Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that can improve assemblability.SOLUTION: A connector according to one embodiment comprises a housing, a conductive member, and an electric connection member. The housing has a first opening opened in a first direction that is a direction in which the opening is fitted to a mating connector and a second opening opened in a second direction crossing the first direction. The conductive member includes a tip part extending in the first direction, at least a portion of which is arranged in the first opening, and a base end part arranged in the housing. The electric connection member is fixed to an end part in the housing of an electric wire arranged to penetrate through the second opening, which is attachably and detachably connected to the base end part of the conductive member from the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a connector. [Background technology]

[0002] A connector having a housing and an electric wire with a terminal is known. The housing has a first opening for mating with a mating connector and a second opening for inserting the electric wire with terminal into the housing. The second opening opens in a different direction from the first opening. In assembling this connector, first, the electric wire with terminal is inserted into the housing from the second opening. Next, the position of the electric wire with terminal is changed within the housing so that the terminal of the electric wire with terminal faces the first opening. Then, the terminal of the electric wire with terminal is placed in the first opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-180897 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned connector, it is necessary to change the position of the terminal-attached electric wire inside the housing, which may reduce the ease of assembly of the connector.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a connector that can improve assembly efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a conductive member, and an electrical connection member. The housing has a first opening that opens in a first direction that is a mating direction with a mating connector, and a second opening that opens in a second direction that intersects with the first direction. The conductive member includes a tip end that extends in the first direction and at least a portion of which is disposed in the first opening, and a base end that is disposed within the housing. The electrical connection member is fixed to an end of an electric wire that is disposed so as to pass through the second opening and is disposed within the housing, and is detachably connected to the base end of the conductive member from the second direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the connector of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the ease of assembly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG. 1 taken along line F2-F2. [Diagram 3] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating conductive members and electrical connection members according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG. 2 taken along line F4-F4. [Diagram 5] 3 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling the connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method of assembling the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 3 is a perspective view illustrating a method of assembling the connector according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0010] In this application, the terms are defined as follows. "Connection" is not limited to mechanical connection, but may include electrical connection. In other words, "connection" is not limited to the case where two elements to be connected are directly connected, but may include the case where two elements to be connected are connected with another element interposed therebetween. "Restrict" is not limited to the case where two members are always in contact with each other to restrict one of the two members from moving relative to the other. "Restrict" may include the case where, for example, the two members are not in contact when there is no positional displacement, but when one of the two members tries to move relative to the other, the two members come into contact with each other to restrict the movement of one of the two members relative to the other. "Restrict" also means that movement in at least one direction is restricted.

[0011] The +X direction, the -X direction, the +Y direction, the -Y direction, the +Z direction, and the -Z direction are defined as follows. The +X direction is the direction from the connector 1 to the mating connector 2 (see FIG. 2). The -X direction is the opposite direction to the +X direction. When the +X direction and the -X direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "X direction". The Y direction is a direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the X direction. The +Y direction is a direction from one terminal portion TU to another terminal portion TU (see FIG. 4), which will be described later. The -Y direction is the opposite direction to the +Y direction. When the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z direction is a direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is a direction in which the electric wire 5, which will be described later, is inserted into the housing 10 (see FIG. 2). The -Z direction is a direction intersecting the +Z direction. When the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z direction". The X direction is an example of a "first direction." The Z direction is an example of a "second direction." The Y direction is an example of a "third direction." For ease of explanation, the +X direction may be referred to as the "front side" and the -X direction may be referred to as the "rear side."

[0012] (First embodiment) <1. Connector configuration> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector 1 of a first embodiment. The connector 1 is a connection part for electrically connecting an electric wire 5 and a mating connector 2 (see FIG. 2). The connector 1 is a connector used in vehicles such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The connector 1 is a high-voltage connector through which a current of, for example, 100V or more flows. In this embodiment, the connector 1 is a connector compatible with four electrodes. However, the connector 1 may be a connector compatible with three or less electrodes, or a connector compatible with five or more electrodes.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 1 has, for example, a housing 10, a unit gasket 41, a front holder 42, a rear gasket 43 (see FIG. 2), a conductive member 50 (see FIG. 2), an electrical connection member 60 (see FIG. 2), a support portion 71 (see FIG. 2), an insulating rib 72 (see FIG. 4), a shield terminal 80 (see FIG. 2), first and second waterproof members 81, 82 (see FIG. 2), a rear holder 91, and an auxiliary holder 92.

