connector

Abstract

To provide a connector which improves reliability in bonding between a terminal and a wire with the use of a simple structure.SOLUTION: A connector 1 to be connected to an external connector comprises: a plurality of terminals 10; a wire lead-out part 33 for drawing, to the outside, a plurality of wires 100 each of which is partially bonded to each of the terminals 10 such that it may extend along a first direction to be connected to the external connector; a combination of a first wire contact part 38 and a second wire contact part 45 which sandwich a portion of each of the wires 100 extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction, between each of the terminals 10 and the wire lead-out part 33. The first wire contact part 38 is integral with a member having the wire lead-out part 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a connector in which a terminal portion of a wire joined to a terminal is housed inside a housing. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a connector that houses at least a joint portion of a terminal for joining a terminal portion of a wire, specifically, a terminal portion of a core wire, inside a housing composed of a housing main body and a cover. In this connector, a gap is provided between the housing main body and the wire so that the wire drawn out from the inside of the housing can follow the swing of the terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the swing of the terminal is absorbed by the wire, there is no structure for suppressing the swing of the wire. Therefore, there is a concern that the swing of the wire generated for some reason may be transmitted to the terminal portion of the wire joined to the terminal, resulting in an excessive load. On the other hand, for example, it is also conceivable to provide a crimping portion or the like for suppressing the transmission of the wire swing to the terminal portion separately from the joint portion for joining the terminal portion of the wire. However, such a measure is not desirable because it is feared that the cost will increase due to a low yield caused by the enlargement of the terminal or the complication of the structure of the terminal and thus the entire connector.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. The object of this invention is to provide a connector with a simple structure that improves the reliability of the connection between terminals and electric wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aspect of the present invention is a connector connected to an external connector, comprising: a plurality of terminals; a wire lead-out section for leading a plurality of wires, each partially joined to each terminal, outwards along a first direction for connection to the external connector; and a combination of a first wire contact section and a second wire contact section that sandwich a portion of each wire extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction between each terminal and the wire lead-out section, wherein the first wire contact section is integral with the member having the wire lead-out section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector with a simple structure that improves the reliability of the connection between terminals and electric wires. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector cut at section III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the outer housing in one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the rear cover in one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector cut at section VI-VI in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of connector 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of connector 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of connector 1 cut along section III-III in Figure 1. The cross-section in Figure 3 is approximately a virtual plane passing through the central axis of the first terminal housing portion 21 of the inner housing 20 and the first electric wire 100a, which will be described later. In this embodiment, this virtual plane is the YZ plane.

[0011] Connector 1 is a high-voltage connector that can be used in powertrain electrical components such as inverters, DC / DC converters, or chargers installed in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. In this embodiment, connector 1 is a two-pole high-voltage connector for automotive use that connects to the ends of two wires 100, a first wire 100a and a second wire 100b. Each wire 100 has a conductor core wire 101 and an insulating sheath 102 that covers the core wire 101. One end of the wire 100 is connected to a certain electrical component, and the other end of the wire 100 is connected to connector 1. In each wire 100, the sheath 102 is removed at the end connected to connector 1, and the terminal portion 101a of the core wire 101 is exposed. Although the core wire 101 may actually be composed of multiple strands, it is simply depicted as a single conductor in the following figures.

[0012] Connector 1 first comprises, as components for electrical connection, a plurality of terminals 10, an inner housing 20, an outer housing 30, and a rear cover 40.

[0013] In this embodiment, there are two terminals 10: a first terminal 10a attached to the end of the first wire 100a, and a second terminal 10b attached to the end of the second wire 100b. The first terminal 10a and the second terminal 10b are both metal female terminals of the same shape, and each has a connecting portion 11 and a joining portion 12.

[0014] The connecting portion 11 is a cylindrical portion into which a rod-shaped male terminal, which serves as an external terminal of the external connector to be connected to connector 1, can be freely inserted. The connecting portion 11 has a leaf spring portion that presses a part of the male terminal against the inner wall of the connecting portion 11 in order to stably maintain an electrical connection with the male terminal inserted inside. This leaf spring portion may be an integral part of the connecting portion 11, or it may be a leaf spring member that is prepared separately and installed inside the connecting portion 11 in advance.

[0015] The joint portion 12 is a flat plate portion to which the terminal portion 101a of the core wire 101 is joined. If one axial end of the connection portion 11 is an open end into which a male terminal is inserted, then the joint portion 12 is integrated with the other axial end of the connection portion 11. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the connection portion 11 when the terminal 10 is installed on the connector 1 is assumed to be along the Z direction. In this case, the joint portion 12 may be a flat plate portion parallel to both the Z direction and the Y direction. For example, the planar shape of the joint portion 12 may be a substantially rectangular shape such that two edges are along the Z direction and the remaining two edges are along the Y direction which is perpendicular to the Z direction. One surface of the joint portion 12 is the joining surface to which the terminal portion 101a is joined.

