connector

The connector's protrusions and connecting portions maintain dimensional accuracy and reduce weight by preventing tilting and thermal shrinkage, ensuring precise alignment and easy assembly.

JP7750330B2Active Publication Date: 2025-10-07SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024075881
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-08
Publication Date
2025-10-07
Estimated Expiration
2041-03-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The lead-out tube portions of existing shielded connectors tend to collapse during injection molding, leading to reduced dimensional accuracy and misalignment of the wires covered by each tube, which affects the overall housing structure.

Method used

A connector design featuring a resin housing with protrusions that individually cover electric wires and are connected by adjacent connecting portions, preventing tilting and thermal shrinkage, thereby maintaining dimensional accuracy.

Benefits of technology

The design suppresses the decrease in dimensional accuracy of the housing, reduces weight, and prevents adhesive peeling, while allowing easy assembly and connection to devices.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007750330000001
    Figure 0007750330000001
  • Figure 0007750330000002
    Figure 0007750330000002
  • Figure 0007750330000003
    Figure 0007750330000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a connector which can suppress lowering of dimensional accuracy of a housing.SOLUTION: A connector 10 includes a plurality of terminals 20 extending in parallel, a plurality of electric wires 30 which are connected to each terminal 20 and are arranged in parallel, and a resin housing 40 in which the plurality of terminals 20 and the plurality of electric wires 30 are embedded. The housing 40 has a body part 50 collectively covering the plurality of terminals 20, a plurality of projection parts 60 which project from the body part 50, individually cover the plurality of electric wires 30 and are provided at a mutual spacing in a first direction Z, and a first connection part 63 which connects the two adjacent projection parts 60 in the first direction Z.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a shielded connector that includes a plurality of plate-shaped terminal fittings, a plurality of electric wires to which the terminal fittings are connected, and a resin housing in which the terminal fittings and the electric wires are embedded.

[0003] The housing includes a cylindrical hood portion in which the terminal fittings are disposed, and a wire guide portion connected to the outer periphery of the hood portion. The wire guide portion has a guide portion main body that collectively covers the multiple terminal fittings, and multiple guide tube portions that protrude from the guide portion main body and individually cover the multiple electric wires. The multiple guide tube portions are spaced apart in the arrangement direction of the multiple electric wires. The terminal fittings, the electric wires, and the housing are integrated by insert molding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-84604 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the shielded connector described in Patent Document 1, the lead-out tube portion protrudes in a cantilevered manner from the lead-out portion main body. In this case, after the housing is injection-molded by insert molding, the lead-out tube portion is likely to collapse relative to the lead-out portion main body, which may reduce the dimensional accuracy of the housing. If this collapse occurs, the direction in which the wires covered by each lead-out tube portion extend will differ for each wire. For this reason, it is desirable to prevent the reduction in dimensional accuracy of the housing.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector that can suppress a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The connector of the present disclosure is a connector comprising a plurality of terminals extending in parallel to one another, a plurality of electric wires connected to each of the terminals and parallel to one another, and a resin housing in which the plurality of terminals and the plurality of electric wires are embedded, wherein the housing has a main body portion that covers the plurality of terminals collectively, a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the main body portion and cover the plurality of electric wires individually, and are arranged at intervals in the arrangement direction of the plurality of electric wires, and a connecting portion that connects two of the protrusions that are adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector and a case according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the housing. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a plurality of terminals and a plurality of electric wires. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the housing and the shield shell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The connector of the present disclosure is a connector comprising a plurality of terminals extending in parallel to one another, a plurality of electric wires connected to each of the terminals and parallel to one another, and a resin housing in which the plurality of terminals and the plurality of electric wires are embedded, wherein the housing has a main body portion that covers the plurality of terminals collectively, a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the main body portion and cover the plurality of electric wires individually, and are provided at intervals in the arrangement direction of the plurality of electric wires, and a connecting portion that connects two of the protrusions that are adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction.

[0011] According to this configuration, two adjacent protrusions in the direction of arrangement of the electric wires are connected by the connecting portion, which prevents each protrusion from tilting relative to the main body, thereby preventing a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing.

[0012] [2] Preferably, each of the terminals has a wire connection portion to which each of the electric wires is connected, and each of the wire connection portions is embedded in each of the protrusions. According to this configuration, each wire connection portion is embedded in each protrusion. That is, each wire connection portion is individually covered by a corresponding protrusion. Because the protrusions are spaced apart in the arrangement direction, the amount of resin material used to mold the housing can be reduced compared to when each wire connection portion is collectively covered by the main body. This allows for a reduction in the weight of the housing, and ultimately the connector.

