Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector which can improve assemblability.SOLUTION: A connector 1 comprises: a first terminal 7; a second terminal 9 electrically connected to the first terminal 7; and a screw member 61 which electrically connects the first terminal 7 to the second terminal 9 by fastening. The screw member 61 is provided integrally with the first terminal 7. A nut 75 fastened to the screw member 61 is assembled integrally with the second terminal 9 in a rotatable manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a known connector includes a bus bar as a first terminal, a motor terminal as a second terminal electrically connected to the bus bar, and a screw member that electrically connects the bus bar and the motor terminal when fastened (see Patent Document 1). In this connector, the screw member is fastened while the bus bar and the motor terminal are overlapped. Fastening the screw member brings the bus bar and the motor terminal into contact with each other, electrically connecting the bus bar and the motor terminal. [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] In the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the first terminal and the second terminal are overlapped and then fastened to each other with a separate screw member. This requires separate management and handling of the screw member in addition to the management and handling of the first terminal and the second terminal, which reduces ease of assembly.

[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 be easily assembled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of this embodiment comprises a first terminal, a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal, and a screw member that electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal by fastening, wherein the screw member is integrally formed with one of the first terminal and the second terminal, and a nut that is fastened to the screw member is rotatably assembled integrally with the other of the first terminal and the second terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that can be easily assembled. [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] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which the second terminal is disposed at an angle. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first housing of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first housing of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second housing of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second housing of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 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 11, the connector 1 includes a housing 3, a cover 5, a first terminal 7, and a second terminal 9. The first terminal 7 and the second terminal 9 are electrically connected to each other.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 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 4, 6, and 7, 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 7 are accommodated inside the first housing 11 from the side opposite to the electric component 101.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 8, and 9, 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 9 are inserted from below into the lower portion of the second housing 13, and the plurality of second terminals 9 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 beyond 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 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 9 housed 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 5. The rear packing 47 is held in the second housing 13 by a rear holder 49 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 5, the rear packing 47 comes into close contact with the cover 5 to seal the gap between the second housing 13 and the cover 5.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 10, and 11, the cover 5 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The cover 5 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. The outer periphery of the cover 5 is provided with a plurality of (here, two) component fixing portions 51 that protrude radially outward from the placement portion 105 for the electric component 101, at the same positions as the component fixing portions 35 of the second housing 13. A collar 53 is insert-molded into the component fixing portions 51, 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 cover 5 covering the second housing 13, the bolt 37 is fastened to the screw hole 111 via the collar 53 to fix the cover 5 to the electric component 101. By providing the component fixing portion 51 in the same position as the component fixing portion 35 of the second housing 13, the cover 5 can be fixed with a common bolt 37, thereby reducing the number of components. The second housing 13 and the cover 5 may be provided with engaging portions that engage with each other, so that the cover 5 can maintain a state in which it covers the second housing 13. The cover 5 is accommodated, for example, by press-fitting, with a shorting terminal 55 that electrically connects the multiple (here, two) signal terminals 27 accommodated in the first housing 11. The shorting terminal 55 electrically connects the multiple signal terminals 27 when the cover 5 is assembled to the electric component 101, and detects that the cover 5 has been properly assembled to the electric component 101.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, the first terminal 7 is made of a conductive material and is formed, for example, in a columnar shape. A plurality of first terminals 7 (two in this example) are accommodated in the first housing 11. The first terminal 7 is held in its position relative to the first housing 11 by, for example, press-fitting. A mating connection portion 57 and a terminal connection portion 59, each formed as a screw hole, are provided on both ends of the first terminal 7. A mating screw member (not shown), for example, a stud bolt, is fastened to the mating connection portion 57, thereby fixing the first terminal 7 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 7 into contact with each other, electrically connecting the mating terminal and the first terminal 7.