[0014] <1.1 Housing> 1, the housing 10 is an exterior member of the connector 1. The housing 10 includes an outer housing 21, an inner housing 22, and a rear cover 23, for example.

[0015] (Outer housing) The outer housing 21 is a housing member that defines a part of the outer shape of the connector 1. The outer housing 21 may be referred to as a "first housing member." The outer housing 21 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. The outer housing 21 has insulating properties. The outer housing 21 includes, for example, a housing main body 30, a first protruding portion 31, and a second protruding portion 32.

[0016] (Main unit) The accommodating section main body 30 is a portion that defines the accommodating space S (see FIG. 2). The accommodating space S accommodates the conductive member 50, the electrical connection member 60, and a portion of the electric wire 5, which will be described later. The accommodating section main body 30 is box-shaped with the -X direction side open. The accommodating section main body 30 is flat along the Y direction and the Z direction, for example. The accommodating section main body 30 includes, for example, a main wall 30a and a peripheral wall 30b. The main wall 30a is a wall portion that extends along the Y direction and the Z direction. The peripheral wall 30b is a wall portion that extends from the peripheral end of the main wall 30a to the -X direction side.

[0017] The accommodating body 30 includes, for example, a plurality of first communication ports h1 (see FIG. 4) and a plurality of second communication ports h2 (see FIG. 4). The plurality of first communication ports h1 are provided in the main wall 30a. Each of the first communication ports h1 opens in the X direction. Each of the first communication ports h1 communicates between the inside of the accommodating body 30 and the inside of a first protruding portion 31 described later. Each of the first communication ports h1 has, for example, a rectangular shape extending in the Z direction. The plurality of first communication ports h1 are arranged side by side in the Y direction so as to correspond to the positions of a plurality of terminal portions TU described later.

[0018] The second communication ports h2 are provided at the end of the peripheral wall 30b on the -Z direction side. Each of the second communication ports h2 opens in the Z direction. Each of the second communication ports h2 communicates between the inside of the accommodating portion main body 30 and the inside of a second protruding portion 32 described later. Each of the second communication ports h2 has a cross-sectional shape that allows an electrical connection member 60 described later to be inserted therethrough in the Z direction. The second communication ports h2 are arranged side by side in the Y direction so as to correspond to the positions of the electric wires 5 described later.

[0019] (1st protrusion) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 shown in FIG. 1 taken along line F2-F2. The first protrusion 31 is a portion of the outer housing 21 to which the inner housing 22 is attached. The first protrusion 31 is provided at an end of the main wall 30a on the +Z direction side. The first protrusion 31 protrudes from the main wall 30a on the +X direction side. The first protrusion 31 is an elliptical cylinder with its major axis along the Y direction (see FIG. 1). The inside of the first protrusion 31 communicates with the inside of the accommodating section main body 30 through the above-mentioned first communication port h1. The first protrusion 31 has a first opening 31h. The first opening 31h opens in the X direction. The X direction is the mating direction of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2.

[0020] (Second protrusion) The second protrusion 32 is a portion of the outer housing 21 to which the shield terminal 80 is attached. The second protrusion 32 protrudes in the -Z direction from the end of the peripheral wall 30b on the -Z direction side. The second protrusion 32 has a plurality of shield terminal accommodating sections 32a (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, referred to as "shield accommodating sections 32a") (see FIG. 4). The plurality of shield accommodating sections 32a are arranged side by side in the Y direction. The interior of each shield accommodating section 32a communicates with the interior of the accommodating section main body 30 through the above-mentioned second communication port h2. Each shield accommodating section 32a has a second opening 32h. The second opening 32h opens in the Z direction.

[0021] (inner housing) The inner housing 22 is a part that fits with the mating connector 2. The inner housing 22 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The inner housing 22 has insulating properties. The inner housing 22 is disposed in the first opening 31h of the outer housing 21. The inner housing 22 has a plurality of terminal accommodating portions 22a (see FIG. 1). The plurality of terminal accommodating portions 22a are arranged side by side in the Y direction. The interior of each terminal accommodating portion 22a communicates with the interior of the accommodating portion main body 30 through the first communication port h1 described above. Also, the interior of each terminal accommodating portion 22a is exposed to the outside of the connector 1.