[0013] [3] It is preferable that the connecting portion partially connects the two protrusions at a position away from the main body portion in the protruding direction of the protrusions. During injection molding of the housing, the protrusions may thermally shrink toward the connecting portions, which may cause the protrusions to tip over relative to the main body. This problem becomes more pronounced as the range of the connecting portions in the protrusion direction increases. Furthermore, the larger this range, the more likely sink marks are to occur in the connecting portions due to differences in the amount of thermal shrinkage within the connecting portions.

[0014] In this regard, with the above-described configuration, the connecting portion partially connects the two protruding portions, making it less likely that the above-described inconvenience will occur, and therefore, it is possible to further prevent a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing.

[0015] [4] Each of the electric wires has a core wire and an insulating coating covering the outer periphery of the core wire, and the exposed portion of the core wire exposed from the end of the insulating coating is connected to each of the terminals, and the insulating coating and the exposed portion of each of the electric wires are embedded in each of the protrusions, and it is preferable that the connecting portion connects the portions of each of the two protrusions where the insulating coating is embedded.

[0016] In a connector having a housing in which an electric wire is buried, a core wire exposed from an insulating coating may be provided with an adhesive coating portion to seal the gap between the electric wire and the housing. If two adjacent protrusions where the embedded coating portion is provided are connected by a connecting portion, there is a risk that the adhesive will peel off from the core wire when the housing is injection molded due to thermal contraction of each protrusion toward the connecting portion.

[0017] In this regard, according to the above configuration, the connecting portion connects the portions of the two protruding portions where the insulating coating is embedded, so that the above-mentioned inconvenience is less likely to occur. [5] When the protruding direction of the protruding portion is simply defined as the protruding direction, it is preferable that the connecting portion is provided at a position closer to the tip than the intermediate portion between the base end and the tip of the protruding portion in the protruding direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, two adjacent protrusions are connected by a connecting portion at portions closer to the tip than to the middle of the protrusions. This further restricts the protrusions from tilting relative to the main body, thereby further preventing a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing.

[0019] [6] When the connecting portion is a first connecting portion, it is preferable that the housing has a second connecting portion that is provided between the main body portion and the first connecting portion in the protruding direction and connects the two protruding portions, each of the terminals has a wire connecting portion to which each of the electric wires is connected, each of the wire connecting portions is embedded in each of the protruding portions, and the second connecting portion connects the portions of each of the two protruding portions where the wire connecting portions are embedded.

[0020] According to this configuration, the first and second connecting portions, which are spaced apart in the protruding direction, regulate the position of each protruding portion relative to the main body. In particular, the second connecting portion regulates the position of the portion of each protruding portion where the electric wire connection portion is embedded relative to the main body. This further reduces the deterioration of the dimensional accuracy of the housing.

[0021] [7] When the direction perpendicular to both the protruding direction of the protrusions and the arrangement direction is defined as the orthogonal direction, it is preferable that the connecting portion is located more inward than the outer surfaces on both sides of each of the protrusions in the orthogonal direction.

[0022] According to this configuration, for example, when assembling the connector, it is possible to prevent the connecting portion from interfering with surrounding members of the housing. [8] The connector has a plurality of terminals formed from a metal plate and is attached to the case of an equipment, and each of the terminals has a first extension portion extending in the attachment direction of the connector to the case, and a second extension portion extending from the part of the first extension portion opposite the case and to which the electric wire is connected, and it is preferable that the plate thickness directions of the plurality of first extension portions are consistent with each other, and the plurality of second extension portions extend in a plane direction that is intersecting the attachment direction and perpendicular to the plate thickness direction.

[0023] According to this configuration, the second extension portion of each terminal extends in a plane direction that intersects the mounting direction and is perpendicular to the plate thickness direction of the first extension portion. Therefore, the direction in which the electric wire connected to the second extension portion extends can be made different from the mounting direction without bending the electric wire. This prevents the electric wire from interfering with other components, even if there are other components on the opposite side of the connector from the case in the mounting direction.

[0024] [9] It is preferable that each of the terminals has a third extension portion extending in the plate thickness direction from the case side portion of the first extension portion, each of the third extension portions has a bolt hole penetrating the third extension portion in the mounting direction, the housing has a tubular portion penetrating the housing in the mounting direction and accommodating each of the third extension portions, and the tubular portion has an opening through which each of the bolt holes is exposed.

