Electromagnetic shield connector

Abstract

Disclosed is an electromagnetic shield connector applicable to a case where a terminal extends orthogonally to a shielded wire, and capable of improving stability of a ground line and manufacturability. An electromagnetic shield connector (10) is provided with a terminal-equipped shielded wire (24), an inner housing (26), a shield shell (18), and an outer housing (28). The shield shell (18) includes a first split shell (52) and a second split shell (54) fixed to the first split shell (52). The first split shell (52) integrally has a first split sleeve (56) connected to a shield member (14) exposed at an end of a shielded wire (16). The second split shell (54) integrally has a second split sleeve (70) connected to the shield member (14) exposed at the end of the shielded wire (16). The first split sleeve (56) and the second split sleeve (70) are fixed to each other in a state of being overlapped on the shield member (14), thereby constituting a shield sleeve (90) fixed to the shield member (14).

Description

Electromagnetic Shield Connector

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electromagnetic shield connector.

[0002] Conventionally, in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc., electromagnetic shield connectors having an electromagnetic shielding function have been used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electromagnetic shield connector having a multilayer structure in which a shield shell is disposed outside an inner housing that houses a terminal with a shielded wire, where the terminal is connected to the end of the shielded wire, and an outer housing is further disposed outside the shield shell. And a shield member such as a braided wire surrounding the core wire of the shielded wire is electrically connected to the shield shell via a shield sleeve fitted over the shielded wire, and further electrically connected to the shield shell of the mating connector to obtain an electromagnetic shielding effect.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018 - 55833

[0004] However, the conventional electromagnetic shield connector was not originally structured to be applicable to the case where the terminal extends orthogonally to the shielded wire in an L - shape. Also, since the shield member of the shielded wire is fixed to the shield sleeve by crimping or the like, and the shield sleeve is electrically connected to the shield shell to form a ground line, there were inherent problems such as poor stability and manufacturability of the ground line.

[0005] Therefore, an electromagnetic shield connector is disclosed that is applicable to the case where the terminal extends orthogonally to the shielded wire and can improve the stability and manufacturability of the ground line.

[0006] The electromagnetic shield connector of this disclosure comprises a shielded wire with a terminal attached to the end of the shielded wire, an inner housing that houses the terminal, a shield shell disposed outside the inner housing and surrounding the terminal, and an outer housing disposed outside the shield shell, wherein the terminal includes a base end attached to the end of the shielded wire and a tip connected to the base end and projecting in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the shielded wire, and the shield shell includes a first split shell covering the base end of the terminal and the terminal The shield includes a second segmented shell which is fixed to the first segmented shell with its tip inserted through it to constitute the shield shell, wherein the first segmented shell integrally has a first segmented sleeve which is connected to the shield member exposed at the end of the shielded wire, and the second segmented shell integrally has a second segmented sleeve which is connected to the shield member exposed at the end of the shielded wire, and the first segmented sleeve and the second segmented sleeve are fixed to each other with the shield member overlapping, thereby constituting a shield sleeve fixed to the shield member.

[0007] The electromagnetic shielding connector of this disclosure can be applied when the terminals extend perpendicularly to the shield wire, and can improve the stability and manufacturability of the ground line.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the electromagnetic shielding connector according to Embodiment 1 in a connected state with a mating connector. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the electromagnetic shielding connector shown in Figure 1 before connection with a mating connector. Figure 3 is a plan view of the electromagnetic shielding connector shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the shielded wire with terminals that constitutes the electromagnetic shielding connector shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the inner housing integrally equipped with the shielded wire with terminals shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the first divided shell and the second divided shell brought close together from both sides of the inner housing shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the shield shell formed by fixing the first divided shell and the second divided shell from the state shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the outer housing integrally equipped with the shield shell shown in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a part of the electromagnetic shielding connector shown in Figure 1 in an exploded state.

[0009] <Description of Embodiments of the Disclosure> First, embodiments of the Disclosure will be listed and described. The electromagnetic shield connector of the Disclosure comprises: (1) a shield wire with a terminal attached to the end of the shield wire; an inner housing that houses the terminal; a shield shell disposed outside the inner housing and surrounding the terminal; and an outer housing disposed outside the shield shell, wherein the terminal includes a base end attached to the end of the shield wire and a tip that is connected to the base end and protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the shield wire, and the shield shell includes a first split shell that covers the base end of the terminal and a through-hole for the tip of the terminal The shield includes a second divided shell which is fixed to the first divided shell in a placed state and constitutes the shield shell, wherein the first divided shell integrally has a first divided sleeve which is connected to the shield member exposed at the end of the shield wire, and the second divided shell integrally has a second divided sleeve which is connected to the shield member exposed at the end of the shield wire, and the first divided sleeve and the second divided sleeve are fixed to each other in a state where they are superimposed on the shield member, thereby constituting a shield sleeve fixed to the shield member.

[0010] According to the electromagnetic shield connector of this disclosure, the shield shell surrounding the terminal has a divided structure that is separated into a first divided shell that covers the base end of the terminal and a second divided shell that is assembled to the first divided shell with the tip of the terminal inserted through it to form the shield shell. Therefore, it is possible to provide a shield shell that can be assembled to the terminal even when the terminal extends in an L-shape perpendicular to the shield wire.

