Connector and assembly method thereof

Abstract

To provide a connector that has a shielding function, reduces manufacturing man-hours, and can be easily assembled.SOLUTION: A cord side shield portion of a cord is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the cord, and a connector includes a connection terminal that is joined to an electric wire leading out from the end of the cord, a connector main body that accommodates the end of the cord and holds the connection terminal, and a shield portion that covers the connector main body, and the shield portion is arranged to protrude into the connector main body and be elastically deformable, and includes a pair of pressure contact portions that press against and contact the cord side shield portion on the outer peripheral surface when deformed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector to be attached to an end of a cord and a method for assembling the connector. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional connector for attachment to a cable terminal has a configuration in which connector terminals are connected to the core wires of the cable terminal and placed inside a connector housing, and a shielding member is provided on the connector housing to surround the connection between the core wires and the connector terminals. The shielding member is connected to the shielding wire of the cable terminal.

[0003] A known example of a shielding member is a cylindrical shielding shell made of copper foil tape, which is formed by wrapping copper foil tape around the outer periphery of a connector housing to surround the connection portion between the core wire and the connector terminal. Another known shielding member, as shown in Patent Document 1, is a metal shell formed by processing sheet metal into a case shape to surround the connection portion.

[0004] The shielding member of Patent Document 1 has a protruding piece that protrudes outward from the metal shell along the extension direction of the cable inserted into the metal shell. The protruding piece is wrapped around the shield wire exposed on the outer periphery of the end of the cable inserted into the connector and crimped to secure it in place. In this way, the shielding member connects the metal shell to the shield wire of the cable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-286229 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in conventional connectors, when the shielding shell is made of copper foil tape, the shell must be connected to the cable shield by soldering, which is a time-consuming process. In particular, manual connection requires skilled techniques, making it even more time-consuming.

[0007] In contrast, in the conventional shielding structure shown in Patent Document 1, the connection between the shell and the cable's shield wire is made by crimping the protruding piece of the metal shell to the cable's shield wire, which is easier than connecting by soldering, but the crimping work takes time.As such, Patent Document 1 requires the fitting of the pair of shells themselves as well as the work of crimping the cable with the protruding piece, so there is a need for a structure that reduces the number of construction steps and makes it easier to assemble a stable connector.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can be easily assembled and a method for assembling the connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the connector of the present invention is a connection terminal in which a cord-side shield portion of the cord is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of an end of the cord and which is connected to an electric wire extending from the end of the cord; a connector body that accommodates the end of the cord and holds the connection terminal; a shield portion that covers the connector body; and The shield portion is provided so as to protrude into the connector body and be elastically deformable, and has a pair of pressure contact portions that, when deformed, press against and contact the cord-side shield portion on the outer circumferential surface.

[0010] One aspect of the method for assembling a connector of the present invention includes the steps of: a joining step of arranging a cord-side shield part on an outer peripheral surface of an end of a cord, and joining a core wire led out from the end of the cord to a connection terminal at a joint part; a fixing step of fixing the connection terminal to a housing in a state where the joint portion is exposed to the outside; a molding process for forming a molded portion by insert molding with a resin so as to cover the joint portion and the end of the cord, thereby integrally connecting the molded portion to the housing and incorporating the joint portion and the end of the cord, and such that the cord-side shield portion of the end of the cord is exposed to the outside through an opening; a shielding step of covering the molded portion with a shield portion so as to surround the joint portion; 1. An assembly method comprising: The shielding process involves covering the molded portion with a first shield and a second shield, which are divided bodies constituting the shield portion and each have a pressure contact portion that protrudes elastically and deformably toward the molded portion, and bringing each of the pressure contact portions into contact with the cord side shield portion through the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a connector that can be easily assembled and a method for assembling the connector can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a view showing the connector assembly with the cover removed from the connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector assembly with the shield removed. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a main part of a molded portion in a connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of a first shield and a second shield of the shield shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8]8A, 8B and 8C are diagrams showing cable end treatments. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the cable connected to the plug housing. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state in which the connector body is integrated with the cable end by molding. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a connector body to which an O-ring is attached. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating the coupling of a shielded wire and a shield. [Figure 15] This is a diagram of the completed connector with the cover attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] In this embodiment, the terms used to describe the configuration and operation of each part of the connector, such as tip (front), rear, left, and right, are relative, not absolute. These terms are appropriate when each part of the connector is in the orientation shown in the figure, but should be interpreted differently if the orientation changes. Here, the side that connects to the mating connector is referred to as the tip (front) side or front side, and the end opposite the tip is referred to as the rear side or base side. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , when looking at a tip opening 52 that opens on the tip (front) side of the connector, the sides on which the upper and lower edges of the tip opening 52 from the center are located are referred to as the upper side and lower side.