[0025] According to this configuration, a bolt can be easily inserted through the opening into the bolt hole of the third extension portion of the terminal housed inside the cylindrical portion. This allows the third extension portion of the terminal to be easily fastened to the connecting member provided inside the case with the bolt. This makes it easy to connect the connector to the device.

[0026] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of connectors according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for the sake of convenience, some of the components may be exaggerated or simplified. The dimensional proportions of each part may differ from drawing to drawing. 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. In this specification, "orthogonal" does not only refer to a strictly orthogonal configuration, but also includes a roughly orthogonal configuration within the scope of the present embodiment.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a connector 10 is attached to a case 101 of a vehicle device 100 such as a motor or an inverter. The outer surface of the case 101 is provided with an opening 102 into which part of the connector 10 is inserted, and two fixing holes 103 for fixing the connector 10. Three metal connection members 104 are arranged in parallel inside the case 101 and protrude from the opening 102. Each connection member 104 protrudes outward beyond the outer surface of the case 101. Each connection member 104 is provided with a screw hole 105.

[0028] (Configuration of Connector 10) 1 and 2, the connector 10 includes a plurality of terminals 20, a plurality of electric wires 30, a resin housing 40, and a metal shield shell 80. The connector 10 includes, for example, three terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C and three electric wires 30.

[0029] Each terminal 20, each electric wire 30, and housing 40 are integrated by insert molding. Each terminal 20 and each electric wire 30 are embedded in the housing 40 while electrically connected to each other. Multiple terminals 20 are embedded in the housing 40 while being spaced apart from each other. Multiple electric wires 30 extend in the same direction from the housing 40. The shield shell 80 covers part of the outer periphery of the housing 40, thereby electromagnetically shielding each terminal 20 and each electric wire 30.

[0030] Hereinafter, the mounting direction of the connector 10 to the case 101 will be referred to as the first direction Z, the direction in which each electric wire 30 extends will be referred to as the second direction X, and the direction perpendicular to both the first direction Z and the second direction X will be referred to as the third direction Y. In this embodiment, the first direction Z, the second direction X, and the third direction Y are perpendicular to one another.

[0031] (Configuration of the electric wire 30) 3, the electric wire 30 has a core wire 31 and an insulating coating 32 that covers the outer periphery of the core wire 31. The electric wire 30 has an exposed portion 31a where the core wire 31 is exposed from the insulating coating 32 at an end of the electric wire 30. The exposed portion 31a is electrically connected to the terminal 20.

[0032] The exposed portion 31a is subjected to a waterproofing treatment to prevent the core wire 31 from coming into contact with water. In this embodiment, the waterproofing treatment is the application of an adhesive to the exposed portion 31a. By applying the adhesive, contact between the core wire 31 and water is prevented even if water penetrates inside the housing 40. Furthermore, if the core wire 31 is a stranded wire formed by twisting together multiple metal wires, water is prevented from penetrating between the metal wires due to capillary action. In this embodiment, the exposed portion 31a functions as a coating portion where adhesive is applied to the core wire 31 exposed from the insulating coating 32. It is not essential to provide a coating portion on the electric wire 30.

[0033] The core wire 31 may be made of a metal material such as copper or aluminum. The insulating coating 32 may be made of a resin material mainly composed of a polyolefin resin such as cross-linked polyethylene or cross-linked polypropylene.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of electric wires 30 are arranged in parallel in the first direction Z at intervals. (Configuration of terminal 20) The terminal 20 is formed of a metal plate, and may be made of, for example, an iron-based, copper-based, or aluminum-based metal material.

[0035] The terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C are provided at positions farther from the case 101 in the first direction Z in this order. Terminals 20B and 20C have the same or corresponding configuration as terminal 20A. Hereinafter, the configuration of terminal 20A, which is farthest from case 101 in first direction Z, will be described in detail. In the configurations of terminals 20B and 20C, the same components as those of terminal 20A are given the same reference numerals, and components corresponding to those of terminal 20A are given reference numerals in which the suffix "A" of the reference numeral "2*A" indicating the configuration of terminal 20A has been changed to "B" and "C," respectively, thereby omitting redundant explanations.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal 20A has a first extending portion 21A, a second extending portion 22A, and a third extending portion . (Configuration of first extension portions 21A, 21B, 21C) The first extending portion 21A extends in the first direction Z. The thickness direction of the first extending portion 21A coincides with the third direction Y.

