connector

Abstract

This provides a connector that can stabilize the fixing of terminal blocks. [Solution] In a connector 1 comprising an outer housing 3 having a mating opening, an inner housing 5 assembled to the outer housing 3 and positioned in the mating opening, and a terminal block 9 assembled to the outer housing 3 and holding a terminal positioned in the mating opening via the inner housing 5, an inner fixing part 19 is provided between the outer housing 3 and the inner housing 5 via a screw member 17 to fix the inner housing 5 to the outer housing 3, and a terminal block fixing part 49 is provided between the outer housing 3 and the terminal block 9, positioned differently from the inner fixing part 19 and fixing the terminal block 9 to the outer housing 3 via a screw member 53.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a connector is known that includes a mounting plate as an outer housing having a fitting opening, and a front cylindrical portion as an inner housing arranged in the fitting opening. Further, a connector is known that is provided with a rear cylindrical portion as a terminal block that holds terminals arranged in the fitting opening via the front cylindrical portion (see Patent Document 1). In this connector, the mounting plate, the front cylindrical portion, and the rear cylindrical portion are formed as a single continuous member to constitute a housing. Such a connector is applied to a vehicle charging unit for charging a power source mounted on a vehicle. The power source is charged by fitting a charging connector of a charging device into the fitting opening of the connector applied to the vehicle charging unit.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] Incidentally, some connectors such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 have the outer housing, the inner housing, and the terminal block formed as separate members. In such a connector, the inner housing and the terminal block are assembled to the outer housing. The inner housing and the terminal block are fixed to the outer housing via a common screw member, by so-called co-fastening. However, with co-fastening, the fixing force of the terminal block to the outer housing is weak, and when the terminals become heavier due to an increase in the capacity of the power source or the like, the fixation of the terminal block may become unstable.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. The object of this invention is to provide a connector that can stabilize the fixing of a terminal block. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector according to this embodiment comprises an outer housing having a mating opening, an inner housing assembled to the outer housing and positioned in the mating opening, and a terminal block assembled to the outer housing and holding a terminal positioned in the mating opening via the inner housing. Between the outer housing and the inner housing, an inner fixing portion is provided for fixing the inner housing to the outer housing via a screw member, and between the outer housing and the terminal block, a terminal block fixing portion is provided, positioned differently from the inner fixing portion, for fixing the terminal block to the outer housing via a screw member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that can stabilize the fixing of a terminal block. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the connector according to this embodiment with the cover removed. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the connector according to this embodiment, showing the inner housing assembled to the outer housing. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the connector according to this embodiment, with the terminal block assembled to the outer housing. [Figure 6]This is a perspective view of the outer housing of the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the inner housing of the connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the connector according to this embodiment, with terminals assembled to the conductive member. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the terminal block of the connector according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The connector according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the connector 1 according to this embodiment is applied to a vehicle charging unit for charging a power supply (not shown) mounted on a vehicle (not shown), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The connector 1 is matable with a charging connector (not shown) that is electrically connected to a charging device (not shown) located, for example, on a charging stand. By mating the charging connector with the connector 1, power is supplied from the charging device to the power supply, and the power supply is charged.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the connector 1 comprises an outer housing 3, an inner housing 5, terminals 7, and a terminal block 9.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the outer housing 3 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The outer housing 3 is located on the outermost side of the vehicle's charging section and is formed in a rectangular housing shape. The outer housing 3 is provided with a plurality (four in this case) of vehicle fixing parts 11 that are fixed to the vehicle body (not shown) via fixing members (not shown) such as bolts. In the center of the outer housing 3, a mating opening 13 into which a charging connector is fitted is formed, penetrating the outer housing 3.

