Shell and connector

Abstract

We provide a shell that allows us to keep the manufacturing costs of the connector low. [Solution] The shell of one embodiment is a shell attached to a housing having a terminal housing portion in which terminals are housed, a conductive portion housing portion which is immovably arranged adjacent to the terminal housing portion and houses a part of a conductive portion extending from the terminal, and an opening which opens the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion to the outside in a first intersecting direction which intersects the arrangement direction of the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion, and further comprises a first shell which covers a first opening which corresponds to at least the terminal housing portion, and a second shell which covers a second opening which corresponds to at least the conductive portion housing portion, wherein the first shell and the second shell are rotatable relative to each other about an axis which extends in the first intersecting direction, and further comprises a fixing portion which fixes the first shell and the second shell so that they cannot rotate relative to each other at a position radially away from the axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a shell and a connector.

Background Art

[0002] A connector having a terminal, a housing that houses the terminal and a conductive part (bus bar or electric wire) extending from the terminal, and a shell that covers an opening of the housing is known. The opening of the housing is a part of the housing that opens both the terminal housing part (terminal housing part) and the conductive part housing part (conductive part housing part) in the housing to the outside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of connector, depending on the application, the direction of the conductive part extending from the terminal (the extension direction of the conductive part) inside the housing may change. Due to such circumstances, depending on various applications of the connector, a plurality of types of housings in which the extension direction of the conductive part housing part with respect to the terminal housing part is different are prepared. Conventionally, since a plurality of types of shells corresponding to these plurality of types of housings are prepared, the manufacturing cost of the connector including the housing and the shell becomes high.

[0005] One embodiment provides a shell and a connector capable of suppressing the manufacturing cost of the connector to a low level.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A shell according to one embodiment is a shell attached to a housing having a terminal housing portion in which terminals are housed, a conductive portion housing portion which is immovably arranged adjacent to the terminal housing portion and houses a part of a conductive portion extending from the terminal, and an opening which opens the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion to the outside in a first intersecting direction which intersects the arrangement direction of the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion, and further comprises a first shell which covers at least a first opening corresponding to the terminal housing portion and a second shell which covers at least a second opening corresponding to the conductive portion housing portion, wherein the first shell and the second shell are rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in the first intersecting direction, and further comprises a fixing portion which fixes the first shell and the second shell so as not to rotate relative to each other at a position radially away from the axis.

[0007] A connector according to one embodiment comprises a terminal, a housing having a terminal housing portion in which the terminal is housed, a conductive portion housing portion which is immovably arranged adjacent to the terminal housing portion and houses a part of a conductive portion extending from the terminal, and an opening that opens the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion to the outside in a first intersecting direction that intersects the arrangement direction of the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion, and a shell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the shell and connector of one embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing cost of the connector can be kept low. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view from the front of the cable routing unit including the connector of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] An exploded perspective view from the front of the connector of the first embodiment, with the shell removed from the housing. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view from the rear of the connector of the first embodiment, with the shell removed from the housing. [Figure 4]Figures 2 and 3 show exploded perspective views of the shell as seen from the front. [Figure 5] Figures 2 and 3 show a front view of the shell as seen from the front. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a front view of the shell in which the second shell has been rotated relative to the first shell. [Figure 7] An exploded perspective view of the shell of the second embodiment, seen from the front. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a front view of the shell as seen from the front. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a front view of the shell in which the second shell has been rotated relative to the first shell. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted.

[0011] In this disclosure, terms are defined as follows: “Connection” is not limited to a mechanical connection, but may include an electrical connection. Also, “Connection” is not limited to a case where two elements to be connected are directly connected, but may include a case where two elements to be connected are connected with another element interposed between them. “Restrict” is not limited to a case where two members are always in contact, thereby restricting the movement of one of the two members relative to the other. “Restrict” may include a case where, for example, two members are not in contact when there is no displacement, but when one of the two members attempts to displace relative to the other, the two members come into contact, thereby restricting the movement of one of the two members relative to the other. Also, “Restrict” means that movement in at least one direction is restricted.

