connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of suppressing deterioration in dimensional accuracy of a housing.SOLUTION: A connector includes two terminals 10, two wires 20, and a housing 30, and the housing 30 includes a tubular portion 31, and a holding portion 43 that protrudes from the tubular portion 31 and holds the two terminals 10 and the two electric wires 20. The housing 30 has a rib 45 that connects the outer surface of the portion of the holding portion 43 located between two terminals 10 adjacent to each other and the outer surface of the tubular portion 31. The rib 45 has a recess 46.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector that can be attached to equipment such as an inverter. The connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of electric wires with terminals, a resin housing that holds the plurality of electric wires with terminals, and a metal shield shell that covers the housing and is fixed to the equipment.

[0003] The housing has a cylindrical main body portion having an opening through which the plurality of terminals are exposed, and an electric wire holding portion protruding from the main body portion toward the outer periphery of the main body portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 186338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since the wire holding portion protrudes from the main body in a cantilevered manner, there is a risk that the wire holding portion may tilt relative to the main body during injection molding of the housing, resulting in a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing. For this reason, it is desirable to prevent this decrease in dimensional accuracy of the housing.

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

[0007] The connector of the present disclosure comprises a resin housing including a plurality of terminals arranged in parallel with each other, a plurality of electric wires respectively connected to the plurality of terminals, a tubular portion having an opening through which the ends of the plurality of terminals are exposed, and a retaining portion protruding from the tubular portion toward the outer periphery of the tubular portion and holding the plurality of terminals and the plurality of electric wires; and a shield shell including a first shell having an opening through which the tubular portion is inserted and covering the outer periphery of the tubular portion, and a second shell covering the opening of the tubular portion and the opening of the first shell, wherein the housing has a rib connecting the outer surface of a portion of the retaining portion located between two adjacent terminals to the outer surface of the tubular portion, the rib having a recess, the first shell having a protrusion protruding toward the outer periphery of the opening of the first shell, and the second shell having a protrusion protruding to contact the protrusion. [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 a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the housing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the housing. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the housing. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the housing. [Figure 10]10 is a cross-sectional view of the housing taken along line 10-10 in FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the housing taken along line 11-11 in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first seal member. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the cover. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the cover. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cover. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cover. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the connector. 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 comprises a plurality of terminals arranged in parallel with each other, a plurality of electric wires respectively connected to the plurality of terminals, a tubular portion having openings through which the ends of the plurality of terminals are exposed, and a resin housing including a retaining portion protruding from the tubular portion toward the outer periphery of the tubular portion and retaining the plurality of terminals and the plurality of electric wires, wherein the housing has a rib connecting the outer surface of a portion of the retaining portion located between two adjacent terminals to the outer surface of the tubular portion, and the rib has a recess.

[0011] According to this configuration, the holding portion and the cylindrical portion are connected by the rib, so that the holding portion can be prevented from collapsing relative to the cylindrical portion. Furthermore, with the above configuration, during injection molding of the housing, a portion of the mold is placed in the space where the recess is formed, and the resin material that constitutes the housing is filled around that portion. Therefore, for example, the rib is cooled by circulating a refrigerant inside the portion of the mold. This allows the rib to harden earlier than the other portions, thereby preventing the retaining portion from collapsing relative to the cylindrical portion. Therefore, a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing can be prevented.

[0012] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, since the rib has a recess, the amount of resin material used in the housing can be reduced, and the weight of the housing can be reduced. [2] When the portion of the terminal that is connected to the electric wire is defined as the electric wire connection portion, it is preferable that the rib protrudes from the outer surface of the portion of the holding portion that is located between two adjacent electric wire connection portions.

[0013] With this configuration, the portion of the holding portion that holds the wire connection portion is less likely to collapse relative to the tubular portion, thereby preventing the holding portion from collapsing and causing a load on the wire connection portion, thereby improving the connection reliability between the terminal and the wire.

[0014] [3] It is preferable that the device is provided with a cover that is inserted into the cylindrical portion to cover the opening, the cylindrical portion having a first end into which the cover is inserted and a second end located opposite the first end in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, the retaining portion protruding from the first end, and the rib being provided on the side where the second end is located when viewed from the retaining portion.

[0015] For example, if the rib is provided on the side where the first end is located as viewed from the holding portion, the length from the holding portion to the edge of the first end in the tubular portion may become large. In this regard, with the above configuration, the rib is provided on the side of the retaining portion where the second end is located, so the length of the tubular portion from the retaining portion to the edge of the first end can be reduced, thereby reducing the axial size of the tubular portion, and ultimately the axial size of the connector.

[0016] [4] It is preferable that the cover has a resin partition wall positioned between two adjacent terminals. According to this configuration, since a partition wall is positioned between two adjacent terminals, the two terminals can be suitably insulated from each other. Furthermore, the insulation distance between the two terminals can be made smaller than when a cover without a partition wall is used. Therefore, the increase in the size of the connector in the direction in which the multiple terminals are arranged can be suppressed.

[0017] [5] The cover has an opposing wall that is located on the opposite side of the partition wall across one of the terminals and faces the partition wall, and a connecting wall that is located on the opposite side of the holding portion across the one terminal and connects the partition wall and the opposing wall, and it is preferable that the connecting wall is configured to contact the terminal to restrict insertion of the cover into the tubular portion when the cover is inserted into the tubular portion in a state inverted around the central axis of the tubular portion relative to the normal posture.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the cover is inserted into the cylindrical portion in a state where it is inverted around the central axis of the cylindrical portion relative to the correct orientation, the connecting wall comes into contact with the terminal, thereby restricting the insertion of the cover into the cylindrical portion, which makes it easier for the worker to notice if the cover is incorrectly attached to the cylindrical portion.