[0016] In this embodiment, the terminal portion 101a of the core wire 101 is joined to the joint portion 12 by ultrasonic bonding. Ultrasonic bonding involves sandwiching the joint portion 12 together with the terminal portion 101a between a horn and an anvil (not shown), and joining the terminal portion 101a to the joint portion 12 by applying ultrasonic vibrations from the horn. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the shape of the terminal portion 101a joined to the joint portion 12 is a flat plate shape with a planar shape that is approximately rectangular.

[0017] Also, during ultrasonic bonding, for each terminal 10, the direction from the joint portion 12 toward the connection portion 11 along the axial direction of the connection portion 11 and the direction from the terminal portion 101a on the joint portion 12 toward the main body of the electric wire 100 are offset by 90°. That is, when the terminal 10 is installed in the connector 1 and the axial direction of the connection portion 11 is along the Z direction, the terminal portion 101a is arranged in a posture along the Y direction with respect to one surface of the joint portion 12. At this time, each electric wire 100 extends from the terminal portion 101a in a direction opposite to the Y direction starting from the terminal portion 101a on the joint portion 12.

[0018] The inner housing 20 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is an insulating member that protects the terminals 10 by holding the two terminals 10 inside. The inner housing 20 has a first terminal housing portion 21, a second terminal housing portion 22, a base portion 24, and a reinforcing structure portion 25.

[0019] The first terminal housing portion 21 is a cylindrical portion that houses the connection portion 11 of the first terminal 10a. The second terminal housing portion 22 is a cylindrical portion that houses the connection portion 11 of the second terminal 10b. The first terminal housing portion 21 and the second terminal housing portion 22 house the connection portion 11 so that the opening directions of the connection portions 11 to be housed inside, that is, the directions opposite to the directions in which the male terminals are inserted, are common along the first direction. In the present embodiment, the first direction is the Z direction. The tip portions of each of the first terminal housing portion 21 and the second terminal housing portion 22 are open in the first direction and do not hinder the entry of the male terminals into the connection portion 11. The first terminal housing portion 21 and the second terminal housing portion 22 are arranged so as to be at the same level in the Y direction as the second direction defined below and to be separated from each other in the X direction as the third direction defined below.

[0020] The base portion 24 supports the first terminal housing portion 21 and the second terminal housing portion 22. The base portion 24 supports the root ends of each of the first terminal housing portion 21 and the second terminal housing portion 22 on the front side in the first direction. The internal spaces of each of the first terminal housing portion 21 and the second terminal housing portion 22 are open in the direction opposite to the first direction on the back side in the first direction.

[0021] Further, the base portion 24 has, for example, a total of four locking portions 24a arranged in pairs on opposite sides in the second direction. On the other hand, inside the housing main body portion 31 of the outer housing 30, a total of four first engaging claws 37 are provided, arranged in pairs facing each other in the second direction. When the inner housing 20 is attached to the outer housing 30, the locking portions 24a engage with the first engaging claws 37, thereby preventing the inner housing 20 from dropping off the outer housing 30.

[0022] The reinforcing structure portion 25 is a structure formed by combining a plurality of reinforcing ribs in order to ensure the strength of the inner housing 20. The reinforcing structure portion 25 is provided on the back side of the base portion 24 so as not to obstruct the arrangement of each terminal 10 and each electric wire 100.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outer housing 30 in a direction of view from which the internal space can be visually recognized through the opening formed at the open end 35a.

[0024] The outer housing 30 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is an insulating member that protects the entire two terminals 10 by accommodating at least a part of the inner housing 20 and the joint portion 12 of each terminal 10. The outer housing 30 has a housing main body portion 31, a connector end face portion 32, and an electric wire lead-out portion 33.

[0025] When the first direction is the length direction, the housing main body portion 31 is a box portion defined such that the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the height direction and the third direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction is the width direction. In the present embodiment, the first direction is the Z direction as described above, the second direction is the Y direction, and the third direction is the X direction. The housing main body portion 31 has a front wall 34, an annular side wall 35, and a plurality of support pieces 36.

[0026] The front wall 34 is a wall perpendicular to the first direction, and the first wall surface 34a (see Figure 2) supports the connector opening 32 and the wire outlet 33 so that they are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The planar shape of the front wall 34 is a roughly rectangular shape defined by a long side roughly aligned with the second direction and a short side roughly aligned with the third direction.

[0027] Furthermore, the front wall 34 has a first wire contact portion 38 on the second wall surface 34b facing the interior of the housing body portion 31. When the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, the first wire contact portion 38 faces the second wire contact portion 45 provided on the rear cover 40 while being spaced apart. The first wire contact portion 38, when combined with the second wire contact portion 45, constitutes a wire clamping portion 96. The first wire contact portion 38 each has a first curved groove 38a and a second curved groove 38b, which have a curved surface that matches the side shape of each wire 100 routed inside the housing body portion 31, with the second direction being the extension direction. The first curved groove 38a accommodates a portion of the side surface of the first wire 100a. The second curved groove 38b accommodates a portion of the side surface of the second wire 100b.