[0012] In this disclosure, the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are defined as follows: The +X direction is the direction in which the shell 6 and housing 5 of the connector 3 are aligned in order (see Figures 1 to 3). The -X direction is the opposite direction of the +X direction. When the +X direction and -X direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "X direction". The Y direction is the direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the X direction. The +Y direction is the direction from one of the two terminals 4 of the connector 3 to the other (see Figures 1 and 2). The -Y direction is the opposite direction of the +Y direction. When the +Y direction and -Y direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z direction is the direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction in which the conductive part housing 52 and terminal housing 51 of the housing 5 are aligned in order (see Figure 3). The -Z direction is the opposite direction of the +Z direction. When the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the "Z direction." The Z direction is an example of the "arrangement direction of the terminal housing section 51 and the conductive section housing section 52." The X direction is an example of the "first intersecting direction" that intersects the arrangement direction. Furthermore, for the sake of explanation, the +X direction side may be referred to as the "front side" and the -X direction side as the "rear side" below.

[0013] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0014] <Connector> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connector 3 of the first embodiment is a component for electrically connecting the electric wire 2 to a mating connector (not shown). The connector 3 is used in vehicles such as EVs (Electric Vehicles), HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), or PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). The connector 3 is a high-voltage connector through which a current of 100V or more flows. The connector 3 of this embodiment is a connector 3 that corresponds to two electrodes. However, the connector 3 may also be a connector 3 that corresponds to one electrode, or a connector 3 that corresponds to three or more electrodes.

[0015] The connector 3 comprises a terminal 4, a housing 5, and a shell 6. The connector 3 together with the electric wire 2 (conductive part) connected to the terminal 4 of the connector 3 constitutes a wiring unit 1.

[0016] <Terminal> The terminal 4 is accommodated in a terminal accommodation part 51 of the housing 5 described later. In the connector 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two terminals 4 are arranged in the Y direction in the terminal accommodation part 51. The number of terminals 4 in the connector 3 is not limited to two and may be arbitrary. Also, the arrangement of a plurality of terminals 4 in the terminal accommodation part 51 may be arbitrary.

[0017] <Housing> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 5 is made of a material having electrical insulation properties (for example, a synthetic resin material). The housing 5 has a terminal accommodation part 51, a conductive part accommodation part 52, an opening part 53, an insulating wall 54, and a mounting part 55.

[0018] <Terminal accommodation part> The terminal accommodation part 51 is a space inside the housing 5 that accommodates the aforementioned terminal 4. The terminal accommodation part 51 of the present embodiment is a space inside a cylindrical part 56 that extends in the X direction and has openings at both ends. With such a configuration, the terminal accommodation part 51 opens to the first end 561 side of the cylindrical part 56 located on the front side (+X direction side) and the second end 562 side of the cylindrical part 56 located on the rear side (-X direction side).

[0019] The part on the first end 561 side of the cylindrical part 56 is a fitting part that fits with a mating connector. The terminal 4 accommodated in the terminal accommodation part 51 is exposed to the outside of the housing 5 through the opening on the first end 561 side of the cylindrical part 56. With such a configuration, in a state where the part on the first end 561 side of the cylindrical part 56 is fitted to the mating connector, the terminal 4 is connected to the terminal (not shown) of the mating connector. The opening on the second end 562 side of the cylindrical part 56 is a first opening part 531 that opens the terminal accommodation part 51 to the outside from the rear side (-X direction side).

[0020] <Conductive part accommodation part> As shown in Figure 3, the conductive part housing 52 (wire 2 housing) is a space within the housing 5 that houses a portion of the wire 2 (conductive part) extending from the terminal 4 housed in the terminal housing 51. The conductive part housing 52 is positioned adjacent to the terminal housing 51 and is immovable. The base end of the wire 2 adjacent to the terminal 4 is housed in the conductive part housing 52, and the portion of the wire 2 extending further from the base end is pulled out to the outside of the conductive part housing 52. In the following description, the direction in which the wire 2 extends within the conductive part housing 52 may be referred to as the "extension direction of the conductive part housing 52".

[0021] In this embodiment, the conductive part housing 52 is the space inside the guide portion 57 that guides the electric wire 2 extending from the terminal 4 in a predetermined direction. The guide portion 57 is formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 56. That is, the cylindrical portion 56 and the guide portion 57 are fixed so as not to move relative to each other. The guide portion 57 is connected to the portion of the cylindrical portion 56 on the second end 562 side. With this configuration, the conductive part housing 52 communicates with the terminal housing 51 on the second end 562 side of the cylindrical portion 56.