[0011] Furthermore, by cleverly utilizing the fact that the shield shell is separated into a first segmented shell and a second segmented shell, the shield sleeve, which is fixed to the shield member and electrically connected to the shield shell, is similarly separated into a first segmented sleeve and a second segmented sleeve, and is integrally provided on the first segmented shell and the second segmented shell, respectively. As a result, with the first segmented shell and the second segmented shell positioned outside the inner housing and fixed to each other, the first segmented sleeve and the second segmented sleeve can be superimposed on the shield member exposed at the end of the shielded wire and fixed to each other, thereby forming a shield sleeve fixed to the shield member. Consequently, the electrical connection between the shield shell and the shield member can be achieved via the shield sleeve, which is formed by fixing each segmented sleeve, which is integrally provided on each segmented shell, to each other. Compared to the conventional structure in which the shield shell and shield sleeve were formed as separate parts, improvements in ground line stability and manufacturability can be achieved.

[0012] In addition, since the shield sleeve is formed by fixing together the individual segmented sleeves that are integrally provided on each segmented shell, the handling and workability of the shield sleeve can also be improved.

[0013] (2) In (1) above, it is preferable that the first divided shell and the second divided shell are fixed to each other by crimping to constitute the shield shell, and the first divided sleeve and the second divided sleeve are fixed to each other by crimping to constitute the shield sleeve. Since the mutual fixing of the first / second divided shell and the mutual fixing of the first / second divided sleeve can be achieved by crimping, manufacturability can be improved. Moreover, since the electrical connection between the shield shell and the shield member can be achieved via the first / second divided shell and the first / second divided sleeve which are integrally constructed and crimped to each other, further stability of the ground line can be achieved and a stable electromagnetic shielding effect can be realized.

[0014] (3) In (1) or (2) above, it is preferable that the inner housing has a positioning portion provided on its outer surface, and the positioned portions provided on the first divided shell and the second divided shell, respectively, abut against the positioning portion, so that the first divided shell and the second divided shell are positioned and arranged around the inner housing so that they can be fixed to each other. By cleverly utilizing the contact between the positioning portion provided on the inner housing and the positioned portions provided on the first divided shell and the second divided shell, respectively, which abut against it, the first divided shell and the second divided shell can be positioned and arranged around the inner housing so that they can be fixed to each other. This makes it possible to improve manufacturability without increasing the number of parts.

[0015] (4) In any one of (1) to (3) above, it is preferable that the outer housing is molded on the outside of the shield shell, the second divided shell has a pin insertion hole, and the engaging portion of the exposure prevention cylinder, which surrounds the tip of the terminal and is assembled to the second divided shell so as to be energizable, engages with the pin insertion hole. When the outer housing is molded on the outside of the shield shell, positioning pins for positioning the shield shell are placed in the mold, and a pin insertion hole is formed in the second divided shell of the shield shell through which the positioning pin is inserted. By cleverly utilizing this pin insertion hole to engage the engaging portion of the exposure prevention cylinder assembled to the second divided shell, it is possible to fix the exposure prevention cylinder using the pin insertion hole while preventing the inside from being exposed from the pin insertion hole and preventing the intrusion of dust and other debris.

[0016] <Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure> Specific examples of the electromagnetic shielding connectors of the Disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the Disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the Claims as indicated by the Claims.

[0017] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, an electromagnetic shielding connector 10 of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The electromagnetic shielding connector 10 includes a shielded wire 16 in which a braided wire 14 is provided around the wire 12 as a shielding member, and the shielded wire 16 is connected to a metal housing 20 of an electrical device such as an inverter, which is the counterpart to the shielding connector, via a shield shell 18. As a result, the braided wire 14 is connected to the ground, and the wire 12 is electromagnetically shielded by the braided wire 14. The electromagnetic shielding connector 10 can be positioned in any orientation within a vehicle, but in the following description, "upper" refers to the upper part in Figure 4, "lower" refers to the lower part in Figure 4, "left" refers to the upper part in Figure 3, "right" refers to the lower part in Figure 3, "front" refers to the left in Figure 3, and "rear" refers to the right in Figure 3. In addition, for multiple identical components, only some components may be given reference numerals, and the reference numerals for other components may be omitted.

[0018] <Electromagnetic Shielding Connector 10> The electromagnetic shielding connector 10 comprises a shielded wire 24 with a terminal 22 attached to the end of a shield wire 16, an inner housing 26 in which the terminal 22 is housed, a shield shell 18 disposed outside the inner housing 26 and covering the area around the terminal 22, and an outer housing 28 disposed outside the shield shell 18. In Embodiment 1, a pair of shielded wires 24, 24 with terminals are provided, and each shielded wire 24 with terminals faces each other at a predetermined distance in the left-right direction.

[0019] <Shielded Wire 16> As shown in Figure 6, in Embodiment 1, a pair of shielded wires 16, 16 are provided, and each shielded wire 16 is configured such that a braided wire 14 serving as a shielding member is provided around the wire 12 as described above. Each wire 12 is a covered wire, and an inner insulating coating 32 made of synthetic resin is fitted around the core wire 30 over substantially the entire length. At the ends of each of these wires 12, the inner insulating coating 32 is stripped off, exposing the core wire 30.

[0020] Braided wire 14 is fitted around the inner insulating sheath 32 of each of these electric wires 12. The braided wire 14 is made of thin metal wires that are braided or twisted together to form a cylindrical shape and is provided over approximately the entire length of the inner insulating sheath 32 of each electric wire 12. An outer insulating sheath 34 made of synthetic resin is fitted around each of these braided wires 14 over approximately the entire length. At the ends of each braided wire 14, the outer insulating sheath 34 is stripped away, and each braided wire 14 is exposed to the outside. Each shielded electric wire 16, configured in this way, is arranged to extend in the front-to-back direction. At the terminal (front end) of each shielded electric wire 16, the core wires 30 are exposed.

