Device Connectors

Abstract

To reduce the contact pressure of a partition wall to an inner periphery of a cylindrical portion of a resin housing as much as possible when inserting a connector cover to the cylindrical portion.SOLUTION: A connector 20 for an instrument comprises: a terminal base 30 which has a resin housing 40 having a cylindrical portion 42 and three or more terminals 32; and a connector cover 50 which covers one-end side opening of the cylindrical portion. Connection portions 33 of the three or more terminals protrude toward a second portion inner periphery 45 from a first portion inner periphery 44 of the cylindrical portion 42. The connector cover comprises a resin cover portion 60 having an insertion portion 64 which is inserted into the cylindrical portion and has a partition wall 66, and a seal ring 52. Each of the plurality of partition walls 66 partitions the three or more connection portions 33. A first rib 67 extends along the first portion inner periphery 44 from each of the plurality of partition walls. A second rib 68 extends along the second portion inner periphery 45 from each of the plurality of partition walls.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to equipment connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector including a synthetic resin housing integrally molded with a plurality of terminals, and a synthetic resin service cover that closes an access hole in the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-27756 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to increase the insulation distance between adjacent terminals, it is conceivable to provide a partition wall in the service cover and place the partition wall between the adjacent terminals.

[0005] If a partition wall is provided on the service cover, there is a possibility that the partition wall may come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the working hole when the service cover is inserted into the working hole of the housing. It is desirable to minimize the contact pressure of the partition wall against the inner peripheral surface of the working hole. Note that the contact pressure is the force acting per unit area.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to minimize the contact pressure of the partition wall against the inner surface of the cylindrical portion when inserting a connector cover into the cylindrical portion of a resin housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The device connector of the present disclosure comprises a resin housing having a tubular portion, a terminal block having three or more terminals with connection portions, and a connector cover detachably covering one end opening of the tubular portion, the tubular portion having an inner circumferential surface including a first portion inner circumferential surface and a second portion inner circumferential surface opposing the first portion inner circumferential surface, the three or more terminals are partially covered and supported by the resin housing with the respective connection portions positioned within the tubular portion, the three or more connection portions protrude from the first portion inner circumferential surface towards the second portion inner circumferential surface in a state where they are aligned at intervals in an alignment direction intersecting a penetration direction of the tubular portion within the tubular portion, and the connector cover comprises a cover main body portion, an insertion portion inserted into the tubular portion, and a connector cover extending from the insertion portion to the other end side of the tubular portion. and a seal ring attached to the outer periphery of the insertion portion and in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion, wherein each of the plurality of partitions extends toward the other end opening of the tubular portion further than the connection portions at a position separating the three or more connection portions and overlaps with the three or more connection portions in the protruding direction from the base ends to the tips of the connection portions, and the resin cover portion further comprises a first rib extending from a first end portion of each of the plurality of partitions located on the base end side of the connection portions and an end portion closer to the other end opening of the tubular portion along the first portion inner peripheral surface, and a second rib extending from a second end portion of each of the plurality of partitions located on the tip side of the connection portions and an end portion closer to the other end opening of the tubular portion along the second portion inner peripheral surface. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when inserting the connector cover into the cylindrical portion of the resin housing, the contact pressure of the partition wall against the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion can be made as small as possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an equipment connector according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the device connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the device connector. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the connector cover as viewed from the device side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the connector cover is being inserted into the terminal block. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the connector cover is being inserted into the terminal block. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the partition wall comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the connector cover is being inserted into the terminal block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] The device connector of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0012] (1) A connector cover comprising: a resin housing having a cylindrical portion; a terminal block having three or more terminals having connection portions; and a connector cover detachably covering one end opening of the cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical portion has an inner circumferential surface including a first portion inner circumferential surface and a second portion inner circumferential surface opposed to the first portion inner circumferential surface, the three or more terminals are partially covered and supported by the resin housing with the respective connection portions positioned within the cylindrical portion, the three or more connection portions protrude from the first portion inner circumferential surface toward the second portion inner circumferential surface in a state where they are aligned at intervals in an alignment direction intersecting a penetration direction of the cylindrical portion within the cylindrical portion, and the connector cover comprises a cover main body portion, an insertion portion inserted into the cylindrical portion, and a connector cover extending from the insertion portion toward the other end side of the cylindrical portion. the resin cover portion further comprising a first rib extending from a first end portion of each of the plurality of partitions located on the base end side of the connection portion and closer to the other end opening of the tubular portion in a protruding direction of the connection portion, and a seal ring attached to the outer periphery of the insertion portion and in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion, the resin cover portion having a first rib extending from a first end portion of each of the plurality of partitions located on the base end side of the connection portion and closer to the other end opening of the tubular portion along the first portion inner peripheral surface, and a second rib extending from a second end portion of each of the plurality of partitions located on the tip side of the connection portion and closer to the other end opening of the tubular portion along the second portion inner peripheral surface.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the partition wall extends toward the leading end side in the insertion direction relative to the seal ring. Therefore, when the connector cover is inserted into the cylindrical portion, the outward portion of the partition wall at the leading end side in the insertion direction may come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. Even if the partition wall comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, the first rib extending along the inner peripheral surface of the first portion or the second rib extending along the inner peripheral surface of the second portion comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface. Therefore, the contact area between the resin cover portion and the inner peripheral surface can be made larger than when the first rib and the second rib are not provided. This makes it possible to minimize the contact pressure of the partition wall against the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion when the connector cover is inserted into the resin housing.