[0022] In this embodiment, the inner housing 22 has an engagement protrusion 22p. The engagement protrusion 22p protrudes in the Y direction from the inner surface of the terminal accommodating portion 22a. When a conductive member 50, which will be described later, is inserted into the inner housing 22, the engagement protrusion 22p engages with an engagement hole 51h of the conductive member 50. When the engagement protrusion 22p engages with the engagement hole 51h, the position of the conductive member 50 in the X direction is determined.

[0023] (Rear cover) The rear cover 23 is a housing member that defines a part of the outer shape of the connector 1. The rear cover 23 may be referred to as a "second housing member." The rear cover 23 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The rear cover 23 has insulating properties. The rear cover 23 is in the form of a plate extending along the Y direction and the Z direction. The rear cover 23 faces the accommodating space S from the side opposite to the main wall 30a of the outer housing 21. The outer housing 21 and the rear cover 23 are combined to close the accommodating space S of the housing 10.

[0024] <1.2 Unit packing> The unit packing 41 is an elliptical tubular packing. The unit packing 41 is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the first protruding portion 31 of the outer housing 21. The unit packing 41 comes into contact with the mating connector 2 when the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are mated. For example, this structure ensures waterproofing between the connector 1 and the mating connector 2.

[0025] <1.3 Front holder> The front holder 42 is a member that holds the unit packing 41. The front holder 42 is detachably attached to the outer peripheral surface of the first protruding portion 31 of the outer housing 21. The front holder 42 is located on the opposite side of the unit packing 41 to the main wall 30a of the outer housing 21. The front holder 42 holds the unit packing 41 between the front holder 42 and the outer housing 21.

[0026] <1.4 Rear packing> The rear packing 43 is a packing disposed between the outer housing 21 and the rear cover 23. When viewed from the X direction, the rear packing 43 is frame-shaped and disposed on the outer periphery of the accommodation space S. The rear packing 43 is sandwiched between the outer housing 21 and the rear cover 23. For example, this structure ensures waterproofing between the outer housing 21 and the rear cover 23.

[0027] <1.5 Conductive materials> FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the conductive member 50 and the electrical connection member 60. As shown in FIG. The conductive member 50 is a member that forms a terminal T of the connector 1. The terminal T is a portion that is physically connected to a terminal of the mating connector 2. In this embodiment, the conductive member 50 is an L-shaped bus bar. The conductive member 50 is a plate member that extends along the X direction and the Y direction. In this embodiment, the conductive member 50 is an example of a "second member." The conductive member 50 has, for example, a tip end portion 51 and a base end portion 52.

[0028] The tip portion 51 extends in the X direction. For example, the tip portion 51 extends linearly in the X direction. The tip portion 51 is passed through the first communication port h1 (see FIG. 2). At least a portion of the tip portion 51 is disposed in the first opening 31h of the outer housing 21. From another perspective, at least a portion of the tip portion 51 is disposed inside the inner housing 22. The portion of the tip portion 51 disposed inside the inner housing 22 forms the terminal T of the connector 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the tip portion 51 has an engagement hole 51h. The engagement hole 51h penetrates the tip portion 51 in the Y direction. When the conductive member 50 is inserted into the inner housing 22, the engagement protrusion 22p of the inner housing 22 engages with the engagement hole 51h. As described above, when the engagement protrusion 22p engages with the engagement hole 51h, the position of the conductive member 50 in the X direction is determined.

[0030] The base end 52 is a portion that is disposed within the housing 10. When viewed from the Z direction, the base end 52 overlaps with an electrical connection member 60, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the base end 52 includes an insertion portion 52a. The insertion portion 52a extends in the -Z direction relative to the tip end 51. The insertion portion 52a is inserted from the Z direction into a female terminal 62 of the electrical connection member 60, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 52a is in the shape of a plate that extends along the X and Z directions.

[0031] <1.6 Electrical connection parts> The electrical connection member 60 is a member that connects the conductive member 50 and the electric wire 5. The electrical connection member 60 is detachably connected to the base end portion 52 of the conductive member 50 from the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the electrical connection member 60 is an example of a "first member."