[0015] <Overall structure> 1 is connected to a single shielded cord (also referred to as a "shielded cable") 20, which has therein a plurality of electric wires 22 each having a core wire 222 (see FIG. 2) and a shielded wire 23 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). In order to connect the connector 10 to a mating connector (not shown), the plurality of electric wires 22 each having a core wire 222 within the shielded cord 20 and the shielded wire 23 are branched off at the end of the shielded cord 20.

[0016] A connector 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is connected to an end of a shielded cord 20 and is used, for example, as a relay cord 1 of a medical device that measures biological information. The relay cord 1 connects a biological information measuring device (not shown) to an electrode such as a chest electrode attached to a patient's living body. The relay cord 1 has a connector 10 and a shielded cord 20 connected to the connector 10. In the relay cord 1, the connector 10 is connected to one end of the shielded cord 20, and the biological information measuring device (not shown) is connected to the other end of the shielded cord 20. An electrode-side connector (not shown) to which multiple electrodes are connected is attached to the connector 10 as a mating connector. In the relay cord 1, the shielded cord 20 branches off multiple electric wires 22 of the shielded cord 20 via the connector 10 connected to the electrode-side connector, and the branches are connected to multiple electrodes, respectively.

[0017] <Shield Code 20> The shielded cord 20 is a multi-core cord having a plurality of electric wires 22 each having a core wire 222. Each of the electric wires 22 has a signal wire as the core wire 222, and is used as an induction cord together with a shielded wire 23 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Note that the electric wire 22 is not limited to an induction cord, and the number of electric wires 22 is not limited to one, and may be one or more.

[0018] The shielded cord 20 has a plurality of electric wires 22 (for example, seven electric wires 22) and a ground wire (shielded wire 23) inside. Each of the electric wires 22 has a core wire 222 covered with a covering portion. The shielded wire 23 is formed by covering a core wire with a covering portion, similar to the electric wires 22.

[0019] The shielded cord 20 is constructed by covering these multiple electric wires 22 with an insulating layer, a covering layer, and a shielding layer made of resin or the like. In the shielded cord 20, the insulating layer, covering layer, and shielding layer surrounding the electric wires 22 are collectively referred to as the cord body 24.

[0020] At the end 20a of the shield cord 20, a plurality of electric wires 22 extend from the center of the cord body 24 in the extending direction of the shield cord 20 (see FIG. 8).

[0021] Conductive tape (copper foil tape) 25 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of end 24a of cord body 24 so as to cover shielded wire (cord-side shield) 25a that is a part of shielded wire 23. Conductive tape 25 is provided integrally with shielded wire 25a (see FIG. 8B ) and is electrically connected to shielded wire 25a. Conductive tape 25 functions as the end of the shield (cord-side shield portion) of shielded cord 20 that is disposed at end 24a of cord body 24.

[0022] The shielded wire 25a is formed, for example, by folding back a portion of the shielded wire 23 at the end 20a of the shielded cord 20 (specifically, at the end 24a of the cord body 24) (see FIG. 8B) and arranging it on the outer peripheral surface of the end 24a of the cord body 24.

[0023] <Outline of Connector 10> The connector 10 is attached to an end 20a of the shielded cord 20. The connector 10 includes a socket terminal (connection terminal) 12 in the tip portion of the connector 10 (tip opening 52 which is also the connection portion).

[0024] The connector 10 has an insertion portion, which is a part of the mating connector, inserted into the tip opening 52. This electrically connects the socket terminals 12 to the mating pin terminals provided in the insertion portion. The socket terminals 12 are formed to correspond to the mating pin terminals, as will be described in detail later.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connector 10 has a housing 90 formed by a first cover 91 and a second cover 92, and a connector assembly 10a covered by the first cover 91 and the second cover 92.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connector assembly 10a includes a connector body 40 connected to the end 20a of the shield cord 20, a shield portion 70 attached to the connector body 40, and a bushing 80.