[0021] In Embodiment 1, a roughly cylindrical metal underlay ring 36 is fitted onto each electric wire 12 at a predetermined distance behind the core wire 30 exposed at the terminal (front end). The end (front end) of each braided wire 14 is wider than the rear portion, and its diameter is larger. The portion of each braided wire 14 with a larger diameter is located on the outer circumference side of the underlay ring 36 fitted onto each electric wire 12 (each inner insulating sheath 32), and the portion of each braided wire 14 located behind the underlay ring 36 is covered by the outer insulating sheath 34. In other words, the front end of each braided wire 14 is located on the outer circumference side of the underlay ring 36 at a predetermined separation distance, and the portion located on the outer circumference side of the underlay ring 36 is exposed to the outside and not covered by the outer insulating sheath 34.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8 later, each shielded wire 16 has an adhesive tube 38 and a heat-shrinkable tube 40 made of synthetic resin fitted to the portion behind each braided wire 14 that is exposed to the outside. In Embodiment 1, the adhesive tube 38 is provided at a predetermined distance behind the braided wire 14 that is exposed to the outside, and the heat-shrinkable tube 40 is provided at a predetermined distance behind the adhesive tube 38. The adhesive tube 38 can be bonded between the outer insulating coating 34 and the outer housing 28, for example, when the outer housing 28 is molded, for example, to improve the watertightness between the outer insulating coating 34 and the outer housing 28. In addition, by providing the heat-shrinkable tube 40 on the outer circumference of the outer insulating coating 34, damage to each shielded wire 16 due to being sandwiched in a mold (not shown) during the molding of the outer housing 28, for example, can be prevented.

[0023] <Shielded wire with terminals 24> Each shielded wire with terminals 24 is constructed by attaching terminals 22 to each core wire 30 that is exposed to the outside in each shielded wire 16. As shown in Figure 6, each terminal 22 extends in a substantially straight line and extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (front-to-back direction) of each shielded wire 16. That is, each terminal 22 includes a base end portion 42 that is attached to the end of each shielded wire 16 (each exposed core wire 30) and a tip portion 44 that is connected to each base end portion 42 and protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of each shielded wire 16. In Embodiment 1, each terminal 22 is fixed to each core wire 30 by welding or the like, so that each terminal 22 protrudes downward from the end of each shielded wire 16. As a result, each shielded wire 24 with terminals is generally L-shaped, and as will be described later, each terminal 22 that protrudes downward is inserted into the mating terminal 124, thereby connecting each terminal 22 and the mating terminal 124 to each other. In other words, in Embodiment 1, the electromagnetic shield connector 10 is the male connector.

[0024] <Inner Housing 26> The inner housing 26 is made of an insulating synthetic resin and, as shown in Figure 7, etc., has a substantially rectangular block shape overall. The base end portion 42 of each terminal 22 is housed in this inner housing 26, and the inner housing 26 is fixed around each base end portion 42, while the tip portion 44 of each terminal 22 protrudes downward from the inner housing 26. In Embodiment 1, the inner housing 26 covers not only the base end portion 42 of each terminal 22, but also the front end portions of each core wire 30 and each inner insulating covering 32 that extend rearward from the base end portion 42. In particular, in Embodiment 1, protective portions 46 are provided that cover both the front and rear surfaces and the bottom surface of the tip portion 44 of each terminal 22, and these protective portions 46 are integrally formed with the inner housing 26. As a result, both the left and right surfaces of the tip portion 44 of each terminal 22 are exposed to the outside, and the mating terminal 124, which will be described later, contacts both the left and right surfaces of each tip portion 44. The provision of such a protective part 46 prevents the worker from unintentionally coming into contact with each terminal 22.

[0025] Furthermore, multiple weight-reducing sections 48 are formed on the outer surface of the inner housing 26, and each of these weight-reducing sections 48 opens onto the outer surface of the inner housing 26. In addition, on the outer surface of the inner housing 26, at positions away from these weight-reducing sections 48, positioning sections 50 are provided to position the shield shell 18 and the inner housing 26 relative to each other when the shield shell 18 is assembled, as described later. In Embodiment 1, multiple positioning sections 50 are provided on the outer surface of the inner housing 26, in a total of three locations on the front and left and right sides of the inner housing 26. Each positioning section 50 is formed in the shape of a protrusion having a predetermined vertical dimension.

[0026] In Embodiment 1, the inner housing 26 is formed as an integrally molded product (primary molded product 51) that integrally includes each terminal-equipped shielded wire 24. That is, when molding the inner housing 26, the front portion of each terminal-equipped shielded wire 24 is set in the molding cavity of the inner housing 26, and the inner housing 26 is molded in this state, thereby forming an inner housing 26 (primary molded product 51) that integrally includes each terminal-equipped shielded wire 24, as shown in Figure 7.

[0027] <Shield Shell 18> The shield shell 18 includes a first divided shell 52 that covers the base end portion 42 of each terminal 22, and a second divided shell 54 that is fixed to the first divided shell 52 with the tip portions 44 of each terminal 22 inserted through it, thereby constituting the shield shell 18. That is, the shield shell 18 is configured as a divided structure consisting of a first divided shell 52 that covers the inner housing 26 from above, and a second divided shell 54 that covers the inner housing 26 from below. The shield shell 18 (first divided shell 52 and second divided shell 54) is made of, for example, a metal with excellent conductivity.