[0032] Here, the configuration of the electric wire 5 will be described first. The electric wire 5 is, for example, a shielded electric wire having a four-layer structure. The electric wire 5 has, for example, a core wire 5a, an inner coating 5b, a shield coating 5c, and an outer coating 5d. The core wire 5a is a part of the electric wire 5 through which a current flows. The inner coating 5b is an insulating coating that covers the outer periphery of the core wire 5a. The shield coating 5c ​​is a conductive member that covers the outer periphery of the inner coating 5b. The shield coating 5c ​​is, for example, a braid. The shield coating 5c ​​is electrically connected to the ground, for example, via a shield terminal 80 and a rear holder 91 described later. The shield coating 5c ​​functions as a component for preventing EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference). The outer coating 5d is an insulating coating that covers the outer periphery of the shield coating 5c.

[0033] The electric wire 5 is disposed so as to pass through the second opening 32h of the housing 10 (see FIG. 2). The electric wire 5 has an exposed portion 5S where the shield coating 5c ​​is exposed. The electric wire 5 also has an end portion 5E located inside the housing 10. At the end portion 5E, the inner coating 5b, the shield coating 5c, and the outer coating 5d are not present, and the core wire 5a is exposed.

[0034] The electrical connection member 60 has, for example, a fixing portion 61 and a female terminal 62. The fixing portion 61 is a portion that is fixed to the end portion 5E of the electric wire 5. The fixing portion 61 has, for example, a tubular portion 61a through which the core wire 5a of the electric wire 5 is passed. The fixing portion 61 is crimped and fixed to the core wire 5a by applying mechanical pressure with the core wire 5a passed through the tubular portion 61a. For example, with this structure, the fixing portion 61 is physically and electrically connected to the end portion 5E of the electric wire 5.

[0035] The female terminal 62 is a connection part that is detachably connected to the base end 52 of the conductive member 50 from the Z direction. In this embodiment, the female terminal 62 is flat along the X direction and the Z direction. The female terminal 62 has a receiving portion 62a that opens in the Z direction. The insertion portion 52a of the base end 52 of the conductive member 50 is inserted into the receiving portion 62a of the female terminal 62 from the Z direction. By inserting the insertion portion 52a into the receiving portion 62a, the conductive member 50 and the electrical connection member 60 are physically and electrically connected to each other.

[0036] In this embodiment, the insertion portion 52a is inserted into the receiving portion 62a, thereby restricting misalignment in the X direction between the conductive member 50 and the electrical connection member 60. The receiving portion 62a is, for example, cylindrical or cylindrical with a portion missing in the circumferential direction. The receiving portion 62a is, for example, a Faston terminal. The receiving portion 62a has, for example, first to fourth portions 62aa, 62ab, 62ac, and 62ad.

[0037] The first portion 62aa faces the insertion portion 52a from the -Y direction. The second portion 62ab faces the insertion portion 52a from the +Y direction. The third portion 62ac faces the insertion portion 52a from the +X direction. The fourth portion 62ad faces the insertion portion 52a from the -X direction. For example, according to this configuration, when the insertion portion 52a is inserted into the receiving portion 62a, the position of the female terminal 62 in the Y direction is restricted by the first portion 62aa and the second portion 62ab. Also, when the insertion portion 52a is inserted into the receiving portion 62a, the position of the female terminal 62 in the X direction is restricted by the third portion 62ac and the fourth portion 62ad.

[0038] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 61 and the female terminal 62 are integrally formed as one member. For example, the fixing portion 61 and the female terminal 62 are integrally formed by processing one plate material.

[0039] <1.7 Support part> Next, returning to FIG. 2, the support portion 71 will be described. The support portion 71 is a restricting portion that restricts the electrical connection member 60 from moving in a direction away from the conductive member 50 (-Z direction). In a state in which the electrical connection member 60 is connected to the base end portion 52 of the conductive member 50 from the Z direction, the support portion 71 faces at least a part of the electrical connection member 60 from the side opposite the conductive member 50. By facing at least a part of the electrical connection member 60 from the side opposite the conductive member 50, the support portion 71 restricts the electrical connection member 60 from moving in a direction away from the conductive member 50.