[0019] [6] An interlock connector is provided inside the cylindrical portion and electrically detects whether the housing is connected to the connection object in the correct position, and it is preferable that the interlock connector is provided in parallel with the multiple terminals in the parallel direction of the multiple terminals.

[0020] According to this configuration, the terminals and the interlock connector are arranged in parallel in the parallel direction of the terminals, which prevents the housing from increasing in size in the intersecting direction compared to when the terminals and the interlock connector are arranged in parallel in the direction intersecting both the parallel direction and the axial direction.

[0021] [7] It is preferable that a cover is provided which is inserted into the cylindrical portion to cover the opening, the cover having a accommodating portion which accommodates one end of the interlock connector, and the accommodating portion is configured to contact the terminal to restrict the insertion of the cover into the cylindrical portion when the cover is inserted into the cylindrical portion in a state inverted around the central axis of the cylindrical portion relative to the normal position.

[0022] According to this configuration, when the cover is inserted into the cylindrical portion in a state where it is inverted around the central axis of the cylindrical portion relative to the correct orientation, the accommodating portion comes into contact with the terminal, thereby restricting the insertion of the cover into the cylindrical portion, which makes it easier for the worker to notice if the cover is incorrectly attached to the cylindrical portion.

[0023] [8] It is preferable that the cylindrical portion has a partition wall that separates the interior of the cylindrical portion between the plurality of terminals and the interlock connector. According to this configuration, since the partition wall is provided inside the cylindrical portion, the insulation distance between the multiple terminals and the interlock connector can be made smaller than when the partition wall is not provided, and therefore, the size of the connector in the direction in which the multiple terminals are arranged can be prevented from increasing.

[0024] [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.

[0025] (Configuration of wire harnesses W1 and W2) As shown in Fig. 1, wire harnesses W1 and W2 are arranged in a vehicle V. The wire harness W1 electrically connects, for example, an electric device M1 such as a motor disposed in the front part of the vehicle V to a battery B disposed in the floor part of the vehicle V. The wire harness W2 electrically connects, for example, an electric device M2 such as a motor disposed in the rear part of the vehicle V to the battery B.

[0026] A connector C1 is provided at the end of the wire harness W1 to be connected to an electric device M1. A connector C2 is provided at the end of the wire harness W2 to be connected to an electric device M2. The configuration of the connector C1 and the configuration of the connector C2 may be the same as or different from each other. The electric device M1 corresponds to the "connection target."

[0027] (Configuration of connector C1) As shown in FIG. 2, the connector C1 is attached to the case 200 of the electric device M1 in a state where a part of the connector C1 is inserted into an insertion hole 201 provided in the case 200.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the connector C1 includes a plurality of terminals 10, a plurality of electric wires 20, a housing 30, a cover 70, and a shield shell 120. The plurality of terminals 10 are arranged in parallel with one another. The plurality of electric wires 20 are electrically connected to the plurality of terminals 10, respectively. The housing 30 holds the plurality of terminals 10 and the plurality of electric wires 20. The cover 70 covers a portion of the housing 30. The shield shell 120 covers the cover 70 and a portion of the housing 30.

[0029] The connector C1 includes, for example, two terminals 10 and two electric wires 20. The connector C1 may include three or more terminals 10 and three or more electric wires 20. In each figure, the X-axis of the XYZ axes extends in the parallel direction of the two terminals 10. The Y-axis extends in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20. The Z-axis extends in the attachment direction of the case 200 of the electric device M1 and the connector C1. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. Hereinafter, the direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis will be referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis will be referred to as the Z-axis direction.

[0030] The connector C1 is attached to the case 200 in a position where, for example, the X-axis direction and the vertical direction coincide with each other. Note that the up-down direction on the paper surface in each drawing does not necessarily coincide with the vertical direction.

[0031] (Terminal 10 Configuration) 4, the terminal 10 has a first extension portion 11, a second extension portion 12, and a third extension portion 13. The terminal 10 has, for example, a plate shape. Examples of materials for the terminal 10 include iron-based, copper-based, and aluminum-based metal materials.

[0032] The first extending portion 11 extends in the Y-axis direction. The first extending portion 11 has an electric wire connecting portion 14 that is electrically connected to the electric wire 20. The electric wire connecting portion 14 is provided at an end of the first extending portion 11 in the Y-axis direction.

[0033] The second extending portion 12 extends in the Z-axis direction from the end of the first extending portion 11 opposite to the electric wire connecting portion 14 toward the case 200. The third extension portion 13 extends from an end of the second extension portion 12 opposite to the first extension portion 11 in the extension direction of the first extension portion 11, i.e., in the Y-axis direction, opposite to the first extension portion 11. The third extension portion 13 is located outside the housing 30.

[0034] A bolt hole 13a penetrating in the Z-axis direction is provided in the third extension portion 13. The third extension portion 13 is electrically connected to a mating terminal 210 provided inside the case 200 by a bolt (not shown) inserted into the bolt hole 13a.

[0035] (Configuration of electric wire 20) The electric wire 20 has a core wire 21 and an insulating coating 22 that covers the outer periphery of the core wire 21. Examples of materials for the core wire 21 include metal materials such as copper-based or aluminum-based materials. Examples of materials for the insulating coating 22 include resin materials whose main component is a polyolefin-based resin such as cross-linked polyethylene or cross-linked polypropylene.

[0036] The core wire 21 is, for example, a stranded wire made by twisting together a plurality of metal wires. The cross section of the core wire 21 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof is, for example, circular. The core wire 21 is exposed from the insulating sheath 22 at the end of the electric wire 20. The core wire 21 exposed from the insulating sheath 22 is electrically connected to the electric wire connecting portion 14 of the terminal 10 by, for example, crimping.

