Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector advantageous for miniaturization while ensuring vibration resistance.SOLUTION: A connector 1 connected to an external connector has a plurality of terminals 10 and a wire lead-out part 33 for pulling out a plurality of wires 100 connected to each of the terminals 10 to the outside along a first direction for connecting to the external connector. The wire pulling part 33 has a wire holding part 95 that holds each wire 100 by sandwiching it.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are connectors in which the direction in which the connector is connected to an external connector is different from the direction in which the electric wires are drawn out to the outside. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a so-called L-shaped connector that has a vibration absorbing structure and in which the direction in which the connector is connected to an external connector is perpendicular to the direction in which the electric wires are drawn out to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-38793 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the L-shaped connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if an electric wire holding part that clamps and holds a part of the electric wire extending in the direction to be drawn out is provided inside, there is little impact on the miniaturization of the connector. However, in the case of a so-called U-shaped connector in which the direction to connect to the external connector is the same as the direction to draw out the electric wire, there is a concern that the connector will become larger if an electric wire holding part is provided that clamps and holds a part of the electric wire extending from each terminal in the perpendicular direction.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector that is advantageous in terms of miniaturization while ensuring vibration resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a connector that is connected to an external connector, and has a plurality of terminals and an electric wire pull-out portion that pulls out a plurality of electric wires connected to each terminal to the outside along a first direction for connecting to the external connector, and the electric wire pull-out portion has an electric wire holding portion that clamps and holds each electric wire. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that is advantageous in terms of miniaturization while ensuring vibration resistance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] 13 is a perspective view of the outer housing after the rear holder is attached. FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outer housing before the rear holder is attached. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the outer housing as viewed in a direction different from that of FIG. 4B. [Figure 6] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the outer housing as viewed in a direction different from that of FIG. 4A. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear cover according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, connectors according to each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector 1 according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 taken along line III-III in Fig. 1. The cut surface in Fig. 3 is an imaginary plane passing through central axes of a first terminal accommodating portion 21 and a first electric wire 100a, which will be described later.

[0011] The connector 1 is a high-voltage connector that can be used in a power supply system of a rear motor mounted on an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, for example. In this embodiment, the connector 1 is attached to the power supply system of a three-phase motor (not shown) serving as the rear motor.

[0012] As a power supply system of a three-phase motor, there are three electric wires 100, a first electric wire 100a, a second electric wire 100b, and a third electric wire 100c. The first electric wire 100a is an electric wire for a U phase. The second electric wire 100b is an electric wire for a V phase. The third electric wire 100c is an electric wire for a W phase. Each electric wire 100 has a core wire 101 which is a conductor and a coating part 102 which is an insulator that covers the core wire 101. One end of the electric wire 100 is connected to a three-phase motor, and the other end of the electric wire 100 is connected to a connector 1. At the end connected to the connector 1, the coating part 102 is removed, and a terminal part 101a of the core wire 101 is exposed. Note that the core wire 101 may actually be composed of a plurality of strands, but in the following drawings, it is simply drawn as one conductor member.

[0013] First, the connector 1 includes a plurality of terminals 10, an inner housing 20, an outer housing 30, a rear cover 40, and a rear holder 50 as components relating to electrical connection.

[0014] In this embodiment, there are three terminals 10, a first terminal 10a, a second terminal 10b, and a third terminal 10c, corresponding to a three-phase motor. The first terminal 10a is attached to an end of the first electric wire 100a. The second terminal 10b is attached to an end of the second electric wire 100b. The third terminal 10c is attached to an end of the third electric wire 100c.

[0015] Each of the three terminals 10 is a female terminal made of metal, and has a connection portion 11 and a crimp portion 12 .

[0016] The connection part 11 is a cylindrical part into which a rod-shaped male terminal can be freely inserted. The connection part 11 has a leaf spring member 13 that presses a part of the male terminal against an inner wall of the connection part 11 in order to stably maintain a conductive state with the male terminal inserted therein. The leaf spring member 13 is installed inside the connection part 11 in advance. Note that the connection part 11 may have a leaf spring part as a part of the connection part 11 inside instead of the leaf spring member 13.

[0017] The crimping portion 12 crimps the terminal portion 101a of the core wire 101. If one axial end of the connection portion 11 is an open end into which a male terminal is inserted, the crimping portion 12 is integrated with the other axial end of the connection portion 11. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the connection portion 11 when the terminal 10 is installed in the connector 1 is along the Z direction.

[0018] In addition, for each terminal 10, the direction from the crimping portion 12 toward the connection portion 11 along the axial direction of the connection portion 11 is shifted by 90° from the direction from the terminal portion 101a crimped to the crimping portion 12 toward the body of the electric wire 100. That is, when the terminal 10 is installed in the connector 1, the terminal portion 101a is crimped in a position along the Y direction with respect to the crimping portion 12 when the axial direction of the connection portion 11 is along the Z direction. At this time, when the terminal portion 101a crimped to the crimping portion 12 is taken as the starting point, each electric wire 100 extends from the terminal portion 101a in the opposite direction to the Y direction. The specific shape of the crimping portion 12 may be different for each of the three terminals 10. In addition, the terminal 10 has the crimping portion 12 to which the terminal portion 101a is crimped in this embodiment, but instead of the crimping portion 12, it may have a flat joint portion to which the terminal portion 101a is joined by ultrasonic welding.