[0022] In this embodiment, the guide portion 57 extends from the cylindrical portion 56 in a direction intersecting the X direction (for example, a perpendicular direction). The guide portion 57 guides the electric wire 2 in the direction in which the guide portion 57 extends from the cylindrical portion 56. The extension direction of the guide portion 57 corresponds to the extension direction of the conductive portion housing 52. In the housing 5 illustrated in Figure 3, the guide portion 57 extends in the -Z direction relative to the cylindrical portion 56. In addition, the housing 5 may have guide portions that, when viewed from the X direction, extend inclined so that as the guide portion 57 extends in the -Z direction relative to the cylindrical portion 56, it moves toward the -Y direction or the +Y direction. The guide section 57 has a second opening 532 that opens the conductive section housing section 52 to the outside of the housing 5 from the rear side (-X direction side).

[0023] The opening 53 of the housing 5 opens the terminal housing portion 51 and the conductive portion housing portion 52 described above to the outside in the -X direction (first intersecting direction). The opening 53 includes the first opening 531 and the second opening 532 described above.

[0024] <Insulating wall> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the insulating wall 54 is located between adjacent terminals 4 in the terminal housing 51 to provide electrical insulation between adjacent terminals 4. Specifically, the insulating wall 54 is located between adjacent terminals 4 in the Y direction in the terminal housing 51. Furthermore, the insulating wall 54 is formed with the Y direction as the thickness direction and extending in the X and Z directions.

[0025] <Mounting part> The mounting portion 55 is a part of the housing 5 for fixing the shell 6 to the housing 5. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 55 has a mounting hole 551 through which the shaft portion of the mounting bolt 7 used to attach the shell 6 passes. The mounting portion 55 is located on the second end 562 side of the cylindrical portion 56 and protrudes from the cylindrical portion 56 in a direction intersecting the X direction (the +Z direction in the illustrated example). The mounting hole 551 penetrates the mounting portion 55 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 55 is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 56 that constitutes the terminal housing portion 51 and is located away from the guide portion 57 that constitutes the conductive portion housing portion 52.

[0026] <shell> As shown in Figure 1, the shell 6 is attached to the housing 5 to cover the opening 53 of the housing 5 (see Figure 3). As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the shell 6 comprises a first shell 10, a second shell 20, a fixing part 30, and a mounting part 40. The first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., synthetic resin material).

[0027] The first shell 10 covers at least the first opening 531 (see Figure 3) of the housing 5 that corresponds to the terminal housing portion 51. The second shell 20 covers at least the second opening 532 (see Figure 3) of the housing 5 that corresponds to the conductive portion housing portion 52. As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are rotatable relative to each other around an axis C1 extending in the X direction (first intersecting direction). The fixing part 30 fixes the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other at a position radially away from the axis C1. The fixing part 30 also fixes the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 at any rotational position.

[0028] The configuration of the shell 6 in this embodiment will be described further below. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are aligned sequentially in the -Z direction. Also, the portion of the first shell 10 on the -Z direction side and the portion of the second shell 20 on the +Z direction side overlap in the X direction.

[0029] <First Shell> The first shell 10 of this embodiment has a first cover portion 11 and a first side wall 12. The first cover portion 11 is formed in a plate shape with the X direction as the plate thickness direction. The first cover portion 11 mainly covers the first opening 531 (see Figure 3) of the cylindrical portion 56 (terminal housing portion 51). The portion of the first cover portion 11 on the -Z direction side is the first overlapping portion 111 which overlaps with the second cover portion 21 of the second shell 20, which will be described later, in the X direction.

[0030] The first side wall 12 extends from a part of the periphery of the first cover portion 11 in the +X direction (one side in the thickness direction of the first cover portion 11). The first side wall 12 is located on the periphery of the first cover portion 11, excluding the edge portion on the -Z direction side adjacent to the second shell 20. In other words, an opening is formed in the portion of the first side wall 12 provided on the periphery of the first cover portion 11 on the -Z direction side.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the first side wall 12 includes a first inner surface 12a and an arc-shaped inner surface 12b. The first inner surface 12a is a surface that faces and covers a part of the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 56 when the shell 6 is attached to the housing 5. In this embodiment, the first inner surface 12a is formed on the portion of the first side wall 12 that is on the +Z direction side. Furthermore, the first inner surface 12a is formed in a concave shape that is recessed in the +Z direction when viewed from the X direction.

[0032] The arc-shaped inner surface 12b is a surface centered on axis C1, which is the relative rotation center between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20. In this embodiment, the arc-shaped inner surface 12b is formed on the portion of the first side wall 12 adjacent to the first inner surface 12a on the -Z direction side. Specifically, the arc-shaped inner surface 12b is formed in the -Z direction, connected to both ends of the first inner surface 12a, which is concave and recessed in the +Z direction when viewed from the X direction. With this configuration, the arc-shaped inner surface 12b is located at both ends of the first cover portion 11 in the Y direction. Furthermore, these two arc-shaped inner surfaces 12b face each other in the Y direction.

