Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector which can maintain electrical connection reliability.SOLUTION: A connector 1 comprises: a housing 3; a first terminal 5 housed in the housing 3; a second terminal 7, housed in the housing 3, which is electrically connected to the first terminal 5; a fastening member 55 which electrically connects the first terminal 5 to the second terminal 7 by fastening; and a cover 9, assembled to the housing 3, which covers a portion where the fastening member 55 is disposed. The cover 9 is provided with a detection part 77 which comes into contact with the fastening member 55 disposed at an imperfect fastening position, thereby disabling the assembly of the cover 9 to the housing 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A conventional connector includes a housing, an inverter as a first terminal housed in the housing, and a bus bar as a second terminal housed in the housing and electrically connected to the inverter. Also known is a connector that includes a bolt as a fastening member that electrically connects the inverter and the bus bar when fastened, and a cover that is attached to the housing and covers the portion where the bolt is located (see Patent Document 1). In this connector, the inverter and the bus bar are brought into contact with each other by fastening the bolt to the inverter and the bus bar, thereby electrically connecting the inverter and the bus bar. By attaching a cover to the housing, the portion of the housing where the bolt is located is covered by the cover, preventing the electrical connection portion between the inverter and the bus bar from being exposed to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-78971 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in connectors such as those described in Patent Document 1, the fastening members may not be sufficiently fastened to the first and second terminals, or the fastening members may be left in place and forgotten to be fastened. In connectors such as those described in Patent Document 1, the cover can be assembled to the housing even if the fastening members are not fully fastened. As a result, even after the connector assembly is complete, the first and second terminals may not be electrically connected, which could reduce the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can maintain electrical connection reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of this embodiment comprises a housing, a first terminal accommodated in the housing, a second terminal accommodated in the housing and electrically connected to the first terminal, a fastening member that electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal when fastened, and a cover that is assembled to the housing and covers the portion where the fastening member is located, and the cover is provided with a detection portion that abuts against the fastening member when it is positioned in an incomplete fastening position, preventing the cover from being assembled to the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that can maintain electrical connection reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the embodiment when the fastening member is completely fastened. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a side view of the connector according to the embodiment when the fastening members are completely fastened. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the embodiment when the fastening member is incompletely fastened. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a side view of the connector according to the embodiment when the fastening members are incompletely fastened. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first housing of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first housing of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second housing of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second housing of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cover of the connector according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The connector according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, a connector 1 according to this embodiment is applied to, for example, an electrical component 101 mounted on a vehicle. The connector 1 electrically connects, for example, the electrical component 101 to other electrical components (not shown) mounted on the vehicle, such as a power source or equipment. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electrical component 101 has, for example, a casing 103 inside which a mating terminal (not shown) is housed. The casing 103 is provided with an arrangement portion 105 consisting of a through-hole formed through a wall portion in which the mating terminal is arranged. The connector 1 is assembled to the arrangement portion 105, and the electrical component 101 and the connector 1 are electrically connected.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the connector 1 includes a housing 3, a first terminal 5, a second terminal 7, and a cover 9. The housing 3 has a first terminal 5, a second terminal 7, and a second terminal 7a.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the housing 3 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 13. The first housing 11 and the second housing 13 are made of a plastic.

[0013] 1 to 8, the first housing 11 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The first housing 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape, a portion of which can be inserted into the placement portion 105 of the electric component 101. The first housing 11 is provided on its outer periphery with a plurality of (here, two) component fixing portions 15 which protrude radially outward from the placement portion 105 of the electric component 101. A collar 19 is insert-molded into the component fixing portion 15, through which a bolt 17 is inserted to be fastened to a screw hole 107 provided in a casing 103 of the electric component 101. A positioning pin 21 which is inserted into a positioning hole 109 provided in the casing 103 protrudes toward the casing 103 on the surface of the component fixing portion 15 facing the casing 103 of the electric component 101. The component fixing portion 15 positions the first housing 11 relative to the electric component 101 by inserting the positioning pin 21 into the positioning hole 109, with a portion of the first housing 11 inserted into the placement portion 105 for the electric component 101. The component fixing portion 15 fixes the first housing 11 to the electric component 101 by fastening the bolt 17 into the screw hole 107 via the collar 19.