[0028] Furthermore, the first curved groove 38a and the second curved groove 38b each have a plurality of first ribs 38c. The first ribs 38c are protrusions that project in the normal direction from the curved surface constituting the first curved groove 38a or the second curved groove 38b. In this embodiment, as an example, both the first curved groove 38a and the second curved groove 38b have a total of four first ribs 38c arranged in two rows along the second direction. In this case, two first ribs 38c are aligned along the circumferential direction of the curved surface, and two first ribs 38c are also aligned along the second direction. In addition, in this embodiment, in both the first curved groove 38a and the second curved groove 38b, when viewed in the Z direction, two first ribs 38c are arranged on the curved surface symmetrically with respect to a virtual central axis that defines the shape of the curved surface.

[0029] The annular side wall 35, together with the front wall 34, forms an internal space that accommodates at least the joint portions 12 of each terminal 10. One annular end of the annular side wall 35 in the first direction is continuous with the peripheral edge of the front wall 34. The other annular end of the annular side wall 35 in the first direction is an open end 35a that forms an opening facing the front wall 34. When assembling the connector 1, the two terminals 10, each attached to the end of the electric wire 100, are housed inside the housing body 31 through the opening formed by the open end 35a. The annular side wall 35 also has a plurality of engaging portions 35c provided on the outer wall surface 35b at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0030] Each of the multiple support pieces 36 is provided on the outer wall surface 35b of the annular side wall 35 and has a fitting hole 36a into which an annular collar 91 is fitted. The fitting hole 36a penetrates the support piece 36 along the first direction.

[0031] The connector opening 32 has a round, elongated opening 32a that opens in a first direction, and is a cylindrical portion that fits with a part of the external connector when an external connector having male terminals is connected to the connector 1. The connector opening 32 is provided so as to protrude in a first direction from the front wall 34 of the housing body 31. The opening 32a penetrates between the outside of the outer housing 30 and the inside of the housing body 31, and can accommodate the inner housing 20. In the round, elongated cross-section of the opening 32a, the second direction is the longitudinal direction, in accordance with the arrangement of the first terminal housing portion 21 and the second terminal housing portion 22 in the inner housing 20.

[0032] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the connector opening 32 includes a lower surface located on the tip side in the first direction, to which the unit packing 60 is attached, and an upper surface located on the root side in the first direction. Since the outer periphery shape of the upper surface is set to be larger than that of the lower surface, when the unit packing 60 is attached to the lower surface, at least a part of the unit packing 60 faces the end of the upper surface in the first direction. Therefore, the movement of the unit packing 60 toward the root side of the connector opening 32 beyond a certain point is restricted.

[0033] Furthermore, the connector opening 32 has a plurality of first engaging claws 37 flanking the opening 32a. In this embodiment, there are four first engaging claws 37 as described above. Similarly, the connector opening 32 has a plurality of second engaging claws 39 flanking the opening 32a. In this embodiment, there are four second engaging claws 39. The four second engaging claws 39 are arranged in pairs so that they face each other in the second direction.

[0034] The wire exit section 33 is a cylindrical section for drawing out each wire 100 from the inside of the housing body 31 to the outside of the outer housing 30 through a through-space formed by the inner wall surface 33a and opening in a first direction, with a rounded, elongated cross-section. The wire exit section 33 is provided so as to protrude in a first direction from the front wall 34 of the housing body 31. In the rounded, elongated cross-section of the through-space, the second direction is the longitudinal direction so that each wire 100 is aligned in the second direction in accordance with the arrangement of the first terminal housing section 21 and the second terminal housing section 22 in the inner housing 20. The wire exit section 33 has a plurality of wire routing holes 33b and a plurality of holder engagement sections 33d.

[0035] Each of the multiple wiring holes 33b has a first direction of extension, and the electric wires 100 drawn out from inside the housing body 31 are routed along the first direction. The cross-sectional shape of the through-hole of each wiring hole 33b is circular or elliptical. In this embodiment, since two electric wires 100 are drawn out from inside the housing body 31, there are two wiring holes 33b arranged in parallel along the third direction.

[0036] In this embodiment, the multiple holder engagement portions 33d are provided one at each end of the wire outlet portion 33 in the third direction corresponding to the X direction. Each holder engagement portion 33d engages with a locking portion 72b provided on the rear holder 72.

[0037] In other words, according to the structure of the outer housing 30, in the connector 1, the direction in which the opening 32a of the connector opening 32 faces, that is, the direction in which it connects to the external connector, and the direction in which each wire 100 is pulled out from the wire outlet 33 are aligned in the same direction. In this embodiment, the direction in which the opening 32a of the connector opening 32 faces and the direction in which each wire 100 is pulled out from the wire outlet 33 are aligned in a first direction corresponding to the Z direction.

