Connector unit
The connector unit's design with a shielding cover and conductive bracket with reinforcing ribs addresses the issue of openings in the shield cover, enhancing shielding and stability while reducing weight and cost.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing connector units have openings in the electromagnetic shield cover due to the bent fixing portion, which compromises the shielding effect.
The connector unit incorporates an electromagnetic shielding cover with a cover body and cover fixing plate, fixing one end of the electromagnetic shielding member between them, and a conductive bracket with reinforcing ribs, grounded separately from the second connector, to enhance shielding and stability.
This configuration enhances electromagnetic shielding, suppresses vibrations, and improves corrosion resistance while allowing for cost-effective manufacturing and reduced weight.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector unit.
Background Art
[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector unit used in a vehicle or the like. The connector unit includes a first connector, a second connector, and a plurality of electric wires that electrically connect the first connector and the second connector. Further, the connector unit includes an electromagnetic shield member that covers the plurality of electric wires, an electromagnetic shield cover fixed to one end portion of the electromagnetic shield member, and a bracket fixed to the other end portion of the electromagnetic shield member. The electromagnetic shield member is, for example, a metal braid formed in a sheet shape with a conductor. The electromagnetic shield cover is fixed to the first connector in a manner that covers the first connector. The electromagnetic shield member is fixed to the electromagnetic shield cover by sandwiching an end portion of the electromagnetic shield member with a bent fixing portion that is bent and deformed so as to fold back a part of the electromagnetic shield cover.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the electromagnetic shield cover as described above, the bent fixing portion is folded back to the side where the electromagnetic shield member is drawn out from the electromagnetic shield cover. Therefore, an opening is formed in the electromagnetic shield cover as the bent fixing portion is formed. Here, it is desired to further enhance the shielding effect by the electromagnetic shield cover, the electromagnetic shield member, etc.
[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to further enhance the electromagnetic shielding effect in a connector unit. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The connector unit of this disclosure comprises a first connector, a second connector, a plurality of wires electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector, an electromagnetic shielding member covering the plurality of wires in a manner that is electromagnetically shieldable, an electromagnetic shielding cover fixed to the first connector while covering the first connector, and a conductive bracket fixed to a grounding target location, separated from the second connector, wherein the electromagnetic shielding cover includes a cover body and a cover fixing plate fixed to the cover body, one end of the electromagnetic shielding member is fixed to the electromagnetic shielding cover by being sandwiched between the cover body and the cover fixing plate, the conductive bracket is fixed to the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member, and the conductive bracket includes reinforcing ribs protruding in the thickness direction of the conductive bracket. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to this disclosure, the electromagnetic shielding effect in the connector unit can be further enhanced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a connector unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view showing the connector unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the electromagnetic shielding unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the electromagnetic shielding unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the fixing points between the electromagnetic shielding member and the electromagnetic shielding cover. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the fixing points between the conductive bracket and the electromagnetic shield cover. [Figure 7]Figure 7 shows the fixing points between the conductive bracket and the electromagnetic shield cover, viewed from a different direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.
[0010] The connector unit of this disclosure is as follows:
[0011] (1) A connector unit comprising: a first connector; a second connector; a plurality of wires electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector; an electromagnetic shielding member covering the plurality of wires in a manner capable of electromagnetically shielding them; an electromagnetic shielding cover fixed to the first connector while covering the first connector; and a conductive bracket fixed to a grounding target location, separated from the second connector, wherein the electromagnetic shielding cover includes a cover body and a cover fixing plate fixed to the cover body, one end of the electromagnetic shielding member is fixed to the electromagnetic shielding cover by being sandwiched between the cover body and the cover fixing plate, the conductive bracket is fixed to the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member, and the conductive bracket includes a reinforcing rib portion protruding in the thickness direction of the conductive bracket.
[0012] In this connector unit, one end of the electromagnetic shielding member is sandwiched and fixed between the cover body and the cover fixing plate. This makes it possible to fix the electromagnetic shielding member to the electromagnetic shielding cover without creating an opening in the electromagnetic shielding cover. Furthermore, the conductive bracket can be fixed to the grounding target location while separated from the second connector and grounded. In this case, since reinforcing ribs are formed on the conductive bracket, vibration in the thickness direction is suppressed, and the conductive bracket is stably fixed to the grounding target location. As a result, the electromagnetic shielding effect of the connector unit is further enhanced.
[0013] (2) The connector unit of (1), wherein a recess is formed as a press mark for fixing the electromagnetic shielding member on at least one of the electromagnetic shielding cover and the conductive bracket, and the recess may open to the side where the electromagnetic shielding cover or the conductive bracket is to be fixed. Thus, when the recess opens inside the electromagnetic shielding cover, it becomes difficult for water to accumulate in the recess, and the corrosion resistance is improved.
[0014] (3) The connector unit of (2), wherein the recess may open so as to face downward rather than in the horizontal direction. Thereby, even if water enters the recess, it is easy for the water to be discharged to the outside. <匡
[0015] (4) The connector unit according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the second connector may include a plurality of terminals connected to the other ends of the plurality of electric wires and a resin housing that holds the plurality of terminals. Since the housing of the second connector can be easily manufactured by resin, cost reduction is possible.