[0014] An inner housing 23 is accommodated inside the first housing 11 from the electric component 101 side. The inner housing 23 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The inner housing 23 is held inside the first housing 11 via engaging portions (not shown) that engage with each other. The inner housing 23 accommodates, for example, a plurality of (two in this case) signal terminals 27 electrically connected to the terminals of a plurality of (two in this case) signal wires 25 electrically connected to the electric component 101. A terminal holder 29 that holds the signal terminals 27 inside is assembled to the inner housing 23. Note that a locking lance that engages with and holds the signal terminals 27 may be provided inside the inner housing 23. A packing 31 is assembled in close contact with the outer periphery of the first housing 11 on the electric component 101 side. The packing 31 is held in the first housing 11 by a front holder 33 that is assembled to the first housing 11 via engaging portions (not shown) that engage with each other. When the first housing 11 is assembled to the electric component 101, the packing 31 comes into close contact with the casing 103 of the electric component 101 to seal the gap between the first housing 11 and the electric component 101. A plurality of (here, two) first terminals 5 are accommodated inside the first housing 11 from the side opposite to the electric component 101.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, 9, and 10, the second housing 13 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The second housing 13 has an upper portion formed into a cylindrical shape into which a portion of the first housing 11 can be fitted, and a lower portion formed into a cylindrical shape that communicates with the upper portion and extends in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the first housing 11 and the second housing 13. A plurality of (two in this example) second terminals 7 are inserted from below into the lower portion of the second housing 13, and the plurality of second terminals 7 are accommodated in the upper portion of the second housing 13. A plurality of (two in this example) component fixing portions 35 are provided on the outer periphery of the upper portion of the second housing 13, protruding radially outward from the placement portion 105 for the electric component 101. A collar 39 is insert-molded into the component fixing portion 35, through which a bolt 37 is inserted to be fastened to a screw hole 111 provided in the casing 103 of the electric component 101. With the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 fitted together, the component fixing portion 35 fixes the second housing 13 to the electric component 101 by fastening the bolt 37 to the screw hole 111 via the collar 39. Note that the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 may be provided with engaging portions that engage with each other to maintain the fitted state of the first housing 11 and the second housing 13.

[0016] A front packing 41 is attached in close contact to the upper part of the second housing 13, on the side of the first housing 11. The front packing 41 is held in the second housing 13 by a front holder 43, which is attached to the second housing 13 via engaging portions (not shown) that engage with each other. The front holder 43 has a plurality of (two in this example) retaining pins 45 protruding toward the second terminals 7 accommodated in the second housing 13. When the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 are fitted together, the front packing 41 comes into close contact with the first housing 11 and seals the gap between the first housing 11 and the second housing 13. A rear packing 47 is attached in close contact to the upper part of the second housing 13, on the side of the cover 9. The rear packing 47 is held in the second housing 13 by a rear holder 49, which is attached to the second housing 13 via engaging portions (not shown) that engage with each other. When the second housing 13 is covered by the cover 9, the rear packing 47 comes into close contact with the cover 9 and seals the gap between the second housing 13 and the cover 9.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 8, the first terminal 5 is made of a conductive material and is formed, for example, in a columnar shape. A plurality of first terminals 5 (two in this example) are accommodated in the first housing 11. The first terminal 5 is held in its position relative to the first housing 11 by, for example, press-fitting. A mating connection portion 51 and a terminal connection portion 53, each formed as a screw hole, are provided on both ends of the first terminal 5. A mating screw member (not shown), for example, a stud bolt, is fastened to the mating connection portion 51, thereby fixing the first terminal 5 together. A mating terminal of the electrical component 101 is placed in the mating screw member, and a mating nut (not shown) is fastened to the mating screw member. Fastening the mating nut to the mating screw member brings the mating terminal and the first terminal 5 into contact with each other, electrically connecting the mating terminal and the first terminal 5.