[0038] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear cover 40, looking in a direction that allows the side to be attached to the outer housing 30 to be seen.

[0039] The rear cover 40 is made of synthetic resin, for example, and is an insulating member that covers the opening formed by the open end 35a after each terminal 10, with its terminal portion 101a joined to the joint portion 12, is housed inside the housing body portion 31 of the outer housing 30, along with the terminal portion of the electric wire 100. The rear cover 40 has a main body wall 41, a plurality of locking portions 42, a plurality of packing locking portions 43, a reinforcing rib 44, and a second electric wire contact portion 45.

[0040] The main body wall 41 is a flat plate portion having an outer peripheral edge 41a that runs along the open end 35a of the housing main body portion 31 when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30. The inner wall surface 41b of the main body wall 41 faces the front wall 34 of the housing main body portion 31 when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30.

[0041] Each of the multiple locking portions 42 is provided on the outer peripheral edge 41a of the main body wall 41, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge 41a. When the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, each locking portion 42 engages with one of the engaging portions 35c on the annular side wall 35, thereby preventing the rear cover 40 from falling off the outer housing 30.

[0042] Each of the multiple packing locking portions 43 is provided on the outer peripheral edge 41a of the main body wall 41, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral edge 41a, while avoiding the multiple locking portions 42. The rear cover packing 61, which will be described later, is provided with multiple engaging protrusions 61a. Each packing locking portion 43 engages with one of the engaging protrusions 61a on the rear cover packing 61 when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30.

[0043] The reinforcing ribs 44 are provided on the inner wall surface 41b so as not to obstruct the arrangement of each terminal 10 and each electric wire 100, in order to ensure the strength of the rear cover 40.

[0044] The second wire contact portion 45 is provided on the inner wall surface 41b and, as described above, is combined with the first wire contact portion 38 to form a wire clamping portion 96. The second wire contact portion 45 contacts each of the wires 100 when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30. The second wire contact portion 45 has a first curved groove 45a and a second curved groove 45b, each with a second direction of extension and a curved surface that matches the side shape of each of the wires 100 routed inside the housing body portion 31. The first curved groove 45a accommodates a portion of the side surface of the first wire 100a. The second curved groove 45b accommodates a portion of the side surface of the second wire 100b.

[0045] Furthermore, the first curved groove 45a and the second curved groove 45b each have a plurality of second ribs 45c. The second ribs 45c are protrusions that project in the direction normal to the curved surface constituting the first curved groove 45a or the second curved groove 45b. In this embodiment, as an example, both the first curved groove 45a and the second curved groove 45b have a total of four second ribs 45c arranged in two rows along the second direction. In this case, two second ribs 45c are aligned along the circumferential direction of the curved surface, and two second ribs 45c are also aligned along the second direction. In addition, in this embodiment, in both the first curved groove 45a and the second curved groove 45b, when viewed in the Z direction, two second ribs 45c are arranged on the curved surface symmetrically with respect to a virtual central axis that defines the shape of the curved surface. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30 and the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 face each other, the four first ribs 38c and the four second ribs 45c also face each other approximately along the Z direction.

[0046] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of connector 1 cut along section VI-VI in Figure 1. The cross-section in Figure 6 is a virtual plane that passes through parts of the two upper first ribs 38c of the four first ribs 38c located in the second direction, and parts of the two upper second ribs 45c of the four second ribs 45c located in the second direction. In this embodiment, this virtual plane is the XZ plane.

[0047] When the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 sandwich each wire 100. Specifically, a portion of the first wire 100a is sandwiched between the first curved groove 38a, which is part of the outer housing 30, and the first curved groove 45a, which is part of the rear cover 40. Then, the four first ribs 38c of the first curved groove 38a and the four second ribs 45c of the first curved groove 45a are press-fitted into the covering portion 102 on the outer circumference of the first wire 100a. Similarly, a portion of the second wire 100b is sandwiched between the second curved groove 38b, which is part of the outer housing 30, and the second curved groove 45b, which is part of the rear cover 40. Then, the four first ribs 38c of the second curved groove 38b and the four second ribs 45c of the second curved groove 45b are each press-fitted into the covering portion 102 on the outer circumference of the second electric wire 100b.

[0048] Specifically, when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, both the curved surfaces of the first curved groove 38a and the first curved groove 45a are not in contact with the first electric wire 100a, and both the curved surfaces of the second curved groove 38b and the second curved groove 45b are also not in contact with the second electric wire 100b. For example, when the first curved groove 38a and the first curved groove 45a sandwich the first electric wire 100a, the cross-sections of both curved surfaces of the first curved groove 38a and the first curved groove 45a are assumed to lie on a single virtual circle represented by a diameter D2. Similarly, when the second curved groove 38b and the second curved groove 45b sandwich the second electric wire 100b, the cross-sections of both curved surfaces of the second curved groove 38b and the second curved groove 45b are assumed to lie on a single virtual circle represented by a diameter D2. In this case, the diameter D2 is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the electric wire 100.