[0014] (2) In the device connector of (1), the first rib and the second rib may extend to the insertion portion. In this case, the insertion portion can be reinforced by the first rib and the second rib to make it difficult to deform. This can improve the sealing performance of the seal ring provided on the outer periphery of the insertion portion.

[0015] (3) In the device connector according to (1) or (2), the second rib may extend so as to connect the plurality of partition walls, thereby improving the strength of each partition wall and increasing the insulation distance.

[0016] (4) In the device connector according to any one of (1) to (3), a gap may be provided between the second rib and the second portion inner circumferential surface. In this case, since a gap is provided between the second rib and the second portion inner circumferential surface, it is easy to insert the insertion portion into the tubular portion.

[0017] (5) In the device connector according to any one of (1) to (4), the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin cover portion may be greater than the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin housing. This makes it easier for the resin cover portion to press the resin housing and maintain a sealed state.

[0018] (6) In the device connector according to any one of (1) to (5), in a section from a sealing position of the seal ring in the insertion direction of the insertion part to where at least a part of the partition wall overlaps, the first portion inner circumferential surface and the second portion inner circumferential surface may face each other at a constant interval in the protruding direction of the connection part. This makes it possible to reduce the area of ​​the tubular part where the sealing position of the seal ring is located to the extent that the partition wall can pass through. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the resin cover part.

[0019] (7) In the device connector of any one of (1) to (6), the partition may be a portion of the connector cover that is inserted into the tubular portion and that is closest to the first portion inner circumferential surface and the second portion inner circumferential surface at its leading end in the insertion direction. If the partition is a portion of the connector cover that is inserted into the tubular portion and that is closest to the first portion inner circumferential surface and the second portion inner circumferential surface at its leading end in the insertion direction, the partition is likely to come into contact with the first portion inner circumferential surface or the second portion inner circumferential surface. In such a case, the contact pressure of the partition against the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion can be made as small as possible.

[0020] (8) In the device connector according to any one of (1) to (7), the cover body may have a screw fixing portion that is screwed into a device to which the cover body is to be attached. This makes it possible to minimize the contact pressure of the partition wall against the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion even if the partition wall abuts against the inner circumferential surface before or during screw fastening.

[0021] (9) In the device connector according to any one of (1) to (8), one of the terminal block and the connector cover has a guide groove, and the other has a guided portion guided by the guide groove, and the guide groove is a groove that regulates the passage path of the insertion portion within the cylindrical portion, and the guide groove may be formed to guide the guided portion before an end of the partition wall near the other end opening of the cylindrical portion reaches a contact position of the seal ring on the inner circumferential surface. In this case, the partition wall is less likely to contact the position of the inner circumferential surface where the seal ring contacts. This makes it easier to maintain the contact portion of the inner circumferential surface with the seal ring as a smooth surface suitable for sealing.

[0022] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the device connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0023] [Embodiment] <Overall composition> The device connector according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the device connector 20. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the device 10 to which the device connector 20 is attached is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the device connector 20. Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the device connector 20. For ease of explanation, the axial direction of a cylindrical portion 42, which will be described later, is taken as the Z direction, and the device 10 side in the Z direction is taken as -Z. direction The outside from the device 10 may be referred to as the +Z direction. The extension direction of the terminal 32 inside the cylindrical portion 42 may be referred to as the X direction, with the tip side of the terminal 32 being referred to as the +X direction and the base side being referred to as the -X direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction may be referred to as the Y direction, with one side being referred to as the +Y direction and the other side being referred to as the -Y direction.

[0024] The device connector 20 is a connector for connecting an electric wire 22 to the device 10 .

[0025] Here, the device 10 is a device mounted on a vehicle (see FIG. 2). The device 10 is, for example, an inverter or a motor. The device 10 includes a housing 12 and a device-side terminal block 14. The device 10 accommodates electrical components inside the housing 12. The device-side terminal block 14 having a cylindrical portion 15 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the housing 12. The device-side terminal block 14 is formed of, for example, resin or the like. Device-side terminals 16 extend from the housing 12 toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 15. The base end of the device-side terminal 16 is connected to the electrical components inside the housing 12. The tip of the device-side terminal 16 is bent so as to be vertical (in the XX direction) with respect to the axis of the cylindrical portion 15. A hole is formed in the tip of the device-side terminal 16 through which a screw is inserted.

[0026] When the device connector 20 is connected to the device-side terminal block 14, an electric wire 22 from the outside is electrically connected to an electric component in the device. This allows power to be supplied from the outside to the device 10. The device connector 20 includes a terminal block 30 and a connector cover 50.

[0027] The terminal block 30 has terminals 32. When the terminal block 30 is combined with the device-side terminal block 14, the terminals 32 are positioned so as to come into contact with the device-side terminals 16. The terminals 32 are fixed to the device-side terminals 16 by tightening screws.