[0033] <Second Shell> As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the second shell 20 of this embodiment has a second cover portion 21 and a second side wall 22. The second cover portion 21 is formed in a plate shape with the X direction as the plate thickness direction. The second cover portion 21 mainly covers the second opening 532 (see Figure 3) of the guide portion 57 (conductive portion housing portion 52). The portion of the second cover portion 21 on the +Z direction side is a second overlapping portion 211 that overlaps with the first cover portion 11 of the first shell 10 in the X direction. In this embodiment, the second overlapping portion 211 overlaps with the first overlapping portion 111 of the first cover portion 11 on the +X direction side (housing 5 side).

[0034] The second side wall 22 extends from a portion of the periphery of the second cover portion 21 in the +X direction (one side in the thickness direction of the second cover portion 21). The second side wall 22 is located only on the edges of the periphery of the second cover portion 21 in the Y direction, and not on the edges of the periphery in the Z direction. In other words, openings are formed in the portions of the second side wall 22 provided on the periphery of the second cover portion 21 on the +Z direction side and the -Z direction side.

[0035] An opening is formed in the -Z direction portion of the first side wall 12, and an opening is formed in the +Z direction portion of the second side wall 22, thereby enabling communication between the inner space of the first shell 10 and the inner space of the second shell 20. Furthermore, the opening formed in the -Z direction portion of the second side wall 22 allows the electric wire 2 to be pulled out to the outside of the guide portion 57 (housing 5) even when the shell 6 is attached to the housing 5.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the two second side walls 22 each include a second inner surface 22a and an arc-shaped outer surface 22b. The two second inner surfaces 22a are the surfaces that face the outer surfaces of the guide portion 57 that are facing both sides in the Y direction when the shell 6 is attached to the housing 5. In this embodiment, each second inner surface 22a is formed at the -Z direction end of each second side wall 22.

[0037] The two arc-shaped outer surfaces 22b are each surfaces centered on axis C1. In this embodiment, each arc-shaped outer surface 22b is formed at the end of the second side wall 22 on the +Z direction side. The arc-shaped outer surface 22b of the second side wall 22 makes surface contact with the arc-shaped inner surface 12b of the first side wall 12 when the second shell 20 is attached to the first shell 10. Furthermore, when the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are rotated relative to each other around axis C1, these arc-shaped inner surface 12b and arc-shaped outer surfaces 22b slide in the circumferential direction D1 around axis C1.

[0038] <Fixed part> As shown in Figures 3 to 5, multiple fixing parts 30 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction D1 centered on the axis C1. In this embodiment, there are two fixing parts 30. The two fixing parts 30 are located on both sides of the axis C1 in the Y direction.

[0039] Each fixing part 30 has a through hole 31, an elongated hole 32, a bolt 33, and a nut 34. The through-hole 31 is formed in the first shell 10, through which the shaft of the bolt 33 is inserted. Specifically, the through-hole 31 is formed in the first overlapping portion 111 of the first cover portion 11, and penetrates the first overlapping portion 111 in the direction of its plate thickness. When viewed from the X direction, the size of the through-hole 31 is equivalent to the size of the shaft of the bolt 33. When viewed from the X direction, the size of the through-hole 31 is the same as or slightly larger than the size of the shaft of the bolt 33. With this configuration, when the shaft of the bolt 33 is passed through the through-hole 31, movement of the bolt 33 in a direction intersecting the X direction is restricted. In this embodiment, the insertion of the bolt 33 into the through-hole 31 of the first shell 10 represents one example of the bolt 33 being attached to the first shell 10.

[0040] The elongated hole 32 is formed in the second shell 20 and is formed in an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction D1 centered on the axis C1. Specifically, the elongated hole 32 is formed in the second overlapping portion 211 of the second cover portion 21, penetrates the second overlapping portion 211 in the thickness direction of the plate, and extends in an arc shape in the circumferential direction D1. When viewed from the X direction, the width dimension of the elongated hole 32 is equivalent to the diameter dimension of the shaft portion of the bolt 33. When viewed from the X direction, the width dimension of the elongated hole 32 is the same as or slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the shaft portion of the bolt 33. With this configuration, when the shaft portion of the bolt 33 is passed through the elongated hole 32, movement of the bolt 33 in the width direction of the elongated hole 32 is restricted. Note that the "width direction of the elongated hole 32" is the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the elongated hole 32 when viewed from the X direction.

