Connector and motor device

Abstract

To provide a connector which can inhibit failure and enables improvement of assemblability and maintainability, and to provide a motor device.SOLUTION: A connector includes: a connection terminal 14 with which an external terminal 22 is connected; a power source connector housing 7 which holds the connection terminal 14; and a first cover 8 and a second cover 9 which sandwich the power source connector housing 7 to cover the power source connector housing 7 from both sides. The first cover 8 has an outer peripheral wall 24 which covers at least the first cover 8 side of a side wall 7c and an outer wall 7d of the power source connector housing 7. The outer peripheral wall 24 covers a part of a second cover side engagement piece 32 of the second cover 9 from the outer side. The outer peripheral wall 24 and the second cover side engagement piece 32 form a first labyrinth part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a motor device. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to supply power to a motor device, it is necessary to connect a terminal extending from an external power source such as a battery to the motor device. For example, when using a motor device in a motorcycle or the like, a connector is provided on the outside of the motor device in consideration of ease of installation and maintenance of the motor device. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to easily connect the terminal extending from the external power source to the motor device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-2988 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a motor device is attached to a motorcycle or the like as in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the connector is exposed to the outside, which makes the connector more susceptible to failure, for example, due to the intrusion of dust or water into the connector. It is possible to improve waterproofing by drawing the terminals extending from the external power supply into the motor device via a grommet or the like. However, such a configuration makes the connection between the external power supply and the motor device cumbersome and also makes maintenance difficult.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a connector and a motor device that can suppress failures and improve ease of assembly and maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, in a first aspect of the present invention, a connector comprises a connection terminal to which an external terminal is connected, a connector housing that holds the connection terminal, and a first cover and a second cover that cover the connector housing from both sides thereof, wherein the first cover has an outer peripheral wall that covers at least the entire outer periphery of the first cover side of the connector housing, and the outer peripheral wall covers at least a portion of the second cover from the outside, and the outer peripheral wall and the second cover form a labyrinth portion.

[0007] With this configuration, even if the connector is provided outside the device, both sides of the connector housing that holds the connection terminals can be covered by the first cover and the second cover. Moreover, by forming the first cover larger than the second cover and covering at least a portion of the second cover with the outer peripheral wall of the first cover, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the connector and improve the waterproofing of the connector. In this case, a labyrinth portion is formed by at least a portion of the second cover and the outer peripheral wall of the first cover. Therefore, dust, water, etc. are even less likely to enter the inside at the labyrinth portion. This makes it possible to suppress failure of the connector and improve the ease of assembly and maintenance of the connector.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, in the connector of the first aspect, the second cover may have a second cover side engaging piece that protrudes toward the first cover side and engages with the outer periphery of the connector housing, and the outer periphery wall may cover the second cover side engaging piece from the outside.

[0009] With this configuration, there is no need to change the shapes of the first cover and the second cover just to form the labyrinth portion. The labyrinth portion can be formed by utilizing the second cover side engagement piece that has the function of engaging with the connector housing. This makes it possible to suppress connector failures despite the simple structure, and improves the ease of assembly and maintenance of the connector.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the connector of the first or second aspect, the connector may have a plurality of connection terminals, the connector housing may have a partition portion that separates each of the connection terminals, the partition portion may have a partition side engagement portion that engages with the first cover, and the first cover may have a first cover side engagement piece that protrudes toward the second cover and engages with the partition side engagement portion.

[0011] With this configuration, the connector housing and the first cover can be engaged at a location adjacent to the connection terminal by the first cover side engagement piece. In other words, the first cover side engagement piece can be formed closer to the inside of the connector housing. This makes it more difficult for dust, water, etc. to get in from the outside to the connection terminal, and further reduces connector failure.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the connector of the third aspect, the partition side engagement portion includes a through hole formed between the end of the partition portion on the first cover side and the end of the partition portion on the second cover side, and a partition side engagement claw formed on the inner surface of the through hole, and the first cover side engagement piece includes a first cover side engagement claw formed at its tip and engaging with the partition side engagement claw, and the partition side engagement claw may be positioned closer to the first cover than the longitudinal center of the through hole.

