JP2013182806A - Electric connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve reliability of an electrical connection with an opposite-side connector by strongly coupling a tubular part of a female type terminal member to which a male type terminal of the opposite-side connector is inserted to an elastic member.SOLUTION: A tubular part 13 into which an opposite-side terminal is inserted, is formed in a terminal member 12 provided within a connector housing of an electric connector. Furthermore, in a circumferential portion of the tubular part 13, an elastic member 16 is mounted which ensures an electrical connection between the opposite-side terminal and the terminal member by being brought into contact with the opposite-side terminal while being elastically deformed when the opposite-side terminal is inserted into the tubular part. The elastic member 16 extends, on an outer circumferential surface of the tubular part, from a rear end side of the outer circumferential surface to the front end side thereof, is then folded substantially in an U-shape, passes on a front-side end face of the tubular part, reaches an inner circumferential surface side from an outer circumferential surface side of the tubular part and then extends, on an inner circumferential surface of the tubular part, from a front end side of the inner circumferential surface toward the rear side thereof. Moreover, a lock part 17D formed in the elastic member is locked to another-side end face of the tubular part.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical connector used for wiring connection of electrical equipment and the like.

  In many cases, a structure in which both terminals are electrically connected by inserting a needle-shaped or pin-shaped male terminal into a cylindrical female terminal is reliable electrical connection between the male terminal and the female terminal. Some mechanism is provided to increase

  For example, a certain type of female terminal is formed with a protruding portion that protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the female terminal. When the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal, the projecting portion is pushed by the male terminal and elastically deforms outward. According to the female terminal in which such an overhang portion is formed, the male terminal is pushed by the overhang portion within the female terminal and reliably contacts the overhang portion or the inner peripheral surface of the female terminal. The reliability of electrical connection between the female terminal and the female terminal can be increased.

  In the case of an electrical connector for low current, since the female terminal can be formed of a relatively thin metal plate, the overhanging portion that can be elastically deformed as described above can be easily obtained by bending a part of the female terminal. Can be formed. However, in the case of an electrical connector for high current, since the female terminal is formed of a relatively thick metal plate, the protruding portion that can be elastically deformed as described above by bending a part of the female terminal. It is difficult to form.

  Therefore, in an electrical connector for high current, in many cases, a female terminal and an elastic member corresponding to the overhanging portion are respectively separate members, and the female terminal is formed of a relatively thick metal plate, and the elastic member Is formed of a relatively thin metal plate that can be elastically deformed, and an elastic member is attached to the female terminal.

  For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below describe such a configuration. That is, Patent Document 1 includes a connector main body (37) having a box-shaped portion (33) for receiving a male terminal, and a leaf spring (40) disposed in the box-shaped portion, and the length of the leaf spring. The leaf springs are integrally coupled to the box-shaped portion by engaging the standing locking pieces (42) provided on both sides of the one end in the direction with the locking grooves (50) provided on both side walls of the box-shaped portion. An electrical connector (30) is described. Patent Document 2 below describes a relay terminal (10) having a configuration in which an elastic body (30), which is a separate member from the terminal body (20), is attached to the terminal body.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-50178 JP 2005-209517 A

  However, in the electrical connector (30) described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the standing locking pieces (42) provided on both sides of one end in the length direction of the leaf spring (40) are provided on both sides of the box-shaped portion (33). Since it is structured to be locked in the locking groove (50) provided on the wall, the connection between the leaf spring and the box-shaped portion is weak, and when the male terminal is repeatedly inserted and removed, or the male terminal is a female terminal. If the leaf spring is inserted into the female terminal while being inclined with respect to the axis, the leaf spring is displaced with respect to the box-shaped portion, and as a result, the electrical connection between the male terminal and the female terminal is reliable. May decrease. Moreover, it is not easy to process a thick metal plate to form a locking groove in the box-shaped portion, compared to a case of processing a thin metal plate.