[0016] (5) The connector unit according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the electromagnetic shielding member may cover only one side of the plurality of electric wires in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of electric wires are arranged. Thereby, the amount of the electromagnetic shielding member used can be reduced.
[0017] (6) The connector unit according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the conductive bracket includes a bracket fixing portion that extends from the portion where the electromagnetic shielding member is fixed toward the grounding target location, and the reinforcing rib portion may include a reinforcing rib portion for the fixing portion formed on the bracket fixing portion. Thereby, the bracket fixing portion can be reinforced, and vibration of the conductive bracket in the thickness direction around the fixing location is suppressed.
[0018] (7) A connector unit according to any one of aspects (1) to (6), wherein the conductive bracket includes a bracket body fixed to the grounding target portion and a fixing plate for the bracket fixed to the bracket body, and the other end portion of the electromagnetic shielding member is sandwiched between the bracket body and the fixing plate for the bracket, so that it is fixed to the conductive bracket. One of the bracket body and the fixing plate for the bracket may include a protective extending portion extending in a direction in which the electromagnetic shielding member extends from an overlapping region of the bracket body and the fixing plate for the bracket. In this case, the electromagnetic shielding member can be protected by the protective extending portion.
[0019] (8) The connector unit according to (7), wherein the protective extending portion may be formed to have a width smaller than the width of the overlapping region of the bracket body and the fixing plate for the bracket. Thus, by forming the protective extending portion to have a width smaller than the width of the overlapping region of the bracket body and the fixing plate for the bracket according to the region where protection is required, weight reduction can be achieved.
[0020] (9) The connector unit according to (7) or (8), wherein the reinforcing rib portion may include a reinforcing rib portion for the extending portion formed on the protective extending portion. Thereby, vibration of the protective extending portion in its thickness direction is suppressed.
[0021] (10) The connector unit according to any one of (7) to (9), wherein a hole may be formed in the protective extending portion. Thereby, weight reduction of the conductive bracket can be achieved.
[0022] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the connector unit of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and is intended to be represented by the claims and to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.
[0023] [Embodiment] The connector unit according to the embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the connector unit 10, and Figure 2 is a side view showing the connector unit 10. In Figure 2, some of the equipment B1, B2, B3 and peripheral equipment B4 to be attached are shown.
[0024] <Overall configuration of the connector unit> The overall configuration of the connector unit 10 will now be described. The connector unit 10 comprises a first connector 20, a second connector 30, a plurality of electric wires 40, an electromagnetic shielding member 50, an electromagnetic shielding cover 60, and a conductive bracket 70.
[0025] The first connector 20 is fixed to the first device B1. The second connector 30 is fixed to the second device B2. Devices B1 and B2 are in-vehicle devices. For example, the first device B1 is an inverter, and the second device B2 is a motor for driving in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. Multiple wires 40 electrically connect the first connector 20 and the second connector 30. This electrically connects the first device B1 and the second device B2. In other words, the first connector 20, the second connector 30, and the multiple wires 40 constitute a wiring component that electrically connects the first device B1 and the second device B2. In this embodiment, the first connector 20 and the second connector 30 are high-voltage connectors, and the multiple wires 40 are high-voltage wires.
[0026] The electromagnetic shielding member 50 is a member that covers multiple electric wires 40 in a manner that allows for electromagnetic shielding. The electromagnetic shielding cover 60 is a member that covers the first connector 20 and is fixed to the first connector 20. The electromagnetic shielding cover 60 is fixed to the first device B1 via the first connector 20. The conductive bracket 70 is a member that is fixed to device B3, which is an example of a location to be grounded and a location to be fixed, in a state separate from the second connector 30. Device B3 may be the same as device B2 or may be different from device B2. One end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is fixed to the electromagnetic shielding cover 60. The other end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is fixed to the conductive bracket 70. Therefore, the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is grounded to the first device B1 via the electromagnetic shielding cover 60. Also, the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is grounded to device B3 via the conductive bracket 70. The electromagnetic shielding unit is composed of the electromagnetic shielding member 50, the electromagnetic shielding cover 60 and the conductive bracket 70.
[0027] Let's explain the structure of each part in more detail.
[0028] <Regarding the first connector> The first connector 20 comprises a plurality of first terminals 22 and a first retaining member 24 that holds the plurality of first terminals 22. Each first terminal 22 is connected to one end of each electric wire 40.
[0029] The first holding member 24 comprises, for example, a base member 25 and a resin part 26. The base member 25 is formed, for example, by press-forming a metal plate. An elliptical through hole is formed in the center of the base member 25, and the resin part 26 is integrally formed around the periphery of the through hole.
[0030] The resin part 26 is formed by molding a plurality of first terminals 22 as insert parts using a mold. The plurality of first terminals 22 are held in parallel by the resin part 26. The connection portion between the plurality of first terminals 22 and the electric wire 40 is provided within the resin part 26. The resin part 26 has a portion that forms an annular frame shape along the periphery of the through hole of the base member 25, and an opening 26h is formed inside it. The equipment-side connection end of the plurality of first terminals 22 that is opposite to the electric wire 40 extends into the opening 26h.
[0031] A base member 25 extends from the outer circumference of the resin part 26. With the base member 25 in contact with the housing of the first device B1, the base member 25 is fixed to the first device B1 by screws or the like. The housing of the first device B1 is grounded to the vehicle body. Therefore, the base member 25 is grounded via the housing of the first device B1. In this way, with the first connector 20 fixed to the first device B1, the terminal on the first device B1 side is connected to the device-side connection end of the first terminal 22.