[0013] With this configuration, it becomes possible to remove the first cover side engagement piece formed toward the inside of the connector housing from the second cover side. This improves the ease of assembly and maintenance of the connector. Moreover, the partition wall side engagement claw is disposed closer to the first cover than the center of the length of the through hole. In other words, the partition wall side engagement claw is disposed at a recessed position in the through hole. This prevents the engagement point between the first cover side engagement claw and the partition wall side engagement claw from being exposed to the outside. This prevents erroneous work such as accidentally removing the first cover from the connector housing. This makes it possible to provide a highly reliable connector.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a connector of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the connector housing is formed in a box shape having an opening on the first cover side, and the connector housing has a drainage hole formed in the bottom, and the drainage hole may be covered by the second cover.

[0015] With this configuration, even if water does get into the connector housing, it can be easily drained through the drain hole. Also, by covering the drain hole with the second cover, water can be prevented from getting into the connector housing from the outside.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a connector of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the connection terminal is formed in a plate shape whose thickness direction is the opposing direction between the first cover and the second cover, and has a bolt insertion hole through which a bolt can be inserted for tightening together with the external terminal, the connector housing is formed in a box shape having an opening on the first cover side, and a female threaded portion is formed at the bottom of the connector housing into which the bolt inserted into the bolt insertion hole is tightened, and the head of the bolt may be covered by the first cover.

[0017] With this configuration, the connection terminals and the external terminals can be reliably connected to each other within the connector housing using the bolts. The bolts can also be prevented from being exposed to water, improving waterproofing. Thus, failure of the connector can be reliably prevented.

[0018] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a motor device comprises a connector of any one of the first to sixth aspects, and an electric motor mounted on a vehicle body and supplied with power via the connection terminal of the connector, wherein the electric motor is mounted so that the first cover faces inwardly of the vehicle body.

[0019] With this configuration, the inside of the vehicle body is susceptible to water damage. By disposing the first cover, which is larger than the second cover, on the inside of such a vehicle body, it is possible to provide a motor device that is less prone to breakdowns and has excellent connector assembly and maintainability. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress failures in the connector and the motor device, and to improve the ease of assembly and maintenance of the connector and the motor device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed in a vehicle width direction. [Diagram 2] 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a motor device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a power connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view of a power connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the opening side. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a power connector housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the bottom wall. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first cover as viewed from the power connector housing in the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] <Motor device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a motorcycle 100 equipped with a motor device 1, as viewed in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Fig. 1, the motor device 1 is used, for example, to drive a motorcycle 100. The motor device 1 is provided, for example, on a side portion in the vehicle width direction of a body 101 of the motorcycle 100. In the following description, the direction facing the center in the vehicle width direction is referred to as the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and the direction facing from the center in the vehicle width direction to the outer side in the vehicle width direction is simply referred to as the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the motor device 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the motor device 1 includes a motor body 2, and a sensor connector 3 and a power connector (an example of a connector in the claims) 4 provided on the side of the motor body 2. The motor body 2 is a brushless motor. The motor body 2 includes a motor case 5, and a stator and a rotor (not shown) provided in the motor case 5. The direction of the rotation axis of the rotor coincides with the vehicle width direction.

[0025] In addition, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotational position of the rotor is provided inside the motor case 5. This sensor is electrically connected to a connector terminal (not shown) of the sensor connector 3. The sensor connector 3 has a sensor connector housing 6 into which external sensor terminals extending from a control device (not shown) are fitted. A plurality of holes 6a into which the external sensor terminals are inserted are formed in the sensor connector housing 6. Connector terminals are provided inside the holes 6a.

[0026] The external sensor terminal is fitted into the sensor connector housing 6, thereby connecting the external sensor terminal and the connector. As a result, the detection result of the sensor is output as a signal to the control device via the sensor connector 3. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the control device controls the supply of electricity to a coil (not shown) wound around the stator. Power is supplied to the coil via the power connector 4.