[0019] A screw member 61, for example, a stud bolt, is fastened to the terminal connection portion 59, and the screw member 61 is fixed integrally with the first terminal 7. By fixing the screw member 61 to the first terminal 7, the screw member 61 can be handled as a single member together with the first terminal 7, reducing the number of parts and simplifying management and handling. Note that the screw member 61 may be formed as a single member continuous with the first terminal 7, for example, by forming the end of the first terminal 7 on the terminal connection portion 59 side into a columnar shape and threading the outer periphery of the columnar portion. The second terminal 9 is disposed on the screw member 61.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 9, the second terminal 9 is made of a conductive material and is formed, for example, in a plate shape. A plurality of (here, two) second terminals 9 are accommodated in the second housing 13. The second terminal 9 is provided with a pin hole 63 penetrating the second terminal 9, into which the retaining pin 45 of the front holder 43 is inserted. By inserting the retaining pin 45 into the pin hole 63, the arrangement position of the second terminal 9 relative to the second housing 13 is maintained. The plurality of second terminals 9 are electrically connected, for example, by crimping or welding, to the ends of a plurality of (here, two) electric wires 65 electrically connected to other electric components (not shown). A rubber stopper 67 is attached in close contact to the outer periphery of the electric wire 65 on the second terminal 9 side. The rubber stopper 67 is held in the second housing 13 by a lower holder 69 attached to the second housing 13 via engaging portions (not shown) that engage with each other. The lower holder 69 is divided into two halves, and is assembled to the electric wire 65 via engaging portions (not shown) that engage with each other. By dividing the lower holder 69, the assembly position relative to the electric wire 65 can be freely determined, improving assembly efficiency. The rubber plug 67 comes into close contact with the second housing 13 when the second terminal 9 is accommodated in the second housing 13, and seals the gap between the second housing 13 and the electric wire 65.

[0021] The second terminal 9 has an arrangement hole 71 formed therethrough at a position corresponding to the screw member 61 of the first terminal 7 when the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 are fitted together. The interior of the arrangement hole 71 has an inclined surface 73 that is inclined so that the diameter increases toward the first terminal 7. A nut 75 is placed in the arrangement hole 71, and the nut 75 is assembled integrally with the second terminal 9 by, for example, crimping.

[0022] The nut 75 has an insertion portion 77 that is disposed inside the arrangement hole 71. The outer diameter of the insertion portion 77 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion of the arrangement hole 71, allowing the nut 75 to rotate relative to the second terminal 9. In addition, the outer diameter of the insertion portion 77 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion of the arrangement hole 71, allowing the nut 75 to tilt relative to the second terminal 9. An end of the insertion portion 77 is provided with a retaining portion 79 that is formed with a diameter larger than the small-diameter portion of the arrangement hole 71. The retaining portion 79 has an inclined surface 81 that is inclined so that its diameter expands toward the second terminal 9. When the nut 75 attempts to disengage from the second terminal 9, the inclined surface 81 of the retaining portion 79 abuts against the inclined surface 73 of the arrangement hole 71, preventing the nut 75 from disengaging from the second terminal 9. Additionally, the inclined surface 81 of the retaining portion 79 abuts against the inclined surface 73 of the arrangement hole 71, thereby restricting the inclination of the nut 75 relative to the second terminal 9. By providing the inclined surface 73 on the arrangement hole 71 and the inclined surface 81 on the retaining portion 79, the length of the insertion portion 77 can be shortened, thereby enabling the nut 75 to be made more compact. A restricting portion 83 having a diameter larger than the diameter of the arrangement hole 71 is provided on a portion of the nut 75 located outside the arrangement hole 71. The restricting portion 83 is positioned so that a gap is formed between the restricting portion 83 and the outer surface of the second terminal 9 when the inclined surface 81 of the retaining portion 79 abuts against the inclined surface 73 of the arrangement hole 71. The formation of a gap between the restricting portion 83 and the outer surface of the second terminal 9 allows the nut 75 to incline relative to the second terminal 9. The restricting portion 83 abuts against the outer surface of the second terminal 9 when the nut 75 attempts to detach from the second terminal 9, preventing the nut 75 from detaching from the second terminal 9. In addition, the restricting portion 83 comes into contact with the outer surface of the second terminal 9, thereby restricting the inclination of the nut 75 relative to the second terminal 9. Note that the retaining portion 79 and the restricting portion 83 only need to be set to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the arrangement hole 71, and may be a plurality of protrusions that are not continuous in the circumferential direction of the arrangement hole 71 but are discontinuously arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0023] The arrangement hole 71 does not necessarily have to have the inclined surface 73. In this case, the inner diameter of the arrangement hole 71 is uniform across the thickness direction of the second terminal 9. For such an arrangement hole 71, the insertion portion 77 may be formed so that its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the arrangement hole 71 and its length is longer than the thickness of the second terminal 9. A retaining portion 79 having a diameter larger than the diameter of the arrangement hole 71 may be provided at the end of the insertion portion 77 exposed from the arrangement hole 71. The restricting portion 83 may be formed so that a gap is formed between the retaining portion 79 and the outer surface of the second terminal 9 when the retaining portion 79 is in contact with the outer surface of the second terminal 9. Even with such an arrangement hole 71, the insertion portion 77, the retaining portion 79, and the restricting portion 83, the nut 75 can be assembled to the second terminal 9 in a rotatable and tiltable manner.