[0037] (Configuration of housing 30) 5 and 6, the housing 30 has a cylindrical portion 31 and a holding portion 43. The housing 30 may be made of a resin material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0038] (Configuration of the cylindrical portion 31) The cylindrical portion 31 has an opening 32 through which the two terminals 10 are exposed. The opening 32 penetrates the cylindrical portion 31 in the Z-axis direction. The axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31 coincides with the Z-axis direction. The edge of the opening of the cylindrical portion 31 has an elliptical shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0039] An interlock connector IC is provided inside the cylindrical portion 31. The interlock connector IC is provided in parallel with the two terminals 10 in the X-axis direction. The interlock connector IC electrically detects whether the housing 30 is connected to the insertion hole 201 of the case 200 in the correct position. When the housing 30 is connected to the case 200 in the correct position, the interlock connector IC is mated with a mating connector (not shown) provided inside the case 200. The interlock connector IC and the mating connector form an interlock circuit. When the interlock connector IC is mated with the mating connector, that is, when the interlock circuit is closed, the connector C1 and the electrical device M1 are placed in a state where they can be electrically connected.

[0040] 4, the cylindrical portion 31 has a first end 31a and a second end 31b located on opposite sides in the Z-axis direction. The first end 31a is the portion of the cylindrical portion 31 on the side to which the cover 70 is attached. The second end 31b is the portion of the cylindrical portion 31 on the side to be inserted into the insertion hole 201 of the case 200.

[0041] 5 and 7, the cylindrical portion 31 has a first partition wall 33 and a second partition wall 34. The first partition wall 33 corresponds to the "partition wall." The first partition wall 33 separates the interior of the tubular portion 31 between the two terminals 10 and the interlock connector IC. The first partition wall 33 extends in the Z-axis direction. The first partition wall 33 connects portions of the inner wall of the tubular portion 31 that face each other in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the interior of the tubular portion 31 is separated by the first partition wall 33 into a portion where the two terminals 10 are located and a portion where the interlock connector IC is located.

[0042] The second partition wall 34 separates the portion of the inside of the cylindrical portion 31 in the Z-axis direction, where the interlock connector IC is located. The second partition wall 34 connects the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 31 and the first partition wall 33.

[0043] An insertion hole 34a penetrating in the Z-axis direction is provided in the second partition wall 34. An interlock connector IC is inserted into the insertion hole 34a. 8 and 9, the cylindrical portion 31 is provided with an insertion portion 35 that is inserted into the insertion hole 201 of the case 200. The insertion portion 35 is a portion of the cylindrical portion 31 that includes the second end portion 31b.

[0044] A first housing groove 36 is provided around the entire outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 35. An annular first seal member 50 is housed in the first housing groove 36. The axial direction of the first seal member 50 coincides with the Z-axis direction.

[0045] Hereinafter, the circumferential direction of the first seal member 50 will be simply referred to as the circumferential direction. The first accommodating groove 36 has a groove body 37 and two engaged portions 38A and 38B. The groove body 37 has an annular shape that extends around the entire outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 .

[0046] The two engaged portions 38A, 38B are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the first seal member 50. The two engaged portions 38A, 38B are provided at one end and the other end of the groove body 37 in the X-axis direction, respectively.

[0047] Each of the engaged portions 38A, 38B includes a first engagement groove 39 and a second engagement groove 40. The first engagement groove 39 and the second engagement groove 40 extend from the groove main body 37 in opposite directions in the Z-axis direction. The first engagement groove 39 extends from the groove main body 37 to the side in the Z-axis direction where the first end 31a is located. The second engagement groove 40 extends from the groove main body 37 to the side in the Z-axis direction where the second end 31b is located. The first engagement groove 39 and the second engagement groove 40 have the same shape.

[0048] The first engagement groove 39 and the second engagement groove 40 are provided at positions overlapping each other in the Z-axis direction. The first engagement groove 39 extends further in one circumferential direction than the second engagement groove 40. The second engagement groove 40 extends further in the other circumferential direction than the first engagement groove 39.

[0049] In this embodiment, "one side of the circumferential direction" refers to the counterclockwise direction when viewing the tubular portion 31 from the first end 31a to the second end 31b in the Z-axis direction, and "the other side of the circumferential direction" refers to the clockwise direction.

[0050] The first engagement groove 39 of the engaged portion 38A and the second engagement groove 40 of the engaged portion 38B are provided at the same position in the Y-axis direction. The first engagement groove 39 of the engaged portion 38B and the second engagement groove 40 of the engaged portion 38A are provided at the same position in the Y-axis direction.

[0051] 5 and 6, the cylindrical portion 31 has two fixing portions 41 that protrude from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 31. The two fixing portions 41 protrude in opposite directions in a direction that intersects both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the XY plane. Each fixing portion 41 is provided with a cylindrical metal collar 42. Each collar 42 penetrates in the Z-axis direction.

[0052] (Configuration of holding portion 43) As shown in Fig. 4, the holding portion 43 protrudes from the first end 31a of the cylindrical portion 31 toward the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 31, more specifically, toward one side in the Y-axis direction. The holding portion 43 holds two terminals 10 and two electric wires 20. The ends of the electric wires 20, the electric wire connection portion 14, and a portion of the first extension portion 11 are embedded in the holding portion 43. The two terminals 10, the two electric wires 20, and the housing 30 are integrated by insert molding. Each electric wire 20 is pulled out from the holding portion 43 toward one side in the Y-axis direction.

[0053] A second accommodating groove 44 is provided around the entire periphery on the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 43. A second annular seal member 60 is accommodated in the second accommodating groove 44. (Configuration of rib 45) 6, the housing 30 has a rib 45 that connects the outer surface of the holding portion 43 to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 31. The rib 45 is provided on the side of the holding portion 43 where the second end 31b is located.