[0027] <Power connector> FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the power connector 4. 2 and 3, the power connector 4 is provided to protrude from the outer surface of the motor case 5. The power connector 4 includes a power connector housing 7 attached to the outer surface of the motor case 5, a first cover 8 attached to the inner side of the power connector housing 7 in the vehicle width direction, and a second cover 9 attached to the outer side of the power connector housing 7 in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] <Power connector housing> The power connector housing 7 is made of resin. The power connector housing 7 has an opening 7a on the inside in the vehicle width direction, and is formed into a rectangular box shape that is long in one direction. The longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7 as viewed from the opening 7a side is along the outer side surface of the motor case 5. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7 as viewed from the opening 7a side (the left-right direction in Figures 2 and 3) will be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7. The lateral direction of the power connector housing 7 as viewed from the opening 7a side will be referred to as the lateral direction of the power connector housing 7.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the power connector housing 7 seen from the opening 7a side. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the power connector housing 7 seen from the bottom wall 7b opposite the opening 7a. 3 to 7, recesses 11 are formed in the side walls 7c on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7, from the opening 7a to the vicinity of the bottom wall 7b. The recesses 11 are disposed closer to the motor case 5 than the center of the power connector housing 7 in the lateral direction. The recesses 11 are housing side engaging portions 12 with which second cover side engaging pieces 32 of the second cover 9, which will be described later, engage. A guide groove 13 that receives the second cover side engaging pieces 32 is formed on the bottom wall 7b side of the recesses 11.

[0030] The power connector housing 7 is formed with two partition walls 15 that divide the interior into three terminal storage chambers 10. The partition walls 15 are arranged so that the three terminal storage chambers 10 have the same volume. The longitudinal thickness of the power connector housing 7 at the partition walls 15 is thicker than the longitudinal thickness of the power connector housing 7 at the side walls 7c. Each partition wall 15 is formed with a thickness-reducing recess 16. The thickness-reducing recess 16 is intended to suppress thermal sink marks during resin molding of the power connector housing 7 by making the thickness of the partition walls 15 the same as the thickness of other portions.

[0031] The material-removing recess 16 is disposed closer to the motor case 5. The portion of the partition wall 15 where the material-removing recess 16 is formed protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the bottom wall 7b of the power connector housing 7. The width of the material-removing recess 16 in the vehicle width direction is therefore greater than the width of the power connector housing 7 in the vehicle width direction.

[0032] A through hole 17 that penetrates in the vehicle width direction is formed at a position avoiding the weight-reducing recess 16 of the partition wall portion 15, i.e., on the opposite side of the weight-reducing recess 16 from the motor case 5. The through hole 17 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the vehicle width direction. A partition wall side engagement claw 18 is formed on the inner surface of the through hole 17. The partition wall side engagement claw 18 engages the power connector housing 7 with the first cover 8. The partition wall side engagement claw 18 has an inclined surface 18a formed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and a partition wall side engagement end surface 18b formed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0033] The inclined surface 18a is formed to be inclined so as to gradually move away from the inner side surface of the through hole 17 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The partition wall side engagement end surface 18b is formed so as to be perpendicular to the inner side surface of the through hole 17. The position of the partition wall side engagement end surface 18b is disposed closer to the inner side in the vehicle width direction than the center of the through hole 17 in the length direction (the penetrating direction of the through hole 17).

[0034] Three lead wire pull-out recesses 20 are formed in the outer wall 7d on the opposite side of the motor case 5 in the short side direction of the power connector housing 7, from the opening 7a to the vicinity of the bottom wall 7b. The lead wire pull-out recesses 20 are formed in a U-shape when viewed in the short side direction. Each lead wire pull-out recess 20 is disposed so as to be located at the center of the terminal storage chamber 10 in the longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7. The lead wire pull-out recesses 20 are for pulling out the lead wires 22b of the external terminals 22, which will be described later, from inside the power connector housing 7.

[0035] Four drainage holes 7e are formed in the bottom wall 7b of each terminal accommodating chamber 10. The four drainage holes 7e are arranged at four corners of the bottom wall 7b of each terminal accommodating chamber 10. The drainage holes 7e are used to drain water that has entered each terminal accommodating chamber 10.