[0041] The through-hole 31 and the elongated hole 32, which constitute the same fixing portion 30, are located on the same circumference centered on axis C1. With this configuration, the through-hole 31 and the elongated hole 32 can be arranged overlapping in the X direction. Furthermore, when the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are rotated relative to each other around axis C1, the through-hole 31 can be moved in the direction of extension (circumferential direction) of the elongated hole 32 while overlapping the elongated hole 32. In Figures 5 and 6, the through holes 31 and elongated holes 32 of the two fixing parts 30 are located on the same circumference. However, the through holes 31 and elongated holes 32 of one fixing part 30 and the through holes 31 and elongated holes 32 of the other fixing part 30 may be located on different circumferences. In other words, the radial distance from axis C1 to the through holes 31 and elongated holes 32 of one fixing part 30 may be different from the radial distance from axis C1 to the through holes 31 and elongated holes 32 of the other fixing part 30.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the bolt 33 is inserted through the insertion hole 31 of the first shell 10 and the elongated hole 32 of the second shell 20, which constitute the same fixing portion 30.

[0043] The nut 34 is screwed onto a bolt 33 that is inserted through the through hole 31 of the first shell 10 and the elongated hole 32 of the second shell 20, which constitute the same fixing part 30, thereby fixing the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. Specifically, the nut 34 is screwed onto the tip of the shaft of the bolt 33 that is inserted through the through hole 31 of the first shell 10 and the elongated hole 32 of the second shell 20, sandwiching the first shell 10 (first cover part 11) and the second shell 20 (second cover part 21) between the head of the bolt 33 and the nut 34. By sandwiching the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 between the head of the bolt 33 and the nut 34, the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are fixed so that they cannot rotate relative to each other.

[0044] <Mounting part> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the mounting portion 40 is a part of the shell 6 for fixing the shell 6 to the housing 5. When the shell 6 is attached to the housing 5, the mounting portion 40 is adjacent to the mounting portion 55 of the housing 5 on the -X direction side. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 40 has a female thread 41 into which the shaft portion of the mounting bolt 7 is screwed. The mounting portion 40 is also integrally formed with the first shell 10. The mounting portion 40 protrudes from the outer surface of the first side wall 12 of the first shell 10 in a direction intersecting the X direction (the +Z direction in the illustrated example).

[0045] Since the shell 6 has the mounting portion 40 described above, the shell 6 can be fixed to the housing 5 in the following manner. First, the shell 6 is attached to the housing 5, and the mounting portion 40 of the shell 6 is positioned adjacent to the mounting portion 55 of the housing 5 in the -X direction. Then, the mounting portion 40 of the shell 6 is fixed to the mounting portion 55 of the housing 5 by passing the shaft of the mounting bolt 7 through the mounting hole 551 of the mounting portion 55 and screwing it into the female thread of the mounting portion 40. With the mounting portion 40 fixed to the mounting portion 55, the shell 6 is fixed to the housing 5.

[0046] <Advantages> According to the first embodiment, the shell 6 covering the opening 53 of the housing 5 comprises a first shell 10 covering a first opening 531 corresponding to at least the terminal housing portion 51 of the opening 53, and a second shell 20 covering a second opening 532 corresponding to at least the conductive portion housing portion 52 of the opening 53. The first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are rotatable relative to each other about an axis C1 extending in the X direction (first intersecting direction). That is, the direction in which the second shell 20 corresponding to the conductive portion housing portion 52 extends relative to the first shell 10 corresponding to the terminal housing portion 51 can be changed. This configuration makes it possible to attach the same type of shell 6 to multiple types of housings 5, each having a different extension direction of the conductive part housing 52 relative to the terminal housing 51. For example, the same type of shell 6 can be attached to the first example housing 5-1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, and the second example housing 5-2 illustrated in Figure 6. This point will be explained below.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, in the first example of housing 5-1, the guide portion 57, which includes the conductive portion housing 52, extends in the -Z direction relative to the cylindrical portion 56, which includes the terminal housing 51. In order to attach the shell 6 to the first example of housing 5-1, the relative rotational positions of the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are set such that the second shell 20 extends in the -Z direction relative to the first shell 10. By setting the relative rotational positions of the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 in this way, the shell 6 can be attached to the first example of housing 5-1. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, in the second example of housing 5-2, the guide portion 57, which includes the conductive portion 52, extends in an inclined direction relative to the cylindrical portion 56, which includes the terminal portion 51, so that it moves toward the +Y direction as it moves toward the -Z direction. In order to attach the shell 6 to the second example of housing 5-2, the relative rotational positions of the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are set so that the second shell 20 extends toward the first shell 10 in the above-mentioned "inclined direction". By setting the relative rotational positions of the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 in this way, the shell 6 can be attached to the second example of housing 5-2. From the above, since the same type of shell 6 can be used with various types of housing 5, the versatility of the shell 6 can be improved. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the connector 3, including the housing 5 and shell 6, can be kept low.