[0054] 10, the rib 45 protrudes from the outer surface of a portion of the holding portion 43 that is located between two adjacent terminals 10. That is, the rib 45 is located between the two terminals 10 in the X-axis direction. The rib 45 is provided at a position offset to one side in the X-axis direction from the center in the X-axis direction of the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0055] 11, the rib 45 is provided at a position overlapping with two electric wire connection portions 14 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the rib 45 protrudes from the outer surface of a portion of the holding portion 43 that is located between two adjacent electric wire connection portions 14.

[0056] The rib 45 has a recess 46. The recess 46 is recessed in the Z-axis direction from the second end 31b toward the first end 31a. The cross-sectional shape of the recess 46 perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is, for example, a rectangle that is long in the Y-axis direction. This cross-sectional shape is the same throughout the recess 46 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the inner wall of the rib 45 that forms the recess 46 extends in the Z-axis direction around the entire periphery of the recess 46. As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11, the recess 46 is configured so that a mold M used during injection molding of the housing 30 can be inserted into it.

[0057] The amount of protrusion of the rib 45 from the outer surface of the holding portion 43 decreases as the rib 45 moves away from the cylindrical portion 31 in the Y-axis direction. (Configuration of the first seal member 50) As shown in FIG. 12, the first seal member 50 has a seal body 51 and two engagement portions 52A and 52B.

[0058] The seal body 51 has an annular shape that is long in the X-axis direction. A lip that protrudes outward from the outer periphery is provided around the entire periphery of the seal body 51. The seal body 51 is housed in the groove body 37 of the first housing groove 36.

[0059] The two engaging portions 52A, 52B are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the first seal member 50. The two engaging portions 52A, 52B are provided at one end and the other end of the seal body 51 in the X-axis direction, respectively.

[0060] 8 and 9, each engagement portion 52A, 52B includes a first engagement protrusion 53 and a second engagement protrusion 54. The first engagement protrusion 53 and the second engagement protrusion 54 protrude from the seal body 51 on opposite sides in the Z-axis direction. The first engagement protrusion 53 extends from the seal body 51 toward the first end 31a in the Z-axis direction. The second engagement protrusion 54 extends from the seal body 51 toward the second end 31b in the Z-axis direction. The first engagement protrusion 53 and the second engagement protrusion 54 have the same shape.

[0061] The first engagement protrusion 53 and the second engagement protrusion 54 are provided at positions overlapping each other in the Z-axis direction. The first engagement protrusion 53 protrudes further in one circumferential direction than the second engagement protrusion 54. The second engagement protrusion 54 protrudes further in the other circumferential direction than the first engagement protrusion 53. The first engagement protrusion 53 and the second engagement protrusion 54 engage with the first engagement groove 39 and the second engagement groove 40, respectively.

[0062] The first engagement protrusion 53 of the engagement portion 52A and the second engagement protrusion 54 of the engagement portion 52B are provided at the same position in the Y-axis direction. The first engagement protrusion 53 of the engagement portion 52B and the second engagement protrusion 54 of the engagement portion 52A are provided at the same position in the Y-axis direction.

[0063] As a result of the above, the first seal member 50 has a shape that is two-fold symmetrical with the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as axes of symmetry. In other words, when the first seal member 50 is inverted around each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as central axes, the shapes of the first seal member 50 before and after the inversion overlap with each other.

[0064] The first seal member 50 is accommodated in the first accommodating groove 36, thereby sealing off the space between the insertion portion 35 and the insertion hole 201 of the case 200. Since the insertion portion 35 is located outside the shield shell 120, the first seal member 50 is also located outside the shield shell 120.

[0065] (Cover 70 configuration) As shown in FIG. 7, the cover 70 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 31 from the first end portion 31a, thereby covering the opening 32 of the cylindrical portion 31.

[0066] 13, the cover 70 has a cover body 80 and a breathable membrane 100. Examples of materials for the cover body 80 include resin materials such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Examples of materials for the breathable membrane 100 include porous resin materials.

[0067] The cover main body 80 has a lid portion 81 that covers the opening 32 of the cylindrical portion 31. The lid portion 81 has an elliptical shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction. A third accommodating groove 82 is provided around the entire periphery on the outer circumferential surface of the cover portion 81. A third sealing member 110 having an annular shape is accommodated in the third accommodating groove 82.

[0068] The lid portion 81 has a ventilation hole 81a that penetrates the lid portion 81 in the Z-axis direction. The ventilation hole 81a is provided at a position offset from the center of the lid portion 81 to one side in the X-axis direction. The breathable membrane 100 covers the ventilation hole 81a from the side opposite the two terminals 10 in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 7). The breathable membrane 100 has a circular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The diameter of the breathable membrane 100 is larger than the diameter of the ventilation hole 81a. The breathable membrane 100 is fixed to the lid portion 81, for example, by being welded thereto.

[0069] The breathable membrane 100 is configured to allow gas such as air to pass through and to prevent liquid such as water from passing through. The breathable membrane 100 reduces the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tubular portion 31.

[0070] The ventilation hole 81a is provided with a partition 81b that separates the ventilation hole 81a in an X-shape. The partition 81b of the ventilation hole 81a prevents the worker's fingers from touching the breathable membrane 100 through the ventilation hole 81a.

[0071] 7, a gap is provided in the Z-axis direction between the breathable membrane 100 and the partitioning portion 81b. This gap makes it difficult for the breathable membrane 100 to be blocked by the partitioning portion 81b, and therefore the passage of gas through the breathable membrane 100 is less likely to be obstructed.