[0027] Within the connector main body 40, the connector assembly 10a electrically connects the core wires 222 of the electric wires (also referred to as "branch cords") 22 extending from the cord main body 24 of the shielded cord 20 to the base ends of the corresponding socket terminals 12 at joints 29 (see FIGS. 2 and 10). These joints 29 (see FIG. 10) are surrounded by a shielding section 70 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the cord main body 24. The shielding section 70 is electrically connected to the conductive tape (cord-side shielding section) 25 of the shielded cord 20 at the end 20a of the shielded cord 20.

[0028] <Case 90> 2 and 3, housing 90 covers connector assembly 10a including connector main body 40 to which shielded cord 20 is connected. An elastic annular member 14, which will be described later, is disposed between housing 90 and the tip end portion (receptacle portion 50) of connector assembly 10a, providing a waterproof structure that prevents water from entering from the extension direction. In addition, housing 90 has a waterproof structure at its rear end portion that prevents water from entering from the extension direction by retaining portion 84 of bushing 80.

[0029] The housing 90 has an assembly receiving portion 93 that opens to the front, and a retaining receiving portion 95 that continues to a cord outlet (corresponding to the rear end portion 90b) provided at the base end portion.

[0030] The housing 90 accommodates the connector assembly 10a in the assembly accommodating portion 93, and accommodates the retaining portion 84 of the bush 80 in the retaining accommodating portion 95, thereby restricting the movement of the bush 80 and preventing the connector assembly 10a from coming out of the housing 90 (axially).

[0031] The housing 90 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the shield cord 20 is disposed inside the housing 90 so as to be led out from a cord lead-out port at the rear end of the housing 90 (rear end 90b).

[0032] In the housing 90, a receptacle portion (housing) 50 that opens at a tip opening portion (connection portion) 52 is attached to opening portions 91a and 92a on the tip side. The receptacle portion 50 attached to opening portions 91a and 92a constitutes the tip portion of the connector 10.

[0033] A bushing 80 is connected to a cord outlet (rear end 90b) that opens at the rear end of the housing 90, and the shield cord 20 is led out from the bushing 80. The rear end of the housing 90 constitutes the rear end of the connector 10.

[0034] The housing 90 covers the connector main body 40 (receptacle portion 50 and molded portion 60) in which the socket terminals 12 and the core wires 222 of each electric wire 22 of the shielded cord 20 are arranged, and the shield portion 70 in a waterproof state.

[0035] <Connector body 40> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connector body 40 holds the connection piece portion 124 between the electric wire 22 of the shielded cord 20 and the socket terminal 12 connected to the electric wire 22 in an insulated and covered state facing the opening direction of the tip opening 52.

[0036] The connector body 40 has a receptacle portion 50 having a tip opening 52 and a molded portion 60 that is formed integrally with the receptacle portion 50 and that holds the end portion 20 a of the shield cord 20 .

[0037] The receptacle portion 50 and the molded portion 60 (see Figures 2 and 4) are each made of insulating material, and multiple socket terminals 12 are arranged inside and across both of them, and are each electrically connected to the core wire 222 of the shielded cord 20.

[0038] Receptacle portion 50 has an insulating receptacle portion body 51 in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom and provided with tip openings 52 that open to the tip side. Receptacle portion body 51 is provided with a plurality of cylinder-shaped portions 55 protruding from the bottom surface (the surface on the innermost concave side). Cylindrical portions 55 accommodate and hold the tip portions (contact cylinder portions 121) of socket terminals 12 therein.

[0039] A rectangular recess 53 is formed in the rear end surface of the rear portion of receptacle main body 51 (rear portion 50b of receptacle portion 50). Front end portion 60a of molded portion 60 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) is disposed within recess 53. A terminal connecting recess 534 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess, communicating with tubular portion 55 in the axial direction. Joint piece portion 124 of socket terminal 12 is disposed within terminal connecting recess 534, and is connected to core wire 222 here.

[0040] A groove 54 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer periphery of the rear part of the receptacle body 51 (rear part 50b of the receptacle 50), and a ring-shaped elastic annular member 14 that is elastically deformable is arranged in this groove 54.

[0041] The elastic annular member 14 is a waterproof packing material (an O-ring may be used). The elastic annular member 14 is flexible and elastically deformable. The elastic annular member 14 seals the space between the receptacle main body 51 and the housing 90, which sandwich the elastic annular member 14. In this way, the elastic annular member 14 ensures waterproofing between the receptacle 50 and the first cover 91 and the second cover 92, and prevents water from entering the housing 90.