[0028] The connector cover 50 is combined with the terminal block 30 to cover the connection points between the terminals 32 and the device-side terminals 16. The connector cover 50 is attached to the terminal block 30 when the vehicle is manufactured. The connector cover 50 may also be attached to and detached from the device-side terminal block 14 during vehicle maintenance, etc.

[0029] The terminal block 30 and the connector cover 50 will be described in more detail below.

[0030] <Terminal block> The terminal block 30 has a resin housing 40 and three or more terminals 32 .

[0031] The terminal 32 has a connection portion 33 and is connected to an end of the electric wire 22. The connection portion 33 is a portion that is connected to the device-side terminal 16, for example, a plate-like portion with a hole. In this embodiment, it is a crimped round terminal, and the disk-like portion with a hole at the tip thereof is the connection portion. Here, the terminal block 30 has four terminals 32, and each of the four terminals 32 is connected to an end of the electric wire 22. The number of terminals 32 and electric wires 22 is arbitrary as long as it is three or more.

[0032] The resin housing 40 is made of resin and is a portion that holds the terminals 32. The resin housing 40 has a cylindrical portion 42. The terminals 32 are held in the cylindrical portion 42.

[0033] More specifically, the cylindrical portion 42 has a cylindrical shape that is long in one direction (Y direction) and short in the other direction (X direction) when viewed along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 42. For example, the cylindrical portion 42 has a cylindrical shape in which semi-cylindrical portions are connected to both sides of two rectangular plate-like portions that face each other with a gap therebetween. The inner peripheral surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42 includes a first partial inner peripheral surface 44 and a second partial inner peripheral surface 45. The first partial inner peripheral surface 44 and the second partial inner peripheral surface 45 are rectangular shapes that are long in one direction (Y direction) and short in the axial direction (Z direction) of the cylindrical portion 42. The first partial inner peripheral surface 44 and the second partial inner peripheral surface 45 face each other with a gap in the X direction.

[0034] A step 42s facing the -Z side (apparatus side) is formed in the middle of the inner circumferential surface 43 in the Z direction (see FIG. 2). The portion 42a of the inner circumferential surface 43 facing the equipment side is wider than the portion 42b on the outside of the equipment via the step 42s. One end opening 42h1 of the cylindrical portion 42 faces the outside of the equipment 10. The other end opening 42h2 of the cylindrical portion 42 faces the equipment 10.

[0035] With the connector cover 50 attached to the terminal block 30, a seal ring 52 (described later) of the connector cover 50 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface 43 along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 43. This seals the gap between the terminal block 30 and the connector cover 50.

[0036] The three or more terminals 32 are partially covered and supported by the resin housing 40 with the respective connection portions 33 positioned within the cylindrical portion 42. The three or more connection portions 33 are arranged at intervals in the arrangement direction (Y direction) intersecting the penetration direction of the cylindrical portion 42 within the cylindrical portion 42. Each connection portion 33 protrudes from the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 toward the second portion inner circumferential surface 45. As described above, the protruding direction of the connection portion 33 is the +X side, and the opposite side is the -X side. There is a gap between each connection portion 33. There is a gap between the tip of each connection portion 33 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45. The tip portion of each connection portion 33 is formed in a round plate shape, and a linking portion 34 narrower than the connection portion 33 is connected to the base end of each connection portion 33 on the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 side. The position at which each connection portion 33 is supported is a position corresponding to each device side terminal 16.

[0037] In the Z direction, which is the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 42, the connection portion 33 is located at the middle of the inner circumferential surface 43. More specifically, the connection portion 33 is located at a portion 42b on the outer side of the device. In this embodiment, the surface of the connection portion 33 facing the device 10 is disposed at a position where it is flush with the surface of the step portion 42s. On the inner circumferential surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42, a surface parallel to the Z direction is continuous with the portion on the outer side of the device 10 beyond the terminal 32.

[0038] A portion of the terminal 32 connected to the electric wire 22 is embedded in the resin housing 40. The electric wire 22 is drawn out to the outside of a first portion inner circumferential surface 44 of the resin housing 40. An electric wire holding portion 49 is formed to protrude from the outer circumferential side of the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 of the resin housing 40. An end of the electric wire 22 on the terminal 32 side passes through the electric wire holding portion 49 and is drawn out to the outside of the electric wire holding portion 49.

[0039] The resin housing 40 has a guide groove 47. In this embodiment, the guide groove 47 is formed by the inner surfaces of a pair of guide wall portions 46 and a surface 47a between them. That is, a pair of guide walls 46 separated in the X direction are formed on both ends of the outer periphery of the resin housing 40 in the Y direction. A guide groove bottom surface 47a between the pair of guide wall portions 46 on the outer periphery of the resin housing 40 is formed on a plane perpendicular to the Y direction. The guide groove 47 is formed in a shape having inner guide side surfaces 47b of the pair of guide wall portions 46 and the guide groove bottom surface 47a. The guide groove 47 is formed on both ends of the resin housing 40 in the Y direction.

[0040] An outer seal mounting groove 41g is formed in a portion of the outer periphery of the resin housing 40 that is closer to the device 10. An outer seal ring 41 is mounted in the outer seal mounting groove 41g. The outer seal ring 41 is an annular member made of an elastic material such as rubber. With the resin housing 40 inserted into the cylindrical portion 15 of the device-side terminal block 14, the outer periphery of the outer seal ring 41 comes into contact with the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 15. This provides a seal between the resin housing 40 and the device-side terminal block 14.