[0037] The thickness directions of the multiple first extending portions 21A, 21B, and 21C are aligned with one another. The multiple first extending portions 21A, 21B, and 21C are arranged in parallel with one another in the second direction X. The first extending portions 21A, 21B, and 21C are formed to be longer in this order.

[0038] (Configuration of second extension parts 22A, 22B, 22C) The second extending portion 22A extends from a portion of the first extending portion 21A opposite to the case 101. The electric wire 30 is connected to the second extending portion 22A. The thickness direction of the second extending portion 22A coincides with the third direction Y.

[0039] The multiple second extending portions 22A, 22B, 22C extend in a surface direction that intersects with the first direction Z and is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the first extending portion 21A. The second extending portions 22A, 22B, 22C are formed longer in this order. Hereinafter, the surface direction that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the first extending portion 21A may be simply referred to as the "surface direction."

[0040] The second extending portion 22A has an electric wire connecting portion 23 to which the exposed portion 31a of the electric wire 30 is connected, and a straight portion 24A continuing to the electric wire connecting portion 23. The exposed portion 31a is crimped to the electric wire connecting portion 23. The straight portion 24A extends linearly in the second direction X. Therefore, the straight portion 24A extends perpendicular to the first extending portion 21A. Each electric wire 30 extends in the extension direction of each of the straight portions 24A, 24B, 24C, i.e., the second direction X.

[0041] The plurality of wire connection portions 23 are arranged in parallel to one another in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the straight portion 24A, that is, in the first direction Z. Similarly, the plurality of straight portions 24A, 24B, 24C are arranged in parallel to one another in the first direction Z.

[0042] The second extending portion 22A has an inclined portion 25A that connects an end of the first extending portion 21A and an end of the straight portion 24A. The inclined portion 25A is continuous with the first extending portion 21A and extends in the planar direction at an incline with respect to the first direction Z. The inclined portion 25A is inclined so that the farther it is from the first extending portion 21A in the first direction Z, the closer it is to the straight portion 24A in the second direction X. The inclined portion 25A is formed to be longer than the inclined portion 25B.

[0043] Terminal 20C does not have a structure equivalent to inclined portions 25A and 25B. That is, second extending portion 22C of terminal 20C is composed of wire connecting portion 23 and straight portion 24C. Therefore, in terminal 20C, first extending portion 21C and straight portion 24C are directly connected to each other.

[0044] As a result, the first extension portions 21A, 21B, and 21C are arranged parallel to one another in the planar direction. The second extension portions 22A, 22B, and 22C are arranged parallel to one another in the planar direction. That is, the first extension portions 21A, 21B, and 21C and the second extension portions 22A, 22B, and 22C are located on the same plane.

[0045] (Configuration of third extension portion 26) The third extending portion 26 extends in the third direction Y from a portion of the first extending portion 21A on the case 101 side. In other words, the third extending portion 26 extends perpendicular to the first extending portion 21A in the thickness direction from a portion of the first extending portion 21A opposite to the second extending portion 22A. The thickness direction of the third extending portion 26 coincides with the first direction Z.

[0046] The thickness directions of the third extending portions 26 are aligned in parallel with one another in the second direction X. The third extension portion 26 has a bolt hole 27 penetrating therethrough in the first direction Z. As shown in Fig. 5 , a bolt 110 is inserted into the bolt hole 27 and fastened to a screw hole 105 of the connection member 104, thereby electrically connecting the terminal 20 to the connection member 104.

[0047] (Configuration of housing 40) 2, the housing 40 has a main body 50 that collectively covers the multiple terminals 20, and multiple protrusions 60 that protrude from the main body 50 in the second direction X and individually cover the multiple electric wires 30. The housing 40 has, for example, three protrusions 60. The three protrusions 60 are provided at intervals from one another in the arrangement direction of the multiple electric wires 30, i.e., in the first direction Z.

[0048] The housing 40 is made of an insulating resin material, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0049] (Configuration of main body 50) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body 50 has a cylindrical portion 51 penetrating in the first direction Z, and a holding portion 53 extending in the first direction Z from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 51.

[0050] The cylindrical portion 51 accommodates each of the third extending portions 26. The cylindrical portion 51 has openings 51a through which each of the bolt holes 27 is exposed. The openings 51a penetrate the cylindrical portion 51 in the first direction Z. The openings 51a have an elliptical shape that is long in the second direction X.