[0072] As shown in Figures 3 and 13, the cover 81 has a boss 83 that protrudes on the opposite side of the two terminals 10 in the Z-axis direction. The boss 83 protrudes from the center of the cover 81 in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The boss 83 has a cylindrical shape with one end closed. The boss 83 has a fastening hole into which a tap screw 170 having a washer is fastened. The fastening hole opens on the opposite side of the two terminals 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0073] The cover 81 has a first support protrusion 84 and a second support protrusion 85. Each of the support protrusions 84, 85 protrudes on the opposite side of the two terminals 10 in the Z-axis direction. The first support protrusion 84 and the second support protrusion 85 are located on opposite sides of the boss 83 in a direction intersecting both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the XY plane. The first support protrusion 84 is located on the side of the boss 83 where the holding portion 43 is located in the Y-axis direction as viewed from the boss 83.

[0074] The first support protrusion 84 has a smaller diameter than the second support protrusion 85. 13 , the lid portion 81 has an inner wall 86 and an outer wall 89 that each protrude in the Z-axis direction. The inner wall 86 surrounds the outer periphery of the breathable membrane 100. The outer wall 89 is located on the outer periphery side of the inner wall 86 and forms the outer periphery of the cover body 80. In other words, the outer wall 89 includes the outer periphery of the cover body 80.

[0075] The end faces of the inner wall 86 and the outer wall 89 in the Z-axis direction are flush with each other. Note that the boss 83, the first support protrusion 84, and the second support protrusion 85 protrude beyond the end faces of the inner wall 86 and the outer wall 89 in the Z-axis direction.

[0076] The outer peripheral edge of the outer wall 89 is located more outer than the opening 32 of the cylindrical portion 31. The outer wall 89 covers the end face in the Z-axis direction of the first end 31a of the cylindrical portion 31 (see FIG. 7). The inner wall 86 has an inner discharge port 88 that communicates between the inside and outside of the inner wall 86 in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The outer wall 89 has an outer discharge port 90 that communicates between the inside and outside of the outer wall 89 in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The inner discharge port 88 and the outer discharge port 90 face in different directions. The entire inner discharge port 88 faces the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall 89. The entire outer discharge port 90 faces the outer circumferential surface of the inner wall 86.

[0077] Hereinafter, the imaginary axis extending in the communication direction of the inner discharge port 88 will be referred to as a first imaginary axis L1, and the imaginary axis extending in the communication direction of the outer discharge port 90 will be referred to as a second imaginary axis L2. In addition, the intersection of the first imaginary axis L1 and the second imaginary axis L2 will be referred to as an intersection P.

[0078] 14, the second imaginary axis L2 extends in the X-axis direction. The first imaginary axis L1 extends at an angle to the second imaginary axis L2 on the XY plane. The angle α between the first imaginary axis L1 and the second imaginary axis L2 is an acute angle.

[0079] The entire inner discharge port 88 is provided in the axial direction of the second imaginary axis L2, i.e., in the X-axis direction, on the side where the outer discharge port 90 is located relative to the intersection P. In other words, the entire inner discharge port 88 is located on the side where the outer discharge port 90 is located relative to the third imaginary axis L3, which extends in the Y-axis direction and passes through the intersection P.

[0080] If the outer discharge port 90 faces the 6 o'clock direction, the inner discharge port 88 preferably faces, for example, the area between 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock in the clockwise direction. However, this does not apply when the entire inner discharge port 88 does not face the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall 89.

[0081] The inner wall 86 has a first edge 86a and a second edge 86b that form the inner outlet 88. The first edge 86a is located closer to the outer outlet 90 than the second edge 86b. The inner wall 86 is provided with a first extending portion 87a that extends to include the first edge 86a, and a second extending portion 87b that extends to include the second edge 86b. The first extending portion 87a and the second extending portion 87b face each other.

[0082] The inner wall 86, excluding the first extending portion 87a and the second extending portion 87b, has, for example, an arc shape that follows the outer peripheral edge of the breathable membrane 100. The first extending portion 87a and the second extending portion 87b extend, for example, linearly. The first extending portion 87a and the second extending portion 87b extend so as to approach each other as they move toward the inner outlet 88.

[0083] The first extending portion 87a extends at an angle relative to the second imaginary axis L2 so as to approach the outer discharge port 90 in the axial direction of the second imaginary axis L2, ie, in the X-axis direction, toward the first end edge 86a.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 15, the cover 70 has a partition wall 91, an opposing wall 92, a first connecting wall 93, and a second connecting wall 94, each of which protrudes from the lid portion 81 into the inside of the cylindrical portion 31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0085] The partition wall 91 is located between two adjacent terminals 10. The partition wall 91 extends over substantially the entire lid portion 81 in the Y-axis direction. The portions of the two terminals 10 that are located inside the opening 32 of the cylindrical portion 31 are located on opposite sides of the partition wall 91. The partition wall 91 protrudes to a position beyond the two terminals 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0086] The opposing wall 92 is located on the opposite side of the partition wall 91 across one terminal 10. The opposing wall 92 faces the partition wall 91 in the X-axis direction. The opposing wall 92 extends over substantially the entire lid portion 81 in the Y-axis direction. The amount by which the opposing wall 92 protrudes from the lid portion 81 is smaller than the amount by which the partition wall 91 protrudes from the lid portion 81.

[0087] 4 and 15 , the first connecting wall 93 is located on the opposite side of the holding portion 43 across the one terminal 10. The first connecting wall 93 connects the partition wall 91 and the opposing wall 92. The amount of protrusion of the first connecting wall 93 from the lid portion 81 is the same as the amount of protrusion of the opposing wall 92 from the lid portion 81.