[0040] In this embodiment, the support portion 71 restricts the movement of the electrical connection member 60 in a direction away from the conductive member 50 by facing the end face 61e of the fixed portion 61 of the electrical connection member 60 on the -Z direction side. When viewed from the Z direction, the support portion 71 has an arc portion that follows the outer shape of the core wire 5a. The support portion 71 supports the fixed portion 61 of the electrical connection member 60 from the -Z direction side in a state where it is inserted into a part of the core wire 5a on both sides in the Y direction. Note that instead of the above example, the support portion 71 may restrict the movement of the electrical connection member 60 in a direction away from the conductive member 50 by facing the end face 62e of the female terminal 62 of the electrical connection member 60 on the -Z direction side or by facing another portion of the electrical connection member 60.

[0041] In this embodiment, the support portion 71 is provided integrally with the rear cover 23. The support portion 71 is made of synthetic resin like the rear cover 23. The support portion 71 has insulating properties. When the rear cover 23 is attached to the outer housing 21, the support portion 71 is disposed at a position facing a part of the electrical connection member 60 from the -Z direction side.

[0042] <1.8 Insulating rib> Next, the insulating rib 72 will be described. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F4-F4 of the connector 1 shown in Fig. 2. The connector 1 has a plurality of terminal portions TU corresponding to a plurality of electric wires 5. In this embodiment, the connector 1 has four terminal portions TU corresponding to four electrodes. Each terminal portion TU includes a set of the conductive member 50 and the electrical connection member 60 described above. In this embodiment, the multiple terminal portions TU are arranged side by side in the Y direction.

[0043] The insulating rib 72 is an insulating portion disposed between the multiple terminal portions TU. In this embodiment, the insulating rib 72 is formed on the inner surface of the outer housing 21. For example, the insulating rib 72 is formed integrally with the outer housing 21. The insulating rib 72 is made of a synthetic resin, similar to the outer housing 21.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the insulating rib 72 is disposed between two terminal portions TU adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The insulating rib 72 extends in the Z direction at least between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The first position P1 is a position aligned with the conductive member 50 in the Y direction. The second position P2 is a position closer to the second opening 32h in the Z direction than the end 50e1 of the conductive member 50 on the second opening 32h side. For example, the insulating rib 72 functions as a guide in the assembly operation of the electrical connection member 60 and the conductive member 50. This function will be described in detail later in the description of the assembly method of the connector 1. The insulating rib 72 is an example of an "insulating wall". The "insulating wall" in this application may be formed of a member separate from the outer housing 21.

[0045] <1.9 Shield terminal> Returning now to FIG. 2, the shield terminal 80 will be described. The shield terminal 80 is an electrical connection portion for connecting the shield coating 5c ​​of the electric wire 5 to the ground. The shield terminal 80 is, for example, a cylindrical metal part. The shield terminal 80 is accommodated in the shield housing portion 32a. The shield terminal 80 is physically connected to the shield coating 5c. Here, a rear holder 91, which will be described later, is electrically connected to the ground of the vehicle so as to have a ground potential. The shield terminal 80 electrically connects the shield coating 5c ​​to the rear holder 91. For example, with this structure, the shield coating 5c ​​is electrically connected to the ground of the vehicle.

[0046] <1.10 Waterproofing materials> The first waterproof member 81 is a waterproof member disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the shield terminal 80 and the inner surface of the outer housing 21. The first waterproof member 81 is, for example, a rubber plug member. The first waterproof member 81 is housed in the shield housing portion 32a. The first waterproof member 81 is compressed and held between the outer peripheral surface of the shield terminal 80 and the inner peripheral surface of the shield housing portion 32a. For example, this structure ensures waterproofing of the gap between the shield terminal 80 and the outer housing 21.

[0047] The second waterproofing member 82 is a waterproofing member disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the shield terminal 80 and the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 5. The second waterproofing member 82 is, for example, a rubber plug member. The second waterproofing member 82 is compressed and held between the inner peripheral surface of the shield terminal 80 and the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 5. For example, this structure ensures waterproofing of the gap between the shield terminal 80 and the electric wire 5.

[0048] <1.11 Rear holder> Next, returning to FIG. 1, the rear holder 91 will be described. The rear holder 91 is a member for fixing the housing 10 to the vehicle. The rear holder 91 is located on the -X direction side of the housing 10. The rear holder 91 has a shape that follows the outer shape of the housing 10. The rear holder 91 holds the housing 10. The rear holder 91 has a plurality of mounting holes 91h for fixing to the vehicle. The rear holder 91 is made of metal. The rear holder 91 is electrically connected to the ground of the vehicle via an electrical connection part (not shown). The rear holder 91 functions as an EMI countermeasure part. In addition, the rear holder 91 extends further in the -Z direction than the housing 10.