[0019] The inner housing 20 is made of synthetic resin and is an insulating member that holds the three terminals 10 therein to protect the terminals 10. The inner housing 20 has a first terminal accommodating portion 21, a second terminal accommodating portion 22, a third terminal accommodating portion 23, a base portion 24, and a reinforcing structure portion 25.

[0020] The first terminal accommodating portion 21 is a cylindrical portion that accommodates the connection portion 11 of the first terminal 10a. The second terminal accommodating portion 22 is a cylindrical portion that accommodates the connection portion 11 of the second terminal 10b. The third terminal accommodating portion 23 is a cylindrical portion that accommodates the connection portion 11 of the third terminal 10c. The first terminal accommodating portion 21, the second terminal accommodating portion 22, and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 each accommodate the connection portion 11 so that the opening direction of the connection portion 11 accommodated therein, that is, the opposite direction to the direction in which the male terminal is inserted, is the same as the direction along the first direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is the Z direction. The tip portions of the first terminal accommodating portion 21, the second terminal accommodating portion 22, and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 are each open in the first direction and do not hinder the entry of the male terminal into the connection portion 11.

[0021] Moreover, the first terminal accommodating portion 21, the second terminal accommodating portion 22, and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 are, for example, arranged in two stages along the Y direction as the second direction defined below. For example, the first terminal accommodating portion 21 may be arranged in the upper stage in the second direction, and the second terminal accommodating portion 22 and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 may be arranged in the lower stage in the second direction. In this case, the first terminal accommodating portion 21 may be arranged in the middle position between the second terminal accommodating portion 22 and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 in the X direction as the third direction defined below.

[0022] The base portion 24 is a flat portion that supports the first terminal accommodating portion 21, the second terminal accommodating portion 22, and the third terminal accommodating portion 23. The base portion 24 supports the root ends of the first terminal accommodating portion 21, the second terminal accommodating portion 22, and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 on the front side in the first direction. The internal spaces of the first terminal accommodating portion 21, the second terminal accommodating portion 22, and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 are each open in the opposite direction to the first direction on the back side in the first direction.

[0023] The base portion 24 also has a first locking portion 24c and a second locking portion 24d arranged on opposite sides. An upper claw 37a and a lower claw 37b arranged opposite each other are provided inside a housing main body portion 31 of an outer housing 30 described below. When the inner housing 20 is attached to the outer housing 30, the first locking portion 24c engages with the upper claw 37a, and the second locking portion 24d engages with the lower claw 37b, thereby preventing the inner housing 20 from falling off the outer housing 30.

[0024] The reinforcing structure 25 is a structure combining a plurality of reinforcing ribs to ensure the strength of the inner housing 20. The reinforcing structure 25 is provided on the rear surface side of the base portion 24 so as not to interfere with the arrangement of each of the terminals 10 and each of the electric wires 100.

[0025] 4A and 4B are perspective views of the outer housing 30 and the rear holder 50, respectively, as viewed from the same direction. FIG. 4A shows a state after the rear holder 50 is attached to the outer housing 30. FIG. 4B shows a state after the rear holder 50 is removed from the outer housing 30. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer housing 30 and the rear holder 50, showing the state in FIG. 4B as viewed from a different direction. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the outer housing 30 and the rear holder 50, as viewed from a different direction from the state in FIG. 4A, in which the internal space can be visually recognized from the opening formed by the opening end 35a.

[0026] The outer housing 30 is made of synthetic resin and is an insulating member that accommodates at least a portion of the inner housing 20 and the crimping portions 12 of the terminals 10 to protect the three terminals 10 as a whole. The outer housing 30 has a housing main body 31, a connector opening portion 32, and an electric wire pull-out portion 33.

[0027] The housing main body 31 is a box portion defined as follows: when the first direction is the length direction, the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the height direction, and the third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is the width direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is the Z direction as described above, the second direction is the Y direction, and the third direction is the X direction. The housing main body 31 has a front wall 34, an annular side wall 35, and a plurality of support pieces 36.

[0028] The front wall 34 is a wall perpendicular to the first direction, and the first wall surface 34a supports the connector front portion 32 and the electric wire pull-out portion 33 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The planar shape of the front wall 34 is a substantial rectangle defined by a long side approximately aligned along the second direction and a short side approximately aligned along the third direction.

[0029] The front wall 34 has a first electric wire facing portion 38 on a second wall surface 34b facing the inside of the housing main body 31, which faces the second electric wire facing portion 45 while being spaced apart from the second electric wire facing portion 45 when a rear cover 40 described later is attached to the outer housing 30. The first electric wire facing portion 38 is a structural portion that constitutes the electric wire guide portion 96 by being combined with the second electric wire facing portion 45. The first electric wire facing portion 38 has a first facing groove 38a, a second facing groove 38b, and a third facing groove 38c, each of which has a curved surface that matches the side shape of each electric wire 100 arranged inside the housing main body 31 and extends in the second direction. The first facing groove 38a accommodates a part of the side surface of the first electric wire 100a without contact. The second facing groove 38b accommodates a part of the side surface of the second electric wire 100b without contact. The third opposed groove 38c accommodates a part of the side surface of the third electric wire 100c in a non-contact manner.