[0041] <Connector cover> 5 is a perspective view of the connector cover 50 as viewed from the device 10 side. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the connector cover 50 detachably covers one end side opening 42h1 of the cylindrical portion 42 on the outer side of the device 10. The connector cover 50 includes a resin cover portion 60 and a seal ring 52.

[0042] The resin cover portion 60 is a portion formed of a resin. Here, the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin forming the resin cover portion 60 is preferably greater than the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin forming the resin housing 40. The hardness of the resin is determined, for example, by the properties of the base material itself, or the amount of reinforcing material mixed into the base material. For example, since PA6T (polyamide 6T) is harder than PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), the resin cover portion 60 may be formed of PA6T and the resin housing 40 may be formed of PBT. Also, for example, the more reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers are mixed into the base material, the harder the resin becomes. For this reason, the mixing ratio of reinforcing fibers in the resin of the resin cover portion 60 may be greater than the mixing ratio of reinforcing fibers in the resin of the resin housing 40. The final hardness of the resin is set by the hardness of the base material itself and the mixing ratio of reinforcing materials. For this reason, it is advisable to set the mixing ratio of the base material and the reinforcing material of each resin so that the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin forming the resin cover part 60 is greater than the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin forming the resin housing 40. The Rockwell hardness value HR is tested, for example, by the test method specified in JIS Z 2245.

[0043] By making the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin cover part 60 larger than the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin housing 40, the resin cover part 60 can effectively press the resin housing 40 toward the device 10. For example, the resin housing 40 seals the opening of the cylindrical part 42 together with the seal ring 52. Therefore, the resin housing 40 may be pressed toward the outside of the device 10 due to the expansion of air inside the device 10. In such a case, the connector cover 50 fixed to the device 10 by screws or the like presses the resin housing 40 toward the device 10. If the resin cover part 60 is formed harder than the resin housing 40, the connector cover 50 itself is less likely to deform, and therefore the connector cover 50 is more likely to maintain a constant state of pressing against the resin housing 40.

[0044] The resin cover portion 60 has a cover main body portion 61, an insertion portion 64, and a plurality of partition walls 66. The resin cover portion 60 is, for example, a component integrally molded from the same resin using a mold.

[0045] The cover main body 61 has a pressing portion 62 and a pair of screw fixing portions 63. The pressing portion 62 is formed in a long and narrow rectangular plate shape. The longitudinal dimension (Y direction) of the pressing portion 62 is equal to or greater than the longitudinal dimension (Y direction) of the inner peripheral surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42, and the transverse dimension (X direction) of the pressing portion 62 is equal to or greater than the longitudinal dimension (Y direction) of the inner peripheral surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42. X direction Therefore, the pressing portion 62 can cover the outside of the one end opening 42h1 of the cylindrical portion 42.

[0046] Both ends of the pressing portion 62 protrude outward from both ends of the cylindrical portion 42 in the longitudinal direction. A pair of screw fixing portions 63 are connected to both ends of the pressing portion 62. The screw fixing portions 63 extend from both ends of the pressing portion 62 toward the device 10, and are formed in an L-shaped leg shape that extends along the fixing target surface on the device 10 side when it reaches the device 10. A screw insertion hole 63h is formed at the end of the screw fixing portion 63. A screw S such as a bolt is inserted into the screw insertion hole 63h and screwed into a nut portion on the device 10 side. This causes the cover main body portion 61 to press the cylindrical portion 42 toward the device 10.

[0047] The insertion portion 64 is a portion of the pressing portion 62 that protrudes from the surface facing the device 10. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 64 is formed in a shape that opens toward the device 10. It is assumed that the head of a screw for fastening the terminal 16 and the terminal 32 is accommodated in the space inside the insertion portion 64. The outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 64 has the same shape as the portion 42b of the inner peripheral surface 43 that is located outside the device, or is smaller than the portion 42b, to the extent that it can be inserted into the cylindrical portion 42. The protruding dimension of the insertion portion 64 is smaller than the distance between the one-end opening 42h1 of the cylindrical portion 42 and the connection portion 33 of the terminal 32. When the insertion portion 64 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 42, the pressing portion 62 abuts against the end surface on the one end side of the cylindrical portion 42, and the position of the insertion portion 64 in the insertion direction is regulated. In this state, the tip of the insertion portion 64 is located above the connection portion 33.

[0048] A seal mounting groove 64g is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 64 in the axial (Z) middle portion of the insertion portion 64. The seal mounting groove 64g is an annular groove that runs along the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 64.

[0049] The seal ring 52 is an annular member formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The seal ring 52 is fitted into the seal mounting groove 64g, whereby the seal ring 52 is mounted to the insertion portion 64. With the insertion portion 64 inserted into the cylindrical portion 42, the seal ring 52 comes into contact with a portion 42b of the inner circumferential surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42 that is located on the outer side of the device. This creates a seal between the inner circumferential surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42 and the insertion portion 64.