[0051] 5, an insertion portion 52 that is inserted into an opening 102 of a case 101 is provided at one end of the cylindrical portion 51 in the first direction Z. An annular seal member 70 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 52. The seal member 70 seals the gap between the insertion portion 52 and the case 101.

[0052] Although not shown, a service cover that closes the opening 51a is attached to the other end of the cylindrical portion 51 opposite to the one end in the first direction Z. 2 and 5, the holding portion 53 extends from the outer periphery of the other end of the cylindrical portion 51 to the opposite side from the case 101 in the first direction Z. The holding portion 53 collectively covers the plurality of first extending portions 21A, 21B, 21C and the plurality of second extending portions 22A, 22B, 22C.

[0053] The holding portion 53 has an outer surface 53a that extends along the inclined portion 25A of the terminal 20A and covers the inclined portion 25A. The outer surface 53a extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the direction in which the inclined portion 25A extends.

[0054] (Configuration of protrusion 60) 2, each protrusion 60 has a first portion 61 in which the insulating coating 32 and the exposed portion 31a of the electric wire 30 are embedded, and a second portion 62 in which the electric wire connection portion 23 is embedded. The electric wire 30 extends in the second direction X from the first portion 61. The second portion 62 protrudes from an end portion of the holding portion 53 in the second direction X. Each first portion 61 protrudes from an end portion of the second portion 62 in the second direction X.

[0055] 6, the outer shape of the first portion 61 in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction X is, for example, a circle. The outer shape of the second portion 62 in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction X is, for example, a rectangle. The thickness of the second portion 62 in the first direction Z is greater than the thickness of the first portion 61 in the first direction Z. The thickness of the second portion 62 in the third direction Y is slightly greater than the thickness of the first portion 61 in the first direction Z.

[0056] (Configuration of the first connecting portion 63 and the second connecting portion 64) 2, the housing 40 has a plurality of first connecting portions 63 that connect two adjacent first portions 61 in the first direction Z, and a plurality of second connecting portions 64 that connect two adjacent second portions 62 in the first direction Z. The housing 40 has, for example, two first connecting portions 63 and two second connecting portions 64.

[0057] Hereinafter, two first portions 61 adjacent to each other in the first direction Z will be simply referred to as "two first portions 61," and two second portions 62 adjacent to each other in the first direction Z will be simply referred to as "two second portions 62."

[0058] The first connecting portion 63 is provided at a position away from the second portion 62 in the second direction X. More specifically, the first connecting portion 63 is provided at a position closer to the tip 60c than the intermediate portion 60b between the base end 60a and the tip 60c of the protruding portion 60 in the protruding direction of the protruding portion 60, i.e., in the second direction X. Therefore, the first connecting portion 63 partially connects the two first portions 61. The base end 60a is formed by the second portion 62. The intermediate portion 60b and the tip 60c are formed by the first portion 61.

[0059] The insulating coating 32 of the electric wire 30 is embedded in a portion of the protruding portion 60 closer to the tip 60c than the intermediate portion 60b. Therefore, the first connecting portion 63 connects the portions of the two first portions 61 where the insulating coating 32 is embedded.

[0060] 6, the first connecting portions 63 are located inward of the outer surfaces 61a on both sides of each first portion 61 in the third direction Y. Therefore, the thickness of the first connecting portions 63 in the third direction Y is smaller than the thickness of the first portions 61 in the third direction Y.

[0061] 2, the second connecting portion 64 is provided at a position away from the holding portion 53 in the second direction X. Therefore, the second connecting portion 64 partially connects the two second portions 62. The second connecting portion 64 is provided between the holding portion 53 and the first connecting portion 63 in the second direction X. The second connecting portion 64 connects the portions of the two second portions 62 where the electric wire connection portions 23 are embedded.

[0062] 7, the second connecting portions 64 are located inward of the outer surfaces 62a on both sides of each second portion 62 in the third direction Y. Therefore, the thickness of the second connecting portions 64 in the third direction Y is smaller than the thickness of the second portions 62 in the third direction Y.

[0063] (Shield Shell 80 configuration) 1 and 8, the shield shell 80 covers the housing 40 from one side in the third direction Y. The shield shell 80 has a first shield part 81 that covers the cylindrical part 51 except for the insertion part 52, and a second shield part 83 that covers the holding part 53 and each second part 62. The first shield part 81 and the second shield part 83 are integrally formed.

