminal (12) by insert molding. The housing (11) is provided with a terminal holding part (23) for holding the terminal (12). The terminal (12) is provided with an embedded part (33) embedded in the terminal holding part (23). The embedded part (33) is provided with a first main surface (34) and a second main surface (35) which are located at positions facing each other in the plate thickness direction. A plurality of engagement recesses (51) are provided on at least one of the first main surface (34) and the second main surface (35).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, connectors with a synthetic resin housing integrally formed with terminals by insert molding are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The housing has a terminal retaining portion for retaining the terminals. The terminals have an embedded portion embedded inside the terminal retaining portion and a connecting portion extending outside the terminal retaining portion. A terminal of a counterpart connector that fits into the housing is connected to the connecting portion of the terminal. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-135131 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In the connectors described above, how to prevent liquids such as water and oil from seeping into the space between the synthetic resin forming the housing and the terminals has become a challenge. The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector that improves water resistance. Solution for solving the problem

[0005] The connector of the present invention includes terminals and a housing made of synthetic resin integrally formed with the terminals by insert molding. The housing includes a terminal holding portion for holding the terminals. The terminals include a plate-shaped embedded portion embedded inside the terminal holding portion. The embedded portion includes a first main surface and a second main surface located opposite each other in the plate thickness direction. At least one of the first main surface and the second main surface is provided with a plurality of engaging recesses. Invention Effects

[0006] The connector according to the present invention improves water resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is the front view of the connector in this embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The 3-3 line section view. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An enlarged sectional view of a portion of the document. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Sectional view along line 5-5. Figure 6 It is shown in magnification Figure 5An enlarged sectional view of a portion of the document. Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a modified connector. Detailed Implementation

[0008] [Description of embodiments of the present invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The connector of the present invention [1] A housing made of synthetic resin is provided with a terminal and integrally formed with the terminal by insert molding. The housing has a terminal holding portion for holding the terminal. The terminal has a plate-shaped embedding portion embedded inside the terminal holding portion. The embedding portion has a first main surface and a second main surface located opposite each other in the plate thickness direction. At least one of the first main surface and the second main surface is provided with a plurality of engaging recesses.

[0009] According to this structure, the synthetic resin forming the housing enters into each of the multiple engaging recesses provided in the embedded portion of the terminal, thereby improving the tightness of the connection between the terminal and the synthetic resin forming the housing through a so-called anchoring effect. Therefore, the water resistance of the connector can be improved.

[0010] [2] In the above [1], the terminal may protrude from the end face of the terminal holding portion to the outside of the terminal holding portion, and a protrusion surrounding the terminal is provided on the end face of the housing, and the plurality of engaging recesses include an end-side engaging recess provided inside the protrusion.

[0011] According to this structure, the waterproofness of the connector can be appropriately improved by the synthetic resin forming the shell entering the end-side engagement recess provided in the embedded part. [3] In the above [2], the terminal holding portion may also have end faces including the protrusions on both sides of the embedded portion along the length direction, the end-side engaging recess is disposed inside each of the pair of protrusions, the plurality of engaging recesses include a middle engaging recess, the middle engaging recess is disposed in the embedded portion between the end-side engaging recess disposed inside one of the pair of protrusions and the end-side engaging recess disposed inside the other of the pair of protrusions.

[0012] According to this structure, since multiple engaging recesses (end engaging recesses and middle engaging recesses) are provided over a wide range along the length of the embedded part, the waterproofness of the connector can be further improved.

[0013] [4] In any of [1] to [3] above, the embedded part may have an end edge recess at the end edge in the width direction of the embedded part. According to this structure, the synthetic resin forming the shell enters the end edge recess of the embedded portion of the terminal, thereby improving the adhesion between the terminal and the synthetic resin forming the shell through the so-called anchoring effect. Therefore, the waterproof performance of the connector can be further improved.

[0014] [5] In the above [4], it is also possible that the embedded part has a non-forming area in which the engagement recess is not formed in the entire area of ​​the range occupied by the end edge recess in the length direction of the embedded part.

[0015] According to this structure, since the entire area occupied by the end edge recess in the length direction of the embedded part is not formed with a locking recess, the reduction of the cross-sectional area of ​​the embedded part orthogonal to its length direction can be suppressed.

[0016] [Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of the connector of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of explanation, some parts of the structure are sometimes exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts may differ in the drawings. The terms "parallel" or "perpendicular (orthogonal)" in this specification include not only cases where they are strictly parallel or perpendicular (orthogonal), but also cases where they are substantially parallel or perpendicular (orthogonal) to the extent that they serve their function and effect in this embodiment.