[0050] The axially middle portion of the outer circumferential surface of seal ring 52 is formed to protrude the most. The annular portion of the outer circumferential surface of seal ring 52 that protrudes the most outward is defined as an annular apex 52t. When seal ring 52 seals between inner circumferential surface 43 of tubular portion 42 and insertion portion 64, the position at which annular apex 52t is pressed against inner circumferential surface 43 is defined as a sealing position P of seal ring 52 in the insertion direction (Z direction) of insertion portion 64. Sealing position P will be referred to later in the description.

[0051] In the insertion direction (Z direction) of the insertion portion 64, in the section from the sealing position P to the connection portion 33, the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45 face each other at a constant interval in the protruding direction (X direction) of the connection portion 33. That is, in a cross section parallel to the XZ plane, in the section from the sealing position P to the connection portion 33, the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45 are parallel to each other.

[0052] The partition walls 66 are provided at positions that separate three or more connection parts 33. In this embodiment, four connection parts 33 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction, and the partition walls 66 are located at three positions between adjacent connection parts 33. The partition walls 66 extend toward the other end opening side (-Z side) of the cylindrical part 42 beyond the connection parts 33, and when the insertion part 64 is inserted into the cylindrical part 42, the tip of the partition wall 66 is located beyond the connection parts 33 on the device 10 side. Therefore, foreign matter present between the connection parts 33 can be pushed out from between the connection parts 33. In addition, the partition walls 66 overlap the three or more connection parts 33 from the base end to the tip in the protruding direction (X direction) of the connection parts 33. It is preferable that the partition walls 66 overlap at least a part of the coupling part 34 in the X direction. The partition walls 66 enter between the multiple connection parts 33 and play a role in increasing the insulation distance between the connection parts 33.

[0053] The relationship between the partition wall 66 and the sealing position P will be described. As described above, the tip of the insertion portion 64 is located away from the connection portion 33 toward the one-end opening 42h1 side of the tubular portion 42. The partition wall 66 extends from the tip of the insertion portion 64 toward the other-end opening 42h2 of the tubular portion 42, and extends beyond the connection portion 33. Therefore, the portion (portion 42b side) where the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45 face each other at a fixed interval in the protruding direction of the connection portion 33 exists in a section T from the sealing position P in the insertion direction of the insertion portion 64 where at least a part of the partition wall 66 overlaps (see FIG. 2).

[0054] The resin cover portion 60 includes a first rib 67 and a second rib 68 that are continuous with the plurality of partition walls 66. The first rib 67 and the second rib 68 will be described in more detail below.

[0055] <First rib and second rib> The first rib 67 extends from a first end portion of each of the partition walls 66 that is located on the base end side (-X side) of the connection portion 33 and that is closer to the other end opening (-Z side) of the tubular portion 42 along the first portion inner circumferential surface 44. In this embodiment, the first rib 67 is located between the coupling portions 34 on the base end side of the connection portion 33.

[0056] The first rib 67 may extend from the partition 66 to one side in the thickness direction of the partition 66, or may extend to both sides. In this embodiment, the first rib 67 extends from the partition 66 to both sides in the thickness direction of the partition 66. Therefore, when observed from the tip side of the partition 66 and the first rib 67, the two ribs extend in a T-shape relative to the partition 66. The surface of the first rib 67 facing the base end side (-X side) of the connection portion 33 is continuously connected to the extension of the surface of the partition 66 facing the base end side (-X side) of the connection portion 33. Therefore, the outward surfaces of the partition 66 and the first rib 67 can contact the inner circumferential surface 43 of the tubular portion 42 at the same time.

[0057] The first rib 67 may be provided at least on the tip side (-Z side) of the partition wall 66. In this embodiment, the first rib 67 extends in the Z direction from the tip side of the partition wall 66 to the insertion portion 64, which is the base end side, and is continuous with the insertion portion 64.

[0058] Gaps are provided between the first ribs 67 that are connected to each of the partition walls 66. The coupling portion 34 that is connected to the base end side of the connection portion 33 is disposed in the gaps.

[0059] The second rib 68 extends along the second portion inner surface 45 from the second end portion of each of the multiple partitions 66 that is located on the tip side (+X side) of the connection portion 33 and is closer to the other end opening (-Z side) of the tubular portion 42.

[0060] The second rib 68 may extend from the partition 66 to one side or to both sides in the thickness direction of the partition 66. In this embodiment, the second rib 68 extends so as to connect the multiple partitions 66. Thus, in the direction in which the multiple partitions 66 are arranged, the second rib 68 extends from the partitions at both ends toward the center in the arrangement direction of the partitions 66, and the second rib 68 extends from the intermediate partition toward both outsides in the arrangement direction.

[0061] The surface of the second rib 68 facing the tip side (+X side) of the connection portion 33 is continuously connected to the extension of the surface of the partition wall 66 facing the tip side (+X side) of the connection portion 33. Therefore, the outward facing surfaces of the partition wall 66 and the second rib 68 can contact the inner circumferential surface 43 of the tubular portion 42 at the same time.

[0062] However, it is not essential that the second rib extends so as to connect the partition walls 66, and similarly to the first rib 67, the second rib may extend so as to provide a gap between the partition walls 66.