[0028] <First Split Shell 52> The first split shell 52 is generally box-shaped with an opening downwards, and integrally includes a first split sleeve 56 that is connected to the shield member (braided wire 14) exposed at the end (front end) of each shield wire 16. Specifically, the first split shell 52 includes an upper wall portion 58 that covers the inner housing 26 from above, a first front wall portion 60 that protrudes downward from the front end of the upper wall portion 58 and covers the upper part of the inner housing 26 from the front, and a first left wall portion 62 and a first right wall portion 64 that protrude downward from both the left and right ends of the upper wall portion 58 and cover the upper part of the inner housing 26 from both the left and right sides. The first split sleeve 56 is also generally semi-cylindrical in shape so as to overlap with the exposed braided wire 14, and is configured to extend rearward from the rear ends of the upper wall portion 58, the first left wall portion 62, and the first right wall portion 64.

[0029] The first divided shell 52 is formed, for example, by press-forming a single metal sheet into the shape described above, and the upper wall portion 58, the first front wall portion 60, the first left wall portion 62, and the first right wall portion 64 are configured to be substantially flat. The first divided sleeve 56 has substantially semi-cylindrical portions on both the left and right sides so as to overlap each of the left and right braided wires 14, but it may also overlap both the left and right braided wires 14, and may have a shape such as the upper part of an elongated cylindrical shape with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction.

[0030] Furthermore, the lower ends of the first left wall portion 62 and the first right wall portion 64 are positioned differently in the front-rear direction, with the lower end of the rear portion being positioned higher than the lower end of the front portion. Between the front-rear portion 62 and the first right wall portion 64, a recess is formed that opens downward and penetrates each wall portion 62, 64 in the thickness direction (left-right direction). Including this recess, a positioned portion 66 is formed that contacts the positioning portions 50 provided on both the left and right sides of the inner housing 26. Similarly, the first front wall portion 60 is divided in the left-right direction, and a recess (slit) is formed between the left and right portions of the first front wall portion 60 that opens downward and penetrates the first front wall portion 60 in the thickness direction (front-rear direction). Including this recess (slit), a positioned portion 66 is formed that contacts the positioning portion 50 provided in front of the inner housing 26.

[0031] Furthermore, the lower ends of the first front wall portion 60, the first left wall portion 62, and the first right wall portion 64 are each provided with a first flange portion 68 that protrudes outward in the thickness direction. That is, the first flange portion 68 protrudes forward from the first front wall portion 60, and the first flange portion 68 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the first left wall portion 62 and the first right wall portion 64. As described above, the first front wall portion 60, the first left wall portion 62, and the first right wall portion 64 are divided by recesses (slits) that constitute each positioning portion 66, so in Embodiment 1, a total of six first flange portions 68 are formed in the first divided shell 52. Before fixing with the second divided shell 54, some of the first flange portions 68 may have through holes that penetrate each first flange portion 68 in the thickness direction (vertical direction).

[0032] <Second Split Shell 54> The second split shell 54 as a whole is a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape that penetrates in the vertical direction and integrally has a second split sleeve 70 that is connected to the shield member (braided wire 14) exposed at the end (front end) of each shield wire 16. Specifically, the second split shell 54 has a substantially rectangular cylindrical portion 72 through which the tip portions 44 of each terminal 22 are inserted. This cylindrical portion 72 includes a second front wall portion 74 that covers the lower part of the inner housing 26 from the front, a rear wall portion 76 that covers the lower part of the inner housing 26 from the rear, and a second left wall portion 78 and a second right wall portion 80 that cover the lower part of the inner housing 26 from both the left and right sides. The second split sleeve 70 is also substantially semi-cylindrical in shape so as to overlap with the exposed braided wire 14 and is configured to extend rearward from the rear ends of the rear wall portion 76, the second left wall portion 78, and the second right wall portion 80.

[0033] The second divided shell 54 is formed, for example, by press-forming a single metal sheet into the shape described above, and each of the walls of the second front wall portion 74, the rear wall portion 76, the second left wall portion 78, and the second right wall portion 80 is configured to be substantially flat. The second divided sleeve 70 has substantially semi-cylindrical portions on both the left and right sides so as to overlap each of the left and right braided wires 14, but it may also overlap both the left and right braided wires 14, for example, and may have a shape such as the lower part of an elongated cylindrical shape with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction.

[0034] Furthermore, the upper ends of the second left wall portion 78 and the second right wall portion 80 are positioned differently in the front-rear direction, with the upper end of the rear portion being higher than the upper end of the front portion. Between the front-rear portion of the second left wall portion 78 and the second right wall portion 80, a recess is formed that opens upward and penetrates each wall portion 78, 80 in the thickness direction (left-right direction). Including this recess, a positioned portion 82 is formed that contacts the positioning portions 50 provided on both the left and right sides of the inner housing 26. Similarly, the upper end of the second front wall portion 74 is divided in the left-right direction, and a recess is formed between the left and right portions of the upper end of the second front wall portion 74 that opens upward and penetrates the second front wall portion 74 in the thickness direction (front-rear direction). Including this recess, a positioned portion 82 is formed that contacts the positioning portion 50 provided at the front of the inner housing 26.