[0049] <1.12 Auxiliary holder> The auxiliary holder 92 is a member for holding a portion of the shield terminal 80 between itself and the rear holder 91. The auxiliary holder 92 has a plurality of mounting holes 92h for being fixed to the housing 10. The auxiliary holder 92 extends further in the -Z direction than the housing 10. A portion of the shield terminal 80 is held between the rear holder 91 and the auxiliary holder 92 at a position further in the -Z direction than the housing 10.

[0050] <2. Connector assembly method> Next, a method of assembling the connector 1 will be described. 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining a method of assembling the connector 1. FIG. 5, the conductive member 50 is inserted into the first communication opening h1 of the outer housing 21. This operation places a part of the tip portion 51 of the conductive member 50 in the first opening 31h of the outer housing 21. Furthermore, the engaging protrusion 22p of the inner housing 22 engages with the engaging hole 51h of the conductive member 50, thereby determining the position of the conductive member 50 in the X direction.

[0051] 6, an electric wire unit WU including an electric connection member 60 and an electric wire 5 is prepared outside the outer housing 21. For example, the electric wire unit WU is formed by fixing a core wire 5a of the electric wire 5 to a fixing portion 61 of the electric connection member 60. Note that the preparation of the electric wire unit WU may be performed prior to the operation of attaching the conductive member 50 to the outer housing 21 described above.

[0052] Next, the electric wire unit WU is inserted into the second opening 32h and the second communication port h2 of the outer housing 21 from the -Z direction side. Then, the electric wire unit WU is passed through the second opening 32h and the second communication port h2 of the outer housing 21 in the Z direction and inserted into the accommodation space S of the outer housing 21. That is, the electric wire unit WU is inserted into the accommodation space S in a state in which the conductive member 50 is attached to the outer housing 21 first. Then, the electric wire unit WU is moved in the +Z direction as it is, so that the insertion portion 52a of the conductive member 50 is inserted into the female terminal 62 of the electric wire unit WU. This operation physically and electrically connects the conductive member 50 and the electrical connection member 60.

[0053] In this embodiment, the electric wire unit WU may be moved in the Z direction inside the outer housing 21 using the insulating rib 72 (see FIG. 5) as a guide. For example, by moving the electric wire unit WU in the Z direction while the electric wire unit WU is in contact with the side surface of the insulating rib 72 in the Y direction, the electric wire unit WU can be stably moved close to the conductive member 50.

[0054] 7, the rear packing 43 and the rear cover 23 are attached in this order to the outer housing 21. In this embodiment, by attaching the rear cover 23 to the outer housing 21, the support portion 71 provided on the rear cover 23 is disposed so as to face a part of the electrical connection member 60 from the -Z direction side. This completes the assembly of the connector 1.

[0055] <3. Advantages> As a comparative example, consider a structure in which it is necessary to change the position of the electric wire with terminal inside the housing. In the structure of this comparative example, the need to change the position of the electric wire with terminal inside the housing makes the workability poor, and it is difficult to improve the assembly of the connector. Furthermore, for example, in a connector having multiple electrodes, if it is necessary to change the position of the electric wire with terminal inside the housing, the work of changing the position of each electric wire must be performed with care not to damage the other electric wires. If such care is required, the workability becomes even worse, and it becomes even more difficult to improve the assembly of the connector.

[0056] Furthermore, if it is necessary to change the position of the electric wire with the terminal inside the housing, it is necessary to secure a large space inside the housing to perform this operation. If a large space needs to be secured inside the housing, it becomes difficult to miniaturize the connector (for example, to make it thinner in the X direction).

[0057] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the connector 1 has a conductive member 50 and an electrical connection member 60. The electrical connection member 60 is fixed to the end 5E of the electric wire 5. The electrical connection member 60 is detachably connected to the base end 52 of the conductive member 50 from the Z direction. With this configuration, the electrical connection member 60 can be connected to the conductive member 50 from the Z direction. If the electrical connection member 60 can be connected to the conductive member 50 from the Z direction, the work of changing the position of the electric wire 5 inside the housing 10 can be reduced (e.g., eliminated). For this reason, the assemblability of the connector 1 can be improved.