[0042] Tip opening 52 constitutes the tip surface of the tip of connector 10. Tip opening 52 is rectangular frame-shaped and is formed with a concave cross section in receptacle body 51. When the insertion portion of the mating connector is fitted into the concave portion, the mating pin terminals (not shown) enter each cylindrical portion 55 and are fitted into and joined to socket terminals 12 inside.

[0043] The socket terminals 12 are provided corresponding to a plurality of electric wires (induction cords) 22 each having a core wire 222 in one shield cord 20 to which the connector 10 is connected, for example.

[0044] The socket terminal 12 is a cylindrical conductive member into which a mating pin terminal is inserted for connection. A plurality of socket terminals 12 are arranged in parallel on the connector body 40. In this embodiment, the socket terminals 12 are all formed in the same shape, but this is not limiting and they may be formed in different shapes.

[0045] The socket terminal 12 contacts the cylindrical contact portion 121, which is a bottomed cylindrical contact portion into which a mating pin terminal of a mating connector is inserted, at the tip end within the cylindrical portion 55. The socket terminal 12 is joined to the corresponding core wire 222 within the molded portion 60 via the joint portion 29 at a connecting piece portion 124 (see FIG. 2) at the rear end portion that protrudes from the rear surface of the contact cylindrical portion 121.

[0046] The socket terminal 12 is embedded in the connector body 40, i.e., in both the receptacle portion 50 and the molded portion 60, and is held in an insulated state. The connecting piece portion 124 is fixed to the tip of the core wire 222 by crimping, soldering, crimp and soldering, or the like (see FIG. 10).

[0047] The connecting piece portion 124 of the socket terminal 12 (see FIG. 10) may be provided with a cord fixing portion that fixes the end of the electric wire 22 having the core wire 222 by crimping or the like. Furthermore, the socket terminal 12 may be inserted into the terminal hole of the receptacle portion 50 without the molded portion 60 from within the terminal connection recess 534 (see FIG. 2) in the rear portion 50b of the receptacle portion 50 and held therein.

[0048] 2, 4, and 5 is an insulating member formed continuously behind the receptacle portion 50 and provided integrally with the receptacle portion 50. The molded portion 60 may be formed from an insulating resin. The molded portion 60 may be formed, for example, by insert molding in which socket terminals 12 connected to shielded cords 20 are placed in the receptacle portion 50.

[0049] The end 20a of the shield cord 20 is inserted into the rear end of the molded section 60, and the molded section 60 is integrally formed with the shield cord 20 and the receptacle section 50. The molded section 60 is further covered with a shield section 70.

[0050] The molded portion 60 is solid (see FIGS. 2 and 6), and is formed with the end portion 20a of the shield cord 20 embedded therein.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 5, the molded part 60 has a rectangular parallelepiped main body 62, with a front end 60a of the molded part 60 fitting into the recess 53 of the receptacle part 50, and the shield cord 20 extending from the center of the rear end 60b. A protrusion 604 that fits into the terminal connection recess 534 (see Figs. 2 and 9) is provided on the front end surface of the front end 60a. The front end of the protrusion 604 is arranged so that the front end of the socket terminal 12, which is integrally molded, protrudes from the front end of the protrusion 604.

[0052] Openings 64 that open upward and downward are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the main body 62 of the molded portion.

[0053] The opening 64 is formed at a position where the conductive tape 25 of the shield cord 20 is sandwiched, and is formed so that the conductive tape 25 faces from above and below.

[0054] Furthermore, a step portion 67 is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the main body portion 62 adjacent to the rear side of the opening portion 64 .

[0055] The step portion 67 forms an area where the pressure contact portions 76 (76A, 76B) of the first shield 71 and the second shield 72 shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 7 deform and move.

[0056] Both side surfaces of the main body 62 have side step surfaces 66 that engage with the respective side surfaces so that both side surfaces of the second shield 72 are flush with each other, and protrusions 65 that engage with cutout portions 75 of the second shield 72 when the second shield 72 engages with the side step surfaces 66.

[0057] The side step surfaces 66 are provided to extend in the axial direction (front-to-rear direction) and serve to position the second shield 72 when it is attached from below to the main body 62. In addition, the side step surfaces 66 make both side surfaces of the main body 62 and the second shield 72 flush with each other.

