JP2013016384A - Connector structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector structure that is miniaturized by integrating plural connectors, and in which connectors are easily inserted.SOLUTION: A driving device 10 has a transaxle 12 and a power conversion device 11, and the transaxle 12 has motor generators MG1(13), MG2(14) and a differential gear (15) sequentially from the front side of a vehicle. A second connector 23 connecting the respective motor generators 13, 14 and the power conversion device 11 is provided above the transaxle 12. The power conversion device 11 is arranged on the transaxle 12, and has a first connector 21 connecting the respective motor generators 13, 14. A connector structure 20 has a power cable 22 connecting the first connector 21 and the second connector 23. Connectors connected to the two motor generators 13, 14 are integrated into one connector with an opening, and made mountable from side faces of the power conversion device 11 and the transaxle 12.

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector structure for connecting a plurality of motor generators and a single power converter.

  As environmentally friendly vehicles, electric vehicles that run on battery power and hybrid vehicles that run on engine driving power and battery power are known. Such a power conversion device mounted on a vehicle is also called a power control unit (PCU). The power conversion device incorporates an inverter, a boost converter, and the like that control battery power in order to convert the DC power of the battery into AC power and supply driving power to the motor generator.

  Since power converters handle high voltages and large currents, high connection reliability is required for connectors that connect batteries and motor generators to power converters. As a connector with improved connection reliability, for example, a connector described in Patent Document 1 is known. This connector holds a first housing that holds a first terminal that can be connected to a terminal on the equipment side by bolting, and holds a second terminal that is fixed to a terminal portion of the electric wire, and can be fitted into the first housing. A second housing, and a work hole for a bolting operation of the connecting portion is opened in the fitting portion of both housings. With such a structure, a bolt can be inserted into the fitting portion of the housing from the working hole, and a strong connection can be achieved by bolting the bolt insertion holes of the first terminal and the second terminal that are arranged overlapping in the fitting portion. I have to.

  On the other hand, along with the popularization of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, miniaturization of electronic devices such as power transistors, capacitors and resistors, and improvement of performance of component parts such as large-capacity smoothing capacitors and reactors have led to miniaturization of power converters. However, it is difficult to reduce the size of the connector that connects the power converter that handles a high voltage and a large current and the motor generator in order to maintain connection reliability. For this reason, the occupied space rate of the connector with respect to the power converter device to reduce in size is increasing.

JP 2009-32500 A

  In the power conversion device, when the PCU which is a power conversion device is mounted on a transaxle having two motor generators and a differential gear, and the motor generator and the PCU are connected by a power cable, the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above is used. It is necessary to connect two power cables, and to provide an interlock switch for each.

  Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the connector structure formed by two connectors, if the transaxle side has two fronts and the PCU side has one front as a connector to connect two sets of three-phase AC lines, Is not only difficult to construct a shield, but also difficult to reduce the production cost of the power cable. Also, if the connector has a single slot, the occupied space ratio of the connector with respect to the PCU is reduced. This increases the insertion force and makes it difficult to insert the connector. This is considered that the frictional resistance generated between the connector side surface and the shaft seal and the deformation resistance of rubber increase due to the increase in the peripheral length of the shaft seal.

  Further, when the bus bars on the PCU side and the connector side are respectively fixed, the tolerances of each other cannot be absorbed, and a large stress is applied to the fixed root, so that the connector can be prevented from cracking due to the stress. It is necessary to increase the strength. Increasing the strength of the connector increases the size of the connector. In addition, when the connector is connected to the lower part of the PCU due to the configuration of the PCU, it is necessary to fasten the connector terminal with a bolt from the lateral direction, and it may be difficult to insert the connector, which may reduce the mounting workability.

  Therefore, the connector structure according to the present invention aims to provide a connector structure in which a plurality of connectors are integrated and downsized while maintaining connection reliability, and the connector can be easily inserted.

  In order to achieve the above object, a connector structure according to the present invention is a connector structure for connecting a plurality of motor generators and a single power converter, and the connector of the power converter having a single frontage is A plurality of connector terminals connected to a plurality of motor generators are accommodated, and the connector of the motor generator is drawn into the connector of the power converter by bolting to fasten the connector terminals to each other, and the connector of the motor generator and the connector of the power converter And the inner and outer peripheries thereof are sealed by shaft seals, and the connector insertion direction of the motor generator and the bolt insertion direction for fastening the connector terminals to each other are the same direction.

  In the connector structure according to the present invention, the connector of the motor generator has a holder that holds each connector terminal so as to be displaceable in the axis insertion direction, and the holder is formed of an elastic body and is generated by bolting. It absorbs the position shift of each connector terminal.

  In the connector structure according to the present invention, the connector terminals are arranged in a single opening in a horizontal example or in two horizontal rows, and the single opening after the connector is fastened is sealed by a lid.

  In the connector structure according to the present invention, the connector of the motor generator has a bolt that pulls in the connector of the power conversion device with a bolt arranged near the center of gravity of the connector and fastens the connector terminals together. To do.