[0088] 4 and 16, the second connecting wall 94 is located between the first connecting wall 93 and the second extending portion 12 of one of the terminals 10. The second connecting wall 94 connects the partition wall 91 and the opposing wall 92. The amount by which the second connecting wall 94 protrudes from the lid portion 81 is smaller than the amount by which the first connecting wall 93 protrudes from the lid portion 81. A gap is provided between the second connecting wall 94 and the terminal 10 over the entire second connecting wall 94.

[0089] Here, when the cover 70 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 31 in a state inverted about the central axis of the cylindrical portion 31 with respect to the normal posture, the first connecting wall 93 is configured to contact the first extending portion 11 of the terminal 10, thereby restricting the insertion of the cover 70 into the cylindrical portion 31. In this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the first connecting wall 93 from the lid portion 81 is greater than the distance from the lid portion 81 to the first extending portion 11 in the Z-axis direction. As a result, when the cover 70 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 31 in the inverted state, the first connecting wall 93 comes into contact with the first extending portion 11.

[0090] 7 and 15, the cover 70 has a housing portion 95 that protrudes from the lid portion 81 into the cylindrical portion 31 and houses one end of the interlock connector IC. The housing portion 95 is cylindrical with one end closed.

[0091] The amount of protrusion of the accommodating portion 95 from the lid portion 81 is smaller than the amount of protrusion of each of the partition wall 91, the opposing wall 92, the first connecting wall 93, and the second connecting wall 94 from the lid portion 81, and is greater than the distance from the lid portion 81 to the first extension portion 11 of the terminal 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0092] Here, when cover 70 does not have first connecting wall 93 and cover 70 is inserted into cylindrical portion 31 in a state inverted about the central axis of cylindrical portion 31 relative to the normal posture, accommodating portion 95 is provided in a position where it can come into contact with first extending portion 11 of terminal 10. In other words, when cover 70 does not have first connecting wall 93, accommodating portion 95 is configured to restrict insertion of cover 70 into cylindrical portion 31 by coming into contact with terminal 10.

[0093] A short pin (not shown) is provided inside the accommodation portion 95. When the interlock connector IC is accommodated in the accommodation portion 95, two terminals (not shown) provided inside the interlock connector IC are electrically connected via the short pin. This allows the circuit inside the interlock connector IC to be conductive.

[0094] (Shield Shell 120 configuration) 2 and 3, the shield shell 120 has a first shell 130, a second shell 140, and a third shell 150. Examples of materials for the shells 130, 140, and 150 include iron-based or aluminum-based metal materials.

[0095] (Configuration of the first shell 130) 3, the first shell 130 has a first portion 131 and a second portion 135. The first portion 131 covers the outer periphery of a portion of the cylindrical portion 31 opposite the insertion portion 35. The second portion 135 covers the outer periphery of a portion of the holding portion 43. The first portion 131 and the second portion 135 are open toward the case 200 in the Z-axis direction.

[0096] The first portion 131 has an opening 132 into which the cylindrical portion 31 is inserted. The opening 132 has an elliptical shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 17, the first portion 131 covers the outer discharge port 90 of the cover body 80 from the outer peripheral side of the outer wall 89.

[0097] 3, the first portion 131 has two fixing protrusions 133 that protrude from the outer periphery of the opening 132. Each fixing protrusion 133 is provided with a screw hole 133a that penetrates in the Z-axis direction.

[0098] The first portion 131 has two fixing portions 134 that protrude outward from the opening 132. The two fixing portions 134 are provided at positions corresponding to the two fixing portions 41 of the housing 30, respectively. Each fixing portion 134 is provided with a through-hole 134a that penetrates in the Z-axis direction. The through-hole 134a communicates with a collar 42 provided on the fixing portion 41. As shown in FIG. 2 , bolts (not shown) inserted into the fixing portions 134 and 41 are fastened to screw holes 202 provided in the case 200, thereby fixing the connector C1 to the case 200.

[0099] 3, the second portion 135 has a protruding portion 136 that protrudes in the Z-axis direction on the opposite side to the holding portion 43. The protruding portion 136 is provided with a screw hole 136a that penetrates in the Y-axis direction.

[0100] (Configuration of the second shell 140) The second shell 140 has a cylindrical shape and covers the outer periphery of the portion of the holding portion 43 that is not covered by the second portion 135.

[0101] The second shell 140 has a protruding portion 141 that protrudes in the Z-axis direction opposite the holding portion 43. A through-hole 141a that penetrates in the Y-axis direction is provided in the protruding portion 141. A bolt 160 is inserted into the through-hole 141a and fastened to the screw hole 136a of the first shell 130, thereby fixing the second shell 140 to the first shell 130.

[0102] Although not shown in the drawings, a metallic braided member that covers the two electric wires 20 collectively is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the second shell 140 by a crimping ring. (Configuration of the third shell 150) The third shell 150 has a flat plate shape extending in the XY plane. The third shell 150 covers the opening 32 of the cylindrical portion 31 and the opening 132 of the first shell 130. As a result, the cover 70 is covered by the third shell 150 from the side opposite to the case 200 in the Z axis direction.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 7, the third shell 150 contacts the end faces of the inner wall 86 and the outer wall 89 of the cover main body 80 in the Z-axis direction. 3, the third shell 150 has two through holes 151 that respectively communicate with the two screw holes 133a of the first shell 130. The third shell 150 is fixed to the first shell 130 by bolts (not shown) inserted into the through holes 151.

[0104] The third shell 150 has a boss insertion hole 152 into which the boss 83 of the cover 70 is inserted. The diameter of the boss insertion hole 152 is larger than the diameter of the boss 83. The diameter of the boss insertion hole 152 is smaller than the diameter of the washer of the tap screw 170. As shown in FIG. 4, a gap is provided between the washer and the third shell 150 in the Z-axis direction.