[0058] As a result, when the first shield 71 covers the main body portion 62 from above, both side surfaces of the main body portion 62 and the second shield 72 are likely to come into contact with or be close to both side surfaces of the first shield 71. In the case of contact, the surface contact area between the main body portion 62 and the second shield 72 becomes large, for example, when both side surfaces of the main body portion 62 and the second shield 72 come into surface contact with each other. The protrusion 65 is formed to extend in the vertical direction, and when it engages with the notch portion 75, it restricts relative movement of the main body portion 62 and the second shield 72 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, 6 and 7, the shield portion 70 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape and is arranged within the housing 90 between the receptacle portion 50 and the bushing 80 so as to cover the molded portion 60, which is the rear portion of the connector main body 40.

[0060] The shield part 70 is composed of divided parts, a first shield 71 and a second shield 72. The shield part 70 is attached to the molded part 60 by connecting the first shield 71 and the second shield 72 so that the first shield 71 and the second shield 72 cover both side faces, top and bottom faces, and rear face of the main body part 62 of the molded part 60 from above and below.

[0061] In the shield section 70, a pair of pressure contact sections 76 (76A, 76B) are inserted into the opening 64 and connected to the conductive tape 25 that is the shield section of the shield cord 20.

[0062] The shield portion 70 covers and surrounds the connection portion between the socket terminal 12 and the electric wire 22 (core wire 222), as well as the contact portion between the pressure contact portions 76A, 76B and the conductive tape 25. The shield portion 70 functions as an electromagnetic shield, particularly covering the contact portion between the pressure contact portions 76A, 76B and the conductive tape 25.

[0063] The first shield 71 and the second shield 72 are electrically conductive and are each formed by processing a metal plate.

[0064] The first shield 71 has a top surface portion 712, both side surface portions 715, and a rear surface portion 713. The top surface portion 712 is disposed so as to cover the main body portion 62 from above, and has a pressure contact portion 76 (one of a pair of pressure contact portions) that protrudes downward. The both side surface portions 715 are formed to hang down from both sides of the top surface portion 712, and each of the both side surface portions 715 is formed with an elongated hole 77 for electrically connecting to the second shield 72. The rear surface portion 713 is formed to hang down from the rear end portion of the top surface portion 712. A concave cutout that forms part of the opening 73 is provided in the center of the rear surface portion 713.

[0065] The second shield 72 has a bottom surface portion 722, both side surface portions 725, and a rear surface portion 723. The bottom surface portion 722 is a rectangular plate, and is disposed so as to cover the main body portion 62 from the lower surface side.

[0066] A pressing contact portion 76B (the other of the pair of pressing contact portions) is provided to protrude upward on the bottom surface portion 722. The pressing contact portion 76B of the second shield 72 and the pressing contact portion 76A of the first shield 71 form a pair of pressing contact portions 76.

[0067] The side surface portions 725 are provided to stand parallel to each other from both side edges of the rectangular bottom surface portion 722. Each of the side surface portions 725 is provided with a cut-out portion 78 as an engaged portion that engages with the elongated hole 77 of the first shield 71. The rear surface portion 723 is provided to stand up from the rear end of the bottom surface portion 722. A concave cutout portion is provided in the center of the rear surface portion 723, which, together with the cutout portion of the rear surface portion 713, forms an opening 73 when the first shield 71 and the second shield 72 are combined. The opening 73 is a portion through which the shield cord 20 passes.

[0068] The first shield 71 and the second shield 72 are combined together, and the elongated holes 77 and the cut-and-raised portions 78 are engaged together. This forms the shield portion 70, which covers the main body 62 and is in contact with the conductive tape 25 of the shield cord 20 so as to sandwich the conductive tape 25 between the pair of pressure contact portions 76A, 76B.

[0069] The pressure contact portions 76A and 76B are conductive and have contact portions 764 at the tips of elastically deformable arms. The pressure contact portions 76A and 76B are preferably made of leaf springs or the like.

[0070] The pressing contact portion 76A provided on the first shield 71 is provided so as to be elastically deformable relative to the upper surface portion 712 of the first shield 71. The pressing contact portion 76A extends from the edge of the opening 73 in the rear surface portion 713 of the first shield on the upper surface portion 712 in the extending direction of the shield cord 20.