[0013] The inner housing 5 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The inner housing 5 is formed in a housing shape that can accommodate multiple (seven in this case) terminals 7 inside and can be mated with a charging connector. The inner housing 5 is provided with a flange portion 15 that is plate-shaped and larger than the mating opening of the outer housing 3. Between the flange portion 15 and the outer housing 3, there are multiple (six in this case) inner fixing portions 19 that fix the inner housing 5 to the outer housing 3 via screw members 17. The inner fixing portions 19 of the inner housing 5 are formed as through holes, and the inner fixing portions 19 of the outer housing 3 are formed as holes having screw grooves into which the screw members 17 are fastened. The inner housing 5 is provided with a mating portion 21 that extends cylindrically in the direction of mating with the charging connector. The mating portion 21 is positioned in the mating opening 13 of the outer housing 3. The outer surface of the mating portion 21 is provided with a lock portion 23 that maintains the mated state with the charging connector. The mating portion 21 includes a normal mating portion 25 and a rapid mating portion 27.

[0014] The standard mating portion 25 is positioned above the mating portion 21. The standard mating portion 25 is matable with a standard charging connector (not shown) that can charge a power source in a normal amount of time. Inside the standard mating portion 25, there are multiple (five in this case) standard terminal housing chambers 29. The standard terminal housing chambers 29 extend in a cylindrical shape along the mating direction with the charging connector. The standard terminal housing chambers 29 have openings on both sides in the longitudinal direction. One opening of the standard terminal housing chamber 29 is an insertion opening into which a terminal for standard charging (not shown) can be inserted. The terminal for standard charging includes, for example, a power terminal for power supply and a communication terminal for detecting the charging status. The terminal for standard charging is electrically connected to the terminal end of an electric wire (not shown) electrically connected to a power source. The terminal for standard charging, housed in the standard terminal housing chamber 29 through the insertion opening, has its position relative to the standard terminal housing chamber 29 maintained by a holder (not shown) assembled on the insertion opening side. The other opening of the standard terminal housing chamber 29 is a connection opening into which a mating terminal (not shown) housed in a standard charging connector is inserted. When the standard charging connector is mated into the standard mating portion 25, the mating terminal is inserted into the connection opening, and the standard charging terminal and the mating terminal are electrically connected. This electrical connection between the standard charging terminal and the mating terminal allows the power supply to be charged from the charging equipment in a normal amount of time.

[0015] The quick-fit portion 27 is disposed below the fitting portion 21. The quick-fit portion 27 is capable of fitting with a quick charging connector (not shown) that can charge a power source in a short time among charging connectors. A plurality (two in this case) of quick terminal accommodating chambers 31 are formed inside the quick-fit portion 27. The quick terminal accommodating chambers 31 extend in a tubular shape along the fitting direction with the charging connector. Both sides in the length direction of each quick terminal accommodating chamber 31 are open. The opening on one side of the quick terminal accommodating chamber 31 is an insertion opening into which the quick charging terminal 7 can be inserted. The opening on the other side of the quick terminal accommodating chamber 31 is a connection opening into which a mating terminal (not shown) accommodated in the quick charging connector is inserted. When the quick charging connector is fitted to the quick-fit portion 27, the mating terminal is inserted into the connection opening, and the quick charging terminal 7 and the mating terminal are electrically connected. By the electrical connection between the quick charging terminal 7 and the mating terminal, charging equipment can charge the power source in a short time.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, the terminal 7 is made of a conductive material such as a metal material, for example. The terminals 7 are, for example, power supply terminals for power supply, and a plurality (two in this case) thereof are used. The terminal 7 is formed in a columnar shape extending along the fitting direction between the connector 1 and the charging connector. One end side of the terminal 7 serves as an electrical connection portion 33. The electrical connection portion 33 is disposed on the connection opening side of the quick terminal accommodating chamber 31 in a state where the terminal 7 is disposed in the quick terminal accommodating chamber 31. The electrical connection portion 33 is electrically connected to the mating terminal of the charging connector in a state where the connector 1 and the charging connector are fitted. The other end side of the terminal 7 serves as a conduction connection portion 35. The conduction connection portion 35 is formed in a hollow shape, and a thread groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof. The conduction connection portion 35 is electrically connected to the conduction member 37 by fastening a bolt.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8, the conductive member 37 consists of a busbar 39 formed in the shape of a plate from a conductive material such as a metal material. Multiple busbars 39 are used (two sets in this case) corresponding to multiple terminals 7. The busbar 39 comprises a first busbar 41 and a second busbar 43. The first busbar 41 is formed in the shape of an L, for example. The second busbar 43 is formed in the shape of a straight line, for example. The outer surface of the second busbar 43 is covered with an insulating coating. A through hole is formed at one end of the first busbar 41 through which a bolt is inserted, and it is electrically connected to the conductive connection part 35 of the terminal 7 via the bolt. A through hole is formed at the other end of the first busbar 41 through which a bolt is inserted. A through hole is formed at one end of the second busbar 43 through which a bolt is inserted, and it is electrically connected to the first busbar 41 via a bolt and nut (not shown). The other end of the second busbar 43 is electrically connected to a power supply. The conductive member 37 electrically connects the terminal 7 to the power supply. By using a busbar 39 instead of the conductive member 37, a larger current can be carried by the busbar 39, which has a larger cross-sectional area than a small-diameter wire, thus enabling the power supply to handle higher capacity. In addition, by using a busbar 39 instead of the conductive member 37, the large installation space required when using a wire as the conductive member 37 can be reduced. The terminal 7 attached to the conductive member 37 is held together with the conductive member 37 in the terminal block 9.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1-3, 5, and 9, the terminal block 9 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The terminal block 9 is formed in a housing shape capable of housing the conductive connection portion 35 and conductive member 37 of the terminal 7. The terminal block 9 is positioned on the side of the rapid fitting portion 27 of the inner housing 5, opposite to the fitting opening 13 of the outer housing 3. The terminal block 9 includes a terminal housing portion 45, a conductive housing portion 47, and a terminal block fixing portion 49.