[0036] Three bolt seats 19 are integrally formed on the bottom wall 7b of the power connector housing 7, protruding outward in the vehicle width direction. Each bolt seat 19 is disposed so as to be located at the center of the terminal storage chamber 10 in the longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7. Each bolt seat 19 is disposed closer to the motor case 5. The protruding height of each bolt seat 19 from the bottom wall 7b is the same as the protruding height of the portion of the partition wall 15 where the thickness-reducing recess 16 is formed. The bolt seats 19 are provided with a female screw portion 19a. The female screw portion 19a is used to fasten together a connection terminal 14 and an external terminal 22, which will be described later, with a bolt 21.

[0037] Inside the power connector housing 7, three connection terminals 14 protrude from the motor case 5 side. Each connection terminal 14 is disposed in its own terminal storage chamber 10. That is, the partition wall 15 separates each connection terminal 14 inside the power connector housing 7. A bolt insertion hole 14a through which a bolt 21 is inserted is formed in each connection terminal 14. Each connection terminal 14 is disposed on the female thread portion 19a such that the bolt insertion hole 14a is positioned coaxially with the female thread portion 19a.

[0038] The three connection terminals 14 respectively correspond to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase of the motor device 1. Each connection terminal 14 also protrudes into the motor case 5. The portions of the connection terminals 14 protruding into the motor case 5 are electrically connected to terminal portions of coils (not shown) of the corresponding phases.

[0039] <First cover> FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first cover 8 as viewed from the power connector housing 7 and second cover 9 side. The first cover 8 is made of resin. As shown in Figures 3 to 5 and 8, the first cover 8 is formed in a box shape having an opening 8a on the power connector housing 7 side. That is, the first cover 8 is formed integrally with a first cover body 23 that covers the opening 7a of the power connector housing 7 and an outer peripheral wall 24 that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the first cover body 23 towards the power connector housing 7. The first cover body 23 is formed in the same rectangular shape as the power connector housing 7 when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] The first cover body 23 is formed with two first cover side engagement pieces 25 which protrude towards the second cover 9 side and are inserted into the through holes 17 of the power connector housing 7. The first cover side engagement pieces 25 are formed in a plate shape which is rectangular when viewed in the vehicle width direction so as to correspond to the shape of the through holes 17. This allows the first cover side engagement pieces 25 to be elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7.

[0041] A receiving recess 25a that receives the partition wall side engagement claw 18 is formed in the first cover side engagement piece 25. The receiving recess 25a is formed between the first cover main body 23 and the vicinity of a tip 25b of the first cover side engagement piece 25 on the second cover 9 side. A bottom surface of the receiving recess 25a on the second cover 9 side functions as a first cover side engagement end surface 25c that engages with the partition wall side engagement end surface 18b of the partition wall side engagement claw 18. The first cover side engagement end surface 25c corresponds to the first cover side engagement claw in the claims.

[0042] A guide groove 26 for guiding the partition wall engagement claw 18 to the receiving recess 25a is formed at the tip 25b of the first cover side engagement piece 25. The guide groove 26 is formed between the receiving recess 25a and the tip 25b. The bottom surface 26a of the guide groove 26 is formed to be inclined so that the groove depth gradually increases from the receiving recess 25a side toward the tip 25b.

[0043] A release protrusion 27 is integrally formed at the tip 25b of the first cover side engagement piece 25, protruding from the surface opposite to the guide groove 26. An insertion groove 27a into which a tool (not shown) is inserted is formed in the release protrusion 27. Furthermore, an opening 28 communicating with the receiving recess 25a is formed around the first cover side engagement piece 25 in the first cover body 23. The opening 28 is used to insert a tool into the insertion groove 27a of the release protrusion 27 (details will be described later).

[0044] The outer peripheral wall 24 covers the side wall 7c and the outer wall 7d of the power connector housing 7. The periphery of the outer peripheral wall 24 forms the opening 8a of the first cover 8. The protruding height of the outer peripheral wall 24 from the first cover body 23 is lower than the height of the side wall 7c and the outer wall 7d of the power connector housing 7 in the vehicle width direction. The outer peripheral wall 24 has a cover-side drawing recess 29 formed at a position corresponding to the three lead wire drawing recesses 20 in a portion covering the outer wall 7d of the power connector housing 7. The cover-side drawing recess 29 is formed between the opening 8a of the first cover 8 and the vicinity of the first cover body 23. The shape of the cover-side drawing recess 29 is U-shaped when viewed from the vehicle width direction so as to be symmetrical to the shape of the lead wire drawing recess 20.