[0049] Furthermore, when the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, the portion that is press-fitted into the insulation portion 102 of each electric wire 100 is the tip of the first rib 38c or the second rib 45c. For example, when the first curved groove 38a and the first curved groove 45a sandwich the first electric wire 100a, the tip surface of the first rib 38c in the first curved groove 38a and the tip surface of the second rib 45c in the first curved groove 45a are assumed to lie on a single virtual circle represented by a diameter D3. Similarly, when the second curved groove 38b and the second curved groove 45b sandwich the second electric wire 100b, the tip surface of the first rib 38c in the second curved groove 38b and the tip surface of the second rib 45c in the second curved groove 45b are assumed to lie on a single virtual circle represented by a diameter D3. In this case, the diameter D3 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the electric wire 100.

[0050] Furthermore, the outer diameter D1 of the electric wire 100, and the diameters D2 and D3 of the two virtual circles, are each expressed as diameter dimensions around a specific central axis along a second direction corresponding to the Y direction.

[0051] Furthermore, the connector 1 includes a unit packing 60, a rear cover packing 61, and a wire packing 62 as waterproofing members to prevent moisture from entering the inside of the outer housing 30 from the outside.

[0052] The unit packing 60 is an annular elastic member that is tightly fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the connector opening 32 in the outer housing 30. When the external connector is connected to the connector 1, the unit packing 60 seals the space between the outer circumferential surface of the connector opening 32 and the mating surface of the external connector.

[0053] The rear cover packing 61 is an annular elastic member that is tightly fitted to the outer housing 30 in accordance with the open end 35a of the housing body portion 31. When the rear cover 40 is attached to the outer housing 30, the rear cover packing 61 seals the space between the open end 35a of the housing body portion 31 and the outer peripheral edge 41a of the rear cover 40.

[0054] The wire packing 62 is an elongated, flat, elastic member that is tightly fitted to the inner wall surface 33a of the wire outlet portion 33 in the outer housing 30. The wire packing 62 also has two through holes 62a that allow each wire 100 to pass through individually while making close contact with each wire. The wire packing 62 seals the space between the inner wall surface 33a of the wire outlet portion 33 and each wire 100 that passes through the through space of the wire outlet portion 33.

[0055] Furthermore, connector 1 includes a front holder 70 and a rear holder 72 as retaining members for various gaskets.

[0056] The front holder 70 is made of synthetic resin and is a cylindrical member attached to the connector opening 32 of the outer housing 30 to prevent the unit packing 60 from falling out of the connector opening 32. The front holder 70 has a shape that engages with the tip of the connector opening 32 while a portion of it is housed in the opening 32a of the connector opening 32. When the front holder 70 is attached to the connector opening 32, at least a portion of the unit packing 60 faces the front holder 70 in a first direction. Therefore, even if the unit packing 60 moves toward the tip of the connector opening 32, it will come into contact with a portion of the front holder 70 and its further movement will be restricted, thus preventing it from falling out of the connector opening 32.

[0057] Furthermore, the inner wall portion 71 of the front holder 70 penetrates the first terminal housing portion 21 and the second terminal housing portion 22 of the inner housing 20. The opening 71a communicating with the inner wall portion 71 exposes the tips of the first terminal housing portion 21 and the second terminal housing portion 22 to the outside.

[0058] Furthermore, the front holder 70 has a plurality of locking portions 71b on a part of its inner wall portion 71. Each of the plurality of locking portions 71b engages with a plurality of first engaging claws 37 provided on the connector opening portion 32. In other words, in this embodiment, there are four locking portions 71b, corresponding to the number of first engaging claws 37 installed. When the front holder 70 is attached to the connector opening portion 32, each locking portion 71b engages with the first engaging claws 37, thereby preventing the front holder 70 from falling out of the connector opening portion 32.

[0059] The rear holder 72 is made of synthetic resin and is attached to the wire outlet section 33 of the outer housing 30 to prevent the wire packing 62 from falling out of the wire outlet section 33. The rear holder 72 has two through holes 72a through which each wire 100 passes individually and is an elongated oval flat plate member similar in shape to the wire packing 62. The rear holder 72 is inserted into the through space from the tip side of the wire outlet section 33 and supported by the wire outlet section 33, with the wire packing 62 sealing the space between the inner wall surface 33a of the wire outlet section 33 and each wire 100. In this way, the rear holder 72 prevents the wire packing 62 from falling out of the wire outlet section 33.