[0071] On the other hand, the pressing contact portion 76B provided on the second shield 72 is elastically deformable with respect to the bottom surface portion 722. The pressing contact portion 76B extends from the edge of the opening 73 of the rear surface portion 723 on the bottom surface portion 722 in the extending direction of the shield cord 20.

[0072] The pressure contact portions 76A, 76B are inserted into the opening 64 and press against the conductive tape (copper foil tape) 25 wrapped around the outer surface of the shield wire 25a arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the end 20a of the shield cord 20 to make contact.

[0073] That is, in the shield portion 70, a pair of pressure contact portions 76A, 76B are formed symmetrically on each of the first shield 71 and the second shield 72. The pair of pressure contact portions 76A, 76B abut against the conductive tape 25, which is the shield end of the shield cord, in one direction so as to sandwich it from both sides (up and down). As a result, the first shield 71 and the second shield 72 are electrically connected to the conductive tape 25, i.e., the shield wire 25a of the shield cord 20, and are in a state where they can be electrically connected.

[0074] The pressure contact portions 76A, 76B may be formed in any manner as long as they have a length that allows them to be inserted into the opening 64 and to elastically deform to contact the conductive tape 25, and they provide electrical continuity between the shield wire 25a of the shield cord 20 and the shield portion 70 via the conductive tape 25.

[0075] The pressure contact portions 76A, 76B are formed integrally with the first shield 71 and the second shield 72 by processing a single piece of sheet metal, and are continuous with the first shield 71 and the second shield 72, respectively.

[0076] The pressure contact portions 76A, 76B are displaced as a whole, and sandwich the conductive tape 25 of the shield cord 20 via the contact portion 764, and are suitably connected to the conductive tape 25 while being positioned in the center.

[0077] Instead of the leaf springs, the pressure contact portions 76A, 76B may be formed of conductive, elastically deformable members such as coil springs. In the case of a coil spring, when the first shield 71 and the second shield 72 are combined by engaging the elongated holes 77 and the cut-and-raised portions 78, the coil spring is inserted into the opening 64 and fixed in a position where it sandwiches the conductive tape 25 (the cord-side shield portion) of the shield cord 20.

[0078] The bushing 80 is made of an elastic member, is fitted onto the shield cord 20 , and is disposed at the end 20 a of the shield cord 20 .

[0079] The bushing 80 is inserted through the opening of the rear end portion 90b and is elastically deformed to fit into the retaining housing portion 95 so as not to fall out. This watertightly seals the gap between the bushing 80 and the first shield 71 and the second shield 72, making it waterproof.

[0080] <Assembly method> A method of assembling the connector will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 15. Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C show the end treatment of wire 22 in the order of Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C.

[0081] 8A, a bushing 80 is inserted into the shielded cord 20, and the coating covering the core wire 222 of each electric wire 22 at the end 20a of the shielded cord 20 is stripped to expose the core wire 222. As a result, the electric wires 22 are led out from the cord body 24 at the end 20a of the shielded cord 20, and the coating at their ends is stripped to expose the ends of the core wires 222. In addition, part of the shielded wire (ground wire) 23 is twisted to expose the end, which is then covered with a heat-shrinkable tube.

[0082] Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the exposed shield wire of shield wire 23 at cord end 20a is folded back and arranged as shield wire 25a on the outer peripheral surface of end 24a of cord body 24 at end 20a.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 8C, the shield wire 25a arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the end 24a of the cord body 24 is covered by wrapping conductive tape (copper foil tape) 25. The conductive tape 25, together with the shield wire 25a, constitutes a cord shield portion (conductive portion) that improves the conductivity of the shield wire 25a. The thickness of the conductive tape (shield) 25 can be adjusted by the number of turns of the conductive tape. The cord-side shield portion (shield end) including the conductive tape 25 is arranged with a predetermined width on the outer periphery of the end of the cord body 24.

[0084] Next, the electric wire 22 is connected to the base end (connection piece 124) of the socket terminal 12 (see FIG. 10). The tip of the electric wire 22 and the connection piece 124 of the socket terminal 12 are joined by soldering (joint 29). The part of the electric wire 22 that is led out of the cord body 24 and is not soldered is covered with a covering 27 such as a heat-shrink tube.