[0030] Furthermore, the front wall 34 has a plurality of first engagement claws 37 provided on the second wall surface 34b across the opening 32a of the connector frontage portion 32. In this embodiment, the plurality of first engagement claws 37 are upper claws 37a and lower claws 37b that face each other in the second direction, as described above. Similarly, the front wall 34 has a plurality of second engagement claws 39 provided on the second wall surface 34b across the opening 32a of the connector frontage portion 32. In this embodiment, the plurality of second engagement claws 39 are two first upper claws 39a and two second lower claws 39b that face each other in the second direction.

[0031] The annular side wall 35, together with the front wall 34, forms an internal space for accommodating at least the crimping portion 12 of each terminal 10. One annular end of the annular side wall 35 in the first direction is continuous with the peripheral edge of the front wall 34. The other annular end of the annular side wall 35 in the first direction is an opening end 35a that forms an opening facing the front wall 34. When the connector 1 is assembled, the three terminals 10 that are attached to the ends of the electric wires 100 are accommodated inside the housing body 31 through the openings formed by the opening ends 35a. The annular side wall 35 also has a plurality of engagement portions 35c provided on an outer wall surface 35b at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0032] The support piece 36 is provided on an outer wall surface 35b of the annular side wall 35, and has a fitting hole 36a into which a collar 91 (described later) is fitted. The fitting hole 36a penetrates the support piece 36 in the first direction.

[0033] The connector frontage 32 is a cylindrical portion having a round elongated hole-shaped frontage 32a in cross section opening in the first direction, and engages with a part of an external connector (not shown) having a male terminal when the external connector is connected to the connector 1. The connector frontage 32 is provided so as to protrude in the first direction from a front wall 34 of the housing main body 31. The frontage 32a penetrates between the outside of the outer housing 30 and the inside of the housing main body 31, and can accommodate the inner housing 20. In the round elongated hole-shaped cross section of the frontage 32a, the second direction is the longitudinal direction in accordance with the positional relationship of the first terminal accommodating portion 21, the second terminal accommodating portion 22, and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 in the inner housing 20.

[0034] The connector frontage 32 has a first cylindrical portion 32b and a second cylindrical portion 32c that are continuous with each other in the first direction and have the frontage 32a as an inner wall. The first cylindrical portion 32b is a cylindrical portion located at the tip side in the first direction and has a unit packing 60 (described later) attached to its outer circumferential surface. The second cylindrical portion 32c is a cylindrical portion located at the base side in the first direction. The second cylindrical portion 32c has an outer circumferential shape larger than the outer circumferential shape of the first cylindrical portion 32b, and faces at least a part of the unit packing 60 in the first direction when the unit packing 60 is attached to the first cylindrical portion 32b. Therefore, the unit packing 60 is restricted from moving more than a certain amount toward the base side of the connector frontage 32.

[0035] The electric wire pull-out portion 33 is a structural portion for pulling out the three electric wires 100 from inside the housing body 31 to the outside of the outer housing 30. The electric wire pull-out portion 33 has a cylindrical pull-out portion 33a and a first electric wire contact portion 33b.

[0036] The cylindrical lead-out portion 33a is provided to protrude in the first direction from the front wall 34 of the housing body 31 so that a cross section opening in the first direction forms a through-space having a round elongated hole shape. In the round elongated hole cross section of the through-space, the second direction is the longitudinal direction so that the three electric wires 100 are aligned in the second direction in accordance with the positional relationship of the first terminal accommodating portion 21, the second terminal accommodating portion 22, and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 in the inner housing 20.

[0037] The first electric wire contact portion 33b is a tip portion of the electric wire pull-out portion 33 that constitutes the electric wire holding portion 95 by combining it with the rear holder 50 described later as a second electric wire contact portion. The overall outline shape of the electric wire holding portion 95 is roughly a shape in which the cylindrical pull-out portion 33a is extended in the first direction. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the rear holder 50 is attached to the first electric wire contact portion 33b along a second direction corresponding to the Y direction. Therefore, the outline shape of the first electric wire contact portion 33b is a shape in which the rear holder 50 is separated from the overall shape of the electric wire holding portion 95 with respect to a virtual plane that is the XZ plane. The first electric wire contact portion 33b has a plurality of holder engagement claws 33c, a plurality of first wiring grooves 33d, a plurality of first holding ribs 33e, and a holder engagement portion 33f.

[0038] In this embodiment, the holder engagement claws 33c are provided on both ends of the first electric wire contact portion 33b in the third direction corresponding to the X-direction, one for each end. Each holder engagement claw 33c engages with a holder locking portion 51 provided on the rear holder 50.