[0064] The shield shell 80 may be made of, for example, an iron-based or aluminum-based metal material. 1, fixing portions 82 that are fixed to the case 101 are provided to protrude from both sides of the first shield portion 81 in the second direction X. The fixing portions 82 are provided with through holes 82a that penetrate in the first direction Z. Bolts 120 inserted into the through holes 82a are fastened to fixing holes 103 in the case 101, thereby fixing the shield shell 80 to the case 101.

[0065] The second shield part 83 has an outer surface 83a that extends along the outer surface 53a of the housing 40. One end of the second shield part 83 in the second direction X is provided with two mounting parts 84 on which female threads are formed.

[0066] Although not shown in the drawings, a metal cylindrical bracket that collectively covers the multiple first portions 61 is attached to the attachment portion 84. A braided member formed by braiding metal wires is attached to the bracket.

[0067] The operation of this embodiment will be described. Two adjacent protrusions 60 in the first direction Z are connected by a first connecting portion 63. Therefore, the first connecting portion 63 prevents each protrusion 60 from tilting relative to the main body portion 50.

[0068] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The connector 10 includes a plurality of terminals 20 extending in parallel with one another, a plurality of electric wires 30 connected to each terminal 20 and arranged in parallel with one another, and a resin housing 40 in which the plurality of terminals 20 and the plurality of electric wires 30 are embedded. The housing 40 includes a main body 50 that collectively covers the plurality of terminals 20, a plurality of protrusions 60 that protrude from the main body 50 and individually cover the plurality of electric wires 30, and are spaced apart from one another in the first direction Z, and a first connecting portion 63 that connects two adjacent protrusions 60 in the first direction Z.

[0069] According to this configuration, the effects described above are achieved, and therefore, deterioration in the dimensional accuracy of the housing 40 can be suppressed. (2) Each terminal 20 has a wire connection portion 23 to which each wire 30 is connected. Each wire connection portion 23 is embedded in each protrusion 60.

[0070] According to this configuration, each electric wire connection portion 23 is embedded in a corresponding protrusion 60. That is, each electric wire connection portion 23 is individually covered by a corresponding protrusion 60. Because the protrusions 60 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction Z, the amount of resin material used to mold the housing 40 can be reduced compared to when each electric wire connection portion 23 is collectively covered by the main body 50. Therefore, the weight of the housing 40, and therefore the connector 10, can be reduced.

[0071] (3) The first connecting portion 63 partially connects two adjacent protruding portions 60 at a position away from the main body portion 50 in the second direction X. During injection molding of the housing 40, each protrusion 60 may thermally shrink toward the first connecting portion 63, which may cause each protrusion 60 to tip over relative to the main body 50. This problem becomes more pronounced as the range over which the first connecting portion 63 is provided in the second direction X becomes larger. Furthermore, the larger the range, the more likely it is that sink marks will occur in the first connecting portion 63 due to differences in the amount of thermal shrinkage within the first connecting portion 63.

[0072] In this regard, with the above-described configuration, the first connecting portion 63 partially connects two adjacent protruding portions 60, making it less likely that the above-described inconvenience will occur. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing 40.

[0073] (4) Each electric wire 30 has a core wire 31 and an insulating coating 32 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 31, and an exposed portion 31a of the core wire 31 exposed from an end of the insulating coating 32 is connected to each terminal 20. The insulating coating 32 and the exposed portion 31a of each electric wire 30 are embedded in the first portion 61 of each protrusion 60. The first connecting portion 63 connects the portions of two adjacent first portions 61 where the insulating coating 32 is embedded.

[0074] A connector including a housing 40 in which an electric wire 30 is embedded is provided with an application portion where an adhesive is applied to the core wire 31 exposed from the insulating coating 32 in order to seal the gap between the electric wire 30 and the housing 40. If the portions of two adjacent protrusions 60 where the application portion is embedded are connected by a connecting portion, there is a risk that the adhesive will peel off from the core wire when the housing 40 is injection molded due to thermal contraction of each protrusion 60 so that it approaches the connecting portion.

[0075] In this regard, according to the above configuration, the first connecting portion 63 connects the portions of the two first portions 61 where the insulating coating 32 is embedded, and therefore the above-mentioned inconvenience is less likely to occur.

[0076] (5) The first connecting portion 63 is provided at a position in the second direction X closer to the tip 60c of the protruding portion 60 than the intermediate portion 60b between the base end 60a and the tip 60c. According to this configuration, two adjacent protrusions 60 are connected by the first connecting portion 63 at portions closer to the tip 60c than to the intermediate portion 60b of the protrusions 60. Therefore, the first connecting portion 63 further restricts the collapse of each protrusion 60 relative to the main body 50. Therefore, a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing 40 can be further suppressed.