[0032] <Regarding the second connector> The second connector 30 comprises a plurality of second terminals 32, a second retaining member 34 which serves as a housing for holding the plurality of second terminals 32, and a terminal block 36. Each second terminal 32 is connected to the other end of each electric wire 40.
[0033] The second retaining member 34 is formed of, for example, resin. The second retaining member 34 is formed by mold molding a plurality of second terminals 32 as insert parts. The connection portion between the plurality of second terminals 32 and the electric wire 40 is provided inside the second retaining member 34. The second retaining member 34 has an annular frame shape, and an opening 34h is formed inside it. Of the plurality of second terminals 32, the equipment-side connection end opposite to the electric wire 40 extends into the opening 34h.
[0034] The terminal block 36 is formed of, for example, resin. The terminal block 36 is formed in a shape that protrudes from around the second retaining member 34, for example, in a plate shape. The terminal block 36 is a resin part that is molded separately from the second retaining member 34, and may be configured to be combined with the second retaining member 34. The terminal block 36 may be molded integrally with the second retaining member 34.
[0035] The terminal block 36 is fixed to the second device B2 by screws or the like. In this case, through holes for screws are formed in the terminal block 36. A cylindrical collar may be embedded in the through holes. The collar may be made of a material with higher rigidity than the resin forming the terminal block 36, such as metal.
[0036] The terminal block 36 may hold multiple relay terminals. One end of each relay terminal may be connected to the equipment-side connection end of the second terminal, and the other end of each relay terminal may be connected to the terminal on the second equipment B2 side. Alternatively, the equipment-side connection end of the second terminal may be connected to the terminal of the second equipment B2 without going through the relay terminal.
[0037] One end of each of the multiple wires 40 is held in parallel by the first connector 20, and the other ends of the multiple wires 40 are kept in parallel by the second connector 30. As a result, the intermediate portions of the multiple wires 40 in the longitudinal direction are also kept in parallel between the first connector 20 and the second connector 30. With the first connector 20 fixed to the first device B1 and the second connector 30 fixed to the second device B2, the multiple wires 40 can be easily bent in a direction that intersects their parallel direction.
[0038] <About the electromagnetic shielding unit> Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the electromagnetic shielding unit, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the electromagnetic shielding unit. The electromagnetic shielding unit comprises an electromagnetic shielding member 50, an electromagnetic shielding cover 60, and a conductive bracket 70. The electromagnetic shielding member 50 provides electromagnetic shielding to multiple electric wires 40, and the electromagnetic shielding cover 60 provides electromagnetic shielding to the first connector 20. The electromagnetic shielding member 50 is grounded via the electromagnetic shielding cover 60 and the conductive bracket 70.
[0039] <Regarding electromagnetic shielding materials> The electromagnetic shielding member 50 is constructed in a sheet-like form using conductors. The electromagnetic shielding member 50 has flexibility that allows it to be bent in the thickness direction. For example, the electromagnetic shielding member 50 may be a braid formed in a sheet-like form by weaving together multiple strands made of conductors. Copper, copper alloys, aluminum, and aluminum alloys may be used as the material for forming the strands. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is formed in a rectangular sheet shape that is long in one direction.
[0040] The electromagnetic shielding member 50 covers only one side of the multiple electric wires 40 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple electric wires 40 are aligned. Therefore, the electric wires 40 are not covered by the electromagnetic shielding member on the side other than the side on which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is provided.
[0041] In this embodiment, with the first connector 20 fixed to the first device B1 and the second connector 30 fixed to the second device B2, the middle portion of the multiple wires 40 is bent at a substantially 90° angle. The electromagnetic shielding member 50 covers only one side of the multiple wires 40 in a direction perpendicular to both the width direction in which the multiple wires 40 are lined up and the direction in which the multiple wires 40 extend, at the portion of the multiple wires 40 closer to the first connector 20.
[0042] For example, if a device B4 requiring electromagnetic noise countermeasures is placed on one side of a plurality of electric wires 40 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of electric wires 40 are aligned, the electromagnetic shielding member 50 can provide electromagnetic shielding between the plurality of electric wires 40 and the device B4.
[0043] <About electromagnetic shielding covers> Figure 5 is a view from the first device B1 side showing the fixing points between the electromagnetic shielding member 50 and the electromagnetic shielding cover 60. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the electromagnetic shielding cover 60 includes a cover body 62 and a cover fixing plate 68. The cover body 62 is the part that covers the first connector 20. The cover fixing plate 68 is the part that is fixed to the cover body 62 when it is superimposed on the cover body 62. The cover body 62 and the cover fixing plate 68 are formed, for example, by press-forming a metal plate.
[0044] The cover body 62 is fixed to the first connector 20 while covering the first connector 20. For example, the cover body 62 has a covering portion 62a that covers the first retaining member 24 and a fixing piece 62b that extends outward from the covering portion 62a. The covering portion 62a is formed in a shape in which peripheral wall portions protrude from three sides around a long, narrow ceiling portion so as to intersect with the ceiling portion. This covering portion 62a covers the outward-facing portion of the opening 26h of the first retaining member 24 (the portion opposite to the first equipment B1) and the three directions of the first retaining member 24 excluding the side from which the electric wire 40 extends. A pair of fixing pieces 62b extend from both sides of the covering portion 62a. With the fixing pieces 62b overlapping the base member 25, the fixing pieces 62b are fixed to the base member 25 by screws or the like. As a result, the electromagnetic shield cover 60 is fixed in contact with the first connector 20. Furthermore, as described above, since the first connector 20 is fixed to the first device B1, the electromagnetic shield cover 60 is fixed to the first device B1 in an integrated state with the first connector 20.