[0039] Each of the first routing grooves 33d has an extension direction in the first direction, and routes the electric wires 100 drawn out from the tubular drawing portion 33a along the first direction. Each of the first routing grooves 33d includes a curved surface that matches the side shape of each of the electric wires 100. In this embodiment, since three electric wires 100 are drawn out from the tubular drawing portion 33a, three first routing grooves 33d are present in parallel along the third direction.

[0040] The first retaining ribs 33e are provided for each of the first routing grooves 33d, and are hooked onto the covering portion 102 of the electric wire 100 routed in the first routing groove 33d. The first retaining ribs 33e provided for each of the first routing grooves 33d may be arranged regularly while being spaced apart from each other, or may be arranged randomly.

[0041] The holder engaging portion 33f is a protruding portion that engages with a holder locking hole 55 provided in the rear holder 50 when the rear holder 50 is attached to the first electric wire contact portion 33b. In this embodiment, the holder engaging portion 33f is provided in a region of the first electric wire contact portion 33b adjacent to the cylindrical drawn-out portion 33a, and there are three holder engaging portions 33f so as to face the ends of the first wiring grooves 33d in the third direction. Each holder engaging portion 33f is shaped like a flat plate with a protruding direction in the direction opposite to the second direction and a main plane parallel to the XY plane.

[0042] Moreover, the holder engaging portion 33f has an engaging rib 33g protruding along the first direction on at least one surface portion. In the present embodiment, as an example, the engaging rib 33g provided on each of the three holder engaging portions 33f is provided so as to face the opposite side to the first direction, that is, from the first wire contact portion 33b to the cylindrical drawing portion 33a.

[0043] That is, according to the structure of the outer housing 30, in the connector 1, the direction in which the opening 32a of the connector opening portion 32 faces, i.e., the direction in which the connector is connected to an external connector, and the direction in which the three electric wires 100 are drawn out from the electric wire pull-out portion 33 are aligned with each other in the first direction corresponding to the Z direction.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rear cover 40 as viewed in a direction in which the side attached to the outer housing 30 can be seen.

[0045] The rear cover 40 is made of synthetic resin and is an insulating member that covers the opening formed by the open end 35a when each terminal 10, having its end portion 101a joined to the crimping portion 12, is accommodated inside the housing main body 31 of the outer housing 30 together with the end portion of the electric wire 100. The rear cover 40 has a main body wall 41, a plurality of locking portions 42, a plurality of packing locking portions 43, a cover reinforcing rib 44, and a second electric wire facing portion 45.

[0046] The body wall 41 is a flat plate having an outer peripheral edge 41a that fits along the opening end 35a of the housing body 31 when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30. An inner wall surface 41b of the body wall 41 faces the front wall 34 of the housing body 31 when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30.

[0047] The multiple locking portions 42 are provided at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential edge 41a of the main body wall 41. When the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, each locking portion 42 engages with one of the engagement portions 35c on the annular side wall 35, thereby preventing the rear cover 40 from falling off from the outer housing 30.

[0048] The multiple packing locking portions 43 are provided at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge 41a of the main body wall 41 while avoiding the multiple locking portions 42. A rear cover packing 61, which will be described later, is provided with multiple engaging protrusions 61a. When the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, each packing locking portion 43 engages with one of the engaging protrusions 61a on the rear cover packing 61.

[0049] In order to ensure the strength of the rear cover 40, the cover reinforcing rib 44 is provided on the inner wall surface 41b so as not to interfere with the arrangement of the terminals 10 and the electric wires 100.

[0050] The second electric wire facing portion 45 is provided on the inner wall surface 41b, and faces the first electric wire facing portion 38 provided on the outer housing 30 while being spaced apart from it when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30. As described above, the second electric wire facing portion 45 is a structural portion that constitutes the electric wire guide portion 96 by being combined with the first electric wire facing portion 38. The second electric wire facing portion 45 has a first facing groove 45a, a second facing groove 45b, and a third facing groove 45c, each of which has a curved surface that matches the side shape of each electric wire 100 arranged inside the housing main body portion 31 and extends in the second direction. The first facing groove 45a accommodates a part of the side surface of the first electric wire 100a in a non-contact manner. The second facing groove 45b accommodates a part of the side surface of the second electric wire 100b in a non-contact manner. The third facing groove 45c accommodates a part of the side surface of the third electric wire 100c in a non-contact manner.

[0051] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 1. The cut surface in Fig. 8 is an imaginary plane passing through a part of the wire guide portion 96.

[0052] When the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, a portion of the first electric wire 100a is sandwiched, without contact, between the first opposing groove 38a of the first electric wire facing portion 38 and the first opposing groove 45a of the second electric wire facing portion 45. Similarly, the second electric wire 100b is sandwiched, without contact, between the second opposing groove 38b of the first electric wire facing portion 38 and the second opposing groove 45b of the second electric wire facing portion 45. The third electric wire 100c is sandwiched, without contact, between the third opposing groove 38c of the first electric wire facing portion 38 and the third opposing groove 45c of the second electric wire facing portion 45.