[0077] (6) The housing 40 has a second connecting portion 64 that is provided between the main body 50 and the first connecting portion 63 in the second direction X and connects the second portions 62 of two adjacent protrusions 60. The second connecting portion 64 connects the portions of the two adjacent second portions 62 where the electric wire connection portions 23 are embedded.

[0078] According to this configuration, the position of each protrusion 60 relative to the main body 50 is restricted by the first connecting portion 63 and the second connecting portion 64, which are spaced apart in the second direction X. In particular, the second connecting portion 64 restricts the position of the portion of each second portion 62 in which the electric wire connection portion 23 is embedded relative to the main body 50. Therefore, deterioration in the dimensional accuracy of the housing 40 can be further suppressed.

[0079] (7) The first connecting portions 63 are located more inward than the outer surfaces 61 a on both sides of each first portion 61 in the third direction Y. The second connecting portions 64 are located more inward than the outer surfaces 62 a on both sides of each second portion 62 in the third direction Y.

[0080] With this configuration, for example, when assembling the connector 10, it is possible to prevent the first connecting portion 63 and the second connecting portion 64 from interfering with the surrounding members of the housing 40, etc. (8) The connector 10 includes a plurality of terminals 20 formed from a metal plate and is attached to the case 101 of the device 100. The terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C each have a first extending portion 21A, 21B, and 21C extending in a first direction Z, and a second extending portion 22A, 22B, and 22C extending from a portion of the first extending portion 21A, 21B, and 21C opposite the case 101 and to which an electric wire 30 is connected. The thickness directions of the first extending portions 21A, 21B, and 21C are aligned with each other. The second extending portions 22A, 22B, and 22C each extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction Z and in a plane direction perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0081] The second extending portions 22A, 22B, and 22C of each terminal 20 extend in a direction that intersects with the first direction Z and is perpendicular to the plate thickness direction of the first extending portions 21A, 21B, and 21C. Therefore, the extending direction of the electric wires 30 connected to each of the second extending portions 22A, 22B, and 22C can be made different from the first direction Z, which is the mounting direction of the connector 10, without bending the electric wires 30. This makes it possible to prevent the electric wires 30 from interfering with other components, even if they are present on the opposite side of the connector 10 from the case 101.

[0082] (9) Terminals 20A, 20B, 20C have third extension portions 26 extending in the plate thickness direction from the portions of first extension portions 21A, 21B, 21C on the case 101 side. Third extension portions 26 have bolt holes 27 penetrating third extension portions 26 in first direction Z. Housing 40 has tubular portions 51 penetrating housing 40 in first direction Z and accommodating each third extension portion 26. Cylindrical portion 51 has openings 51a through which each bolt hole 27 is exposed.

[0083] With this configuration, bolt 110 can be easily inserted through opening 51a into bolt hole 27 of third extension portion 26 housed inside cylindrical portion 51. This allows third extension portion 26 and connecting member 104 provided inside case 101 to be easily fastened together with bolt 110. This makes it easy to connect connector 10 and device 100.

[0084] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0085] Each third extension portion 26 may extend in the first direction Z in the planar direction. In this case, the axis of each bolt hole 27 is perpendicular to the planar direction. In such a connector, for example, each third extension portion 26 and each connection member 104 are fastened together in the third direction Y with a bolt.

[0086] The connection between the third extension portion 26 and the connecting member 104 is not limited to bolt fastening. Alternatively, for example, the third extension portion 26 and the connecting member 104 may be overlapped and sandwiched between them by a spring member or the like.

[0087] The straight line portions 24A, 24B, 24C may extend at an angle relative to the first extending portions 21A, 21B, 21C, respectively, and the angle formed between the straight line portions 24A, 24B, 24C and the first extending portions 21A, 21B, 21C may be set to any angle, such as 100°. In this case, each protrusion 60 may be inclined at any angle relative to the first direction Z.

[0088] Each terminal 20 is not limited to being plate-shaped, but may also be, for example, pin-shaped. The first connecting portion 63 may protrude beyond the outer surface 61 a of the first portion 61 in the third direction Y. The second connecting portion 64 may protrude beyond the outer surface 62 a of the second portion 62 in the third direction Y.

[0089] The second connecting portion 64 may connect the two second portions 62 over the entire second direction X. The second connecting portion 64 can be omitted from the housing 40.

