Connector Terminal Layout for Compact Housing and Void-Free Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thickness of the connector housing increases when the extending portions of the terminal fittings are inclined away from the fixing plate, leading to voids during molding.
Innovation Solution
The second extending portion of the terminal is arranged obliquely with respect to the first extending portion, with the wire connecting portion located outwardly of the plate's end edge, reducing the thickness of the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the extending portions of the terminal fittings are inclined more away from the fixing plate toward the radially outer side of the receptacle, then the distance between the fixing plate and the extending portion in the plate thickness direction increases, but the thickness of the housing increases and voids are formed during molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension parallel arrangement to a multi-dimensional oblique arrangement. The second extending portion extends obliquely with respect to the first extending portion, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This allows the wire connecting portion to be positioned outwardly of the plate's end edge while maintaining compact overall dimensions and avoiding housing thickness increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal fitting's extending portion is divided into two segments: the first extending portion extending in parallel to the fixing plate, and the second extending portion extending obliquely from the first. This segmentation allows each portion to serve a specific function while collectively achieving wire draw-out without increasing housing thickness.
2Ease of operation
If the thickness of the housing is increased to accommodate the inclined extending portions, then the wire draw-out is facilitated, but voids are formed in the housing during molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the extending portions, specifically the angle and direction of the second extending portion. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves adequate wire routing space without requiring increased housing thickness, thereby preventing molding voids.
3Volume of moving object
If the extending portions are arranged parallel to the fixing plate, then the housing thickness can be kept compact, but the wire connecting portion cannot be positioned outwardly of the plate's end edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (oblique direction) to position the wire connecting portion outwardly of the plate's end edge. This multi-dimensional arrangement achieves wire connection ease while maintaining compact housing dimensions, resolving the contradiction between compact size and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector 10 is provided with a plurality of terminals, a plurality of wires, a housing made of resin and including a tubular receptacle and a holding portion projecting from the receptacle, and a plate projecting from the housing toward an outer peripheral side of the receptacle. The terminal includes a first extending portion arranged side by side with the plate in a plate thickness direction of the plate and extending in parallel to the plate and a second extending portion extending to the outer side from the first extending portion. The first extending portion, the second extending portion and the plate are embedded in the holding portion. The second extending portion extends obliquely with respect to the first extending portion to be more separated from the plate in the plate thickness direction toward the outer side.