  Moreover, since the relay terminal (10) described in the said patent document 2 is only attached by pinching | pinching an elastic body (30) with the partition wall (21) of a terminal main body (20) with elastic force, it is elastic. The connection between the body and the terminal body is weak. For this reason, when this structure is adopted in an electrical connector that is frequently attached and detached, like the electrical connection terminal described in Patent Document 1, the elastic body is easily displaced with respect to the terminal body. There is a risk that the reliability of the electrical connection between the male terminal and the female terminal is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tubular portion of a female terminal member into which a male terminal of a mating connector is inserted, and a separate part from this. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector that can be firmly coupled to an elastic member that is a member and can increase the reliability of electrical connection with a mating connector.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a first electrical connector of the present invention includes a connector housing, a cylinder provided in the connector housing, formed of a conductive material, and a counterpart terminal inserted into one side from one end side. A terminal member in which a connecting portion for connecting a cable is formed on the other side, and a member different from the terminal member, and is attached to a peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion. An elastic member that secures an electrical connection between the mating terminal and the terminal member by contacting the mating terminal inserted into the mating terminal in an elastically deformed state, and the elastic member includes the cylindrical member. A member supporting portion that supports the peripheral portion, and a contact portion that protrudes into the cylindrical portion and contacts the counterpart terminal while elastically deforming when the counterpart terminal is inserted into the cylindrical portion, The support part is the cylinder An outer plate portion extending from the other end side of the cylindrical portion toward one end side on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and connected to the outer plate portion, bent at one end side of the cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical shape A bent part extending from the outer peripheral surface side to the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral part of the part, and connected to the bent part, and on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral part of the cylindrical part from one end side to the other side of the cylindrical part And an inner plate portion that extends toward the outer plate portion, and a locking portion that is locked to the other end portion of the cylindrical portion is formed on the outer plate portion.

  According to the first electrical connector of the present invention, the member support portion of the elastic member extends from the other end side of the cylindrical portion toward the one end side on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and then the cylindrical shape. It bends at one end of the cylindrical portion, reaches from the outer peripheral surface side of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion to the inner peripheral surface side, and then moves from one end side of the cylindrical portion to the other side on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion. It extends. Thus, the member support portion of the elastic member has a structure that holds the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion or wraps around the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion. Thereby, an elastic member can be integrated with the peripheral part of a cylindrical part, and an elastic member and a cylindrical part can be combined firmly.

  Further, in the member support portion of the elastic member, the bent portion contacts or faces one end portion (for example, one side end surface) of the cylindrical portion, and the locking portion contacts the other end portion (for example, the other side end surface) of the cylindrical portion. Alternatively, since they face each other, movement of the elastic member in the axial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion is restricted or prevented. Accordingly, the coupling between the elastic member and the cylindrical portion is strengthened.

  Due to such a strong coupling between the elastic member and the cylindrical portion, the mating terminal (male terminal of the mating connector) is repeatedly inserted and removed, or the mating terminal is inclined with respect to the axis of the cylindrical portion of the terminal member. Even when the elastic member is inserted into the cylindrical portion in this state, the displacement of the elastic member relative to the cylindrical portion can be prevented, and the reliability of electrical connection between the mating terminal and the terminal member can be improved.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a second electrical connector of the present invention includes a connector housing, a cylinder provided in the connector housing, formed of a conductive material, and a counterpart terminal inserted into one side from one end side. A terminal member in which a connecting portion for connecting a cable is formed on the other side, and a member different from the terminal member, and is attached to a peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion. An elastic member that secures an electrical connection between the mating terminal and the terminal member by contacting the mating terminal inserted into the mating terminal in an elastically deformed state, and the elastic member includes the cylindrical member. A member supporting portion that supports the peripheral portion, and a contact portion that protrudes into the cylindrical portion and contacts the counterpart terminal while elastically deforming when the counterpart terminal is inserted into the cylindrical portion, The support part is the cylinder An outer plate portion extending from one end side of the cylindrical portion toward the other end side on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and connected to the outer plate portion, bent at the other end side of the cylindrical portion, and A bent portion that extends from the outer peripheral surface side to the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion that is connected to the bent portion from the other end side of the cylindrical portion. And an inner plate portion extending toward the side, wherein the outer plate portion is formed with a locking portion that is locked to one end portion of the cylindrical portion.