[0035] Furthermore, the upper ends of the second front wall portion 74, the second left wall portion 78, and the second right wall portion 80 are each provided with a second flange portion 84 that protrudes outward in the thickness direction. That is, the second flange portion 84 protrudes forward from the second front wall portion 74, and the second flange portion 84 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the second left wall portion 78 and the second right wall portion 80. As described above, the upper end of the second front wall portion 74, the second left wall portion 78, and the second right wall portion 80 are divided by recesses that constitute the respective positioning portions 82. In the first embodiment, a total of six second flange portions 84 are formed in the second divided shell 54. Before fixing with the first divided shell 52, each second flange portion 84 may have a through hole that penetrates each second flange portion 84 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) at a position corresponding to the through hole provided in each first flange portion 68.

[0036] Furthermore, at the lower ends of the second left wall portion 78 and the second right wall portion 80 of the second divided shell 54, pin insertion holes 86 are formed, penetrating each wall portion 78 and 80 in the thickness direction (left-right direction), through which pins (not shown) for fixing the shield shell 18 in the molding cavity during the molding of the outer housing 28, which will be described later, are inserted. In addition, at the lower ends of the second front wall portion 74 and the rear wall portion 76, locking holes 88 are formed on both the left and right sides, penetrating each wall portion 74 and 76 in the thickness direction (front-back direction), through which locking protrusions 100 of the exposure prevention cylinder portion 96, which will be described later, are locked.

[0037] <Shield Sleeve 90> The shield shell 18 is formed when the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 are superimposed on the inner housing 26 from both the upper and lower sides and fixed to each other. At that time, the first divided sleeve 56 and the second divided sleeve 70 are superimposed on the shield member (braided wire 14) and fixed to each other, thereby forming the shield sleeve 90 fixed to the braided wire 14.

[0038] Specifically, the first divided shell 52 is superimposed on the inner housing 26 from above, positioned relative to the inner housing 26, by inserting the positioning parts 50 on the inner housing 26 into the recessed positioning parts 66 provided on the front and left and right sides. Similarly, the second divided shell 54 is superimposed on the inner housing 26 from below, positioned relative to the inner housing 26, by inserting the positioning parts 50 on the recessed positioning parts 82 provided on the front and left and right sides. In other words, the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 are positioned and arranged so that they can be fixed to each other around the inner housing 26, by having their respective positioning parts 66 and 82 abut against their respective positioning parts 50. Furthermore, when the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 are superimposed on the inner housing 26 from both the upper and lower sides, the first flange portions 68 of the first divided shell 52 and the second flange portions 84 of the second divided shell 54 are superimposed on each other in the vertical direction.

[0039] The method of fixing the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 is not limited, but in Embodiment 1, the first flange portions 68 and second flange portions 84, which overlap each other, are fixed to each other by crimping. As a result, as shown in Figure 9 and other figures, when the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 are fixed to each other to form the shield shell 18, a plurality of crimp portions 92 are formed spanning each first flange portion 68 and each second flange portion 84. If through holes are provided in each first flange portion 68 and each second flange portion 84 at corresponding positions, the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 may be positioned relative to each other by using, for example, pins (not shown) inserted through these through holes.

[0040] The first split sleeve 56 extending rearward from the first split shell 52 and the second split sleeve 70 extending rearward from the second split shell 54 are inserted from the front into the annular gap radially between each underlay ring 36 and each braided wire 14 in each terminal-equipped shielded wire 24. In Embodiment 1, the first split sleeve 56 and the second split sleeve 70 are each shaped to have substantially semi-cylindrical portions on both the left and right sides, and these first split sleeve 56 and the second split sleeve 70 are superimposed in the vertical direction to form substantially cylindrical portions on both the left and right sides. The method of fixing the first split sleeve 56 and the second split sleeve 70 is not limited, but in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 9, etc., a crimping ring 94 is fitted onto the substantially semi-cylindrical portions of the first split sleeve 56 and the second split sleeve 70 and crimped to fix them in place. In other words, the shield sleeve 90 is formed by the first divided sleeve 56 and the second divided sleeve 70 being crimped and fixed by the crimping rings 94 in the radial gap between each underlay ring 36 and each braided wire 14.

[0041] Each crimping ring 94 is made of metal, for example, and each crimping ring 94 is fitted onto the outer circumference of each braided wire 14, forming a substantially cylindrical portion on both the left and right sides of the shield sleeve 90, while each braided wire 14 is pressed against the substantially cylindrical portion of the shield sleeve 90. As a result, each braided wire 14 is electrically connected to the shield sleeve 90, and consequently, each braided wire 14 is electrically connected to the shield shell 18.

[0042] <Exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96> As shown in Figure 9, when the shield shell 18 is fixed to the inner housing 26, the tip portion 44 of each terminal 22 protrudes below the shield shell 18 (second divided shell 54). In Embodiment 1, the electromagnetic shield connector 10 is provided with an exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 that surrounds the tip portion 44 of each terminal 22. In particular, in Embodiment 1, a pair of exposure-preventing cylindrical portions 96, 96 are provided that surround each of the tip portions 44 of each terminal 22, and each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is fixed to the second divided shell 54. Each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is formed of the same material as the shield shell 18, for example, and by fixing each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 to the second divided shell 54, each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 and the second divided shell 54 (shield shell 18) are electrically connected and assembled to be energizable.