[0060] Furthermore, the rear holder 72 has a plurality of locking portions 72b that protrude from its outer edge in a direction opposite to the first direction. Each of the plurality of locking portions 72b engages with a plurality of holder engaging portions 33d provided on the wire outlet portion 33. In other words, in this embodiment, there are two locking portions 72b, corresponding to the number of holder engaging portions 33d installed. When the rear holder 72 is attached to the wire outlet portion 33, each locking portion 72b engages with the holder engaging portion 33d, thereby preventing the rear holder 72 from falling off the wire outlet portion 33.

[0061] Furthermore, the connector 1 includes an upper shell 80, a lower shell 81, a shield braid 82, and a shield ring 83 as shielding members to block noise.

[0062] The upper shell 80 is made of metal and covers the housing body 31 of the outer housing 30 with the rear cover 40 attached. The upper shell 80 may also cover at least a portion of the connector opening 32 or wire outlet 33 of the outer housing 30 while housing the housing body 31. The upper shell 80 is a box-shaped section defined by a first direction corresponding to the Z direction as the length direction, a second direction corresponding to the Y direction as the height direction, and a third direction corresponding to the X direction as the width direction. The upper shell 80 has a bottom wall 80a, an annular side wall 80b, a plurality of support parts 80e, and a plurality of support pieces 80g.

[0063] The bottom wall 80a is a wall portion perpendicular to the first direction. The planar shape of the bottom wall 80a is a roughly rectangular shape defined by a longer side roughly aligned with the second direction and a shorter side roughly aligned with the third direction.

[0064] The annular side wall 80b, together with the bottom wall 80a, forms an internal space that accommodates the housing body 31. One annular end of the annular side wall 80b in the first direction is continuous with the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 80a. The other annular end of the annular side wall 80b in the first direction is an open end 80c that forms an opening opposite the bottom wall 80a. When assembling the connector 1, the housing body 31 with the rear cover 40 attached is housed through the opening formed by the open end 80c.

[0065] Each of the multiple support portions 80e has a first through-hole 80d through which a bolt 90 passes through a fitting hole 36a provided in the outer housing 30 when the connector 1 is assembled.

[0066] Each of the multiple support pieces 80g is provided, for example, as a bent portion of a piece protruding from the open end 80c of the annular side wall 80b, and has a second through hole 80f through which a mounting bolt (not shown) passes when the connector 1 is attached to the housing of the external connector.

[0067] The lower shell 81 is made of metal and covers a portion of the front wall 34 of the housing body 31 and the wire outlet 33 in the outer housing 30. The lower shell 81 has a cylindrical portion 81a and a flange portion 81b.

[0068] The cylindrical portion 81a covers the wire lead-out portion 33 by accommodating it through a through-space with a rounded, elongated cross-section that opens in a first direction. One open end of the cylindrical portion 81a is a fixed end that is continuous with the flange portion 81b. The other open end of the cylindrical portion 81a is an open end that forms an opening for each wire 100 from the wire lead-out portion 33 to be drawn outward.

[0069] The flange portion 81b is a flat plate portion perpendicular to the first direction and faces a part of the front wall 34, thereby covering a part of the front wall 34. The flange portion 81b also has a through hole 81c through which a bolt 90, which will pass through the fitting hole 36a provided in the outer housing 30 when assembling the connector 1, is pre-inserted.

[0070] The shield braid 82 is a metal braid in which a portion covers the tip of the cylindrical portion 81a, and the other portion is wrapped around the two electric wires 100 that are pulled out from the cylindrical portion 81a to the outside in a unified manner.

[0071] The shield ring 83 is a metal fastening member for pressing the shield braid 82 against the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 81a of the lower shell 81.

[0072] Furthermore, the connector 1 includes a plurality of bolts 90 and a plurality of annular collars 91 that are pre-fitted into the fitting holes 36a of the outer housing 30 as components for assembling each component. As described above, a through hole 81c is provided in the flange portion 81b of the lower shell 81. The collars 91 are fitted into the fitting holes 36a of the outer housing 30. A first through hole 80d is provided in the support portion 80e of the upper shell 80. The bolts 90 are fastened by passing through the through hole 81c, the collars 91 in the fitting holes 36a, and the first through hole 80d, thereby integrally assembling the lower shell 81, the outer housing 30, and the upper shell 80.

[0073] Next, we will explain the function and effects of connector 1.

[0074] The connector 1 connected to the external connector comprises a plurality of terminals 10 and a wire lead-out section 33 that leads out a plurality of electric wires 100, each partially joined to each terminal 10, along a first direction for connection to the external connector. The connector 1 also comprises a combination of a first wire contact section 38 and a second wire contact section 45 that sandwich a portion of each electric wire 100 extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction between each terminal 10 and the wire lead-out section 33. The first wire contact section 38 is integrated with the member having the wire lead-out section 33.

[0075] In the above example, the multiple wires 100 correspond to the first wire 100a and the second wire 100b. In the above example, the multiple terminals 10 correspond to the first terminal 10a attached to the end of the first wire 100a and the second terminal 10b attached to the end of the second wire 100b. In the above example, the first direction corresponds to the Z direction, and the second direction corresponds to the Y direction. In the above explanation, the case in which the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal is given as an example, but it is not necessarily limited to the case where they are orthogonal. Also, in the above example, the combination of the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 is represented as the wire clamping portion 96.