[0018] A screw member 57 serving as a fastening member 55, such as a stud bolt, is fastened to the terminal connection portion 53, and the screw member 57 is fixed integrally with the first terminal 5. By fastening the screw member 57 to the first terminal 5, the screw member 57 can be handled as a single member together with the first terminal 5, reducing the number of parts and simplifying management and handling. Note that the screw member 57 may be formed as a single member continuous with the first terminal 5, for example, by forming the end of the first terminal 5 on the terminal connection portion 53 side into a columnar shape and threading the outer periphery of the columnar portion. The second terminal 7 is disposed on the screw member 57.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 10, the second terminal 7 is made of a conductive material and is formed, for example, in a plate shape. A plurality of (here, two) second terminals 7 are accommodated in the second housing 13. The second terminal 7 is provided with a pin hole 59 penetrating the second terminal 7, into which the retaining pin 45 of the front holder 43 is inserted. By inserting the retaining pin 45 into the pin hole 59, the arrangement position of the second terminal 7 relative to the second housing 13 is maintained. The plurality of second terminals 7 are electrically connected, for example, by crimping or welding, to the end portions of a plurality of (here, two) electric wires 61 electrically connected to other electric components (not shown). A rubber stopper 63 is attached in close contact to the outer periphery of the electric wire 61 on the second terminal 7 side. The rubber stopper 63 is held in the second housing 13 by a lower holder 65 attached to the second housing 13 via engaging portions (not shown) that engage with each other. The lower holder 65 is divided into two halves, and is assembled to the electric wire 61 via engaging portions (not shown) that engage with each other. By dividing the lower holder 65, the assembly position relative to the electric wire 61 can be freely determined, improving assembly efficiency. The rubber plug 63 comes into close contact with the second housing 13 when the second terminal 7 is accommodated in the second housing 13, and seals the gap between the second housing 13 and the electric wire 61.

[0020] The second terminal 7 has an arrangement hole 67 formed through the second terminal 7 at a position corresponding to the screw member 57 of the first terminal 5 when the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 are fitted together. A nut 69 serving as the fastening member 55 is arranged in the arrangement hole 67, and the nut 69 is rotatably assembled integrally with the second terminal 7 by, for example, crimping. By rotatably assembling the nut 69 integrally with the second terminal 7, the nut 69 and the second terminal 7 can be handled as a single component, reducing the number of parts and simplifying management and handling. In addition, by rotatably assembling the nut 69 with the second terminal 7, the nut 69 can be fastened to the screw member 57 even when the screw member 57 is provided integrally with the first terminal 5. The nut 69 is arranged with a gap from the outer surface of the second terminal 7 and is able to tilt in a direction intersecting the axis of the screw member 57. Therefore, when the second terminal 7 is positioned at an angle, the nut 69 is tilted, so that the axis of the screw member 57 and the axis of the nut 69 can be positioned on approximately the same line, and the nut 69 can be stably fastened to the screw member 57.

[0021] In the fastening member 55 having the screw member 57 and the nut 69, the nut 69 is disposed on the end of the screw member 57 when the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 are fitted together. At this time, if the screw member 57 and the nut 69 come into contact with each other and the second terminal 7 is tilted in a direction intersecting the axis of the screw member 57, the nut 69 also tilts in a direction intersecting the axis of the screw member 57. Due to the tilt of the nut 69, the axis of the screw member 57 and the axis of the nut 69 are positioned substantially on the same line, thereby absorbing the tilt of the second terminal 7. When the nut 69 is fastened to the screw member 57 with the screw member 57 disposed thereon, the first terminal 5 and the second terminal 7 come into contact with each other, and the first terminal 5 and the second terminal 7 are electrically connected to each other. A cover 9 is attached to the portion of the second housing 13 where the fastening member 55 is located, preventing the fastening member 55 from being exposed to the outside and protecting the electrical connection portion between the first terminal 5 and the second terminal 7.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, 11, and 12, the cover 9 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The cover 9 covers the outer periphery of the upper part of the second housing 13 on the side opposite the electric component 101 and is shaped to close the opening of the second housing 13 where the fastening member 55 is located. The outer periphery of the cover 9 is provided with a plurality of (here, two) component fixing portions 71 that protrude radially outward from the placement portion 105 of the electric component 101, at the same positions as the component fixing portions 35 of the second housing 13. A collar 73 is insert-molded into the component fixing portion 71, through which a bolt 37 is inserted to be fastened to a threaded hole 111 provided in the casing 103 of the electric component 101. With the cover 9 covering the second housing 13, the bolt 37 is fastened to the threaded hole 111 via the collar 73 to fix the cover 9 to the electric component 101. By providing the component fixing portion 71 at the same position as the component fixing portion 35 of the second housing 13, the cover 9 can be fixed with a common bolt 37, thereby reducing the number of components. The second housing 13 and the cover 9 may be provided with engaging portions that engage with each other, so that the cover 9 can maintain a state in which it covers the second housing 13. The cover 9 is accommodated, for example, by press-fitting, with a shorting terminal 75 that electrically connects the multiple (here, two) signal terminals 27 accommodated in the first housing 11. The shorting terminal 75 electrically connects the multiple signal terminals 27 when the cover 9 is assembled to the electric component 101, and detects that the cover 9 has been properly assembled to the electric component 101.