[0045] A plate-shaped fixing portion 63 is formed along the edge of the covering portion 62a on the side from which the electric wire 40 extends. The cover fixing plate 68 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is long in one direction. The cover fixing plate 68 is superimposed on the fixing portion 63. One end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is fixed to the electromagnetic shielding cover 60 by being sandwiched between the fixing portion 63 of the cover body 62 and the cover fixing plate 68. In this embodiment, the cover fixing plate 68 is superimposed on the side of the cover body 62 on which the first connector 20 is housed (which is also the side of the first equipment B1). The cover fixing plate 68 may also be superimposed on the outside of the cover body 62 on the side opposite to the first connector 20.
[0046] An example of a configuration for fixing the cover fixing plate 68 to the cover body 62 in a superimposed state will be described. For example, the cover fixing plate 68 is fixed to the cover body 62 by press-forming it while the cover fixing plate 68 and the cover body 62 are superimposed on each other.
[0047] More specifically, with one end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 sandwiched between the fixing portion 63 of the cover body 62 and the cover fixing plate 68, the cover fixing plate 68 and the cover body 62 are press-formed. In this process, one press die has a partially formed protrusion, and the other press die has a recess formed opposite to the protrusion. By pressing the cover body 62 and the cover fixing plate 68 with the pair of press dies, the protrusion formed on one of the cover body 62 and the cover fixing plate 68 fits into the recess on the other, fixing the cover body 62 and the cover fixing plate 68 in an overlapping state.
[0048] For example, the convex part of one press die is pressed against the cover fixing plate 68, and the concave part of the press die on the other side is positioned on the outward-facing surface of the cover body 62, and press processing is performed. As a result, a part of the cover fixing plate 68 is deformed so as to be pushed out toward the cover body 62. As a press mark on the cover fixing plate 68, a shape is formed that is recessed when viewed from the side opposite to the cover body 62 and protruding when viewed from the side of the cover body 62. As a press mark on the cover body 62, a shape is formed that is recessed when viewed from the side of the cover fixing plate 68 and protruding when viewed from the side opposite to the cover fixing plate 68. Between the cover fixing plate 68 and the cover body 62, the convex part, which is the press mark on the cover fixing plate 68, fits into the concave part, which is the press mark on the cover body 62, thereby fixing the cover fixing plate 68 in a state where it is superimposed on the fixing part 63 of the cover body 62. This fitting structure is established with one end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 interposed between the cover body 62 and the cover fixing plate 68.
[0049] The orientation of the above-mentioned irregularities is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the recessed area 69, which is a press mark visible from the outside, opens towards the first device B1, which is the target of the electromagnetic shield cover 60. In this embodiment, since the cover fixing plate 68 is located on the first device B1 side relative to the cover body 62, it is preferable that the recessed area 69 is formed on the cover fixing plate 68 side. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned press marks are formed at intervals along the length of the cover fixing plate 68, but the number of such press marks is arbitrary.
[0050] The recessed area 69, which is the press mark described above, is preferably open so as to face downwards from the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The edge of the longer side of the cover fixing plate 68 on the side from which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends may be curved and bent on the opposite side from the electromagnetic shielding member 50. This makes it less likely for the edge of the cover fixing plate 68 to come into contact with the electromagnetic shielding member 50 in a small linear area.
[0051] In order to position the cover fixing plate 68 and one end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 with high positional accuracy relative to the cover body 62, the following configuration may be adopted.
[0052] Specifically, a first positioning hole 63h is formed on the periphery of the fixing portion 63 of the cover body 62. The first positioning hole 63h is, for example, roughly rectangular when viewed from the thickness direction of the fixing portion 63. Multiple first positioning holes 63h are provided, for example, along the boundary where the cover fixing plate 68 is arranged. For example, multiple first positioning holes 63h are formed at intervals along one long side of the cover fixing plate 68 that is superimposed on the fixing portion 63 (the long side opposite to the side from which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends). Alternatively, the first positioning holes 63h are formed along both short sides of the cover fixing plate 68 that is superimposed on the fixing portion 63.
[0053] A first positioning recess 68h is formed on the outer periphery of the cover fixing plate 68. The first positioning recess 68h is formed in a shape that is, for example, roughly rectangular when viewed from the thickness direction of the cover fixing plate 68. Multiple first positioning recesses 68h are provided on the outer periphery of the cover fixing plate 68. For example, multiple first positioning recesses 68h are formed at intervals on one long side edge of the cover fixing plate 68. In addition, first positioning recesses 68h are also formed on both short sides edges of the cover fixing plate 68.
[0054] Each of the multiple first positioning recesses 68h corresponds to each of the multiple first positioning holes 63h. When the cover fixing plate 68 is fixed to the fixing part 63, each first positioning recess 68h and each first positioning hole 63h are formed in a region that overlaps in at least part of the thickness direction of the fixing part 63 and the cover fixing plate 68.