[0043] Specifically, each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is a roughly rectangular cylindrical shape that penetrates vertically, and the upper end portion of each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is inserted into and fixed to the lower end portion (cylindrical portion 72) of the second divided shell 54. Here, each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is provided with an engaging portion 98 that protrudes outward in the left-right direction on the outward wall portion in the left-right direction. In addition, each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is provided with a locking projection 100 that protrudes outward in the front-rear direction on both wall portions in the front-rear direction. Then, the upper end portion of each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is inserted into the lower end portion of the second divided shell 54, and each engaging portion 98 is inserted into each pin insertion hole 86, and each locking projection 100 is locked into each locking hole 88, thereby fixing each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 to the second divided shell 54. In other words, in Embodiment 1, each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is fixed using the pin insertion holes 86 that are used when molding the outer housing 28.

[0044] Further, above each engaging portion 98 and each locking projection 100 in each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96, a plurality of elastic abutting pieces 102 provided in a raised state are provided. Before each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96 is inserted into the second split shell 54, these elastic abutting pieces 102 project outward in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. When each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96 is inserted into the second split shell 54, each elastic abutting piece 102 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the second split shell 54 (cylindrical portion 72) and elastically deformed inward in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. Due to the elastic restoring deformation against this elastic deformation, each elastic abutting piece 102 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 72, and the contact pressure between each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96 and the second split shell 54 is ensured.

[0045] Similarly, below each engaging portion 98 and each locking projection 100 in each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96, a plurality of elastic abutting pieces 104 provided in a raised state are provided. Before the electromagnetic shield connector 10 is connected to a mating connector 122 described later, these elastic abutting pieces 104 project outward in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. When the electromagnetic shield connector 10 is connected to the mating connector 122, each elastic abutting piece 104 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion 128 in the housing 20 of the mating connector 122 and elastically deformed inward in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. Due to the elastic restoring deformation against this elastic deformation, each elastic abutting piece 104 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 128, and the contact pressure between each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96 and the housing 20 is ensured. As a result, each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96, and thus the shield shell 18 and the housing 20, are electrically connected.

[0046] <Outer housing 28> The outer housing 28 is molded outside the shield shell 18. In Embodiment 1, substantially the entire surface of the shield shell 18 except the lower part is covered by the outer housing 28. That is, the outer housing 28 has a box-shaped portion 106 that covers the shield shell 18 from above and is open substantially downward, and a flange-shaped protrusion that projects from the lower opening of the box-shaped portion 106 to the outer peripheral side and is overlapped with the housing 20 and attached when connected to a mating connector 122 described later. And a mounting portion 108. Further, the outer housing 28 includes a substantially cylindrical lower protruding portion 110 that protrudes downward from the mounting portion 108. Furthermore, the outer housing 28 covers the front portion of each shielded electric wire 24 with terminals that extends rearward from the shield shell 18 in addition to the shield shell 18, and has a rear protruding portion 111 that protrudes rearward from the box-shaped portion 106 and covers the front portion of each shielded electric wire 24 with terminals. Each rear protruding portion 111 reaches the front portion of each shrink tube 40 that is externally inserted into each outer insulating coating 34.

[0047] And a collar 112 is fixed to the mounting portion 108 in a substantially embedded state, and the electromagnetic shield connector 10 is fixed to the mating connector 122 by a bolt 114 inserted through the collar 112. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a substantially annular seal rubber 116 and a front retainer 118 are externally inserted and mounted on the lower protruding portion 110, and the front retainer 118 prevents the seal rubber 116 from falling off.

[0048] In Embodiment 1, the outer housing 28 is formed as an integrally molded product (secondary molded product 120) that integrally includes the shield shell 18 (and the primary molded product 51). That is, when molding the outer housing 28, the outer housing 28 is molded with the shield shell 18 (and the front portion of the primary molded product 51) set in the molding cavity of the outer housing 28. As shown in FIG. 10, an outer housing 28 (secondary molded product 120) that integrally includes the shield shell 18 (and the primary molded product 51) is formed.

[0049] <Mating Connector 122> The structure of the mating connector 122 to which the electromagnetic shielding connector 10 according to this disclosure is connected is not limited, but a specific example of the mating connector 122 is shown in Figures 1 and 2, etc. The mating connector 122 is a connector provided in electrical equipment such as an inverter, and since the electromagnetic shielding connector 10 of Embodiment 1 is the male connector, the mating connector 122 is the female connector. Therefore, the mating connector 122 is equipped with mating terminals (female terminals) 124 to which each terminal (male terminal) 22 of the electromagnetic shielding connector 10 is connected. As the mating terminal 124 is a female terminal, a known female terminal structure is adopted, so a description is omitted.

[0050] The housing 20, which holds the mating connector 122, has a through hole 126 that penetrates the housing 20 in the thickness direction (vertical direction), and each mating terminal 124 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 126. As a result, each terminal 22 and each mating terminal 124 can be connected by inserting the lower part of the electromagnetic shielding connector 10 through the through hole 126. The housing 20 is provided with a cylindrical portion 128 that protrudes upward from the periphery of the through hole 126. When the electromagnetic shielding connector 10 and the mating connector 122 are connected, the mounting portion 108 of the outer housing 28 is superimposed on the cylindrical portion 128 in the vertical direction, and the elastic contact pieces 104 of each exposure prevention cylindrical portion 96 come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 128.