  According to the second electrical connector of the present invention, the member support portion of the elastic member extends from one end side to the other end side of the cylindrical portion on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and then the cylindrical shape. Bends at the other end of the cylindrical portion, reaches from the outer peripheral surface side of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion to the inner peripheral surface side, and then from the other end side of the cylindrical portion on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion It extends toward. Thus, the member support portion of the elastic member has a structure that holds the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion or wraps around the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion. Thereby, an elastic member can be integrated with the peripheral part of a cylindrical part, and an elastic member and a cylindrical part can be combined firmly.

  Further, in the member support portion of the elastic member, the bent portion contacts or faces the other end portion (for example, the other side end surface) of the cylindrical portion, and the locking portion contacts one end portion (for example, one side end surface) of the cylindrical portion. Alternatively, since they face each other, movement of the elastic member in the axial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion is restricted or prevented. Accordingly, the coupling between the elastic member and the cylindrical portion is strengthened.

  Even with such a configuration, the displacement of the elastic member with respect to the cylindrical portion can be prevented, and the reliability of electrical connection between the mating terminal and the terminal member can be improved.

  In order to solve the above problem, the third electrical connector of the present invention is the above-described first or second electrical connector of the present invention, wherein the bent portion of the member support portion of the elastic member is the elastic member. In a state in which the member is separated from the terminal member, the bent portion is bent at an angle larger than 180 degrees from one end portion to the other end portion.

  According to the third electrical connector of the present invention, when the elastic member is separated from the terminal member, the angle of the bending from one end of the bent portion to the other end exceeds 180 degrees, so that the member support portion When the is attached to the cylindrical portion, the member support portion is elastically deformed in the direction in which the inner plate portion and the outer plate portion are separated. In this elastically deformed state, a force is generated in a direction in which the inner plate portion and the outer plate portion approach each other, so that the inner plate portion presses the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, or the outer plate portion. Presses the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion. As a result, the member support portion is firmly supported by the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion.

  According to the present invention, the tubular portion of the female terminal member into which the male terminal of the mating connector is inserted can be firmly coupled to the elastic member that is a member different from the cylindrical portion. The reliability of electrical connection with can be increased.

1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector and a mating connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention seen from the arrow IV-IV direction in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention seen from the arrow V-V direction in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the terminal unit of the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the terminal unit of the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the terminal member to which the elastic member in the terminal unit of the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention was attached. It is sectional drawing which shows the terminal member to which the elastic member in the terminal unit of the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention was attached. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the terminal member and terminal member in the terminal unit of the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged view which shows the bending part of the member support part of the elastic member in the terminal unit of the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows other embodiment etc. of a terminal member in this invention. It is a figure which shows other embodiment about the structure which latches the latching | locking part of the member support part of an elastic member in the other end part of the cylindrical part of a terminal member in this invention, (1) is a terminal member and an elastic member It is sectional drawing which shows each of each of (2), (2) is a bottom view which shows each of each of the terminal member and elastic member seen from the arrow XIV-XIV direction in (1). It is sectional drawing which shows other embodiment about the structure which attaches an elastic member to the cylindrical part of a terminal member in this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the latching state of the terminal unit by the lance part formed in the connector housing in the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the comprehensive terminal shield in the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the cover member in the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the latching state of the 1st cover piece and the 2nd cover piece in the cover member of the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged view which shows the connection detection part in the electrical connector by embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the connection detection part seen from the arrow XXI-XXI direction in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other party connector. It is an enlarged view which shows the other party connection detection part provided in the other party connector.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Overall configuration of electrical connector)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention together with a mating connector. In FIG. 1, an electrical connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electrical connector for high current, and has a double shield structure and a waterproof structure. A plurality of (for example, three) cables 2 are attached to the electrical connector 1. On the other hand, the mating connector 3 is a mating connector to which the electrical connector 1 is detachably connected. For example, the mating connector 3 is attached to an electrical device. The electrical connector 1 can be used together with the mating connector 3 for, for example, electrical connection of an electric vehicle drive system or wiring connection in an electrical circuit. Here, for convenience of explanation, the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions of the electrical connector 1 are defined as indicated by arrows in FIG. According to this, the direction in which the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the mating connector 3 is the forward direction. When the description is made using figures other than FIG. 1, the directions determined here are also followed.