[0063] The second rib 68 may be provided at least on the tip side (-Z side) of the partition wall 66. In this embodiment, the second rib 68 extends in the Z direction from the tip side of the partition wall 66 to the insertion portion 64 which is the base end side, and is continuous with the insertion portion 64. Therefore, the partition wall 66 and the second rib 68 can surround three sides of the intermediate connection portion 33 in the arrangement direction among the multiple connection portions 33, including both ends and the tip side, and the insulation distance between the connection portions 33 can be increased.

[0064] When the connector cover 50 is observed overall, the part of the connector cover 50 that is inserted into the cylindrical portion 42 and is closest to the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45 on the leading end side in the insertion direction (-Z direction) are the two corners on the leading end side of the partition wall 66. Therefore, when the connector cover 50 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 42, the corners of the partition wall 66 may come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42. The outward surface of the first rib 67 and the outward surface of the second rib 68 extend outward in the thickness direction of the partition wall 66 continuously from the corners of the partition wall 66. Therefore, when either of the two corners on the leading end side of the partition wall comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 43, the outward surface of the first rib 67 or the outward surface of the second rib 68 can come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 43 at the same time.

[0065] When the connector cover 50 is combined with the terminal block 30, the first rib 67 and the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 may be in contact with each other or may be separated from each other. In order to further improve the insulation between the connection portions 33, it is preferable that the distance between the first rib 67 and the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 is as small as possible.

[0066] When the connector cover 50 is combined with the terminal block 30, a gap is provided between the second rib 68 and the second-portion inner circumferential surface 45. Since the second rib 68 that closes the space between the partition walls 66 is present on the tip side of the connection portion 33, a sufficient insulation distance is ensured by the second rib 68 on the tip side of the connection portion 33. For this reason, the distance D (see FIG. 2) between the second rib 68 and the second-portion inner circumferential surface 45 may be greater than the distance between the first rib 67 and the first-portion inner circumferential surface 44.

[0067] For this reason, for example, in order to further improve insulation, the distance between the first rib 67 and the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 can be made as small as possible, while providing a gap between the second rib 68 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45. This makes it easier to make the sizes of the insertion portion 64 and the partition wall 66 small relative to the distance between the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45, and makes it easier to insert the insertion portion 64 and the partition wall 66.

[0068] <Guide structure> 3. The guide grooves 47 guide the guided portion 58, thereby regulating the passage path of the insertion portion 64 within the cylindrical portion .

[0069] 5, the guided portions 58 are formed on both ends of the pressing portion 62 and inside the screw fixing portion 63. The guided portions 58 are formed in the shape of elongated plates that protrude from the ends of the surface of the pressing portion 62 on the device 10 side toward the device 10. A reinforcing piece 58g is provided between the guided portion 58 and the screw fixing portion 63, but this is not essential.

[0070] Guided portion 58 is formed with a width that allows it to be disposed between the pair of guide side surfaces 47b of guide groove 47. By disposing guided portion 58 between the pair of guide side surfaces 47b, the position in the X direction and the inclination about the Y direction are regulated.

[0071] Further, each of the pair of guided portions 58 is arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the guide groove bottom surfaces 47a of the pair of guide grooves 47. Each of the pair of guided portions 58 comes into contact with the guide groove bottom surfaces 47a from both outer sides of the cylindrical portion 42, thereby regulating the position in the Y direction and the inclination around the X direction.

[0072] The guide groove 47 is preferably formed so as to guide the guided portion 58 before the end portion of the partition wall 66 near the other end opening 42h2 (-Z side) of the cylindrical portion 42 reaches a position (sealing position P) of the inner circumferential surface 43 where the seal ring 52 comes into contact (see FIGS. 6 and 7). This positional relationship will be described in more detail in the description of the insertion operation of the connector cover 50.

[0073] It is not essential that guide groove 47 is formed on the resin housing 40 side and guided portion 58 is formed on the resin cover portion 60. A guide groove may be formed on the resin cover portion, and a guided portion guided by the guide groove may be formed on the resin housing.

[0074] <Assembly operation> An example of the operation of assembling the connector cover 50 to the terminal block 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 9. Figs. 6, 7 and 9 show the relationship between the position of the partition wall 66 with respect to the inner circumferential surface 43 and the position of the guided portion 58 with respect to the guide groove 47 during insertion of the connector cover 50.

[0075] Assume that the terminal block 30 is attached to the device-side terminal block 14, and the terminals 32 are screwed or otherwise fixed to the terminals 16. In this state, the connector cover 50 is attached to the terminal block 30 as shown in FIG.

[0076] First, the partition 66 on the tip side of the insertion portion 64 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 42. The insertion of the insertion portion 64 may be performed, for example, by screwing the screw S inserted into the screw fixing portion 63 into a nut on the device 10 side. When the insertion of the insertion portion 64 is performed by screwing, the insertion operation is easy, but there is a possibility that even if the partition 66 strongly interferes with the inner circumferential surface 43, it will not be noticed or will not be noticed. When the guided portion 58 reaches the entrance of the guide groove 47, the tip of the partition 66 is inside the cylindrical portion 42 but has not reached the sealing position P.