[0045] <Second cover> The second cover 9 has a plate-shaped second cover body 31 that covers the bottom wall 7b of the power connector housing 7. The second cover body 31 is formed in the same rectangular shape as the power connector housing 7 when viewed in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the second cover body 31 covers the drainage hole 7e of the power connector housing 7. The second cover body 31 is formed with a recess 34 that exposes the through hole 17 of the partition wall portion 15 formed in the power connector housing 7. The recess 34 is formed from the outer edge of the second cover body 31 in the vehicle width direction to the inner edge in the vehicle width direction. The shape of the recess 34 is rectangular so as to correspond to the shape of the through hole 17 of the partition wall portion 15.

[0046] At both ends of the second cover body 31 in the longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7, second cover side engagement pieces 32 that protrude toward the first cover 8 are integrally formed. The second cover side engagement pieces 32 are formed in a plate shape such that the plate thickness direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7. Therefore, the second cover side engagement pieces 32 are elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction of the power connector housing 7.

[0047] A second cover engagement claw 33 that engages with the housing side engagement portion 12 is integrally formed with the second cover side engagement piece 32. The second cover engagement claw 33 has an inclined surface 33a formed on the inside in the vehicle width direction, and a second cover side engagement end surface 33b formed on the outside in the vehicle width direction. The inclined surface 33a is formed to be inclined so as to gradually move away from the second cover side engaging piece 32 from the inside in the vehicle width direction toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. The second cover side engaging end surface 33b is formed so as to be perpendicular to the side surface of the second cover side engaging piece 32.

[0048] <Method of connecting the connection terminal and the external terminal, and method of assembling the power connector> Next, a method of connecting the connection terminals 14 provided on the power connector 4 to the external terminals 22, and a method of assembling the power connector 4 will be described with reference to Figs. First, a method of connecting the connection terminal 14 and the external terminal 22 will be described.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 3, in the power connector housing 7, the external terminals 22 are inserted into the terminal storage chambers 10 from the opening 7a side. The external terminals 22 also have bolt insertion holes 22a through which the bolts 21 are inserted. Each external terminal 22 is arranged on the corresponding connection terminal 14 such that the bolt insertion holes 14a, 22a are coaxial with each other. Then, the bolt 21 is fastened from above the external terminal 22 to the female thread portion 19a via the bolt insertion hole 22a of the external terminal 22 and the bolt insertion hole 14a of the connection terminal 14. This connects the connection terminal 14 and the external terminal 22.

[0050] Lead wires 22b are connected to the external terminals 22. The lead wires 22b are drawn out through the lead wire drawing recess 20 of the power connector housing 7. The lead wires 22b are wires extending from an external power source (not shown). External power is supplied to the motor body 2 via the lead wires 22b, the external terminals 22, and the connection terminal 14.

[0051] Next, a method for assembling the power connector 4 will be described. First, the second cover 9 is placed on the outer side of the power connector housing 7 in the vehicle width direction, with the second cover side engagement piece 32 facing the power connector housing 7. When the second cover 9 is brought close to the power connector housing 7 in this position, the second cover engagement claw 33 abuts against the side wall 7c of the power connector housing 7.

[0052] The second cover 9 is further pressed against the power connector housing 7 while the second cover engagement claws 33 are aligned with the guide grooves 13 formed in the side wall 7c. Then, the second cover side engagement pieces 32 are elastically deformed so as to be pushed apart, and the second cover side engagement pieces 32 ride up the guide grooves 13. Then, the recesses 11 (housing side engagement parts 12) and the second cover side engagement end faces 33b of the second cover engagement claws 33 are engaged. That is, the second cover 9 is fixed to the power connector housing 7 by snap-fitting.

[0053] Next, the first cover 8 is placed on the inside of the power connector housing 7 in the vehicle width direction, with the opening 8a facing the power connector housing 7. When the first cover 8 is brought close to the power connector housing 7 in this position, the first cover side engagement piece 25 is inserted into the through hole 17 of the power connector housing 7. When the first cover 8 is further brought close to the power connector housing 7, the tip 25b of the first cover side engagement piece 25 abuts against the inclined surface 18a of the partition wall side engagement claw 18.