[0051] <Assembly of the Electromagnetic Shielding Connector 10> The following describes a specific example of how to assemble the electromagnetic shielding connector 10. However, the assembly method of the electromagnetic shielding connector 10 is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0052] First, as shown in Figure 6, each core wire 30 is exposed at the terminal (front end) of each shielded wire 16, and each core wire 30 is fixed to the base end 42 of each terminal 22 by welding or the like. This completes each shielded wire 24 with terminals. In each shielded wire 24 with terminals, as described above, the braided wire 14 is exposed at a position separated by a predetermined distance rearward from the exposed portion of each core wire 30.

[0053] Then, with the front portions of each of these terminal-equipped shielded wires 24 set in the molding cavity of the inner housing 26, the inner housing 26 is molded to form an inner housing 26 (primary molded product 51) integrally equipped with each terminal-equipped shielded wire 24, as shown in Figure 7.

[0054] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 8, each adhesive tube 38, each heat shrink tube 40, and each crimping ring 94 are fitted onto each terminal-equipped shielded wire 24, and the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 are brought close to the inner housing 26 from both the upper and lower sides. Then, the positioning parts 50 are inserted into each positioning part 66, 82, and the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 are assembled to the inner housing 26. As a result, each first flange part 68 of the first divided shell 52 and each second flange part 84 of the second divided shell 54 are overlapped in the vertical direction. In addition, the first divided sleeve 56 and the second divided sleeve 70 are inserted between the base ring 36 and the braided wire 14 in the radial direction. Then, the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 are fixed by crimping at the overlapping portion of each first flange part 68 and each second flange part 84. Furthermore, from the state shown in Figure 8, each crimping ring 94 is moved forward and the first divided sleeve 56 and the second divided sleeve 70 are crimped and fixed together to form the shield sleeve 90. As a result, the shield shell 18 is assembled to the inner housing 26 (primary molded product 51) as shown in Figure 9.

[0055] Next, the shield shell 18 (and the front portion of the primary molded product 51) and each collar 112 are set in the molding cavity of the outer housing 28 as shown in Figure 9, and the outer housing 28 is molded. This forms an outer housing 28 (secondary molded product 120) integrally equipped with the shield shell 18 (and primary molded product 51), as shown in Figure 10. During the molding of the outer housing 28, the shield shell 18 is held in place within the molding cavity of the outer housing 28 by pins (not shown) inserted through each pin insertion hole 86.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 11, the seal rubber 116 and the front retainer 118 are fitted onto the downward protrusion 110 of the outer housing 28. Then, each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is inserted from below into the lower end portion (cylindrical portion 72) of the second split shell 54, and each engaging portion 98 is fitted into each pin insertion hole 86, and each locking projection 100 is locked into each locking hole 88. In this way, each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 is assembled to the shield shell 18, and the electromagnetic shield connector 10 of Embodiment 1 is completed. In the electromagnetic shield connector 10 formed in this way, the braided wire 14, the shield shell 18, and each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 are electrically connected.

[0057] <Connection between electromagnetic shield connector 10 and mating connector 122> The electromagnetic shield connector 10 manufactured as described above is inserted into the mating connector 122 from a position facing each other vertically as shown in Figure 2, with the lower part of the electromagnetic shield connector 10 inserted through the through hole 126 of the housing 20. As a result, each male terminal 22 is inserted into each female mating terminal 124, and each terminal 22 and each mating terminal 124 are electrically connected. In this way, the electromagnetic shield connector 10 and the mating connector 122 are electrically connected. Furthermore, as each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 128 of the housing 20, each elastic contact piece 104 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 128, and each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96 and the housing 20 are electrically connected. As a result, the braided wire 14 to the housing 20 is electrically connected, and the housing 20 is connected to earth, thereby forming an earth path (ground line) from the braided wire 14 to the housing 20. As a result, each shielded wire 16 exhibits an electromagnetic shielding effect due to each shielding member (each braided wire 14).

[0058] With the electromagnetic shield connector 10 having the structure described above, even when each terminal 22 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of each shield wire 16, the shield shell 18 can be stably formed around the inner housing 26 by making the shield shell 18 a divided structure of a first divided shell 52 and a second divided shell 54. In addition, by making the shield sleeve 90 connected to the braided wire 14, which is the shielding member, a divided structure of a first divided sleeve 56 and a second divided sleeve 70, a stable connection between the braided wire 14 and the shield shell 18 can be achieved. Furthermore, by making the shield shell 18 covered with an outer housing 28 made of synthetic resin, problems such as rust occurring due to salt damage and the electromagnetic shield connector 10 and the mating connector 122 becoming stuck and unable to be removed are prevented.

[0059] In particular, the first split shell 52 has first flange portions 68 protruding from it, and the second split shell 54 has second flange portions 84 protruding from it, and the first split shell 52 and the second split shell 54 are fixed together by crimping the overlapping portions of the first flange portions 68 and the second flange portions 84. In addition, the first split sleeve 56 and the second split sleeve 70 are fixed together by externally inserting and crimping the crimping rings 94. This reduces the number of parts compared to fixing the first split shell 52 and the second split shell 54 with bolts, for example.

[0060] Each positioning portion 50 is provided on the outer surface of the inner housing 26, and each positioned portion 66, 82 is formed on the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54, with which each positioning portion 50 abuts. As a result, when assembling the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 to the inner housing 26, the positioned portions 66, 82 can be brought into contact with each positioning portion 50 during assembly, allowing the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 to be stably overlapped. As a result, the crimping and fixing of the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 can be achieved more reliably.