[0077] 7, when the tip of the partition wall 66 reaches the sealing position P, the guided portion 58 is guided by the guide groove 47. Therefore, the guide groove 47 guides the guided portion 58 before the tip of the partition wall 66 reaches the sealing position P. Therefore, when the tip of the partition wall 66 reaches the sealing position P, the insertion portion 64 is prevented from being significantly tilted and the tip of the partition wall 66 is prevented from being strongly pressed against the inner circumferential surface 43.

[0078] However, it is considered that some gap may be provided between the distance between the pair of guide side surfaces 47b of the guide groove 47 and the width of the guided portion 58, taking into consideration the ease of inserting the guided portion 58 into the guide groove 47. In this case, it is expected that when the amount of insertion of the guided portion 58 into the guide groove 47 is small, it is acceptable for the insertion portion 64 and the partition wall 66 to be slightly inclined with respect to the cylindrical portion 42.

[0079] Then, as shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the corner of the tip of the partition wall 66 contacts the first-part inner circumferential surface 44 or the second-part inner circumferential surface 45. In this case, as described above, the corner of the partition wall 66 and the outward surface of the second rib 68 contact the second-part inner circumferential surface 45 at the same time. Therefore, the contact pressure is distributed to the corner of the partition wall 66 and the outward surface of the second rib 68, making it difficult for the second-part inner circumferential surface 45 to deform. Alternatively, the corner of the partition wall 66 and the outward surface of the first rib 67 contact the first-part inner circumferential surface 44 at the same time. Therefore, the contact pressure is distributed to the corner of the partition wall 66 and the outward surface of the first rib 67, making it difficult for the first-part inner circumferential surface 44 to deform.

[0080] Therefore, the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45 are easily maintained as smooth surfaces suitable for sealing by contact with the seal ring 52.

[0081] When the insertion portion 64 is pushed further in, the annular apex 52t of the seal ring 52 reaches the sealing position P and comes into contact with the smooth first portion inner circumferential surface 44 and second portion inner circumferential surface 45, thereby obtaining a good seal.

[0082] <Effects, etc.> According to the device connector 20 configured as above, the partition wall 66 extends toward the leading end side in the insertion direction with respect to the seal ring 52. Therefore, when the connector cover 50 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 42, the outward portion of the partition wall 66 at the leading end side in the insertion direction may come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42. Even if the partition wall 66 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 43, the first rib 67 extending along the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 or the second rib 68 extending along the second portion inner circumferential surface 45 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 43. Therefore, the contact area between the resin cover portion 60 and the inner circumferential surface 43 can be made larger than when the first rib 67 and the second rib 68 are not provided. As a result, when the connector cover 50 is inserted into the resin housing 40, the contact pressure of the partition wall 66 against the inner circumferential surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42 can be made as small as possible.

[0083] It is also assumed that a cavity is formed in the insertion portion 64 to accommodate the head of a screw for connecting the terminals 16, 32. Therefore, it is assumed that the insertion portion 64 is cylindrical, and that a force that deforms the seal ring 52 inward is applied when the seal ring 52 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 43. If the first rib 67 and the second rib 68 extend to the insertion portion 64, it is possible to make the insertion portion 64 less likely to be deformed by the first rib 67 and the second rib 68. This can improve the sealing performance of the seal ring 52 between the insertion portion 64 and the inner peripheral surface 43 of the cylindrical portion 42.

[0084] Furthermore, if the second rib 68 extends to connect between the multiple partition walls 66, it is possible to increase the insulation distance between the connection parts 33 while improving the strength of the partition walls 66 and the insertion part 64. By improving the strength of the insertion part 64, it is possible to improve the sealing performance of the seal ring 52 between the insertion part 64 and the inner circumferential surface 43 of the tubular part 42, as described above.

[0085] Furthermore, by providing a gap between the second rib 68 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45, it is easy to insert the insertion portion 64 into the cylindrical portion 42. In particular, by combining the second rib 68 with a configuration in which it extends so as to connect between the multiple partition walls 66, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the insulation distance between the connection portions 33 is increased on the tip side of the connection portions 33, while making it easy to insert the insertion portion 64 into the cylindrical portion 42.

[0086] Furthermore, if the resin cover portion 60 is harder than the resin housing 40, the resin cover portion 60, which is less likely to deform, can press the resin housing 40 and easily maintain the sealed state.

[0087] In addition, the insertion direction of the insertion portion 64 ( Z If the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45 face each other at a constant interval in the protruding direction (X direction) of the connecting portion 33 in a section T from the sealing position P where at least a portion of the partition wall 66 overlaps, the portion of the inner circumferential surface 43 of the tubular portion 42 that includes the sealing position P can be made small to the extent that the partition wall 66 can pass through. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the resin cover portion 60. Also, the entire terminal block 30 can be made small.

[0088] If the distance between the first portion inner surface 44 and the second portion inner surface 45 at the sealing position P is reduced, it is conceivable that the partition 66 will come into contact with the inner surfaces 44, 45, and therefore the configuration in which the contact pressure is distributed by the first rib 67 and the second rib 68 as described above becomes more effective.