[0055] Furthermore, the first positioning recess 68h formed on the long side edge of the cover fixing plate 68 is formed to be recessed more significantly inward than the first positioning hole 63h. When the cover fixing plate 68 is superimposed on the fixing portion 63, the first positioning hole 63h is positioned in the region of the first positioning recess 68h that is close to the opening, and the edge of one end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 can be positioned in the region of the first positioning recess 68h that is closer to the back.
[0056] When fixing the cover fixing plate 68 to the fixing portion 63 of the cover body 62 by press working or the like, it is positioned as follows.
[0057] First, when the fixing portion 63 of the cover body 62 is placed, for example, on a press mold, a plurality of first positioning pins P1 protruding from the press mold are each inserted into a plurality of first positioning holes 63h of the fixing portion 63.
[0058] Next, one end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is placed on the fixing portion 63 of the cover body 62. At this time, the edge of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 can be abutted against the first positioning pin P1, which is aligned with one of the longer sides of the cover fixing plate 68, to position it.
[0059] Next, the cover fixing plate 68 is placed on top of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 which is mounted on the fixing part 63. At this time, a plurality of first positioning pins P1 are inserted into the first positioning recesses 68h of the cover fixing plate 68. As a result, the cover fixing plate 68 is positioned relative to the cover body 62 in the direction in which the surfaces of the fixing part 63 and the cover fixing plate 68 expand.
[0060] Furthermore, a gap exists between the first positioning pin P1, which is aligned along one of the longer sides of the cover fixing plate 68, and the inner portion of the first positioning recess 68h. By observing the presence or absence of the edge of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 through this gap, it is possible to confirm whether the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is positioned in a predetermined location that contacts the first positioning pin P1.
[0061] In this state, when the above-mentioned press processing is performed, one end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is sandwiched between the cover body 62 and the cover fixing plate 68, thereby fixing one end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 to the electromagnetic shielding cover 60.
[0062] <About conductive brackets> Figure 6 shows the fixing point between the conductive bracket 70 and the electromagnetic shield cover 60, as seen from the side of equipment B3, which is an example of a grounding target location. Figure 7 shows the same fixing point as seen from the opposite side of equipment B3.
[0063] The conductive bracket 70 is a member fixed to the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50. Reinforcing ribs 75 and 77 are formed on the conductive bracket 70, protruding in the thickness direction of the conductive bracket 70. These reinforcing ribs 75 and 77 suppress deformation of the conductive bracket 70 in the thickness direction, thereby reducing vibrations, for example, around the fixing point of the conductive bracket 70.
[0064] In this embodiment, the conductive bracket 70 includes a bracket body 72 and a bracket fixing plate 78. The bracket body 72 and the bracket fixing plate 78 are components formed by pressing or otherwise working a metal plate.
[0065] The bracket body 72 is the part that is fixed to the equipment B3. The bracket fixing plate 78 is fixed to the bracket body 72 in a state where it is superimposed on the bracket body 72. The other end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is then sandwiched between the bracket body 72 and the bracket fixing plate 78, thereby fixing the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 to the conductive bracket 70.
[0066] More specifically, the bracket body 72 includes a fixing portion 73 onto which the bracket fixing plate 78 is superimposed. The fixing portion 73 is formed in a rectangular shape that is elongated in one direction. The bracket fixing plate 78 is formed in a rectangular shape that is elongated in one direction. The bracket fixing plate 78 may have the same shape as the cover fixing plate 68.
[0067] The configuration for fixing the bracket fixing plate 78 to the bracket body 72 in a superimposed state may be the same as the configuration for fixing the cover fixing plate 68 to the cover body 62.
[0068] Specifically, with the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 sandwiched between the fixing portion 73 of the bracket body 72 and the bracket fixing plate 78, the bracket fixing plate 78 and the bracket body 72 are press-formed. At this time, one press die has a partially formed protrusion, and the other press die has a recess formed at a position opposite to the protrusion. By pressing the bracket body 72 and the bracket fixing plate 78 with the pair of press dies, the protrusion formed on one of the bracket body 72 and the bracket fixing plate 78 fits into the recess on the other, and the bracket body 72 and the bracket fixing plate 78 are fixed in an overlapping state.
[0069] The orientation of the recess 79 formed as a press mark when viewed from the outside is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it opens towards the equipment B3 to which the conductive bracket 70 is fixed. In this embodiment, since the bracket fixing plate 78 is located on the equipment B3 side relative to the bracket body 72, it is preferable that the recess 79 is formed on the bracket fixing plate 78 side. In this embodiment, the above press marks are formed at intervals along the length of the bracket fixing plate 78, but the number of such press marks is arbitrary.
[0070] Preferably, the recessed area 79, which is the press mark, opens so as to face downwards, rather than in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity.
[0071] Furthermore, the conductive bracket 70 includes a bracket fixing portion 74 and a protective extension portion 76.
[0072] The bracket fixing portion 74 extends from the fixing portion 73 to which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is fixed toward the equipment B3, which is the location to be grounded. The bracket fixing portion 74 extends in a direction different from the direction in which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends from the fixing portion 73, and in this embodiment, it extends in the opposite direction to the direction in which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends.