[0058] Furthermore, if the work of changing the position of the electric wires 5 inside the housing 10 can be reduced (e.g., eliminated) in a connector 1 having multiple electrodes, the possibility of damaging another electric wire 5 due to the work of changing the position of one electric wire 5 is reduced. If the possibility of damaging another electric wire 5 is reduced, it is possible to reduce the need to be careful about damaging the electric wires 5. For this reason, the ease of assembly of the connector can be further improved.

[0059] Furthermore, if the work of changing the position of the wires 5 inside the housing 10 can be reduced (e.g., eliminated), there is no need to secure a large space inside the housing. For this reason, the connector 1 can be made smaller (e.g., thinner in the X direction).

[0060] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the conductive member 50A is an I-shaped bus bar. The configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0061] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector 1A of the second embodiment. The connector 1A of the second embodiment has a conductive member 50A and an electrical connection member 60A instead of the conductive member 50 and the electrical connection member 60 described above.

[0062] The conductive member 50A is a linear plate member extending along the X direction. The conductive member 50A is an I-shaped bus bar extending in the X direction. On the other hand, the electrical connection member 60A has a female terminal 101. The female terminal 101 has a receiving portion 101a that opens in the +Z direction and the +X direction. In this embodiment, the electrical connection member 60A is detachably connected to the conductive member 50A from the Z direction. For example, the insertion portion 52a of the conductive member 50A is inserted into the receiving portion 101a of the female terminal 101 from the Z direction.

[0063] According to this configuration, the electrical connection member 60A can be connected to the conductive member 50A from the Z direction. For this reason, the assembly of the connector 1A can be improved.

[0064] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a female terminal 111 is provided on a conductive member 50B. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0065] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector 1B of the third embodiment. The connector 1B of the third embodiment has a conductive member 50B and an electrical connection member 60B instead of the conductive member 50 and the electrical connection member 60 described above. A base end portion 52 of the conductive member 50B has a female terminal 111. The female terminal 111 has the same shape as the female terminal 62 of the first embodiment. However, the female terminal 111 has a receiving portion 111a that opens toward the -Z direction side. In this embodiment, the conductive member 50B is an example of a "first member."

[0066] In this embodiment, the electrical connection member 60B is detachably connected to the conductive member 50B from the Z direction. The electrical connection member 60B has, for example, an insertion portion 112. The insertion portion 112 is inserted into the female terminal 111 of the conductive member 50B from the Z direction. In this embodiment, the electrical connection member 60B is an example of a "second member."

[0067] According to this configuration, the electrical connection member 60B can be connected to the conductive member 50B from the Z direction. For this reason, the assembly of the connector 1B can be improved.

[0068] Several embodiments have been described above. Note that the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. For example, two or more of the above-described embodiments may be realized in combination with each other.

[0069] <Additional Notes> Some connectors are listed below.

[0070] [1] a housing (e.g., housing 10) having a first opening (e.g., first opening 31h) that opens in a first direction (e.g., X direction) that is a mating direction with a mating connector (e.g., mating connector 2) and a second opening (e.g., second opening 32h) that opens in a second direction (e.g., Z direction) that intersects with the first direction; a conductive member (e.g., conductive member 50, 50A, 50B) including a tip end portion (e.g., tip end portion 51) extending in the first direction and at least a portion of which is disposed in the first opening, and a base end portion (e.g., base end portion 52) disposed within the housing; an electrical connection member (e.g., electrical connection members 60, 60A, 60B) that is fixed to an end (e.g., end 5E) in the housing of an electric wire (e.g., electric wire 5) that is arranged to pass through the second opening and is detachably connected to a base end of the conductive member from the second direction; A connector with

[0071] According to the configuration [1] above, the conductive member can be attached to the housing first, and then the electrical connection member can be connected to the conductive member from the second direction. If the electrical connection member can be connected to the conductive member from the second direction, the work of changing the position of the terminal-attached electric wire inside the housing can be reduced (e.g., eliminated). For this reason, the assemblability of the connector can be improved.

[0072] [2]. The connector according to [1], a first member (e.g., an electrical connection member 60, 60A, or a conductive member 50B) that is one of the conductive member and the electrical connection member has a female terminal (e.g., a female terminal 62, 101, 111) that opens in the second direction, a second member (e.g., conductive member 50, 50A or electrical connection member 60B) which is the other of the conductive member and the electrical connection part has an insertion portion (e.g., insertion portion 52a, 112) which is inserted into the female terminal from the second direction, By inserting the insertion portion into the female terminal, the first member and the second member are connected to each other, and misalignment between the first member and the second member in the first direction is restricted.