[0053] The distance between the opposing groove on the first electric wire opposing portion 38 side and the side surface of the electric wire 100 facing the opposing groove is defined as the first distance C1. For example, the shortest distance between the first opposing groove 38a of the first electric wire opposing portion 38 and the side surface of the first electric wire 100a facing the first opposing groove 38a is the first distance C1. Similarly, the distance between the opposing groove on the second electric wire opposing portion 45 side and the side surface of the electric wire 100 facing the opposing groove is defined as the second distance C2. For example, the shortest distance between the first opposing groove 45a of the second electric wire opposing portion 45 and the side surface of the first electric wire 100a facing the first opposing groove 45a is the second distance C2.

[0054] Here, when the position of the connector frontage 32 relative to the external connector is determined as the male terminal side of the external connector is connected to the connector 1, each terminal 10 is aligned. Therefore, the first interval C1 and the second interval C2 are set in advance to the maximum amount of alignment expected when each terminal 10 is aligned as the external connector is connected to the connector 1.

[0055] As described above, the rear holder 50 is a structural member that is attached to the first electric wire contact portion 33b in the electric wire pull-out portion 33 of the outer housing 30 and that constitutes the electric wire holding portion 95 in combination with the first electric wire contact portion 33b. The rear holder 50 has a plurality of holder locking portions 51, a plurality of second routing grooves 52, a plurality of second holding ribs 53, and a holder locking hole portion 54 in which a holder locking hole 55 is formed.

[0056] In this embodiment, the multiple holder locking portions 51 are provided on both ends of the rear holder 50 in the third direction corresponding to the X direction. When the rear holder 50 is attached to the first electric wire contact portion 33b, each holder locking portion 51 engages with one of the holder engagement claws 33c on the first electric wire contact portion 33b, thereby preventing the rear holder 50 from falling off from the first electric wire contact portion 33b.

[0057] Each of the second routing grooves 52 has the first direction as an extension direction, and routes the electric wires 100 drawn out from the cylindrical drawing portion 33a along the first direction. Each of the second routing grooves 52 includes a curved surface that matches the side shape of each of the electric wires 100. In this embodiment, since three electric wires 100 are drawn out from the cylindrical drawing portion 33a, three second routing grooves 52 are present in parallel along the third direction. In other words, when the rear holder 50 is attached to the first electric wire contact portion 33b, each of the second routing grooves 52 faces each of the first routing grooves 33d in the first electric wire contact portion 33b.

[0058] A plurality of second retaining ribs 53 (see FIG. 2) are provided for each second routing groove 52, and are hooked onto the covering portion 102 of the electric wire 100 routed in the second routing groove 52. Note that, like the first retaining ribs 33e, the second retaining ribs 53 provided for each second routing groove 52 may be arranged regularly while being spaced apart from each other, or may be arranged randomly.

[0059] The holder locking hole portion 54 is a structural portion in which a holder locking hole 55 is formed to fit the holder engagement portion 33f provided in the first electric wire contact portion 33b when the rear holder 50 is attached to the first electric wire contact portion 33b. The opening shape and opening position of the holder locking hole 55 depend on the shape and arrangement of the holder engagement portion 33f in the first electric wire contact portion 33b. In this embodiment, there are three holder engagement portions 33f, and each holder engagement portion 33f has a flat plate shape. Therefore, three holder locking holes 55 are formed in the holder locking hole portion 54. In addition, the opening shape of the holder locking hole 55 is an elongated rectangle in accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the holder engagement portion 33f. In particular, in this embodiment, the holder engagement portion 33f has an engagement rib 33g. Therefore, when the holder engaging portion 33f is inserted into the holder locking hole 55, the engaging rib 33g and the side surface of the holder engaging portion 33f opposite to the engaging rib 33g come into close contact with the holder locking hole portion 54, respectively.

[0060] Here, when the rear holder 50 is attached to the outer housing 30 with the three electric wires 100 pulled out from the cylindrical pull-out portion 33a, a portion of each electric wire 100 is sandwiched between any one of the first routing grooves 33d and any one of the second routing grooves 52. Further, the first routing groove 33d is provided with a plurality of first retaining ribs 33e, and similarly, the second routing groove 52 is provided with a plurality of second retaining ribs 53. In other words, the electric wire holding portion 95 holds each electric wire 100 while more closely sandwiching it, thereby suppressing vibration transmitted from the outside through the electric wires 100 from reaching the terminal 10.

[0061] The connector 1 also includes a unit packing 60, a rear cover packing 61, and a wire packing 62 as waterproof members that prevent moisture from entering the inside of the outer housing 30 from the outside.

[0062] The unit packing 60 is an annular elastic member that is closely fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the connector frontage 32 in the outer housing 30. When the external connector is connected to the connector 1, the unit packing 60 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the connector frontage 32 and the mating surface of the external connector.

[0063] The rear cover packing 61 is an annular elastic member that is closely fitted to the opening end 35a of the housing main body 31 in the outer housing 30. When the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, the rear cover packing 61 seals the gap between the opening end 35a of the housing main body 31 and the outer peripheral edge 41a of the rear cover 40.