  By using the connector structure according to the present invention, there is an effect that even if the insertion force of the connector strengthened by using one connector of the connector of the power conversion device, it can be easily connected. Moreover, even if it becomes a case where attachment becomes difficult by the attachment position of a connector and attachment workability | operativity falls, there exists an effect that a connector can be attached, without reducing workability | operativity.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the connector structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the connector structure concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector structure shown in FIG. 2. It is explanatory drawing explaining the attachment method of the connector structure shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the attachment method of the connector structure shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining 2nd Embodiment of the connector structure shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining 3rd Embodiment of the connector structure shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining 4th Embodiment of the connector structure shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a connector structure 20 in a drive device 10 for an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The drive device 10 includes a transaxle 12 and a power converter 11, and the transaxle 12 includes motor generators MG1 (13) and MG2 (14) and a differential gear (diff: 15) from the front of the vehicle. 12 includes a second connector 23 for connecting the motor generators 13 and 14 to the power converter 11. The power conversion device 11 is disposed on the transaxle 12 and has a first connector 21 connected to each motor generator 13, 14, and the connector structure 20 includes a power cable 22 connecting the first connector 21 and the second connector 23. Have. The power cable 22 supplies a U-phase, a V-phase, and a W-phase to a motor generator that is a three-phase AC motor.

  One of the characteristic matters in the present embodiment is that the connectors for connecting the two motor generators 13 and 14 are integrated into a connector having one opening so that the power converter 11 and the transaxle 12 can be attached from the side surfaces. That is. In addition, the 1st connector 21 and the 2nd connector 23 have a male connector and a female connector, respectively, and are electrically connected by each connector arrange | positioned in a horizontal opening in a single opening fitting. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to reduce the size of the connector structure by reducing the number of connectors and reducing the bolts for securing the connector itself to the case.

  FIG. 2 shows a male connector (first connector 21) that fits into the female connector of the power converter 11. The male connector includes a power cable 22 extending from the motor generator, a connector housing 24 holding the MG1 terminal 26 and the MG2 terminal 27, and a case that fits into the female connector and contacts the inner surface of the case to seal the inside of the connector housing 24. And a seal 25. Further, a fixed pull-in bolt 28 for fixing the connector and attaching the connector is attached to the MG2 terminal 27 near the center of gravity of the male connector.

  In the present embodiment, since the connectors connected to the two motor generators 13 and 14 are integrated into a connector having one opening, the seal circumferential length is longer than that of the conventional connector, and the inner surface of the case of the power conversion device Since the frictional resistance becomes as large as about 100N to 150N, a large insertion force is required during assembly. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the connector insertion direction and the bolt fastening direction are matched, and the fixed retractable bolt 28 is temporarily fixed to the MG2 terminal 27 in advance, and the fixed retractable bolt 28 is attached to the screw portion of the female connector at the time of assembly. The male connector can be inserted into the female connector by inserting and tightening the screw with an impact driver or the like. Needless to say, the fixed pull-in bolt 28 is temporarily fixed to the MG2 terminal 27 with a retaining process using a C-ring or the like, and the MG2 terminal 27 has sufficient strength to withstand the insertion force.

  FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the connector structure (male connector and female connector) in FIG. The male connector is fixed to the first terminal block 31 that is a female connector attached to the power converter case 33 by the fixed pull-in bolt 28 and other fixing bolts. Here, in order to define the position of the male connector and the first terminal block 31, the power converter case 33 is provided with a recess for positioning the first terminal block 31, and the convex portion of the first terminal block 31 is The MG2 terminal 27 is positioned via the power converter case 33 and the connector housing 24. The MG2 terminal 27 of the power cable 22 is positioned by the connector housing 24 and connected to the MG2 bus bar 32 of the first terminal block 31 and is connected to the circuit of the power converter. After the fixed lead-in bolt 28 for fastening the MG2 terminal 27 is attached, the opening of the connector housing 24 is sealed, and a shield shell 29 for electromagnetic shielding is attached so as to cover the connector housing 24. In the following, redundant description is omitted for the configurations that have already been described.

  4 and 5 show a method of attaching the first connector structure in FIG. 1, and show the positioning of the MG2 terminal 27 and the MG2 bus bar 32 of the first terminal block 31. FIG. One of the characteristic features in this embodiment is that the tolerance is absorbed by the case seal 25. There are two types of tolerance absorption, one using the deformation of the case seal shown in FIG. 4 in the axial direction and the other within the movable distance of the case seal 25 shown in FIG.

  First, deformation of the case seal in the shaft outer periphery direction will be described with reference to FIG. The distance from the center of the screw hole 34 of the first terminal block 31 fixed to the power converter case 33 to the reference surface 33b of the power converter case 33 is L1. The distance to the outer periphery 24a is L2. Here, the case seal 25 can reduce the load applied to the terminal by tightening the bolt when assembling the connector by absorbing the tolerance of L1-L2. The reference surface 33b is set on the side where the MG2 terminal is disposed.