[0076] In connector 1, a portion of each wire 100 is sandwiched between each terminal 10 and the wire outlet portion 33 by the combination of the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45. Therefore, for example, a reaction force that may be generated by the oscillation of the wire 100 due to vehicle vibration is prevented from being transmitted to the terminal 10 through the wire 100 that is drawn out from the wire outlet portion 33. Consequently, the joint portion 12, which is part of the terminal 10, and the terminal portion 101a of the core wire 101 of the wire 100 are joined, thereby improving the reliability of the joint.

[0077] Here, as illustrated above, if the terminal portion 101a is joined to the joint portion 12 of the terminal 10 by ultrasonic bonding, then if the vibration of the electric wire 100 is directly applied to the joint portion 12, the terminal portion 101a is likely to peel off from the bonding surface of the joint portion 12. In contrast, according to the connector 1 of this embodiment, the vibration of the electric wire 100 is less likely to be transmitted to the terminal portion 101a which is joined to the joint portion 12 by ultrasonic bonding, thus easily preventing the peeling of the terminal portion 101a.

[0078] Furthermore, the general shape of connector 1 is a so-called U-shape, such that the direction of connection to the external connector and the direction of pulling out the electric wire 100 to the outside are aligned with the first direction. In this case, each electric wire 100 extends from terminal 10 along the second direction, but is ultimately pulled out to the outside from the electric wire exit portion 33 along the first direction, so it bends once inside connector 1. In contrast, a reaction force may be generated by the bending of the electric wire 100, but a portion of each electric wire 100 extending from terminal 10 towards the bent portion along the second direction is sandwiched by the combination of the first electric wire contact portion 38 and the second electric wire contact portion 45. Therefore, the reaction force caused by the bending of the electric wire 100 is not transmitted to terminal 10, and the reliability of the connection can be improved in the same way as described above.

[0079] Furthermore, as a comparative example, in order to prevent the reaction force transmitted through the electric wire 100 to the terminal 10, each terminal 10 may be provided with a crimping portion that connects to a part of the electric wire 100 closer to the bent portion than the end portion 101a, as a separate part from the joint portion 12. However, if the terminal 10 has such a crimping portion, it is conceivable that the terminal 10 will become larger or the yield will decrease, leading to increased costs. In contrast, in the connector 1 according to this embodiment, the first electric wire contact portion 38 is integrated with the member having the electric wire lead portion 33, so a structure that simply clamps the electric wire 100 can be realized. In other words, with the connector 1, it is possible to suppress the decrease in yield while keeping the size of the components down.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, a connector 1 can be provided that improves the reliability of the connection between the terminal 10 and the electric wire 100 with a simple structure.

[0081] The connector 1 may also include an outer housing 30 having a housing body 31 that accommodates at least the terminal portion 101a of the electric wire 100, and an electric wire exit portion 33. The connector 1 may also include a rear cover 40 that covers the opening formed by the open end 35a of the housing body 31 after the terminal portion 101a of the electric wire 100 is accommodated in the housing body 31. The first electric wire contact portion 38 may be provided on the housing body 31. The second electric wire contact portion 45 may be provided on the rear cover 40.

[0082] Due to the structure in which the housing body 31 and the rear cover 40 cover the opening of the housing body 31 after the terminal portion 101a is housed in the housing body 31, the housing body 31 and the rear cover 40 have portions that face each other via a part of the electric wire 100. Therefore, with this connector 1, the first electric wire contact portion 38 can be provided by simply changing the shape of the housing body 31, compared to a hypothetical case in which the housing body 31 does not have the first electric wire contact portion 38. Similarly, the second electric wire contact portion 45 can be provided by simply changing the shape of the rear cover 40, compared to a hypothetical case in which the rear cover 40 does not have the second electric wire contact portion 45.

[0083] Furthermore, in the connector 1, at least one of the first wire contact portion 38 or the second wire contact portion 45 may have a curved groove for each wire 100, which is formed by a curved surface that matches the side shape of the wire 100.

[0084] In the above example, the first wire contact portion 38 has a first curved groove 38a facing the first wire 100a and a second curved groove 38b facing the second wire 100b. Also in the above example, the second wire contact portion 45 has a first curved groove 45a facing the first wire 100a and a second curved groove 45b facing the second wire 100b.

[0085] With this connector 1, when the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 sandwich a portion of the wire 100 between them, the curved groove is positioned to surround at least a portion of the side surface of the wire 100 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the first wire contact portion 38 or the second wire contact portion 45 having a curved groove can make more stable contact with the wire 100.