[0090] The position of the first connecting portion 63 in the second direction X can be set as appropriate. For example, the first connecting portion 63 may connect the portions of the two first portions 61 where the exposed portions 31 a are buried.

[0091] The first connecting portion 63 may connect the two first portions 61 over the entire second direction X. Each electric wire connection portion 23 may be embedded in the main body portion 50.

[0092] The number of first connecting portions 63 and second connecting portions 64 can be changed as needed. The number of terminals 20 and wires 30 can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the connector 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] Z 1st direction (arrangement direction) X 2nd direction (projection direction) Y Third direction (orthogonal direction) 10 コネクタ 20 terminals 20A terminal 20B terminal 20C terminal 21A No. 1 Extension 21B No. 1 Extension Department 21C No. 1 Extension Department 22A Section 2 22B No. 2 Extension 22C No. 2 Extension 23 Wire connection 24A straight line 24B straight line 24C straight line 25A inclined portion 25B inclined portion 26 The 3rd Extension Department 27 ボルトpore 30 wires 31 core wire 31a exposed part 32 Absolutely Covered 40 ハウジング 50 body part 51 cylindrical part 51a opening 52 Insertion 53. Maintaining 53a Outside 60 protrusion 60a base end 60b middle part 60c Apex 61 Part 1 61a Outside 62 Part 2 62a Outside 63 1st connection 64 Second connection 70 シール parts 80 シールドシェル 81 The 1st Structural Department 82 fixed part 82a Through hole 83 Part 2 Structural 83a Outside 84 Cash and Payment Department 100 machines 101 ケース 102 Aperture 103 Fixed hole 104 Connecting member 105 screw hole 110 volts 120 volts

Claims

1. a plurality of terminals extending parallel to one another; a plurality of electric wires connected to the terminals and arranged in parallel with each other; a resin housing in which the plurality of terminals and the plurality of electric wires are embedded, The housing includes: a main body portion that collectively covers the plurality of terminals; a plurality of protrusions protruding from the main body to cover the plurality of electric wires individually and provided at intervals in an arrangement direction of the plurality of electric wires; a connecting portion connecting two of the protruding portions adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction, The connector includes the plurality of terminals formed of a metal plate and is attached to a case of an equipment, Each of the terminals has a first extending portion extending in a mounting direction of the connector to the case, and a second extending portion extending from a portion of the first extending portion opposite to the case and to which the electric wire is connected, The thickness directions of the plurality of first extension portions are aligned with each other, The second extending portions extend in a plane direction that is a direction intersecting the mounting direction and perpendicular to the plate thickness direction, Each of the terminals has a third extension portion extending in the plate thickness direction from a portion of the first extension portion facing the case, Each of the third extension portions has a bolt hole penetrating the third extension portion in the mounting direction, the housing has a cylindrical portion that penetrates the housing in the mounting direction and accommodates each of the third extending portions, The cylindrical portion has openings through which the bolt holes are exposed. connector.

2. Each of the terminals has a wire connection portion to which each of the electric wires is connected, Each of the electric wire connection portions is embedded in each of the protrusions. The connector according to claim 1 .

3. the connecting portion partially connects the two protruding portions at a position away from the main body portion in the protruding direction of the protruding portions. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the electric wires has a core wire and an insulating coating covering an outer periphery of the core wire, and an exposed portion of the core wire exposed from an end of the insulating coating is connected to each of the terminals, the insulating coating and the exposed portion of each of the electric wires are embedded in each of the protruding portions, the connecting portion connects the portions of the two protruding portions in which the insulating coating is embedded, The connector according to claim 3.

5. When the protruding direction of the protruding portion is simply defined as the protruding direction, the connecting portion is provided at a position closer to the tip end than an intermediate portion between the base end and the tip end of the protruding portion in the protruding direction; The connector according to claim 3 or 4.

6. When the connecting portion is a first connecting portion, the housing has a second connecting portion that is provided between the main body portion and the first connecting portion in the protruding direction and connects the two protruding portions; Each of the terminals has a wire connection portion to which each of the electric wires is connected, Each of the electric wire connection portions is embedded in each of the protrusions, The second connecting portion connects the portions of the two protruding portions in which the electric wire connection portions are embedded. The connector according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. When a direction perpendicular to both the protruding direction of the protruding portion and the arrangement direction is defined as an orthogonal direction, The connecting portion is located inside outer surfaces of both sides of each of the protruding portions in the orthogonal direction. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Shield connector

    JP2017084604A

  • Connector

    JP2018160316A

  • Connector

    JP2021026933A