[0073] The bracket fixing portion 74 extends from a part of the long side of the fixing portion 73 opposite to the side from which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends. Therefore, the bracket fixing portion 74 includes a portion formed to be smaller in dimensions than the fixing portion 73 in the longitudinal direction (width direction of the electromagnetic shielding member 50) of the fixing portion 73. For example, the bracket fixing portion 74 extends outward from the middle of one of the long sides of the fixing portion 73. The shape of the bracket fixing portion 74 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be formed in a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, or a rounded band shape at the tip. This embodiment shows an example in which the bracket fixing portion 74 is formed in a trapezoidal shape.
[0074] For example, a screw hole 74h is formed in the bracket fixing portion 74. The bracket fixing portion 74 is fixed to the equipment B3 by inserting a screw through the hole 74h and screwing it into a screw hole provided in the equipment B3.
[0075] The bracket fixing portion 74 extends outward from a partial position relative to the fixing portion 73. Therefore, the bracket fixing portion 74 is more easily deformed in the thickness direction than the fixing portion 73. In this embodiment, the reinforcing rib portions 75 and 77 include the reinforcing rib portion 75 for the fixing portion formed on the bracket fixing portion 74.
[0076] Here, the edges corresponding to the pair of slanted sides of the bracket fixing portion 74 are bent toward the side opposite to the side in contact with the equipment B3, thereby forming the fixing portion reinforcing rib portion 75. The fixing portion reinforcing rib portion 75 may be formed on only one of the pair of slanted sides of the bracket fixing portion 74. In this way, instead of or in addition to the fixing portion reinforcing rib portion formed on the edge of the bracket fixing portion 74, the fixing portion reinforcing rib portion may be formed on the inside of the edge of the bracket fixing portion 74. Such a fixing portion reinforcing rib portion can be formed, for example, by press-forming the elongated region of the bracket fixing portion 74 that is on the inside of the edge so that it is convex when viewed from one side and concave when viewed from the other side.
[0077] Vibrations in the conductive bracket 70 can occur due to the center of gravity, closer to the fixing portion 73, swaying around the fixing point of the bracket fixing portion 74 to the equipment B3. For this reason, it is preferable that the reinforcing rib portion 75 for the fixing portion of the bracket fixing portion 74 is present in at least a portion, preferably the entire, of the range from the fixing point of the bracket fixing portion 74 (i.e., the location where the hole 74h is formed) to the fixing portion 73 when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the fixing portion 73.
[0078] The protective extension portion 76 extends in the direction in which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends from the overlapping area of the bracket body 72 and the bracket fixing plate 78. In this embodiment, the protective extension portion 76 extends from the bracket body 72. This is because there is peripheral equipment B4 on the bracket body 72 side relative to the bracket fixing plate 78 that may come into contact with the electromagnetic shielding member 50. In cases different from this example, if there is peripheral equipment on the bracket fixing plate 78 side relative to the bracket body 72 that may come into contact with the electromagnetic shielding member 50, the protective extension portion may extend from the bracket fixing plate 78. For example, this would apply when the bracket fixing plate 78 is overlapped with the bracket body 72 on the side opposite to equipment B3.
[0079] The protective extension portion 76 is set to a width smaller than the width of the overlapping area between the bracket body 72 and the bracket fixing plate 78 (the lengthwise dimension of the fixing portion 73 or the bracket fixing plate 78).
[0080] More specifically, the protective extension portion 76 extends from a part of the long side of the fixed portion 73 on the side from which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends, so as to overlap the electromagnetic shielding member 50. The shape of the protective extension portion 76 is arbitrary and may be formed in the form of a trapezoid, square, triangular, etc. The region and shape in which the protective extension portion 76 is formed should be set to a region that interposes between the peripheral device B4 and the electromagnetic shielding member 50, in accordance with the position of the peripheral device B4 relative to the electromagnetic shielding member 50, thereby avoiding contact between the two. In this embodiment, for example, assuming that the peripheral device B4 is positioned near one side of the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50, the protective extension portion 76 extends from a part of the long side of the fixed portion 73 on the side from which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends, near one end. Also, the tip edge of the protective extension portion 76 and the remaining part of the long side of the fixed portion 73 are connected via a diagonal edge. The hypotenuse is connected at an obtuse angle to the tip edge of the protective extension 76 and to the remaining portion of the long side of the fixing part 73.
[0081] The reinforcing rib portions 75 and 77 include the reinforcing rib portion 77 for the extension portion formed on the protective extension portion 76. Here, the reinforcing rib portion 77 for the extension portion is formed by bending the leading edge of the protective extension portion 76 and the longitudinally inward-facing edge of the fixing portion 73 corresponding to the hypotenuse toward the opposite side from the electromagnetic shielding member 50. The reinforcing rib portion for the extension portion may also be formed on the longitudinally outward-facing edge of the fixing portion 73 of the protective extension portion 76. Alternatively, the reinforcing rib portion for the extension portion may be formed inside the edge of the protective extension portion 76, either in place of or in addition to the reinforcing rib portion for the fixing portion formed on the edge of the protective extension portion 76. Such a reinforcing rib portion for the extension portion can be formed, for example, by press-forming the elongated region portion of the protective extension portion 76 inside the edge so that it is convex when viewed from one side and concave when viewed from the other side.