[0061] The second split shell 54 is provided with pin insertion holes 86 through which pins (not shown) are inserted during the molding of the outer housing 28, and each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96 is provided with an engagement portion 98, and each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96 is fixed to the second split shell 54 by the engagement portion 98 with each pin insertion hole 86. In other words, by cleverly utilizing the pin insertion holes 86 required during the molding of the outer housing 28, each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96 can be fixed to the second split shell 54, thus reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure compared to providing a separate fixing structure between the second split shell 54 and each exposure prevention cylinder portion 96. Furthermore, since each pin insertion hole 86 is closed by each engagement portion 98, the intrusion of foreign matter through each pin insertion hole 86 can be prevented.

[0062] <Modifications> Although Embodiment 1 has been described in detail above as a specific example of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited by this specific description. Modifications, improvements, etc., to the extent that they can achieve the purpose of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure. For example, the following modifications of the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] (1) In the above embodiment, each terminal 22 was shaped to extend in a substantially straight line and protruded in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction (front-to-back direction) of each shield wire 16 (downward). However, for example, the terminal may be L-shaped, and it is sufficient that the tip of the terminal protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the shield wire.

[0064] (2) In the above embodiment, the first divided shell 52 and the second divided shell 54 were fixed together by crimping, but the first divided shell and the second divided shell may be fixed together by known fixing methods such as welding or bolting. Similarly, in the above embodiment, the first divided sleeve 56 and the second divided sleeve 70 were fixed together by crimping rings 94, but the first divided sleeve and the second divided sleeve may be fixed together by known fixing methods such as welding or bolting.

[0065] (3) In the above embodiment, the second divided shell 54 and each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion 96 were fixed using the pin insertion holes 86 used when molding the outer housing 28. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the second divided shell and each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion may be fixed by a different fixing method than in the above embodiment. The second divided shell and each exposure-preventing cylindrical portion do not need to be formed as separate parts, and the second divided shell may be formed to a length that covers the tip of each terminal.

[0066] (4) In the above embodiment, the shield sleeve 90, which consists of a first divided sleeve 56 and a second divided sleeve 70, was shaped to have a substantially cylindrical portion on both the left and right sides. However, the shield sleeve may also be shaped to have a substantially oval portion that covers both the left and right braided wires, in which case the crimping ring may also be a corresponding substantially oval shape. In addition, in the above embodiment, a pair of exposure-preventing cylindrical portions 96, 96 were provided to cover the tip portions 44 of each terminal 22. However, a single rectangular cylindrical exposure-preventing cylindrical portion with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction may also be provided.

[0067] 10 Electromagnetic shield connector 12 Electric wire 14 Braided wire (shielding material) 16 Shielded electric wire 18 Shield shell 20 Housing 22 Terminal 24 Shielded electric wire with terminal 26 Inner housing 28 Outer housing 30 Core wire 32 Inner insulation coating 34 Outer insulation coating 36 Underlay ring 38 Adhesive tube 40 Heat shrink tube 42 Base end 44 Tip end 46 Protective part 48 Weight reduction part 50 Positioning part 51 Primary molded product 52 First split shell 54 Second split shell 56 First split sleeve 58 Top wall part 60 First front wall part 62 First left wall part 64 First right wall part 66 Positioning part 68 First flange part 70 Second split sleeve 72 Cylindrical part 74 Second front wall part 76 Rear wall part 78 Second left wall portion 80 Second right wall portion 82 Positioning portion 84 Second flange portion 86 Pin insertion hole 88 Locking hole 90 Shield sleeve 92 Crimping portion 94 Crimping ring 96 Exposure prevention cylindrical portion 98 Engaging portion 100 Locking projection 102, 104 Elastic contact piece 106 Box-shaped portion 108 Mounting portion 110 Downward projection 111 Rearward projection 112 Collar 114 Bolt 116 Seal rubber 118 Front retainer 120 Secondary molded product 122 Mating connector 124 Mating terminal 126 Through hole 128 Cylindrical portion

Claims

1. A shielded wire with a terminal attached to the end of the shielded wire; an inner housing that houses the terminal; a shield shell disposed outside the inner housing and surrounding the terminal; and an outer housing disposed outside the shield shell, wherein the terminal includes a base end attached to the end of the shielded wire and a tip connected to the base end and projecting in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the shielded wire; the shield shell includes a first segmented shell covering the base end of the terminal and a second segmented shell fixed to the first segmented shell with the tip of the terminal inserted through it, constituting the shield shell; the first segmented shell integrally has a first segmented sleeve connected to a shield member exposed at the end of the shielded wire; and the second segmented shell integrally has a second segmented sleeve connected to a shield member exposed at the end of the shielded wire. An electromagnetic shield connector in which the first divided sleeve and the second divided sleeve are fixed to each other in a state where they are superimposed on the shield member, thereby forming a shield sleeve fixed to the shield member.

2. The first divided shell and the second divided shell are fixed to each other by crimping to constitute the shield shell, and the first divided sleeve and the second divided sleeve are fixed to each other by crimping to constitute the shield sleeve, as described in claim 1.

3. The electromagnetic shielding connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner housing has a positioning portion provided on its outer surface, and the positioning portions provided on the first divided shell and the second divided shell respectively abut the positioning portion, so that the first divided shell and the second divided shell are positioned and arranged to be fixed to each other around the inner housing.

4. The electromagnetic shielding connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer housing is molded on the outside of the shield shell, the second split shell has a pin insertion hole, and an engagement portion of an exposure prevention cylinder, which surrounds the tip of the terminal and is assembled to the second split shell in a way that allows current to pass through, engages with the pin insertion hole.

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