[0017] The term "cylindrical" as used in this specification refers not only to a cylindrical shape with a continuous circumferential wall, but also to shapes formed by combining multiple components, such as a C-shape with a notch in a portion of the circumference. The outer circumferential shape of a "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circles, ellipses, and polygons with pointed or rounded corners. "Cylindrical" is a shape having a through hole when viewed from above, including cylindrical shapes where the outer circumferential shape and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole are the same, or cylindrical shapes where the outer circumferential shape and the inner circumferential shape of the through hole are different. "Cylindrical" includes a cylindrical shape having a predetermined length extending along an axial direction passing through the center axis of the through hole, regardless of the magnitude of its length. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this specification are only used to distinguish objects and do not order them. The invention is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims, as shown by the claims.

[0018] (Structure of connector 10) Figure 1The connector 10 shown in this embodiment is, for example, fitted into an equipment housing mounted in a vehicle. The connector 10 is, for example, a relay connector for making electrical connections between the inside and outside of the equipment housing. Furthermore, the connector 10 is a waterproof connector. The connector 10 is secured to the equipment housing by bolts (not shown). An example of an equipment housing where the connector 10 is fitted is a gearbox, which has an oil-filled interior.

[0019] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector 10 includes a housing 11 and, for example, two terminals 12. The housing 11 is formed of synthetic resin. Each terminal 12 is formed of a metal material. The housing 11 is integrally formed with each terminal 12 by insert molding.

[0020] (Structure of housing 11) The housing 11 includes a main body 21 and a fixing part 22 extending from the main body 21. The fixing part 22 is fixed to the equipment box, for example, by bolts (not shown).

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body 21 of the housing 11 includes a terminal holding portion 23 for holding each terminal 12. It should be noted that... Figure 3 In the diagram, only the terminals 12 are shown in non-sectional view. The housing 11 has a first fitting portion 24 and a second fitting portion 25 extending from the terminal holding portion 23, respectively. The first fitting portion 24 and the second fitting portion 25 are both cylindrical. The first fitting portion 24 and the second fitting portion 25 extend from the terminal holding portion 23, for example, in opposite directions. An internal connector (not shown) inside the equipment housing is connected to the first fitting portion 24, and an external connector (not shown) is connected to the second fitting portion 25. That is, when the connector 10 is, for example, assembled with the gearbox, the first fitting portion 24 is disposed in the oil environment inside the equipment housing, and the second fitting portion 25 is disposed in the air environment outside the equipment housing.

[0022] The housing 11 includes a cylindrical insertion portion 26 extending from the main body 21. The insertion portion 26 extends from the main body 21 in such a way that it surrounds the outer periphery of the first fitting portion 24. An annular sealing member 27 is provided on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 26. The insertion portion 26 is inserted into the opening of the device housing, and the opening and the insertion portion 26 are sealed by the sealing member 27.

[0023] (Structure of terminal 12) Each terminal 12 is, for example, elongated in a generally straight direction. Each terminal 12 has a first connecting portion 31 and a second connecting portion 32 at both ends along its length. The terminal holding portion 23 in the housing 11 has a first end face 41 as one end face along the length of the terminal 12 and a second end face 42 as the other end face along the length of the terminal 12. The first connecting portion 31 protrudes from the first end face 41 outwards from the terminal holding portion 23. The first connecting portion 31 is located inside the first mating portion 24 and connects to the counterpart terminal of the internal connector. The second connecting portion 32 protrudes from the second end face 42 outwards from the terminal holding portion 23. The second connecting portion 32 is located inside the second mating portion 25 and connects to the counterpart terminal of the external connector.

[0024] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, protrusions 43 surrounding each terminal 12 are provided on the first end face 41 and the second end face 42 of the terminal holding portion 23. Each protrusion 43 protrudes along the direction in which the terminal 12 protrudes from the first end face 41 and the second end face 42. The protrusion 43 is formed, for example, based on the shape of the guide portion of the mold used when the terminal 12 is placed in the mold during insert molding of the housing 11. That is, the protrusion 43 is formed to taper in the protruding direction toward the terminal 12.

[0025] (Structure of Embedded Part 33) Each terminal 12 has a plate-shaped embedded portion 33 embedded inside the terminal holding portion 23. The embedded portion 33 is a portion of the terminal 12 embedded between the first end face 41 and the second end face 42 of the terminal holding portion 23. The embedded portion 33 is disposed between the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32.

[0026] like Figure 5 As shown, the embedded portion 33 of the terminal 12 includes a first main surface 34 and a second main surface 35, which are two sides of the embedded portion 33 in the thickness direction. The first main surface 34 and the second main surface 35 are located opposite each other in the thickness direction. The first main surface 34 and the second main surface 35 are, for example, parallel to each other.