[0082] The edge of the fixing portion 73 on the side where the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends is also bent in the same way as the reinforcing rib portion 77 for the extension portion, on the opposite side from the electromagnetic shielding member 50, to form an additional rib portion 73P. The reinforcing rib portion 77 for the extension portion is connected to the additional rib portion 73P. By bending the reinforcing rib portion 77 for the extension portion and the additional rib portion 73P to form a curved surface, the bracket body 72 can make contact with the electromagnetic shielding member 50 on a curved surface.
[0083] It is preferable that the reinforcing rib portion 77 for the protective extension portion 76 is present in part or throughout the range from the fixing portion 74 to the tip of the protective extension portion 76. This suppresses vibration of the protective extension portion 76 in the thickness direction.
[0084] Furthermore, holes 76h may be formed in the protective extension 76. In Figure 7, the elliptical holes 76h are shown by dashed lines. The holes 76h may be set in various shapes, taking into consideration the position and shape of the equipment B4 and its positional relationship with the electromagnetic shielding member 50, while avoiding contact between the equipment B4 and the electromagnetic shielding member 50. The size of the holes 76h may be set in a range that makes it difficult for the flexible electromagnetic shielding member 50 to protrude from the holes 76h. The shape of the holes is not mandatory, and the number of holes is also arbitrary. For example, the protective extension 76 may have multiple round holes arranged vertically and horizontally with gaps between them. These holes help to reduce the weight of the protective extension 76.
[0085] Furthermore, the formation of the protective extension portion 76 is not mandatory. Also, if the protective extension portion 76 is formed, the formation of the reinforcing rib portion 77 for the extension portion is not mandatory.
[0086] In order to position the bracket fixing plate 78 and the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 with high positional accuracy relative to the bracket body 72, a second positioning hole 73h and a second positioning recess 78h may be formed, similar to the electromagnetic shielding cover 60.
[0087] Specifically, a second positioning hole 73h is formed on the periphery of the fixing portion 73 of the bracket body 72. The second positioning hole 73h corresponds to the first positioning hole 63h. Multiple second positioning holes 73h are provided, for example, along the boundary where the bracket fixing plate 78 is placed. For example, multiple second positioning holes 73h are formed at intervals along one long side of the bracket fixing plate 78 that is superimposed on the fixing portion 73 (the long side opposite to the side from which the electromagnetic shielding member 50 extends). In addition, second positioning holes 73h are also formed on the edges of both short sides of the fixing portion 73. The second positioning holes 73h formed on the edges of both short sides of the fixing portion 73 protrude in the thickness direction of the fixing portion 73, but are not surrounded by an enclosure, and are formed in a shape that opens outward from the short side of the fixing portion 73.
[0088] A second positioning recess 78h is formed on the outer edge of the bracket fixing plate 78. The second positioning recess 78h may be formed in the same position and shape as the first positioning recess 68h, assuming that the bracket fixing plate 78 and the cover fixing plate 68 have the same shape.
[0089] The correspondence between the multiple second positioning recesses 78h and the multiple second positioning holes 73h is the same as the correspondence between the multiple first positioning recesses 68h and the multiple first positioning holes 63h.
[0090] When fixing the bracket fixing plate 78 to the fixing portion 73 of the bracket body 72 by press working or the like, multiple second positioning pins P2 are inserted into multiple second positioning holes 73h and multiple second positioning recesses 78h, similar to the above. This positions the bracket fixing plate 78 relative to the bracket body 72, and also positions the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50.
[0091] <Effects, etc.> With the connector unit 10 configured in this way, one end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is sandwiched and fixed between the cover body 62 and the cover fixing plate 68. This makes it possible to fix the electromagnetic shielding member 50 to the electromagnetic shielding cover 60 without providing an opening in the electromagnetic shielding cover 60. As a result, the area covered by the electromagnetic shielding cover 60 over the first connector 20 is increased, and the electromagnetic shielding effect of the electromagnetic shielding cover 60 is enhanced. In addition, the conductive bracket 70 is fixed to the equipment B3, which is the point to be grounded, while separated from the second connector 30. At this time, since reinforcing ribs 75 and 77 are formed on the conductive bracket 70, vibration in the thickness direction of the conductive bracket 70 is suppressed, and the conductive bracket 70 is fixed in a state of stable contact with the equipment B3. As a result, the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is stably grounded, and the electromagnetic shielding effect of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is also enhanced. As a result, the electromagnetic shielding effect of the connector unit 10 is enhanced.
[0092] Furthermore, the recessed portion 69, which is a press mark, opens to the first equipment B1 side relative to the electromagnetic shield cover 60. As a result, the recessed portion 69 is located in the space enclosed by the electromagnetic shield cover 60 and the first equipment B1, making it difficult for water to accumulate in the recessed portion 69 and improving corrosion resistance.
[0093] Furthermore, the recessed area 79, which is a press mark, opens towards the device B3 side relative to the conductive bracket 70. As a result, the recessed area 79 is located in the space enclosed by the conductive bracket 70 and the device B3, making it difficult for water to accumulate in the recessed area 79 and improving corrosion resistance.
[0094] If the recesses 69 and 79 are oriented downwards from the horizontal, even if water enters the recesses 69 and 79, it will be easily expelled by gravity. This further improves corrosion resistance.