  Next, tolerance absorption within the movable distance of the case seal 25 will be described with reference to FIG. The movable distance is such that the connector housing 24 approaches the first terminal block 31 and the case seal 25 comes into contact with the reference surface 33b of the power converter case 33 from the place where the fixed pull-in bolt 28 is inserted into the screw hole 34 to be sealed. This movable distance is equal to the tightening length of the fixed pull-in bolt 28. Since the fixed pull-in bolt 28 is attached at a position close to the center of gravity of the connector housing 24, it restricts backlash when assembling the connector, and the tolerance is gradually reduced (or accustomed) as the connector moves. It becomes possible to contact each other. Next, an embodiment that enables tolerance absorption more positively will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the first connector structure in FIG. In the second embodiment, the MG1 terminal 26 and the MG2 terminal 27 are collectively sealed with a family seal of a U-shaped grommet 43 that is an elastic body (rubber, silicon rubber, butyl rubber, etc.) The U-shaped grommet 43 fits into the connector housing 42. The U-shaped grommet 43 is caulked by a caulking ring 51 with a knitted strand 44 for electromagnetic shielding, and the U-shaped grommet 43 has a seal labyrinth portion 45. Further, a fixed pull-in bolt 28 is inserted into a terminal near the center of gravity of the first connector structure, and the U-shaped grommet 43 is assembled to the connector housing 42 by tightening the fixed pull-in bolt 28 into a screw hole at a mounting destination. Improved handling of connector insertion work.

  7 shows a third embodiment of the first connector structure in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 (A) is a first terminal block 48 provided in the power converter case 33, and FIG. 7 (B) is a grommet. It is the 1st connector 41 sealed collectively. One of the characteristic matters in the present embodiment is that the power cable connected to the MG1 terminal 26 and the MG2 terminal 27 is collectively sealed with the family seal of the U-shaped grommet 43 to form a power cable penetration type connector. That is. By adopting such a configuration, the insertion force when inserting the connector is reduced by omitting the resin connector housing, and the tolerance of the fastening direction is secured by the flexibility of the U-shaped grommet 43. ing.

  The connector assembly procedure is as follows. First connector 41 in FIG. 7B is attached to first terminal block 48 in FIG. 7A, closely attached to a groove that fits U-shaped grommet 43, and a face seal service cover from above. Surface sealing is performed by fixing 49 with bolts. Furthermore, the terminal portion of FIG. 7B is divided and assembled by having a lump braid wire 44 and caulking ring 51 for electromagnetic shielding, and a seal labyrinth portion 45 in the U-shaped grommet 43. Also, the assembly to the first terminal block 48 is facilitated.

  FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the first connector in FIG. One of the characteristic features of this embodiment is that terminals are arranged in two horizontal rows in a single opening, and the shield shell 47 is similarly a lid that covers the two horizontal rows of terminals. With this configuration, it is possible to limit the lateral width. Further, the fixed pull-in bolt 28 is temporarily fixed to a terminal near the center of gravity of the first connector, thereby facilitating attachment to the terminal block.

  As described above, by using the connector structure according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily connect even if the insertion force of the connector is increased by using one connector of the power converter. . Moreover, even if it becomes a case where attachment becomes difficult by the attachment position of a connector and attachment workability | operativity falls, attachment of a connector is attained, without reducing workability | operativity. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the male connector and the female connector have been described as examples, but they may be replaced.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Drive device, 11 Power converter, 12 Transaxle, 13, 14 Motor generator, 20 Connector structure, 21, 41 1st connector, 22 Power cable, 23 2nd connector, 24 Connector housing, 24a outer periphery, 25 Case seal, 26 MG1 terminal, 27 MG2 terminal, 28 fixed lead-in bolt, 29 shield shell, 31, 48 first terminal block, 32 MG2 bus bar, 33 power converter case, 33b reference plane, 34 screw hole, 43 U-shaped Grommet, 44 Bulk braided wire, 45 Seal labyrinth, 47 Shield shell, 49-side seal service cover, 51 Caulking.

Claims (4)

In the connector structure that connects multiple motor generators and a single power converter,
The connector of the power converter having a single frontage accommodates a plurality of connector terminals connected to a plurality of motor generators,
The connector of the motor generator is drawn into the connector of the power converter by bolting to fasten the connector terminals together,
The connector of the motor generator and the connector of the power converter are fitted, and the inner and outer circumferences are sealed with a shaft seal,
A connector structure characterized in that the connector insertion direction of the motor generator and the bolt insertion direction for fastening the connector terminals are the same. The connector structure according to claim 1,
The motor generator connector has a holder for holding each connector terminal so as to be displaceable in the shaft insertion direction,
The holder is formed of an elastic body and absorbs a positional shift of each connector terminal generated by bolting. The connector structure according to claim 1,
The connector terminals are arranged in one horizontal case or two horizontal rows in a single opening,
A single opening after fastening a connector is sealed by a lid. The connector structure according to claim 1,
The connector of a motor generator has a bolt which pulls in the connector of a power converter with the volt | bolt arrange | positioned in the gravity center position vicinity of the said connector, and fastens connector terminals.

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