[0048] According to the first embodiment, the shell 6 further comprises a fixing portion 30 that fixes the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 to each other in a manner that prevents rotation. With this configuration, the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are held in the desired rotational position by the fixing part 30, and the shell 6 can be easily attached to the housing 5.

[0049] According to the first embodiment, the fixing portion 30 fixes the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other at a position radially away from the axis. With this configuration, even if the force used by the fixing part 30 to fix the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 is smaller compared to the case where the fixing part 30 is located on the axis, relative rotation between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 can be prevented. Therefore, it becomes possible to firmly fix the first shell 10 and the second shell 20.

[0050] According to the first embodiment, multiple fixing parts 30 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis. This configuration allows the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 to be fixed more securely compared to the case where there is only one fixing part 30.

[0051] According to the first embodiment, the fixing portion 30 comprises an arc-shaped elongated hole 32 formed in the second shell 20 and extending in the circumferential direction with respect to its axis, a bolt 33 attached to the first shell 10 and inserted through the elongated hole 32, and a nut 34 that is screwed onto the bolt 33 attached to the first shell 10 and inserted through the elongated hole 32, thereby fixing the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. In this configuration, when the bolt 33 attached to the first shell 10 is inserted through the elongated hole 32 of the second shell 20, the relative range of rotation between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 can be limited by the length of the elongated hole 32 in the extension direction (the length of the elongated hole 32 in the circumferential direction D1). Because the relative range of rotation between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 is limited by the elongated hole 32, there is no need to add a separate dedicated configuration to limit the relative range of rotation between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20, in addition to the fixing part 30. Therefore, it is possible to simply construct a shell 6 that has the function of limiting the relative range of rotation between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20.

[0052] According to the first embodiment, the first shell 10 has an arc-shaped inner surface 12b centered on axis C1, and the second shell 20 has an arc-shaped outer surface 22b centered on axis C1. These arc-shaped inner surface 12b and arc-shaped outer surface 22b are in surface contact and slide in the circumferential direction D1 centered on axis C1. This configuration allows the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 to rotate relative to each other smoothly and stably. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress or prevent relative rattle between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20, thereby ensuring the overall integrity and strength of the shell 6. Furthermore, because the inner surface 12b of the arc and the outer surface 22b of the arc are in surface contact, it is possible to suppress or prevent a gap from forming between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20, regardless of the relative rotational position of the first shell 10 and the second shell 20. As a result, it is possible to suppress or prevent the terminal housing portion 51 and the conductive portion housing portion 52 of the housing 5 from communicating with the outside due to a gap between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20.

[0053] <Variation> In the above-described embodiment, the bolt 33 constituting the fixing portion 30 is inserted through the insertion hole 31 of the first shell 10 and the elongated hole 32 of the second shell 20. However, the bolt 33 only needs to be attached to the first shell 10 and inserted through the elongated hole 32 of the second shell 20, and may, for example, be integrally provided with the first shell 10. In such a configuration, the first shell 10 does not have the insertion hole 31 for the bolt 33.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the elongated hole 32 constituting the fixing portion 30 is formed in the second shell 20. However, the elongated hole 32 may be formed in, for example, the first shell 10. In such a configuration, the second shell 20 may have an insertion hole 31 for the bolt 33, or the bolt 33 may be integrally provided in the second shell 20.

[0055] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. The shell 6D of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the shell 6 of the first embodiment, except for the points shown below, and performs the same functions and effects.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the shell 6 has a fixed portion 30 which is provided with an elongated hole 32 formed in the second shell 20, whereas in the second embodiment, the shell 6D has a fixed portion 30D which is provided with a plurality of insertion holes 32D formed in the second shell 20.

[0057] <Fixed part> As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the fixing parts 30D are arranged in multiples with spacing in the circumferential direction D1, similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, there are two fixing parts 30D. The two fixing parts 30D are located on both sides of the axis C1 in the Y direction.