[0085] Next, the socket terminals 12 are press-fitted into the rear of the receptacle portion 50, with their tip portions (terminals) protruding from the innermost surface of the tip opening 52 and inserted and held within the tubular portion 55. The socket terminals 12 may be arranged in any manner as long as they are held within the receptacle portion 50. Note that the joints 29 where the base ends of the socket terminals 12 are soldered to each of the core wires 222 are disposed in small recesses in the rear portion 50b of the receptacle portion 50.

[0086] Next, in the connector assembly 10a in the state shown in Fig. 11, resin is poured between the receptacle portion 50 and the bushing 80. This is done by insert molding, for example. As a result, as shown in Fig. 12, a molded portion 60 is formed that covers the end portion 24a of the cord body 24 around which the conductive tape 25 is wound, and the electric wire 22 (core wire 222), and has openings 64 that expose the conductive tape 25, which is the cord-side shield portion, at the top and bottom.

[0087] Specifically, when providing molded portion 60, connector assembly 10a is placed in a mold (not shown) with wires 22 wired so as not to tangle. Next, in the mold, resin is poured into a space partitioned in the shape of molded portion 60 between receptacle portion 50 and bushing 80. After the resin of connector assembly 10a has hardened, the mold is removed in the direction of opening 64, thereby forming molded portion 60.

[0088] 13, an elastic annular member (O-ring) 14 is fitted around the outer periphery of the connector body 40 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the O-ring (elastic annular member 14) is fitted into the groove 54.

[0089] 14A and 14B, first shield 71 and second shield 72 are attached so as to cover molded molded section 60. Specifically, second shield 72 is attached so that notch 75 is aligned with protrusion 65 of molded section 60.

[0090] At this time, the side surface of the molded section 60 on which the protrusion 65 is provided has a side stepped surface 66, so the side surface of the second shield 72 is disposed flush with the side stepped surface 66. Furthermore, the contact portions 764 of the pair of pressure contact portions 76A, 76B of the first shield 71 and the second shield 72 are inserted into the upper and lower openings 64 (including the opening on the opposite side of the opening 64 across the conductive tape 25) and are pressed against the conductive tape 25 to connect them.

[0091] Next, the elongated holes 77 of the first shield 71 are aligned with the cut-and-raised portions 78 of the second shield 72, they are engaged and connected at their side surfaces, and the first shield 71 is attached to the second shield 72 so as to cover the molded portion 60. As a result, the pair of pressure contact portions 76A, 76B sandwich the conductive tape 25, i.e., the conductive tape (cord-side shield portion) 25 of the shielded cord 20, between the top and bottom, and are connected and held in a state positioned at the center of the connector 10.

[0092] Next, the connector assembly 10a is sandwiched in one direction between the first cover 91 and the second cover 92 via the elastic annular member 14 that surrounds the receptacle portion 50, thereby achieving waterproofing between the connector assembly 10a and the housing 90 (see Figure 3).

[0093] The first cover 91 and the second cover 92 are joined at a joint 99. The joint 99 is an ultrasonic joint formed by ultrasonic welding. The first cover 91 and the second cover 92 sandwich the receptacle portion 50 in a waterproof state at their tip ends 90a, and sandwich and fix the retaining portion 84 of the bushing 80 and the bushing main body 82 at their rear ends 90b.

[0094] According to the assembly method of this embodiment, the conductive tape (cord-side shielding portion) 25 of the shielding cord 20 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the end 20a of the shielding cord 20, and the socket terminal 12 is joined at the joint 29 to the electric wire 22 extending from the end 20a of the shielding cord 20 (joining process).

[0095] Next, the socket terminal 12 is fixed to a receptacle portion (housing) 50 having a connection portion with a mating connector, with the joint portion 29 exposed to the outside (fixing process). Next, the joint portion 29 and the end portion 20a are cover by insert molding with resin (molding process). In the molding process, a molded portion 60 is formed that is integrally connected to the receptacle portion 50 and that exposes the built-in joint portion 29 and the conductive tape (cord-side shield portion) 25 at the end portion of the shielded cord 20 to the outside through an opening 64.

[0096] Next, the molded section 60 is covered with the shield section 70 so as to surround the joint section 29 (shielding step). This step is performed using a first shield 71 and a second shield 72, which are divided bodies that constitute the shield section 70 and each have pressure contact sections 76A and 76B that protrude elastically toward the molded section 60. The first shield 71 and the second shield 72 have their respective pressure contact sections 76A and 76B inserted into the opening 64 and brought into contact with the conductive tape 25, thereby covering the molded section 60.