[0064] The wire packing 62 is an elongated, flat elastic member closely attached to the inner wall surface of the cylindrical draw-out portion 33a of the electric wire draw-out portion 33 in the outer housing 30. The wire packing 62 has three through holes 62a through which the electric wires 100 individually pass while being in close contact with each other. The wire packing 62 seals between the inner wall surface of the cylindrical draw-out portion 33a and each of the electric wires 100 passing through the through space of the cylindrical draw-out portion 33a.

[0065] The connector 1 also includes a front holder 70 as a holding member for the unit packing 60.

[0066] The front holder 70 is made of synthetic resin, and is attached to the outer housing 30 to prevent the unit packing 60 from falling off from the connector opening 32. The front holder 70 has a front plate 71, a cylindrical portion 72, and a plurality of locking portions 73.

[0067] The front plate 71 is a flange-shaped annular plate located at the tip of the connector frontage 32 when the front holder 70 is attached to the outer housing 30. The front plate 71 has an opening 71a that exposes the first terminal accommodating portion 21, the second terminal accommodating portion 22, and the third terminal accommodating portion 23 of the inner housing 20 to the outside from the connector frontage 32. When the front holder 70 is attached to the outer housing 30, at least a part of the outer periphery of the front plate 71 faces at least a part of the unit packing 60 attached to the connector frontage 32 in the first direction. Therefore, even if the unit packing 60 moves toward the tip side of the connector frontage 32, it abuts against the front plate 71 and further movement is restricted, so that it is prevented from falling off from the connector frontage 32.

[0068] The cylindrical portion 72 is accommodated in the opening 32a of the connector opening portion 32 when the front holder 70 is attached to the outer housing 30. One open end of the cylindrical portion 72 is a fixed end that is continuous with the opening 71a of the front plate 71. The other open end of the cylindrical portion 72 is an open end that faces the inside of the housing main body 31 when the front holder 70 is attached to the outer housing 30. Note that a reinforcing structure may be provided inside the cylindrical portion 72 to ensure the strength of the front holder 70.

[0069] The multiple locking portions 73 are provided at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction on parts of the cylindrical portion 72. As described above, the two first upper claws 39a and the two second lower claws 39b are provided inside the housing main body 31 of the outer housing 30. When the front holder 70 is attached to the outer housing 30, one locking portion 73 engages with the first upper claw 39a and the other locking portion 73 engages with the second lower claw 39b, thereby preventing the front holder 70 from falling off the outer housing 30.

[0070] The connector 1 also includes an upper shell 80, a lower shell 81, a shielding braid 82, and a shielding ring 83 as shielding members for blocking noise.

[0071] The upper shell 80 is made of metal and covers the housing main body 31 of the outer housing 30 with the rear cover 40 attached. The upper shell 80 may accommodate the housing main body 31 and cover at least a part of the connector opening 32 or the electric wire pull-out portion 33 of the outer housing 30. The upper shell 80 is a box portion defined by a first direction corresponding to the Z direction as a length direction, a second direction corresponding to the Y direction as a height direction, and a third direction corresponding to the X direction as a width direction. The upper shell 80 has a bottom wall 80a, an annular side wall 80b, a plurality of first support pieces 80e, and a plurality of second support pieces 80g.

[0072] The bottom wall 80a is a wall portion perpendicular to the first direction. The planar shape of the bottom wall 80a is a substantial rectangle defined by a long side approximately aligned along the second direction and a short side approximately aligned along the third direction.

[0073] The annular side wall 80b, together with the bottom wall 80a, form an internal space that accommodates the housing main body 31. One annular end of the annular side wall 80b in the first direction is continuous with the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 80a. The other annular end of the annular side wall 80b in the first direction is an opening end 80c that forms an opening facing the bottom wall 80a. When the connector 1 is assembled, the housing main body 31 with the rear cover 40 attached is accommodated through the opening formed by the opening end 80c.

[0074] The first support piece 80e is provided, for example, as a portion of the annular side wall 80b that is bent, and has a first through hole 80d through which the bolt 90 that passes through the mating hole 36a provided in the outer housing 30 is passed when the connector 1 is assembled.

[0075] The second support piece 80g is provided, for example, as a bent portion protruding from the opening end 80c of the annular side wall 80b, and has a second through hole 80f through which an attachment bolt (not shown) passes when attaching the connector 1 to the housing of an external connector.

[0076] The lower shell 81 is made of metal and covers a part of the front wall 34 and the electric wire drawing portion 33 of the housing body 31 in the outer housing 30. The lower shell 81 has a cylindrical portion 81a, a flange portion 81b, and a support piece 81c.

[0077] The cylindrical portion 81a accommodates the electric wire pull-out portion 33 through a through space having a round elongated hole-shaped cross section that opens in the first direction, thereby covering the electric wire pull-out portion 33. One open end of the cylindrical portion 81a is a fixed end that is continuous with the flange portion 81b. The other open end of the cylindrical portion 81a is an open end that forms an opening for pulling out each electric wire 100 from the electric wire pull-out portion 33 to the outside.