[0023] A cylindrical detection portion 77 extends from the cover 9 toward the second housing 13 at a portion of the cover 9 facing the opening in which the fastening member 55 of the second housing 13 is disposed, as a member continuous with the cover 9. The extension length of the detection portion 77 is set to a length that allows the detection portion 77 to be spaced apart from the nut 69 when the nut 69 is completely fastened to the screw member 57 and the cover 9 is assembled to the electric component 101 (see FIG. 3). An accommodating portion 79 is provided inside the detection portion 77 to accommodate the screw member 57 when the nut 69 is completely fastened to the screw member 57 and the cover 9 is assembled to the electric component 101. The tip end of the extension direction of the detection portion 77 forms an abutting portion 81 that abuts against the nut 69 when the nut 69 is incompletely fastened to the screw member 57 and the cover 9 is assembled to the electric component 101 (see FIG. 5).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the nut 69 is completely fastened to the screw member 57, the abutting portion 81 of the detection unit 77 does not abut against the nut 69, and the tip portion of the screw member 57 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 79. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 , the cover 9 can be positioned to a position where it can be fixed to the electric component 101 with the bolt 37 (see FIG. 2 ), and the cover 9 can be assembled to the housing 3. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the nut 69 is incompletely fastened to the screw member 57, the abutting portion 81 of the detection unit 77 abuts against the nut 69. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 , the cover 9 cannot be positioned to a position where it can be fixed to the electric component 101 with the bolt 37 (see FIG. 2 ), and the cover 9 cannot be assembled to the housing 3. Therefore, the fastening state of the fastening member 55 (nut 69) can be detected based on whether the cover 9 can be assembled to the housing 3. Therefore, the fastening member 55 is not incompletely fastened, and the reliability of the electrical connection can be maintained.

[0025] As an example of assembling such a connector 1, first, the first housing 11, the second housing 13, and the cover 9 are assembled together.

[0026] When assembling the first housing 11, first, the signal terminals 27 provided at the ends of the signal wires 25 are accommodated in the inner housing 23, and the terminal holder 29 is assembled. Next, the inner housing 23 and the first terminals 5 are accommodated in the first housing 11. Next, the screw members 57 are fastened to the first terminals 5. Note that the first terminals 5 to which the screw members 57 have been fastened in advance may be accommodated in the first housing 11. Then, the packing 31 is attached to the first housing 11, and the front holder 33 is assembled, completing the assembly of the first housing 11.

[0027] When assembling the second housing 13, first, nuts 69 are attached to the second terminals 7, and the second terminals 7 are attached to the ends of the electric wires 61 to which rubber plugs 63 are attached. Next, the second terminals 7 are housed in the second housing 13, and the lower holder 65 is attached. Then, the front packing 41 and the rear packing 47 are attached to the second housing 13, and the front holder 43 and the rear holder 49 are attached, completing the assembly of the second housing 13.

[0028] In assembling the cover 9, the short terminal 75 is attached to the cover 9, and then the assembling of the cover 9 is completed.