[0089] If the partition wall 66 is the portion of the connector cover 50 that is inserted into the tubular portion 42 and that is closest to the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 and the second portion inner circumferential surface 45 on its tip side, the partition wall 66 is likely to come into contact with the first portion inner circumferential surface 44 or the second portion inner circumferential surface 45. In such a case, the first rib 67 and the second rib 68 can effectively reduce the contact pressure of the partition wall 66 with the inner circumferential surface 43.

[0090] Moreover, the cover body 61 has a screw fixing portion 63 that is screwed and fixed to the device 10, which is the device to be attached. Even if the partition wall 66 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 43 before or during screwing, the first rib 67 and the second rib 68 can effectively reduce the contact pressure of the partition wall 66 with the inner circumferential surface 43.

[0091] Further, the guide groove 47 is formed such that the tip of the partition wall 66 reaches the sealing position P. in front In order to guide the guided portion 58, the partition wall 66 is less likely to come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 43 at the sealing position P. This makes it easier for the portion of the inner circumferential surface 43 that comes into contact with the seal ring 52 to be maintained as a smooth surface suitable for sealing.

[0092] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10 Equipment 12. Cabinet 14 Equipment side terminal block 15 Cylindrical section 16 Device side terminal 20 Equipment Connectors 22 Electric wire 30 Terminal block 32 terminals 33 Connection 34 Connecting part 40 Plastic housing 41 Outer seal ring 41g Outer seal mounting groove 42 Cylindrical part 42a Part of the inner circumferential surface facing the equipment 42b The outer part of the inner periphery of the device 42h1 One end opening 42h2 Other end opening 42s stepped section 43 Inner peripheral surface 44 First part inner circumferential surface 45 Second part inner circumferential surface 46 Guide wall 47 Guide groove 47a Guide groove bottom 47b Guide side 49 Wire holding part 50 Connector cover 52 Seal ring 52t annular top 58 Guided part 58g reinforcement piece 60 Resin cover part 61 Cover body 62 Pressing part 63 Screw fixing part 63h Screw insertion hole 64 Insertion section 64g Seal mounting groove 66 Bulkhead 67 First Rib 68 Second Rib P seal position S Screw

Claims

1. a terminal block including a resin housing having a cylindrical portion and three or more terminals having connection portions; a connector cover that detachably covers an opening at one end of the cylindrical portion; Equipped with the cylindrical portion has an inner circumferential surface including a first portion inner circumferential surface and a second portion inner circumferential surface opposed to the first portion inner circumferential surface, the three or more terminals are supported by being partially covered by the resin housing with the connection portions positioned within the cylindrical portion, the three or more connection portions are arranged at intervals in an arrangement direction intersecting a penetration direction of the cylindrical portion within the cylindrical portion, and protrude from the first portion inner circumferential surface toward the second portion inner circumferential surface, the connector cover includes a cover main body, an insertion portion inserted into the cylindrical portion, a resin cover portion having a plurality of partition walls extending from the insertion portion toward the other end side of the cylindrical portion, and a seal ring attached to an outer periphery of the insertion portion and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion; each of the plurality of partition walls extends toward the other end opening side of the cylindrical portion beyond the connection portions at a position separating the three or more connection portions and overlaps with a proximal end to a distal end of the three or more connection portions in a protruding direction of the connection portions; The resin cover portion further includes a first rib that protrudes in the thickness direction of the partition from an end portion of each of the plurality of partitions located on the base end side of the connection portion, the end portion being closer to the other end opening of the tubular portion, and extends along the inner surface of the first portion, and a second rib that protrudes in the thickness direction of the partition from an end portion of each of the plurality of partitions located on the tip side of the connection portion, the end portion being closer to the other end opening of the tubular portion, and extends along the inner surface of the second portion.

2. 2. The connector for an appliance according to claim 1, The first rib and the second rib extend to the insertion portion.

3. The connector for equipment according to claim 1 or 2, The second rib extends to connect between the plurality of partition walls.

4. The connector for an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A gap is provided between the second rib and the second portion inner circumferential surface.

5. The connector for equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The connector for an appliance, wherein the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin cover portion is greater than the Rockwell hardness value HR of the resin housing.

6. The connector for equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A connector for equipment, wherein in a section from the sealing position by the seal ring in the insertion direction of the insertion portion to where at least a portion of the partition overlaps, the inner circumferential surface of the first portion and the inner circumferential surface of the second portion face each other at a constant interval in the protruding direction of the connection portion.

7. The connector for an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An equipment connector, wherein the portion of the connector cover that is inserted into the cylindrical portion and the portions closest to the first portion inner surface and the second portion inner surface at the tip side in the insertion direction are two corners at the tip side of the partition, the first rib protrudes from one of the two corners along the thickness direction of the partition, and the second rib protrudes from the other of the two corners along the thickness direction of the partition.

8. The connector for an appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The cover body has a screw fixing portion that is screwed into an apparatus to which the connector is to be attached.

9. The connector for an appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 8, one of the terminal block and the connector cover has a guide groove, and the other has a guided portion guided by the guide groove, the guide groove is a groove that regulates a passage path of the insertion portion within the cylindrical portion, A connector for equipment, wherein the guide groove is formed so as to guide the guided portion before the end of the partition wall near the other end opening of the cylindrical portion reaches the contact position of the seal ring on the inner surface.

Images