[0027] Multiple engaging recesses 51 are provided on the first main surface 34 and the second main surface 35 of the terminal 12. In this embodiment, on each of the first main surface 34 and the second main surface 35, three rows of engaging recesses 51 arranged along the length direction are provided in the width direction (see reference). Figure 4 Additionally, areas where the engaging recesses 51 are not formed are provided from the end edges 36 on both sides of the embedded portion 33 in the width direction to a predetermined range in that width direction. The engaging recesses 51 of the first main surface 34 and the engaging recesses 51 of the second main surface 35 are, for example, provided at positions that overlap each other in the plate thickness direction. Figure 6 As shown, the side surface 51a of each engaging recess 51 forms an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the first main surface 34 and the second main surface 35.

[0028] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the terminal 12 of this embodiment, in each of the first main surface 34 and the second main surface 35, the plurality of engaging recesses 51 include a plurality of end-side engaging recesses 52 and a plurality of intermediate engaging recesses 53.

[0029] The end-side engaging recess 52 is provided inside the protrusion 43. That is, the end-side engaging recess 52 is provided in the embedded portion 33 at the portion located inside the protrusion 43. It should be noted that the end-side engaging recess 52 only needs to be provided at least partially inside the protrusion 43.

[0030] The intermediate engaging recess 53 is disposed between the end-side engaging recesses 52 located at both ends along the length direction of the embedded portion 33. That is, the intermediate engaging recess 53 is disposed between the end-side engaging recess 52 disposed inside the protrusion 43 of the first end face 41 and the end-side engaging recess 52 disposed inside the protrusion 43 of the second end face 42.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the embedded portion 33 has an end edge recess 54 at its end edge 36 in the width direction. The end edge recess 54 is recessed inward from the end edge 36 in the width direction. The end edge recess 54 is provided, for example, on the end edges 36 on both sides of the embedded portion 33 in the width direction. The end edge recesses 54 provided on the end edges 36 on both sides of the embedded portion 33 in the width direction are provided at positions that overlap each other, for example, in the width direction of the embedded portion 33.

[0032] The embedded portion 33 has a non-forming region A in which the engaging recess 51 is not formed in the entire area occupied by the end edge recess 54 in the length direction of the embedded portion 33. That is, the end edge recess 54 and the engaging recess 51 are provided in a position where they do not overlap in the width direction of the embedded portion 33.

[0033] (The function of this implementation method) The function of this embodiment will be explained below. By inserting the terminal 12 into the housing 11 as an insert, the synthetic resin forming the housing 11 enters the engaging recesses 51 and end edge recesses 54 of the embedded portion 33 of the terminal 12. This improves the tightness between the embedded portion 33 and the terminal holding portion 23 of the housing 11 through the so-called anchoring effect. As a result, it prevents liquids such as water and oil from seeping into the space between the embedded portion 33 and the terminal holding portion 23 of the housing 11. This eliminates the need, for example, to fill the first end face 41 and second end face 42 of the terminal holding portion 23 with a potting material to prevent water and oil from seeping in. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for this potting material, the space for filling the potting material can be saved, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the housing 11. Additionally, by forming the synthetic resin of the housing 11 into the engaging recesses 51 and end edge recesses 54 of the embedded portion 33, misalignment of the embedded portion 33 in the longitudinal direction can also be suppressed.

[0034] (Effects of this implementation method) The effects of this embodiment will be explained below. (1) Multiple engaging recesses 51 are provided on the first main surface 34 and the second main surface 35 of the embedded portion 33 of the terminal 12. According to this structure, the synthetic resin forming the housing 11 enters each of the multiple engaging recesses 51 provided in the embedded portion 33 of the terminal 12, thereby improving the adhesion between the terminal 12 and the synthetic resin forming the housing 11 through a so-called anchoring effect. Therefore, the waterproofness of the connector 10 can be improved.

[0035] (2) Terminals 12 protrude from the first end face 41 and the second end face 42 of the terminal holding portion 23 to the outside of the terminal holding portion 23, respectively. Protrusions 43 surrounding the terminals 12 are provided on the first end face 41 and the second end face 42 of the housing 11, respectively. A plurality of engaging recesses 51 include end-side engaging recesses 52 disposed inside the protrusions 43. According to this structure, by allowing the synthetic resin forming the housing 11 to enter the end-side engaging recesses 52 disposed in the embedded portion 33, the waterproofness of the connector 10 can be appropriately improved.

[0036] (3) The terminal holding portion 23 has end faces (first end face 41 and second end face 42) including protrusions 43 on both sides of the embedded portion 33 along its length direction. End-side engaging recesses 52 are provided inside each of the pair of protrusions 43 on both sides of the embedded portion 33 along its length direction (i.e., the protrusions 43 of the first end face 41 and the protrusions 43 of the second end face 42). A plurality of engaging recesses 51 include a central engaging recess 53, which is provided in the embedded portion 33 between the end-side engaging recesses 52 provided inside the protrusions 43 of the first end face 41 and the end-side engaging recesses 52 provided inside the protrusions 43 of the second end face 42. According to this structure, since a plurality of engaging recesses 51 (end-side engaging recesses 52 and central engaging recesses 53) are provided over a wide range along the length direction of the embedded portion 33, the waterproofness of the connector 10 can be further improved.