[0029] When assembling the connector 1, first, the first housing 11 is placed in the placement portion 105 of the electrical component 101 so that the positioning pins 21 are inserted into the positioning holes 109. Next, the bolts 17 are inserted into the collars 19 of the component fixing portion 15 of the first housing 11 and fastened into the threaded holes 107, thereby assembling the first housing 11 to the electrical component 101. Next, the second housing 13 is placed inside the upper part of the second housing 13 so that the first housing 11 fits into it. Next, the nuts 69 are fastened to the screw members 57, electrically connecting the first terminals 5 and the second terminals 7. Next, the cover 9 is attached to the second housing 13. If the fastening members 55 are completely fastened, the cover 9 can be attached. If the fastening members 55 are not completely fastened, the cover 9 cannot be attached. Then, the bolt 37 is inserted into the collar 39 of the component fixing portion 35 of the second housing 13 and the collar 73 of the component fixing portion 71 of the cover 9, and the bolt 37 is fastened to the screw hole 111, thereby completing the assembly of the connector 1.

[0030] Such a connector 1 includes a housing 3, a first terminal 5 accommodated in the housing 3, and a second terminal 7 accommodated in the housing 3 and electrically connected to the first terminal 5. The connector also includes a fastening member 55 that electrically connects the first terminal 5 and the second terminal 7 when fastened, and a cover 9 that is attached to the housing 3 and covers the portion where the fastening member 55 is located. The cover 9 is provided with a detection portion 77 that abuts against the fastening member 55 that is positioned in an incomplete fastening position, thereby preventing the cover 9 from being attached to the housing 3.

[0031] When fastening member 55 is completely fastened, detection unit 77 does not come into contact with fastening member 55, and cover 9 can be attached to housing 3. On the other hand, when fastening member 55 is incompletely fastened, detection unit 77 comes into contact with fastening member 55, and cover 9 cannot be attached to housing 3. Therefore, the fastening state of fastening member 55 can be detected based on whether cover 9 can be attached to housing 3, fastening member 55 will not be incomplete, and electrical connection reliability can be maintained.

[0032] Therefore, such a connector 1 can maintain the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0033] Fastening member 55 has a screw member 57 that is integrally provided with one of first terminal 5 and second terminal 7 (here, first terminal 5), and a nut 69 that is rotatably assembled integrally with the other (here, second terminal 7) and fastened to screw member 57. Detecting portion 77 is disposed so as to be able to come into contact with nut 69.

[0034] Because the screw member 57 is integrally provided with the first terminal 5, the screw member 57 can be handled as a single component together with the first terminal 5. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies management and handling. Because the nut 69 is rotatably assembled to the second terminal 7, the nut 69 can be handled as a single component together with the second terminal 7. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies management and handling. Furthermore, by rotatably assembling the nut 69 to the second terminal 7, the nut 69 can be fastened to the screw member 57 even though the screw member 57 is integrally provided with the first terminal 5. By arranging the detector 77 so that it can come into contact with the nut 69, the fastening state of the nut 69 to the screw member 57 can be detected based on whether the detector 77 and the nut 69 come into contact with each other.

[0035] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0036] For example, the screw member is integrally formed with the first terminal, and the nut is rotatably assembled integrally with the second terminal, but this is not limited to this, and the screw member may be integrally formed with the second terminal, and the nut may be rotatably assembled integrally with the first terminal.

[0037] Furthermore, the fastening member includes a screw member and a nut, but is not limited to this, and the fastening member may be only a screw member. In this case, the detection unit may be configured to come into contact with the screw member when it is in an incompletely fastened state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 connector 3. Housing 5 1st terminal 7 2nd terminal 9 Cover 55 Fastening members 57 Screw material 69 Nut 77 Detector

Claims

1. Housing and a first terminal accommodated in the housing; a second terminal accommodated in the housing and electrically connected to the first terminal; a fastening member that electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal by fastening; a cover attached to the housing and covering a portion where the fastening member is disposed; Equipped with The cover is provided with a detection portion that abuts against the fastening member when the fastening member is in an incomplete fastening position, thereby preventing the cover from being assembled to the housing.

2. the fastening member includes a screw member integrally provided on one of the first terminal and the second terminal, and a nut rotatably assembled integrally with the other terminal and fastened to the screw member, The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the detection portion is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the nut.

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