[0054] The first cover 8 is further pressed against the power connector housing 7 while aligning the guide grooves 26 of the first cover side engagement pieces 25 with the partition wall side engagement claws 18. Then, the first cover side engagement pieces 25 are elastically deformed so as to be pushed apart, and the tips 25b of the first cover side engagement pieces 25 ride up the partition wall side engagement claws 18. Then, the first cover side engagement end faces 25c of the first cover side engagement pieces 25 and the partition wall side engagement claws 18 are engaged. In other words, the first cover 8 is fixed to the power connector housing 7 by snap-fitting.

[0055] In this state, the outer peripheral wall 24 of the first cover 8 covers the tip side of the second cover side engagement piece 32, i.e., the back side of the second cover engagement claw 33 of the second cover side engagement piece 32 from the outside. Therefore, a first labyrinth portion 41 is formed by the second cover side engagement piece 32 and the outer peripheral wall 24 of the first cover 8 (see FIG. 5). At the same time, a second labyrinth portion 42 is formed by the side wall 7c and the outer wall 7d of the power connector housing 7 and the outer peripheral wall 24 of the first cover 8 (see FIG. 4). This completes the assembly of the power connector 4.

[0056] When removing the first cover 8 from the power connector housing 7, a tool (not shown) is inserted through the opening 28 of the first cover 8. Then, the tip of the tool is inserted through the opening 28 into the insertion groove 27a of the release protrusion 27 formed on the first cover side engagement piece 25. Then, the tip of the tool is caught on the release protrusion 27, making it possible to elastically deform the first cover side engagement piece 25. This releases the engagement between the first cover side engagement end surface 25c of the first cover side engagement piece 25 and the partition wall side engagement claw 18. Then, the first cover 8 can be removed from the power connector housing 7.

[0057] Since the partition wall side engaging claw 18 is formed in the through hole 17 of the partition wall portion 15, it is also possible to insert a tool (not shown) into the through hole 17 through the recess 34 of the second cover 9. This allows the first cover side engaging end surface 25c of the first cover side engaging piece 25 to be disengaged from the partition wall side engaging claw 18. However, the position of the partition wall side engaging end surface 18b is disposed closer to the inside in the vehicle width direction than the center in the length direction of the through hole 17 (the penetrating direction of the through hole 17). In other words, the partition wall side engaging claw 18 is disposed at a recessed position of the through hole 17. Therefore, the engaging portion between the first cover side engaging end surface 25c and the partition wall side engaging claw 18 is not exposed to the outside. This prevents an erroneous operation such as erroneously removing the first cover 8 from the power connector housing 7.

[0058] Thus, the above-mentioned power connector 4 includes the power connector housing 7, and the first cover 8 and the second cover 9 which sandwich the power connector housing 7 and cover the power connector housing 7 from both sides. The outer peripheral wall 24 of the first cover 8 covers a part of the second cover side engaging piece 32 from the outside, so that the outer peripheral wall 24 and the second cover side engaging piece 32 form a first labyrinth portion 41. The formation of this first labyrinth portion 41 also results in the formation of a second labyrinth portion 42 by the side wall 7c and the outer wall 7d of the power connector housing 7 and the outer peripheral wall 24 of the first cover 8.

[0059] Even when the power connector 4 is provided outside the motor device 1 as in this embodiment, both sides of the power connector housing 7 that holds the connection terminals 14 can be covered by the first cover 8 and the second cover 9. In addition, by making the first cover 8 larger than the second cover 9 so that the first labyrinth portion 41 is formed, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the power connector 4 and improve the waterproofing of the power connector 4. In addition to the second labyrinth portion 42, the area where the first labyrinth portion 41 is formed has double labyrinth portions 41, 42, making it even more difficult for water to enter the inside of the power connector 4. This makes it possible to suppress failure of the power connector 4 and improve the ease of assembly and maintenance of the power connector 4.