[0058] Each fixing part 30D has a first insertion hole 31D, a plurality of second insertion holes 32D, a bolt 33, and a nut 34. The first through hole 31D is the same as the "through hole 31" in the first embodiment. In this embodiment as well, inserting the bolt 33 through the first through hole 31D of the first shell 10 represents one example of attaching the bolt 33 to the first shell 10.

[0059] Multiple second through holes 32D are formed in the second shell 20 and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction D1 centered on the axis C1. Each second through hole 32D is formed in the second overlapping portion 211 of the second cover portion 21 and penetrates the second overlapping portion 211 in the direction of its plate thickness. When viewed from the X direction, the size of each second through hole 32D is equivalent to the size of the shaft portion of the bolt 33. When viewed from the X direction, the size of the second through hole 32D is the same as or slightly larger than the size of the shaft portion of the bolt 33. With this configuration, when the shaft portion of the bolt 33 is passed through the second through hole 32D, movement of the bolt 33 in a direction intersecting the X direction is restricted. In Figures 7 to 9, the number of second insertion holes 32D constituting the same fixing portion 30D is three, but it may be two, four or more, for example.

[0060] The first insertion hole 31D and the multiple second insertion holes 32D that constitute the same fixing portion 30D are located on the same circumference centered on axis C1. With this configuration, the first insertion hole 31D and the second insertion holes 32D can be arranged overlapping in the X direction. Furthermore, when the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are rotated relative to each other around axis C1, the second insertion holes 32D that overlap with the first insertion hole 31D change. In Figures 8 and 9, the first insertion hole 31D and the multiple second insertion holes 32D of the two fixing parts 30D are all located on the same circumference. However, the first insertion hole 31D and the multiple second insertion holes 32D of one fixing part 30D and the first insertion hole 31D and the multiple second insertion holes 32D of the other fixing part 30D may be located on different circumferences. In other words, the radial distance from axis C1 to the first insertion hole 31D and the multiple second insertion holes 32D of one fixing part 30D may be different from the radial distance from axis C1 to the first insertion hole 31D and the multiple second insertion holes 32D of the other fixing part 30D.

[0061] The bolt 33 is inserted through the first through hole 31D of the first shell 10 and selectively through one of the multiple second through holes 32D of the second shell 20. That is, the bolt 33 is inserted through the first through hole 31D and one of the second through holes 32D. When the bolt 33 is inserted through the first through hole 31D and the selected second through hole 32D, the relative rotation between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 is restricted by the bolt 33.

[0062] The nut 34 is screwed onto a bolt 33 that is inserted through the first through hole 31D of the first shell 10 and selectively inserted through one of the multiple second through holes 32D of the second shell 20, thereby fixing the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. Specifically, the nut 34 is screwed onto the tip of the shaft of the bolt 33 that is inserted through the first through hole 31D of the first shell 10 and the second through hole 32D of the second shell 20, sandwiching the first shell 10 (first cover portion 11) and the second shell 20 (second cover portion 21) between the head of the bolt 33 and the nut 34. By sandwiching the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 between the head of the bolt 33 and the nut 34, the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are fixed so that they cannot rotate relative to each other.

[0063] <Advantages> According to the second embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment are achieved.

[0064] According to the second embodiment, the fixing portion 30D comprises a plurality of second insertion holes 32D formed in the second shell 20 and spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the axis, a bolt 33 attached to the first shell 10 and selectively inserted into the plurality of second insertion holes 32D, and a nut 34 that is attached to the first shell 10 and screws onto the bolt 33 that is selectively inserted into the plurality of second insertion holes 32D, thereby fixing the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. In this configuration, the relative rotation of the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 can be restricted simply by inserting the bolt 33 attached to the first shell 10 into the selected second insertion hole 32D of the second shell 20. In other words, relative rotation between the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 can be prevented without fixing the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 in a non-rotatable manner with a nut 34. Therefore, the relative positioning of the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 can be easily performed.

[0065] <Variation> In the above-described embodiment, the bolt 33 constituting the fixing portion 30D is inserted through the first insertion hole 31D of the first shell 10 and through the selected second insertion hole 32D of the second shell 20. However, the bolt 33 only needs to be attached to the first shell 10 and inserted through the selected second insertion hole 32D of the second shell 20, and may, for example, be integrally provided with the first shell 10. In such a configuration, the first shell 10 does not have the first insertion hole 31D for the bolt 33.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of second insertion holes 32D constituting the fixing portion 30D are formed in the second shell 20. However, the plurality of second insertion holes 32D may be formed in, for example, the first shell 10. In such a configuration, a first insertion hole 31D for a bolt 33 may be formed in the second shell 20, or the bolt 33 may be integrally provided in the second shell 20.