[0078] The flange portion 81b is a flat plate portion that is perpendicular to the first direction and faces a part of the front wall , thereby covering the part of the front wall .

[0079] The support piece 81c is provided as a portion that protrudes outward from the edge of the flange portion 81b, and has a through hole 81d through which a bolt 90 that will pass through the fitting hole 36a provided in the outer housing 30 when the connector 1 is assembled is passed in advance.

[0080] The shield braid 82 is a metallic braid wound so that a part of the shield braid 82 covers the tip of the cylindrical portion 81a and another part of the shield braid 82 integrally covers the three electric wires 100 drawn out from the cylindrical portion 81a.

[0081] The shield ring 83 is a metal fastening member for crimping the shield braid 82 onto the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 81 a of the lower shell 81 .

[0082] Furthermore, the connector 1 includes, as members for assembling the various components, a plurality of bolts 90 and a plurality of annular collars 91 that are fitted in advance into the fitting holes 36a of the outer housing 30. As described above, the support piece 81c of the lower shell 81 is provided with a through hole 81d. The collar 91 is fitted into the fitting hole 36a of the outer housing 30. The first support piece 80e of the upper shell 80 is provided with a first through hole 80d. The bolt 90 is fastened through the through hole 81d, the collar 91 of the fitting hole 36a, and the first through hole 80d, thereby assembling the lower shell 81, the outer housing 30, and the upper shell 80 together.

[0083] Next, the function and effect of the connector 1 will be described.

[0084] The connector 1 is connected to an external connector and has a plurality of terminals 10 and an electric wire pull-out portion 33 that pulls out a plurality of electric wires 100 connected to each of the terminals 10 to the outside along a first direction in which the electric wires 100 are connected to the external connector. The electric wire pull-out portion 33 has an electric wire holding portion 95 that clamps and holds each of the electric wires 100.

[0085] Here, the first direction corresponds to the Z direction in the above example.

[0086] First, since the connector 1 is provided with the electric wire holding portion 95, when the connector 1 is mounted on a vehicle, it is possible to prevent an occurrence of an increase in resistance due to contact wear caused by vibrations generated while the vehicle is running being transmitted to each terminal 10 through the electric wire 100.

[0087] On the other hand, in the connector 1, when an external connector is connected and the position of the connector frontage 32 relative to the external connector is determined, each terminal 10 is aligned. At this time, a repulsive force is generated in the electric wire 100 connected to each terminal 10.

[0088] As a comparative example, a so-called L-shaped connector is assumed, in which a plurality of electric wires are drawn out in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, unlike the configuration in this embodiment. The second direction corresponds to the Y direction according to the above example. In such an L-shaped connector, it is possible to set an electric wire holding part that holds the electric wire 100 by pinching it, and as a result, there is little impact on the miniaturization of the connector. On the other hand, in the case of a so-called U-shaped connector, such as the connector 1 according to this embodiment, in which the direction of connecting to an external connector and the direction of drawing the electric wire out to the outside are both along the first direction, the situation is different. That is, when a wire holding part that holds the electric wire 100 by pinching it is set, it is assumed that the height H shown in FIG. 3 will be long, and as a result, there is a concern that the connector will become larger.

[0089] In contrast, in the connector 1 according to this embodiment, the electric wire holding portion 95 that clamps and holds each electric wire 100 is provided in the electric wire pull-out portion 33 that pulls the electric wires 100 outward along the first direction. Therefore, in the connector 1, it is not necessary to provide an electric wire holding portion that clamps a part of the electric wire 100 that extends along the second direction. Therefore, according to the connector 1, it is not necessary to set the height H long, which is advantageous for making the connector 1 smaller.

[0090] In addition, the distance from each terminal 10 to the electric wire holding portion 95 is longer than the distance to the electric wire holding portion when a part of the electric wire 100 extending in the second direction is clamped. Therefore, the electric wire holding portion 95 can further reduce the repulsive force generated in the electric wire 100.

[0091] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a connector 1 that is advantageous for miniaturization while ensuring vibration resistance.

[0092] In the connector 1, the wire holding portion 95 may be a combination of a first wire contact portion 33b and a second wire contact portion. The first wire contact portion 33b may have a plurality of first routing grooves 33d having a first retaining rib 33e in contact with the wire 100 for each wire 100. The second wire contact portion may have a plurality of second routing grooves 52 facing each first routing groove 33d and having a second retaining rib 53 in contact with the wire 100.

[0093] Here, the second wire contact portion corresponds to the rear holder 50 in the above example.

[0094] According to this connector 1, each electric wire 100 is press-fitted into the electric wire holding portion 95, so that each electric wire 100 can be reliably held. In addition, the first electric wire contact portion 33b and the second electric wire contact portion can be freely attached and detached, which is advantageous in terms of improving workability when assembling the connector 1.

[0095] Furthermore, in the connector 1, the first wire contact portion 33b may have an engagement portion. The second wire contact portion may have a locking hole portion into which the engagement portion fits.

[0096] Here, the engaging portion corresponds to the holder engaging portion 33f in the above example, and the locking hole corresponds to the holder locking hole 54 in the above example.