[0024] The nut 75 is disposed on the screw member 61 of the first terminal 7 when the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 are fitted together. When the screw member 61 and the nut 75 come into contact with each other and the second terminal 9 tilts in a direction intersecting the axis of the screw member 61, the nut 75 also tilts in a direction intersecting the axis of the screw member 61. Therefore, the axis of the screw member 61 and the axis of the nut 75 can be positioned substantially on the same line. When the nut 75 is disposed on the screw member 61 and fastened to the screw member 61, the first terminal 7 and the second terminal 9 come into contact with each other and are electrically connected to each other. By integrally assembling the nut 75 rotatably with the second terminal 9, the nut 75 and the second terminal 9 can be handled as a single component, reducing the number of parts and simplifying management and handling. Furthermore, by rotatably assembling the nut 75 to the second terminal 9, the nut 75 can be fastened to the screw member 61 even if the screw member 61 is provided integrally with the first terminal 7. In addition, by arranging the nut 75 on the second terminal 9 so that it can tilt in a direction intersecting the axis of the screw member 61, the nut 75 can tilt when the second terminal 9 is arranged at an angle relative to the first terminal 7. By tilting the nut 75, the nut 75 can be arranged along the axis of the screw member 61. Therefore, the tilt of the second terminal 9 can be absorbed, and the nut 75 can be stably fastened to the screw member 61.

[0025] As an example of assembling such a connector 1, first, the first housing 11, the second housing 13, and the cover 5 are respectively assembled.

[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 7 are accommodated in the first housing 11. Next, the screw members 61 are fastened to the first terminals 7. Note that the first terminals 7 to which the screw members 61 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 75 are attached to the second terminals 9, and the second terminals 9 are attached to the ends of the electric wires 65 to which rubber plugs 67 are attached. Next, the second terminals 9 are housed in the second housing 13, and the lower holder 69 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 5, the short terminal 55 is attached to the cover 5, and then the assembling of the cover 5 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 to the screw holes 107 to assemble 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 in. Next, the nuts 75 are fastened to the screw members 61 to electrically connect the first terminals 7 and the second terminals 9. At this time, if the first housing 11 is placed deep inside the second housing 13, the second terminals 9 may tilt. However, the tilt of the nuts 75 relative to the second terminals 9 can absorb this tilt. Next, the cover 5 is attached to the second housing 13. Then, the bolt 37 is inserted into the collar 39 of the component fixing portion 35 of the second housing 13 and the collar 53 of the component fixing portion 51 of the cover 5, 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 first terminal 7, a second terminal 9 electrically connected to the first terminal 7, and a screw member 61 that electrically connects the first terminal 7 and the second terminal 9 by fastening. The screw member 61 is provided integrally with one of the first terminal 7 and the second terminal 9 (here, the first terminal 7). A nut 75 that is fastened to the screw member 61 is rotatably assembled integrally with the other of the first terminal 7 and the second terminal 9 (here, the second terminal 9).