[0073] According to the configuration [2] above, the configuration of the connector can be simplified compared to a case where a structure is provided in which the conductive member and the electrical connection member are fixed by a fixing member, for example, and therefore the connector can be made smaller.

[0074] [3]. The connector according to [2], the insertion portion has a plate shape along the first direction and the second direction, The female terminal has a flat shape extending along the first direction and the second direction.

[0075] According to the configuration [3] above, the configuration for each electric wire can be made thinner, which contributes to miniaturization of the connector.

[0076] [4].A connector according to any one of [1] to [3], a plurality of terminal portions (e.g., terminal portion TU) each including the conductive member and the electrical connection member; The plurality of terminal portions are arranged side by side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0077] According to the configuration [4] above, a plurality of terminal portions can be arranged at high density, which contributes to further miniaturization of the connector.

[0078] [5]. The connector according to [4], further comprising an insulating wall (e.g., an insulating rib 72) disposed between the plurality of terminal portions in the third direction, The insulating wall extends between a first position (e.g., first position P1) aligned with the conductive member in the third direction and a second position (e.g., second position P2) closer to the second opening than the end (e.g., end 50e1) of the conductive member on the second opening side.

[0079] According to the above configuration [5], when the electrical connection member is moved toward the conductive member, the insulating wall can be used as a guide to move the electrical connection member, which can further improve the ease of assembly of the connector.

[0080] [6].A connector according to any one of [1] to [5], The device further includes a support portion (e.g., support portion 71) that faces at least a portion of the electrical connection member from the side opposite the base end of the conductive member when the electrical connection member is connected to the base end of the conductive member from the second direction and restricts the electrical connection member from moving in a direction away from the base end of the conductive member.

[0081] According to the configuration of [6] above, the electrical connection member can be prevented from being separated from the conductive member with a simple configuration. This allows the configuration of the connector to be simplified compared to a case where a structure is provided in which the conductive member and the electrical connection member are fixed by a fixing member, for example. For this reason, the connector can be made smaller. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1,1A,1B…Connector 5...Electric wire 5E…End of electric wire 10. Housing 21…Outer housing 22…Inner housing 23…Rear cover 30…Main body of storage unit 31...first protrusion 31h…1st opening 32...Second protrusion 32h…Second opening 50, 50A, 50B...Conductive material 51...Tip 52...Proximal end 52a, 112...insertion part 60, 60A, 60B...Electrical connection members 61...Fixed part 62, 101, 111...Female terminal 71...Support part 72…Insulating rib TU…Terminal section

Claims

1. a housing having a first opening that opens in a first direction that is a mating direction with a mating connector, and a second opening that opens in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; a conductive member including a distal end portion extending in the first direction and at least a portion of which is disposed in the first opening, and a proximal end portion disposed within the housing; an electrical connection member that is fixed to an end of an electric wire disposed to pass through the second opening within the housing and is detachably connected to the base end of the conductive member from the second direction; A connector with

2. a first member which is one of the conductive member and the electrical connection member has a female terminal which opens in the second direction; a second member which is the other of the conductive member and the electrical connection member has an insertion portion which is inserted into the female terminal from the second direction, When the insertion portion is inserted into the female terminal, the first member and the second member are connected to each other, and misalignment between the first member and the second member in the first direction is restricted. The connector of claim 1 .

3. the insertion portion has a plate shape extending along the first direction and the second direction, The female terminal has a flat shape along the first direction and the second direction. The connector according to claim 2.

4. a plurality of terminal portions each including the conductive member and the electrical connection member; The plurality of terminal portions are arranged in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. further comprising an insulating wall disposed between the plurality of terminal portions in the third direction; the insulating wall extends between a first position aligned with the conductive member in the third direction and a second position closer to the second opening than an end of the conductive member on the second opening side; The connector according to claim 4.

6. a support portion that faces at least a part of the electrical connection member from an opposite side to the conductive member when the electrical connection member is connected to the base end portion of the conductive member from the second direction and restricts the electrical connection member from moving in a direction away from the conductive member; The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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