[0037] (4) The embedded portion 33 has an end edge recess 54 at its end edge 36 in the width direction. According to this structure, the synthetic resin forming the housing 11 enters the end edge recess 54 of the embedded portion 33 provided in the terminal 12, thereby improving the adhesion between the terminal 12 and the synthetic resin forming the housing 11 through a so-called anchoring effect. Therefore, the waterproofness of the connector 10 can be further improved.

[0038] (5) The embedded portion 33 has a non-forming region A in which the engaging recess 51 is not formed in the entire area of ​​the region occupied by the end edge recess 54 along the length direction of the embedded portion 33. According to this structure, the engaging recess 51 is not formed in the entire area of ​​the region occupied by the end edge recess 54 along the length direction of the embedded portion 33. That is, the end edge recess 54 and the engaging recess 51 are provided at positions that do not overlap with each other in the width direction of the embedded portion 33. Therefore, the reduction of the cross-sectional area of ​​the embedded portion 33 orthogonal to its length direction can be suppressed.

[0039] (Other implementation methods) The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following variations can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0040] like Figure 7 As shown, in the embedded portion 33 of terminal 12, the engaging recess 51 of the first main surface 34 and the engaging recess 51 of the second main surface 35 can also be provided at positions that do not overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the embedded portion 33. Figure 7 In the example shown, the engaging recess 51 of the first main surface 34 and the engaging recess 51 of the second main surface 35 are positioned offset from each other in the length direction of the embedded portion 33. With this structure, the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the embedded portion 33 orthogonal to its length direction can be suppressed.

[0041] The shape, configuration, and other structures of the engaging recess 51 are not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified according to the structure of the connector 10. The side surface 51a of the engaging recess 51 can also be a plane perpendicular to the first main surface 34 and the second main surface 35.

[0042] The number of end-side engaging recesses 52 and intermediate engaging recesses 53 included in the plurality of engaging recesses 51 is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed according to the structure of the connector 10.

[0043] The engaging recess 51 may also be provided on either the first main surface 34 or the second main surface 35. In the engaging recess 51 of the above embodiment, each end engaging recess 52 may be omitted. Additionally, in the engaging recess 51 of the above embodiment, each intermediate engaging recess 53 may be omitted.

[0044] In terminal 12, the end edge recesses 54 of the end edges 36 respectively provided on both sides of the width direction of the embedded portion 33 can also be provided in a position that does not overlap with each other in the width direction of the embedded portion 33. That is, the end edge recesses 54 of the end edges 36 respectively provided on both sides of the width direction of the embedded portion 33 can also be provided in a position that is staggered with each other in the length direction of the embedded portion 33.

[0045] The number, shape, and other structures of terminals 12 are not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified according to the structure of connector 10. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the invention is not limited to these illustrative examples. That is, the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0046] 10 Connectors 11. Shell 12 terminals 21 Main Body 22 Fixing part 23 Terminal holding section 24 1st fitting part 25 2nd fitting part 26 Insert cylinder 27 Sealing components 31 First connecting part 32 Second connecting part 33. Installation Department 34 Main side 1 35 2nd main side 36 End Edge 41 First end face 42 Second end face 43. Protrusion 51 engagement recess 51a Side View 52 end side engagement recess 53. Intermediate engagement recess 54 End edge recess A Non-forming region

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: Terminals and A housing made of synthetic resin, integrally formed with the terminals by insert molding. The housing includes a terminal holding portion for holding the terminal. The terminal has a plate-shaped embedded portion embedded inside the terminal holding portion. The embedded part has a first main surface and a second main surface located opposite each other in the plate thickness direction. At least one of the first main surface and the second main surface is provided with a plurality of engaging recesses.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal protrudes from the end face of the terminal holding portion to the outside of the terminal holding portion. A protrusion is provided on the end face of the housing to surround the terminal. The plurality of engaging recesses include end-side engaging recesses disposed inside the protrusion.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein, The terminal holding portion has end faces including the protrusions on both sides of the embedded portion along its length. The end-side engaging recess is disposed inside each of the pair of protrusions. The plurality of engaging recesses includes a middle engaging recess, which is disposed in the embedded portion between the end-side engaging recess disposed inside one of the pair of protrusions and the end-side engaging recess disposed inside the other of the pair of protrusions.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein, The embedded part has an end edge recess at its end edge in the width direction.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, The embedded portion has a non-forming area in which the engagement recess is not formed, which extends along the length of the embedded portion and covers the entire area occupied by the end edge recess.

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