[0067] <Other variations> In each of the embodiments described above, the first shell 10 has an arc-shaped inner surface 12b centered on the axis C1, and the second shell 20 has an arc-shaped outer surface 22b centered on the axis C1. However, for example, the first shell 10 may have an arc-shaped outer surface and the second shell 20 may have an arc-shaped inner surface. Then, these arc-shaped outer surface and arc-shaped inner surface should be in surface contact and slide in the circumferential direction D1 centered on the axis C1. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as in each of the embodiments described above can be achieved.

[0068] In each of the embodiments described above, the first side wall 12 of the first shell 10 has a first inner surface 12a. However, the first side wall 12 does not necessarily have to have a first inner surface 12a. In each of the embodiments described above, the first shell 10 has a first cover portion 11 and a first side wall 12. However, the first shell 10 only needs to have at least the first cover portion 11, and does not need to have, for example, the first side wall 12.

[0069] In each of the embodiments described above, the second side wall 22 of the second shell 20 has a second inner surface 22a. However, the second side wall 22 does not necessarily have to have a second inner surface 22a. In each of the embodiments described above, the second shell 20 has a second cover portion 21 and a second side wall 22. However, the second shell 20 only needs to have at least the second cover portion 21, and does not need to have, for example, a second side wall 22.

[0070] In each of the embodiments described above, the electric wire 2 is directly connected to the terminal 4 of the connector 3. However, the electric wire 2 does not have to be directly connected to the terminal 4 of the connector 3. For example, a busbar (conductive part) may be connected to the terminal 4 of the connector 3, and the electric wire 2 may be connected to the terminal 4 via the busbar. In this case, the conductive part housing portion 52 of the housing 5 may house only the busbar, or it may house the busbar and a portion of the electric wire 2 connected thereto.

[0071] One embodiment and its variations have been described above. However, the embodiments and variations are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the embodiments and variations may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 2. Electric wire (conductive part) 3 Connectors 4 terminals 5 Housing 6 Shells 10 First Shell 12b Inner surface of a circular arc 20 Second Shell 22b Outer surface of the arc 30 Fixed part 32 long hole 32D Second insertion hole (insertion hole) 33 volts 34 nuts 51 Terminal housing section 52 Conductive part housing 53 Opening 531 First opening 532 Second opening C1 axis D1 Circumferential direction

Claims

1. A shell to be attached to a housing having a terminal housing portion in which terminals are housed, a conductive portion housing portion which is immovably arranged adjacent to the terminal housing portion and houses a part of a conductive portion extending from the terminal, and an opening which opens the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion to the outside in a first intersecting direction which intersects the arrangement direction of the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion, A first shell covering at least one of the openings corresponding to the terminal housing portion, The facility comprises a second shell that covers at least a second opening corresponding to the conductive part housing portion among the aforementioned openings, The first shell and the second shell are rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in the first intersecting direction. A shell further comprising a fixing portion that fixes the first shell and the second shell so as not to rotate relative to each other at a position radially away from the axis.

2. Multiple fixing parts are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis. The shell according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned fixing part An arc-shaped elongated hole is formed in one of the first shell and the second shell, extending in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis, A bolt that is attached to the other of the first shell and the second shell and inserted through the elongated hole, The first shell and the second shell are attached to the other of the first shell and the second shell, and a nut is screwed onto the bolt inserted through the elongated hole, thereby fixing the first shell and the second shell so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. The shell according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned fixing part A plurality of through holes are formed in one of the first shell and the second shell, and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis, A bolt that is attached to the other of the first shell and the second shell and is selectively inserted into the plurality of insertion holes, The first shell and the second shell are attached to the other of the first shell and the second shell, and a nut is screwed onto the bolt which is selectively inserted into the plurality of through holes, thereby fixing the first shell and the second shell so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. The shell according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. One of the first shell and the second shell has an inner surface that is an arc centered on the axis, The other of the first shell and the second shell has an arc outer surface centered on the axis, The inner surface of the arc and the outer surface of the arc are in surface contact and slide in the circumferential direction centered on the axis. The shell according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. Terminals and A housing having a terminal housing portion in which the terminal is housed, a conductive portion housing portion which is immovably arranged adjacent to the terminal housing portion and houses a part of a conductive portion extending from the terminal, and an opening which opens the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion to the outside in a first intersecting direction that intersects the arrangement direction of the terminal housing portion and the conductive portion housing portion, A connector comprising a shell according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Images