[0060] In addition, the first labyrinth portion 41 is formed by utilizing the second cover side engaging piece 32 of the second cover 9. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the shapes of the first cover 8 and the second cover 9 just to form the labyrinth portion. The first labyrinth portion 41 can be formed by utilizing the second cover side engaging piece 32 for engaging the second cover 9 with the power connector housing 7. Therefore, even with a simple structure, failure of the power connector 4 can be suppressed, and the assembling and maintenance of the power connector 4 can be improved.

[0061] The power connector housing 7 has partitions 15 that separate the connection terminals 14. The first cover 8 is snap-fitted to the power connector housing 7 by partition-side engagement claws 18 formed on the partitions 15 and first cover-side engagement pieces 25 of the first cover 8. This allows the power connector housing 7 and the first cover 8 to be engaged at a location adjacent to the connection terminals 14. In other words, the first cover-side engagement pieces 25 can be formed closer to the inside of the power connector housing 7. This makes it more difficult for dust and water to get in from the outside to the connection terminals 14, further preventing failure of the power connector 4.

[0062] Since the partition side engaging claw 18 is formed in the through hole 17 of the partition wall portion 15, it is also possible to insert a tool (not shown) into the through hole 17 through the recess 34 of the second cover 9. This allows the first cover side engaging end surface 25c of the first cover side engaging piece 25 to be disengaged from the partition side engaging claw 18. However, the position of the partition side engaging end surface 18b is disposed closer to the inside in the vehicle width direction than the center of the length direction of the through hole 17 (the penetrating direction of the through hole 17). In other words, the partition side engaging claw 18 is disposed at a recessed position of the through hole 17. Therefore, the engaging portion between the first cover side engaging end surface 25c and the partition side engaging claw 18 is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as erroneously removing the first cover 8 from the power connector housing 7. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly reliable power connector 4.

[0063] Four water drainage holes 7e are formed in the bottom wall 7b of each terminal accommodating chamber 10 in the power connector housing 7. Therefore, even if water enters the power connector housing 7, it can be easily drained through the water drainage holes 7e. The drainage hole 7e is covered by the second cover body 31. This makes it possible to prevent water from entering the power connector housing 7 from the outside.

[0064] A female screw portion 19a is formed on the bottom wall 7b of the power connector housing 7 in order to connect the connection terminal 14 supported by the power connector housing 7 to the external terminal 22. Then, a bolt 21 is inserted from above the external terminal 22 into the bolt insertion hole 22a of the external terminal 22 and the bolt insertion hole 14a of the connection terminal 14, and the bolt 21 is further fastened to the female screw portion 19a. A head 21a of the bolt 21 is covered by the first cover 8. In this way, the connection terminal 14 and the external terminal 22 can be reliably connected inside the power connector housing 7 using the bolt 21. The first cover 8 can also prevent the bolt 21 from being exposed to water, improving waterproofing.

[0065] Incidentally, the inside of the vehicle body 101 is easily submerged in water. The first cover 8 is attached to the inside of the vehicle body 101, that is, to the inside in the vehicle width direction of the power connector housing 7. The first cover 8 is formed to a size that covers the side wall 7c and the outer wall 7d of the power connector housing 7 and a part of the second cover side engagement piece 32 from the outside. This makes it possible to provide a motor device 1 that is less prone to breakdowns and has excellent assembling and maintainability of the power connector 4.

[0066] This makes it possible to provide a motor unit 1 that is less prone to breakdowns and has excellent assembly and maintainability of the power connector 4, which will contribute to Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations, which is to "build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation."

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications to the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the motor device 1 is described as being used to drive the motorcycle 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the motor device 1 can be used to drive various devices.

[0068] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the first labyrinth portion 41 is formed by the second cover side engagement piece 32 and the outer peripheral wall 24 of the first cover 8. However, this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the outer peripheral wall 24 of the first cover 8 is formed to cover a part of the second cover 9, thereby forming a labyrinth portion.

[0069] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the partition wall side engagement portion is formed by forming a through hole 17 in the partition wall portion 15 and forming a partition wall side engagement claw 18 on the inner surface of the through hole 17. A case has been described in which the first cover side engagement piece 25 that is inserted into the through hole 17 is formed in the first cover 8. In this way, a case has been described in which the first cover side engagement piece 25 of the first cover 8 is engaged with the power connector housing 7. However, this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if a partition wall side engagement portion that engages with the first cover side engagement piece 25 is provided in the partition wall portion 15.