[0019] The terminal accommodating portion 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the fitting direction between the connector 1 and the charging connector so as to be capable of accommodating the conductive connection portion 35 of the terminal 7. A plurality (two in this case) of the terminal accommodating portions 45 are provided corresponding to the plurality of terminals 7. The conductive connection portion 35 of the terminal 7 is disposed in the terminal accommodating portion 45, and the electrical connection portion 33 of the terminal 7 is exposed to the outside toward the inner housing 5 side.

[0020] The conductive accommodating portion 47 is formed such that the surface opposite to the inner housing 5 is open, and the conductive accommodating portion 47 has a bottom wall and a side wall capable of supporting the first bus bar 41 of the conductive member 37. In the bottom wall of the conductive accommodating portion 47, the portion where the terminal accommodating portion 45 is located communicates with the terminal accommodating portion 45. In the side wall of the conductive accommodating portion 47, the portion where the second bus bar 43 of the conductive member 37 is located is open, so that the second bus bar 43 can be drawn out to the outside of the connector 1. The conductive member 37 assembled with the terminals 7 is accommodated in the conductive accommodating portion 47 through the opening such that the terminals 7 are accommodated in the terminal accommodating portion 45. The terminals 7 and the conductive member 37 accommodated in the conductive accommodating portion 47 are held on the terminal block 9 by assembling the cover 51 that closes the opening of the conductive accommodating portion 47 to the terminal block 9 via bolts and nuts (not shown).

[0021] The terminal block fixing portions 49 are provided between the outer housing 3 and the terminal block 9. A plurality (four in this case) of the terminal block fixing portions 49 are provided here so as to be located at the respective corner portions of the terminal block 9, different from the portion where the inner fixing portion 19 is located. The terminal block fixing portions 49 of the terminal block 9 are formed as through holes, and the terminal block fixing portions 49 of the outer housing 3 are formed as holes having thread grooves to which the screw members 53 are fastened. The terminal block fixing portions 49 fix the terminal block 9 to the outer housing 3 via the screw members 53.