[0095] Furthermore, the second connector 30 includes a plurality of second terminals 32 and a second retaining member 34 which is a resin housing that holds the plurality of second terminals 32. In other words, since the conductive bracket 70 at the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member 50 is fixed to the device B3 separately from the second connector 30, it is not necessary to adopt a configuration that combines a base member 25 and a resin part 26, as in the first connector 20, and grounds via the base member 25. This makes it possible to make a large part of the second connector 30 from a resin molded product, which makes it possible to reduce the cost of the second connector 30.
[0096] Furthermore, since the electromagnetic shielding member 50 covers one side of the multiple wires 40, the amount of electromagnetic shielding member 50 used can be reduced compared to the case where the entire area around the multiple wires 40 is covered. This makes it possible to reduce weight and cost. In this case, the electromagnetic shielding member 50 should be configured to be placed only on the side of the multiple wires 40 where noise countermeasures are necessary (for example, the side where equipment B4 is located), depending on the relationship between the multiple wires 40 and other equipment B4, etc.
[0097] Furthermore, since a reinforcing rib portion 75 for the fixing portion is formed on the bracket fixing portion 74, vibration of the conductive bracket 70 in the thickness direction around the fixing point of the bracket fixing portion 74 to the equipment B3 is suppressed.
[0098] In particular, by making the bracket fixing portion 74 narrower than the fixing portion 73, weight reduction can be achieved, while vibration countermeasures can be implemented by the reinforcing rib portion 75 for the fixing portion.
[0099] Furthermore, the protective extension 76 can protect the electromagnetic shielding member 50 from equipment B4 and the like.
[0100] Furthermore, by making the protective extension 76 narrower than the overlapping area between the bracket body 72 and the bracket fixing plate 78, the electromagnetic shielding member 50 can be protected at key points while reducing weight. As the protective extension 76 is made lighter, it becomes possible to lighten the part of the conductive bracket 70 that is far from the fixing point, and vibration of the conductive bracket 70 is further suppressed.
[0101] Furthermore, the formation of reinforcing rib portions 77 for the protective extension portion 76 suppresses vibration of the protective extension portion 76 in its thickness direction.
[0102] Furthermore, by forming holes 76h in the protective extension 76, it becomes possible to extend the protective extension 76 to the area necessary for protection while reducing its weight. In addition, the reduced weight of the protective extension 76 further suppresses vibrations of the conductive bracket 70.
[0103] Furthermore, the configurations described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of symbols]
[0104] 10 Connector Units 20 First connector 22 1st terminal 24 First retaining member 25 Base member 26 Resin part 26h opening 30. Second connector 32 2nd terminal 34 Second retaining member 34h opening 36 Terminal block 40 Electric wire 50 Electromagnetic shielding material 60 Electromagnetic Shielding Cover 62 Cover body 62a Covering portion 62b Fixed piece 63 Fixed part 63h First positioning hole 68 Cover fixing plate 68h First positioning recess 69 Recess 70 Conductive Bracket 72 Bracket body 73 Fixed part 73P Additional rib section 73h Second positioning hole 74 Bracket fixing part 74h hole 75 Reinforcement rib section (reinforcement rib section for fixing part) 76 Protective extension 76h hole 77 Reinforcement rib section (reinforcement rib section for extension section) 78 Bracket fixing plate 78h Second positioning recess 79 Recess B1 1st device B2 2nd device B3 Equipment (Equipment subject to grounding) B4 equipment (peripheral equipment) P1 First positioning pin P2 Second positioning pin
Claims
1. First connector and The second connector, Multiple wires electrically connecting the first connector and the second connector, An electromagnetic shielding member that covers the aforementioned plurality of electric wires in a manner that allows for electromagnetic shielding, An electromagnetic shield cover fixed to the first connector while covering the first connector, A conductive bracket, which is fixed to the grounding target location while being separated from the second connector, Equipped with, The electromagnetic shield cover includes a cover body and a cover fixing plate fixed to the cover body. One end of the electromagnetic shielding member is sandwiched between the cover body and the cover fixing plate, thereby fixing it to the electromagnetic shielding cover. The conductive bracket is fixed to the other end of the electromagnetic shielding member. The conductive bracket includes reinforcing ribs that protrude in the thickness direction of the conductive bracket, The reinforcing rib portion is located outside the area where the electromagnetic shielding member exists, when viewed along the thickness direction of the conductive bracket. The conductive bracket further includes a protective extension portion that extends in the direction in which the electromagnetic shielding member extends from the portion to which the electromagnetic shielding member is fixed, forming a connector unit.
2. A connector unit according to claim 1, A recess is formed in at least one of the electromagnetic shield cover and the conductive bracket as a press mark for fixing the electromagnetic shield member. A connector unit in which the recess opens on the side of the electromagnetic shield cover or the conductive bracket to be fixed.
3. A connector unit according to claim 2, A connector unit in which the recess opens so as to face downwards from the horizontal.
4. A connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The second connector is a connector unit that includes a plurality of terminals connected to the other ends of the plurality of electric wires and a resin housing that holds the plurality of terminals.
5. A connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The electromagnetic shielding member is a connector unit that covers only one side of the plurality of electric wires in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of electric wires are aligned.
6. A connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The conductive bracket includes a bracket fixing portion that extends from the portion to which the electromagnetic shielding member is fixed toward the grounding target location, The connector unit includes a reinforcing rib portion for fixing formed on the bracket fixing portion.