[0086] In the above description, a configuration in which both the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 have curved grooves was illustrated. However, a configuration in which only one of the first wire contact portion 38 or the second wire contact portion 45 has a curved groove is also possible. For example, if the first wire contact portion 38 has a curved groove, the second wire contact portion 45 can be configured to be a simple flat surface that contacts each wire 100, thereby further simplifying the shape of the rear cover 40 that does not have a curved groove.

[0087] Furthermore, in connector 1, the curved groove may have ribs that are partially pressed into the covering portion 102 on the outer circumference of the electric wire 100 when the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 sandwich the electric wire 100.

[0088] In the above example, the first curved groove 38a and the second curved groove 38b in the first wire contact portion 38 each have four first ribs 38c. Similarly, in the above example, the first curved groove 45a and the second curved groove 45b in the second wire contact portion 45 each have four second ribs 45c.

[0089] With this connector 1, when the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 sandwich the wire 100, each rib is press-fitted in such a way that it crushes a portion of the insulation portion 102 of the wire 100. Therefore, the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 can support each wire 100 more firmly, and thus it is possible to more reliably prevent the reaction force that may be generated by the oscillation of the wire 100 from being transmitted to the terminal 10 through the wire 100.

[0090] Furthermore, in connector 1, there may be multiple ribs for each curved groove, along the circumferential direction of the curved surface of the curved groove.

[0091] In the example above, as shown in Figure 6, the ribs such as the first rib 38c are arranged in pairs along the circumferential direction of the curved surface for each curved groove such as the first curved groove 38a.

[0092] With this connector 1, multiple ribs are arranged along the circumferential direction of the curved surface of each curved groove, making it easier to suppress rotational displacement of the electric wire 100 around its axis. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the transmission of reaction forces that may be generated by the oscillation of the electric wire 100 to the terminal 10 through the electric wire 100.

[0093] Furthermore, in connector 1, there may be multiple ribs along the second direction for each curved groove.

[0094] In the above example, as shown in Figure 3, the ribs such as the first rib 38c are arranged in two stages along the second direction corresponding to the Y direction for each curved groove such as the first curved groove 38a.

[0095] With this connector 1, multiple ribs are arranged along the second direction in each curved groove, making it easier to suppress displacement along the extension direction of the electric wire 100. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the transmission of reaction forces that may be generated by the oscillation of the electric wire 100 to the terminal 10 through the electric wire 100.

[0096] In addition, in connector 1, the curved groove may be in contact with the electric wire 100 over its entire curved surface.

[0097] In this case, each of the curved grooves, such as the first curved groove 38a, does not have ribs such as the first rib 38c, and the curved surface itself, which would otherwise have ribs, will sandwich the electric wire 100. In other words, if we represent the diameter of the cross-section of the curved surface constituting the curved groove as diameter D2, as illustrated in Figure 6, then in this case, diameter D2 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the electric wire 100.

[0098] With this connector 1, when the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 clamp the wire 100, the entire curved surface of the curved groove contacts the insulated portion 102 of the wire 100 in such a way that it crushes it around its entire circumference. Therefore, the first wire contact portion 38 and the second wire contact portion 45 can support a portion of the length of each wire 100, thus more reliably preventing the reaction force that may be generated by the oscillation of the wire 100 from being transmitted to the terminal 10 through the wire 100.

[0099] Although each embodiment has been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 1 Connector 10 terminals 30 Outer Housing 31 Housing main body 33 Wire drawer 35a Open end 38 First wire contact section 38a,45a 1st curved groove 38b,45b 2nd curved groove 38c 1st Rib 40 Rear Cover 45 Second wire contact section 45c 2nd Rib 100 wire 101a Terminal section 102 Covering part

Claims

1. A connector that connects to an external connector, Multiple terminals, A wire lead-out section for leading out multiple wires, each partially joined to the aforementioned terminals, along a first direction for connecting to the external connector, The device comprises a combination of a first wire contact portion and a second wire contact portion that sandwich a portion of each of the wires extending along a second direction intersecting the first direction between each terminal and the wire outlet portion, The connector wherein the first wire contact portion is integrated with the member having the wire lead-out portion.

2. An outer housing having at least a housing body portion that accommodates the terminal portion of the electric wire and an electric wire exit portion, The housing body includes a rear cover that covers the opening formed at the open end of the housing body after the terminal end of the electric wire has been housed in the housing body, The first wire contact portion is provided on the housing body portion, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the second wire contact portion is provided on the rear cover.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first wire contact portion or the second wire contact portion has a curved groove for each wire, the groove being formed by a curved surface that matches the side shape of the wire.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the curved groove has a rib that is partially pressed into the covering portion on the outer circumference of the wire when the first wire contact portion and the second wire contact portion sandwich the wire.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the ribs are arranged in a plurality along the circumferential direction of the curved surface of the curved groove.

6. The connector according to claim 4, wherein there are multiple ribs along the second direction.

7. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the curved groove contacts the electric wire over its entire curved surface.

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