[0022] By providing the terminal block fixing portion 49 at a different position from the inner fixing portion 19, the terminal block 9 can be fixed to the outer housing 3 with a single screw member 53, thereby stabilizing the fixing of the terminal block 9. In addition, since there is no need to fasten them together, there is no overlapping portion between the inner housing 5 and the terminal block 9 at the part where the screw member 53 is fastened, allowing for miniaturization. Furthermore, the terminal block 9 that holds the conductive member 37 can be handled independently of the inner housing 5, making it easy to respond to design changes of the conductive member 37 or changes in the direction of withdrawal of the conductive member 37, thereby improving design flexibility. Moreover, even if the conductive member 37 becomes heavy like a busbar 39, fixing the terminal block 9 with a single screw member 53 will stabilize the fixing of the terminal block 9.

[0023] One example of how to assemble such a connector 1 is as follows: First, the inner housing 5 is placed on the outer housing 3, and the screw member 17 is fastened to the inner fixing part 19 to assemble the inner housing 5 to the outer housing 3. Next, the terminal block 9 is placed on the outer housing 3, and the screw member 53 is fastened to the terminal block fixing part 49 to assemble the terminal block 9 to the outer housing 3. Finally, the conductive member 37 with the terminal 7 attached is held in place by the terminal block 9, completing the assembly of the connector 1.

[0024] Such a connector 1 comprises an outer housing 3 having a mating opening 13, and an inner housing 5 assembled to the outer housing 3 and positioned in the mating opening 13. It also includes a terminal block 9 assembled to the outer housing 3 and holding a terminal 7 positioned in the mating opening 13 via the inner housing 5. An inner fixing portion 19 is provided between the outer housing 3 and the inner housing 5, which secures the inner housing 5 to the outer housing 3 via a screw member 17. A terminal block fixing portion 49 is provided between the outer housing 3 and the terminal block 9, which is positioned differently from the inner fixing portion 19 and secures the terminal block 9 to the outer housing 3 via a screw member 53.

[0025] By providing the terminal block fixing portion 49 at a different position from the inner fixing portion 19, the terminal block 9 can be fixed to the outer housing 3 with a single screw member 53, thereby stabilizing the fixing of the terminal block 9. In addition, since there is no need to fasten them together, there is no overlapping portion between the inner housing 5 and the terminal block 9 at the part where the screw member 53 is fastened, allowing for miniaturization.

[0026] Therefore, with such a connector 1, the fixing of the terminal block 9 can be stabilized.

[0027] Furthermore, the terminal block 9 holds a conductive member 37 that is electrically connected to the terminal 7.

[0028] Therefore, the terminal block 9 that holds the conductive member 37 can be handled independently of the inner housing 5, making it easy to accommodate changes in the design of the conductive member 37 or changes in the direction of its extension, thereby improving design flexibility.

[0029] Furthermore, the conductive member 37 is a bus bar 39.

[0030] Therefore, even if the conductive member 37 becomes heavy like the bus bar 39, the fixing of the terminal block 9 can be stabilized by fixing the terminal block 9 with a single screw member 53.

[0031] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment.

[0032] For example, a terminal block may hold two terminals, but it is not limited to this; a terminal block may hold one, three or more terminals.

[0033] Furthermore, while the conductive component is a busbar, it is not limited to this; for example, a large-diameter wire to accommodate increased power capacity may also be used.

[0034] Furthermore, while the terminal holder is located on the quick-fit side of the inner housing, it is not limited to this arrangement; the terminal holder may also be located on the normal-fit side of the inner housing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 1 Connector 3 Outer Housing 5 Inner Housing 7 terminals 9 Terminal Blocks 13 Fitting opening 17,53 Screw component 19 Inner fixing part 37 Conductive member 39 Busba 49 Terminal block fixing part

Claims

1. An outer housing having a fitting opening, An inner housing assembled to the outer housing and positioned in the fitting opening, A terminal block assembled to the outer housing and holding a terminal positioned in the mating opening via the inner housing, Equipped with, Between the outer housing and the inner housing, an inner fixing portion is provided for fixing the inner housing to the outer housing via a screw member. A connector is provided between the outer housing and the terminal block, where a terminal block fixing portion is located at a different position from the inner fixing portion and fixes the terminal block to the outer housing via a screw member.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminal block holds a conductive member electrically connected to the terminal.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the conductive member is a busbar.

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