[0097] Conduction between the shield part 70 and the shield on the cord side can be achieved at the same time as the installation work of the seal part 70, without performing any crimping work.

[0098] This allows a reliable electrical connection to the shield wire 25a (the cord-side shield, more specifically, the conductive tape 25 wrapped around the shield wire 25a) of the shield cord 20 simply by assembling the shield section 70. The shield wire 25a of the shield cord 20 can be easily electrically connected to the shield section 70 of the connector 10.

[0099] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0100] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Note that the above description is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the description of the configuration of the above device and the shape of each part is one example, and it is clear that various modifications and additions to these examples are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] The connector and assembly method according to the present invention have a shielding function, have the effect of reducing the number of construction steps and allowing for easy assembly, and are useful as connectors used for connecting medical devices that require a higher level of safety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1 relay cord 10 Connectors 10a Connector assembly 12 Socket terminal (connection terminal) 14 Elastic annular member (O-ring) 20 Shielded cord 20a, 24a end 22 Electric wire 23, 25a shielded wire 24 Code body 25 Conductive tape (code side shielding part) 27 Covering part 29, 99 joint 40 Connector body 50 Receptacle part (housing) 50b rear 51 Receptacle body 52 Tip opening (connection part) 53 Uneven part 54 Groove 55 Cylindrical part 60 Molded part (insulating part) 60a, 90a tip 60b rear end 62 Main body 64, 73 Openings 65 Protrusion 66 Side step surface 70 Shield part 71 First Shield 72 Second Shield 73 Opening 75 Notch 76, 76A, 76B Pressurized contact parts 77 slotted hole 78 Cut-out section 80 Bush 82 Bush body 84 Retaining part 90 Case 90b rear end 91 First Cover 91a opening 92 Second Cover 92a opening 93 Assembly housing 95 Storage section 121 Contact cylinder part 124 Connection piece 222 core wire 521 Hypotenuse 534 Terminal connection recess 712 Top part 713, 723 back face 715, 725 both sides of the face 722 bottom part 725 Side Face 764 Contact Department

Claims

1. a connection terminal in which a cord-side shield portion of the cord is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of an end of the cord and which is connected to an electric wire extending from the end of the cord; a connector body that accommodates the end of the cord and holds the connection terminal; a shield portion that covers the connector body; and The shield portion is provided to protrude into the connector body and be elastically deformable, and has a pair of pressure contact portions that, when deformed, press against and contact the cord-side shield portion on the outer peripheral surface. connector.

2. The pair of pressure contact portions protrude into the connector body so as to face each other and are provided so as to sandwich and contact the cord-side shield portion. The connector according to claim 1.

3. the connector body is disposed within the shielding portion and has an insulating portion in which a joint portion between the connection terminal and the electric wire and an end portion of the cord are embedded; the insulating portion has an opening through which the cord-side shield portion is exposed to the outside of the insulating portion, the pressure contact portion abuts against the cord-side shield portion through the opening. The connector according to claim 1.

4. the shield portion is composed of first and second shield segments that are coupled together in opposing directions, the pair of pressure contact portions are provided on the first shield and the second shield, respectively, to protrude in a direction in which the first shield and the second shield are combined with each other, and sandwich the cord-side shield portion when the first shield and the second shield are combined with each other; The connector according to claim 2.

5. the first shield and the second shield have an engaging portion and an engaged portion that engage with each other when they are combined, and maintain a state in which the pair of pressure contact portions press the cord-side shield portion; The connector according to claim 1.

6. a joining step of arranging a cord-side shield part on an outer peripheral surface of an end of a cord, and joining a core wire led out from the end of the cord to a connection terminal at a joint part; a fixing step of fixing the connection terminal to a housing in a state where the joint portion is exposed to the outside; a molding process for forming a molded portion by insert molding with a resin so as to cover the joint portion and the end of the cord, thereby integrally connecting the molded portion to the housing and incorporating the joint portion and the end of the cord, and such that the cord-side shield portion of the end of the cord is exposed to the outside through an opening; a shielding step of covering the molded portion with a shield portion so as to surround the joint portion; 1. An assembly method comprising: The shielding step involves covering the molded portion with a first shield and a second shield, each of which is a divided body constituting the shield portion and has a pressure contact portion that protrudes elastically toward the molded portion, and bringing each of the pressure contact portions into contact with the cord-side shield portion through the opening. How to assemble the connector.

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