[0105] 3, the third shell 150 has a first insertion hole 153 and a second insertion hole 154 into which the first support protrusion 84 and the second support protrusion 85 are inserted, respectively. The diameter of the first insertion hole 153 is larger than the diameter of the first support protrusion 84. The diameter of the second insertion hole 154 is larger than the diameter of the second support protrusion 85.

[0106] For the reasons described above, gaps are provided between the boss 83 and the boss insertion hole 152, between the first support protrusion 84 and the first insertion hole 153, and between the second support protrusion 85 and the second insertion hole 154. The third shell 150 is configured to be able to swing within the range of these gaps in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction relative to the cover 70. This allows the worker to easily align the through hole 151 with the screw hole 133a.

[0107] The operation and effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) Connector C1 includes two terminals 10, two electric wires 20, and a housing 30. Housing 30 includes a cylindrical portion 31 and a holding portion 43 that protrudes from cylindrical portion 31 and holds the two terminals 10 and two electric wires 20. Housing 30 includes a rib 45 that connects the outer surface of a portion of holding portion 43 that is located between two adjacent terminals 10 to the outer surface of cylindrical portion 31. Rib 45 includes a recess 46.

[0108] According to this configuration, the holding portion 43 and the cylindrical portion 31 are connected by the rib 45, so that the holding portion 43 can be prevented from falling relative to the cylindrical portion 31. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, during injection molding of the housing 30, a part of the mold M is placed in the space where the recess 46 is formed, and the resin material that constitutes the housing 30 is filled around that part. Therefore, for example, the rib 45 is cooled by circulating a refrigerant inside the part of the mold M. This allows the rib 45 to harden earlier than the other parts, thereby preventing the holding portion 43 from collapsing relative to the tubular portion 31. Therefore, a decrease in the dimensional accuracy of the housing 30 can be prevented.

[0109] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, since the rib 45 has the recess 46, the amount of resin material used in the housing 30 can be reduced, and the weight of the housing 30 can be reduced. (2) The rib 45 protrudes from the outer surface of the holding portion 43 at a portion located between two adjacent electric wire connecting portions 14 .

[0110] With this configuration, the portion of the holding portion 43 that holds the wire connection portion 14 is less likely to collapse relative to the tubular portion 31. This makes it possible to prevent the holding portion 43 from collapsing and causing a load on the wire connection portion 14. This improves the reliability of the connection between the terminal 10 and the wire 20.

[0111] (3) The holding portion 43 protrudes from the first end 31a of the cylindrical portion 31. The rib 45 is provided on the side of the holding portion 43 where the second end 31b of the cylindrical portion 31 is located. For example, if the rib 45 is provided on the side where the first end 31a is located when viewed from the holding portion 43, the length from the holding portion 43 to the edge of the first end 31a in the tubular portion 31 may become large.

[0112] In this regard, with the above configuration, the rib 45 is provided on the side where the second end 31b is located when viewed from the holding portion 43, which reduces the length from the holding portion 43 to the edge of the first end 31a of the tubular portion 31. This reduces the size of the tubular portion 31 in the Z-axis direction, and therefore the size of the connector C1 in the Z-axis direction.

[0113] (4) The cover body 80 of the cover 70 has a partition wall 91 located between two adjacent terminals 10 . With this configuration, the partition wall 91 is located between two adjacent terminals 10, thereby providing suitable insulation between the two terminals 10. Furthermore, the insulation distance between the two terminals 10 can be made smaller than when a cover body 80 without the partition wall 91 is used. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the size of the connector C1 from increasing in the direction in which the two terminals 10 are arranged side by side, i.e., in the X-axis direction.

[0114] (5) The cover body 80 of the cover 70 has an opposing wall 92 that faces the partition wall 91, and a first connecting wall 93 that connects the partition wall 91 and the opposing wall 92. The first connecting wall 93 is configured to contact the terminals 10 to restrict the insertion of the cover 70 into the cylindrical portion 31 when the cover 70 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 31 in a state inverted about the central axis of the cylindrical portion 31 relative to the normal posture.

[0115] According to this configuration, when the cover 70 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 31 in a state inverted about the central axis of the cylindrical portion 31 relative to the correct posture, the first connecting wall 93 comes into contact with the terminals 10, thereby restricting the insertion of the cover 70 into the cylindrical portion 31. This makes it easier for an operator to notice that the cover 70 has been incorrectly assembled into the cylindrical portion 31.

[0116] (6) The interlock connector IC is arranged in parallel with the two terminals 10 in the X-axis direction. With this configuration, the increase in the size of the housing 30 in the Y-axis direction can be suppressed compared to when the terminals 10 and the interlock connector IC are arranged in parallel, for example, in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the parallel direction of the two terminals 10.

[0117] (7) The cylindrical portion 31 has a first partition wall 33 that separates the interior of the cylindrical portion 31 between the two terminals 10 and the interlock connector IC. According to this configuration, the first partition wall 33 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 31, so the insulation distance between the two terminals 10 and the interlock connector IC can be made smaller than when the first partition wall 33 is not provided, and therefore, an increase in the size of the connector C1 in the X-axis direction can be suppressed.

[0118] <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.

[0119] The first partition wall 33 may be omitted from the cylindrical portion 31. The storage portion 95 may be omitted from the cover body 80. The interlock connector IC may be arranged in parallel with the terminal 10 in the Y-axis direction.

[0120] The interlock connector IC may be omitted from the connector C1. At least one of the partition wall 91, the opposing wall 92, the first connecting wall 93, and the second connecting wall 94 may be omitted from the cover body 80. When the first connecting wall 93 is omitted from the cover body 80, the cover body 80 preferably has a accommodating portion 95. With this configuration, when the cover 70 is inserted into the tubular portion 31 in a state inverted about the central axis of the tubular portion 31 with respect to the correct orientation, the accommodating portion 95 comes into contact with the first extending portion 11 of the terminal 10. This restricts the insertion of the cover 70 into the tubular portion 31. This makes it easier for an operator to notice if the cover 70 has been incorrectly assembled into the tubular portion 31.