[0097] According to this connector 1, when the first electric wire contact portion 33b and the second electric wire contact portion are combined while sandwiching each electric wire 100, the engagement portion fits into the locking hole portion, eliminating any backlash between the first electric wire contact portion 33b and the second electric wire contact portion. Therefore, even if vibration is applied to the electric wire 100, it is possible to prevent one of the first electric wire contact portion 33b and the second electric wire contact portion from shifting relative to the other, thereby preventing the vibration of the electric wire 100 from being transmitted to the downstream side.

[0098] Furthermore, in the connector 1, the engaging portion may have an engaging rib 33g that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the engaging portion is fitted into the locking hole portion. The engaging rib 33g may come into contact with the engaging hole portion when the engaging portion is fitted into the locking hole portion.

[0099] Here, in the above example, the engaging portion corresponds to the holder engaging portion 33f. In the above example, the locking hole corresponds to the holder locking hole 54. In this case, the direction in which the engaging portion fits into the locking hole corresponds to the opposite direction to the Y direction. Also, the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the engaging portion fits into the locking hole corresponds to the opposite direction to the Z direction.

[0100] According to this connector 1, when the engaging portion is fitted into the locking hole portion, the engaging rib 33g provided on the engaging portion comes into contact with the locking hole portion, thereby further improving the adhesion between the engaging portion and the locking hole portion, thereby further suppressing the transmission of vibrations of the electric wire 100.

[0101] Furthermore, the connector 1 may include a first wire facing portion 38 and a second wire facing portion 45 that sandwich, in a non-contact manner, each of the electric wires 100 extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction between each of the terminals 10 and the electric wire drawing portion 33. At least one of the first wire facing portion 38 and the second wire facing portion 45 may have a curved surface that matches the side surface of the electric wire 100. The shortest distance between the first wire facing portion 38 and the side surface of the electric wire 100 facing the first wire facing portion 38 is defined as a first distance C1, and the shortest distance between the second wire facing portion 45 and the side surface of the electric wire 100 facing the second wire facing portion 45 is defined as a second distance C2. In this case, the first distance C1 and the second distance C2 may be set to the maximum amount of alignment expected when each of the terminals 10 is aligned as an external connector is connected.

[0102] Here, the first direction corresponds to the Z direction in the above example, and the second direction corresponds to the Y direction in the above example.

[0103] According to this connector 1, a first wire facing portion 38 and a second wire facing portion 45 are provided between each terminal 10 and the wire pull-out portion 33, at least one of which has a curved surface conforming to the side surface of the electric wire 100 and which sandwiches each electric wire 100 without contact. Therefore, when each terminal 10 is aligned, the electric wires 100 extending from each terminal 10 in the second direction are guided so as not to interfere with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of a repulsive force in the electric wires 100 due to interference between adjacent electric wires 100. Moreover, according to the connector 1, the first interval C1 and the second interval C2 are set to the maximum amount of alignment expected when each terminal 10 is aligned, and therefore are the minimum necessary values, which is advantageous for miniaturizing the connector 1.

[0104] Although one embodiment has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1 Connector 10 Terminals 33 Wire drawer 33b 1st wire contact part 33d First wiring groove 33e First retaining rib 33f Holder engagement part 33g Engagement rib 38 First wire facing part 45 Second wire facing part 50 Rear Holder 52 Second wiring groove 53 Second retaining rib 54 Holder locking hole 95 Wire holding part 100 wire C1 1st interval C2 2nd interval

Claims

1. A connector for connection to an external connector, A plurality of terminals; a wire pull-out portion that pulls out a plurality of electric wires connected to each of the terminals to the outside along a first direction in which the electric wires are connected to the external connector, The electric wire pull-out portion of the connector has an electric wire holding portion that clamps and holds each of the electric wires.

2. The wire holding portion is a combination of a first wire contact portion and a second wire contact portion, the first wire contact portion has a plurality of first wiring grooves each having a first retaining rib that contacts the electric wire, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the second wire contact portion has a plurality of second wiring grooves each having a second retaining rib that faces each of the first wiring grooves and contacts the wire.

3. The first wire contact portion has an engagement portion, The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the second wire contact portion has a locking hole portion into which the engaging portion is fitted.

4. The engaging portion has an engaging rib that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the engaging portion is fitted into the locking hole, The connector according to claim 3 , wherein the engagement rib contacts the locking hole when the engagement portion is fitted into the locking hole.

5. a first wire opposing portion and a second wire opposing portion are provided between each of the terminals and the wire pull-out portion, the first wire opposing portion sandwiching each of the electric wires in a non-contact manner, the electric wires extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; At least one of the first electric wire facing portion and the second electric wire facing portion has a curved surface that matches a side surface of the electric wire, When the shortest distance between the first electric wire opposing portion and a side surface of the electric wire facing the first electric wire opposing portion is defined as a first distance, and the shortest distance between the second electric wire opposing portion and a side surface of the electric wire facing the second electric wire opposing portion is defined as a second distance, 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first interval and the second interval are set to a maximum amount of alignment expected when the terminals are aligned as a result of connection of the external connector.

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