[0031] Because the screw member 61 is provided integrally with the first terminal 7, the screw member 61 can be handled as a single member together with the first terminal 7. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies management and handling. Because the nut 75 is rotatably attached integrally to the second terminal 9, the nut 75 can be handled as a single member together with the second terminal 9. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies management and handling. Furthermore, by rotatably attaching the nut 75 to the second terminal 9, the nut 75 can be fastened to the screw member 61 even though the screw member 61 is provided integrally with the first terminal 7.

[0032] Therefore, in such a connector 1, it is not necessary to manage or handle the screw member 61 and the nut 75 separately from the first terminal 7 and the second terminal 9, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0033] The nut 75 is arranged so as to be able to tilt in a direction intersecting the axis of the screw member 61 relative to the other side (here, the second terminal 9).

[0034] Even if the second terminal 9 is arranged at an angle with respect to the first terminal 7, the nut 75 is tilted, so that the nut 75 can be arranged along the axis of the screw member 61. Therefore, the tilt of the second terminal 9 can be absorbed, and the nut 75 can be stably fastened to the screw member 61.

[0035] The other terminal (here, the second terminal 9) is provided with an arrangement hole 71 formed to penetrate the second terminal 9. The nut 75 is also provided with an insertion portion 77 whose outer diameter is set smaller than the inner diameter of the arrangement hole 71 and is arranged inside the arrangement hole 71, and a restricting portion 83 whose diameter is set larger than the diameter of the arrangement hole 71 and is arranged outside the arrangement hole 71. A gap is formed between the restricting portion 83 and the outer surface of the second terminal 9.

[0036] The outer diameter of the insertion portion 77 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the arrangement hole 71, which allows the nut 75 to rotate and tilt with respect to the second terminal 9. A gap is formed between the restricting portion 83 and the outer surface of the second terminal 9, which allows the nut 75 to tilt with respect to the second terminal 9. In addition, when the nut 75 tilts, the restricting portion 83 abuts against the outer surface of the second terminal 9, thereby restricting the tilt of the nut 75 with respect to the second terminal 9.

[0037] Further, at the end of the insertion portion 77, a retaining portion 79 set to be larger in diameter than the arrangement hole 71 is provided.

[0038] Therefore, the insertion portion 77 does not slip out of the arrangement hole 71, and the nut 75 can be prevented from coming off the second terminal 9, and the nut 75 can be stably held on the second terminal 9.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 connector 7 1st terminal 9 2nd terminal 61 Screw material 71 Placement hole 75 Nut 77 Insertion part 79 Retaining part 83 Regulatory Department

Claims

1. A first terminal; a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal; a screw member that electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal when fastened; Equipped with the screw member is integrally provided with one of the first terminal and the second terminal, A connector in which a nut to be fastened to the screw member is rotatably assembled integrally with the other of the first terminal and the second terminal.

2. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the nut is arranged so as to be inclined relative to the other nut in a direction intersecting an axis of the screw member.

3. the other of the two is provided with an arrangement hole formed through the other of the two, The nut is provided with an insertion portion having an outer diameter set smaller than an inner diameter of the arrangement hole and disposed inside the arrangement hole, and a restriction portion having a diameter set larger than the diameter of the arrangement hole and disposed outside the arrangement hole, The connector according to claim 2 , wherein a gap is formed between the restricting portion and the other outer surface.

4. 4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein an end of the insertion portion is provided with a retaining portion having a diameter larger than that of the arrangement hole.

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