[0121] The rib 45 may be provided on the side of the holding portion 43 where the first end 31a is located. The rib 45 may protrude from any part of the outer surface of the holding portion 43 .

[0122] The cross-sectional shape of the recess 46 in the rib 45 perpendicular to the Z-axis direction may be, for example, a circular shape or a polygonal shape. The recess 46 may be recessed in any direction, such as the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, depending on the direction in which the mold M is removed.

[0123] The rib 45 may have a plurality of recesses 46 . The housing 30 may have a plurality of ribs 45 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] α angle B Battery C1, C2 connectors IC Interlock Connector L1 First virtual axis L2 Second virtual axis L3 Third virtual axis M mold M1 Electrical equipment (connection target) M2 Electrical Equipment P intersection V vehicle W1, W2 wire harness 10 terminals 11 1st extension part 12 Second extension part 13 Third extension part 13a Bolt hole 14 Wire connection 20 Electric wire 21 Core Wire 22 Insulation coating 30 Housing 31 Cylindrical part 31a First end 31b Second end 32 Aperture 33 First Partition Wall (Partition Wall) 34 Second Partition Wall 34a Insertion hole 35 Insertion section 36 First storage groove 37 Groove body 38A, 38B Engaged part 39 First engagement groove 40 Second engagement groove 41 Fixed part 42 Color 43 Holding part 44 Second storage groove 45 Ribs 46 Recess 50 first seal member 51 Seal body 52A,52B Engagement part 53 1st engagement protrusion 54 Second engagement protrusion 60 second seal member 70 Cover 80 Cover body 81 Lid 81a Ventilation hole 81b Partition 82 Third storage trench 83 Boss 84 1st support protrusion 85 Second support protrusion 86 Inner wall 86a 1st edge 86b 2nd edge 87a 1st extension part 87b 2nd extension 88 Inner outlet 89 Exterior Wall 90 Outer outlet 91 Bulkhead 92 Opposite wall 93 1st connecting wall 94 2nd connecting wall 95 Storage section 100 Breathable membrane 110 third seal member 120 Shield Shell 130 First Shell 131 Part 1 132 Aperture 133 Fixed protrusion 133a screw hole 134 Fixed part 134a Through hole 135 Part 2 136 Protrusion 136a screw hole 140 Second Shell 141 Protrusion 141a Through hole 150 Third Shell 151 Through hole 152 Boss insertion hole 153 First insertion hole 154 Second insertion hole 160 volts 170 Tap screw 200 cases 201 Insertion hole 202 screw hole 210 Mating terminal

Claims

1. A plurality of terminals arranged in parallel with each other; a plurality of electric wires connected to the plurality of terminals, respectively; a resin housing including a cylindrical portion having openings through which the ends of the plurality of terminals are exposed, and a holding portion protruding from the cylindrical portion toward the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion and holding the plurality of terminals and the plurality of electric wires; a first shell having an opening into which the cylindrical portion is inserted and having a first portion covering an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion and a second portion covering an outer periphery of the holding portion, a second shell covering an outer periphery of the plurality of electric wires, and a third shell covering the opening of the cylindrical portion and the opening of the first shell, the housing has a rib connecting an outer surface of a portion of the holding portion located between two adjacent terminals and an outer surface of the cylindrical portion, The rib has a recess, the first shell has a first protrusion protruding toward an outer periphery of the opening of the first shell at the first portion and a second protrusion protruding outward at the second portion, the second shell has a protrusion that protrudes so as to come into contact with the second protrusion, The third shell has a protrusion that protrudes so as to come into contact with the first protrusion. connector.

2. When a portion of the terminal that is connected to the electric wire is defined as an electric wire connection portion, The rib protrudes from an outer surface of a portion of the holding portion located between two adjacent wire connection portions. The connector according to claim 1 .

3. a cover that is inserted into the cylindrical portion and covers the opening of the cylindrical portion; the cylindrical portion has a first end into which the cover is inserted and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end in an axial direction of the cylindrical portion, The retaining portion protrudes from the first end, The rib is provided on a side where the second end is located as viewed from the holding portion. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The cover has a resin partition wall located between two adjacent terminals. The connector according to claim 3.

5. The cover is an opposing wall located on the opposite side of the partition wall with one of the terminals interposed therebetween and facing the partition wall; a connecting wall that is located on the opposite side of the holding portion with the one terminal interposed therebetween and connects the partition wall and the opposing wall, The connecting wall is configured to restrict insertion of the cover into the cylindrical portion by contacting the terminal when the cover is inserted into the cylindrical portion in a state inverted about the central axis of the cylindrical portion with respect to the normal posture. The connector according to claim 4.

6. an interlock connector provided inside the cylindrical portion and configured to electrically detect whether the housing is connected to a connection target in a correct position; the interlock connector is arranged in parallel with the plurality of terminals in a direction in which the plurality of terminals are arranged side by side; The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a cover that is inserted into the cylindrical portion and covers the opening of the cylindrical portion; the cover has a receiving portion that receives one end of the interlock connector, The accommodating portion is configured to restrict the insertion of the cover into the cylindrical portion by contacting the terminal when the cover is inserted into the cylindrical portion in a state inverted about the central axis of the cylindrical portion with respect to the normal posture. The connector according to claim 6.

8. The cylindrical portion has a partition wall that separates the interior of the cylindrical portion between the plurality of terminals and the interlock connector. The connector according to claim 6 or 7.

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