[0070] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the protruding height of the outer peripheral wall 24 of the first cover 8 from the first cover body 23 is smaller than the height in the vehicle width direction of the side wall 7c and the outer wall 7d of the power connector housing 7. However, this is not limited to this, and the protruding height of the outer peripheral wall 24 from the first cover body 23 may be approximately the same as the height in the vehicle width direction of the side wall 7c and the outer wall 7d of the power connector housing 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1...motor device, 2...motor body (electric motor), 3...sensor connector, 4...power connector (connector), 5...motor case, 6...sensor connector housing, 6a...hole, 7...power connector housing (connector housing), 7a...opening, 7b...bottom wall (bottom), 7c...side wall (outer periphery), 7d...outer wall (outer periphery), 7e...hole, 8...first cover, 8a...opening, 9...second cover, 10...terminal storage chamber, 11...recess, 12...housing side engagement portion, 13...guide groove, 14...connection terminal, 14a...bolt insertion hole, 15...partition wall portion, 16...recess, 17...through hole (partition wall side engagement portion), 18...partition wall side engagement claw (partition wall side engagement portion), 18a...inclined surface, 18b...partition wall side engagement Mating end surface, 19...bolt seat, 19a...female thread portion, 20...recess, 21...bolt, 21a...head, 22...external terminal, 22a...bolt insertion hole, 22b...lead wire, 23...first cover body, 24...outer circumferential wall, 25...first cover side engaging piece, 25a...recess, 25b...tip, 25c...first cover side engaging end surface (first cover side engaging claw), 26...guide groove, 26a...bottom surface, 27...release projection, 27a...groove, 28...opening, 29...recess, 31...second cover body, 32...second cover side engaging piece, 33...second cover engaging claw, 33a...inclined surface, 33b...second cover side engaging end surface, 34...recess, 41...first labyrinth portion, 42...second labyrinth portion, 100...motorcycle, 101...vehicle body

Claims

1. a connection terminal to which an external terminal is connected; a connector housing for holding the connection terminal; a first cover and a second cover that sandwich the connector housing and cover the connector housing from both sides; Equipped with the first cover has an outer peripheral wall that covers at least the entire periphery of the outer peripheral portion of the connector housing on the first cover side, The outer peripheral wall covers a part of the second cover from the outside, and the outer peripheral wall and the second cover form a labyrinth portion. A connector characterized by:

2. the second cover has a second cover side engagement piece that protrudes toward the first cover side and is engaged with the outer periphery of the connector housing, The outer peripheral wall covers the second cover side engagement piece from the outside.

2. The connector according to claim 1 .

3. The connection terminals are provided in a plurality of locations, The connector housing has a partition wall portion that separates the connection terminals, the partition wall has a partition wall side engagement portion that is engaged with the first cover, The first cover has a first cover side engagement piece that protrudes toward the second cover side and is engaged with the partition wall side engagement portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The partition wall side engagement portion is a through hole formed between an end of the partition wall on the first cover side and an end of the partition wall on the second cover side; a partition wall side engagement claw formed on an inner surface of the through hole; Including, the first cover side engagement piece includes a first cover side engagement claw formed at a tip end thereof and adapted to engage with the partition wall side engagement claw, The partition wall side engagement claw is disposed closer to the first cover than the center of the through hole in the longitudinal direction.

4. The connector according to claim 3.

5. The connector housing is formed in a box shape having an opening on the first cover side, The connector housing has a drain hole formed in a bottom portion, The drain hole is covered by the second cover.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the connection terminal is formed in a plate shape with a thickness direction being a direction in which the first cover and the second cover face each other, and has a bolt insertion hole through which a bolt for fastening the connection terminal together with the external terminal can be inserted, The connector housing is formed in a box shape having an opening on the first cover side, a female screw portion for fastening the bolt inserted into the bolt insertion hole is formed on a bottom portion of the connector housing; The head of the bolt is covered by the first cover.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The connector according to claim 1 ; an electric motor that is supplied with power via the connection terminal of the connector and is attached to a vehicle body; Equipped with The electric motor is attached so that the first cover faces the inside of the vehicle body. A motor device comprising:

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