  2 to 6 show the electrical connector 1. 2 is a perspective view showing the electrical connector 1, and FIG. 3 is a view showing a front end face of the electrical connector 1. As shown in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connector 1 seen from the direction of arrows IV-IV in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrical connector 1 seen from the direction of arrows V-V in FIG. is there. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector 1.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the electrical connector 1 includes a connector housing 41, a plurality of (for example, three) terminal units 11, a first seal member 61, a comprehensive terminal shield 71, a second seal member 81, and a cover member. 82 and a connection detection unit 91 (see FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the connector housing 41 is an insulating member that constitutes the outer shell of the electrical connector 1. Each terminal unit 11 is a unit including a terminal member 12 (see FIG. 8) for electrically connecting the signal line 2A (see FIG. 4) of the cable 2 and the mating terminal 6 (see FIG. 22) of the mating connector 3. . Each terminal unit 11 is accommodated in the connector housing 41, and the cable 2 is attached to each terminal unit 11. The first sealing member 61 is formed of rubber or the like, for example, and is a member that seals between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 3 when the mating connector 3 is connected to the electrical connector 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector housing 41 is attached to the front end side. The comprehensive terminal shield 71 is a conductive member that mainly performs electromagnetic shielding inside and outside the electrical connector 1, and is attached to the front end side of the connector housing 41. The second sealing member 81 is formed of, for example, rubber, and is a member that seals the rear end side of the electrical connector 1. The second sealing member 81 is provided for each terminal unit 11 and is attached to each terminal unit 11 as shown in FIG. The cable 2 is attached to the rear end side of the connector housing 41. The cover member 82 is a member that supports the second seal member 81 and restricts the position of each cable 2, and is attached to the rear end side of the connector housing 41. The connection detection unit 91 shown in FIG. 3 is a member for detecting whether or not the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 3 are connected to each other, and is provided on the front end side of the connector housing 41. The connector housing 41, the first seal member 61, the comprehensive terminal shield 71, the second seal member 81, and the cover member 82 constitute a connector unit.

(Terminal unit)
7 to 13 show the terminal unit 11 and a terminal member and an elastic member included in the terminal unit 11. That is, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the terminal unit 11, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal unit 11. 9 is a perspective view showing the terminal member to which the elastic member is attached, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal member to which the elastic member is attached, and FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which the elastic member is attached to the terminal member. It is. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing a bent portion of the member support portion of the elastic member. 13 to 15 show other embodiments of the elastic member and the like in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, each terminal unit 11 includes a terminal member 12, an elastic member 16, a terminal housing 21, and an individual terminal shield 26.

  The terminal member 12 is a member that electrically connects the signal line 2 </ b> A of the cable 2 and the mating terminal 6 of the mating connector 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the terminal member 12 is formed of a conductive material, and is formed, for example, by pressing and bending a single metal plate material. The terminal member 12 includes a cylindrical portion 13 and a connection portion 15.

  The cylindrical portion 13 is a portion that connects the terminal member 12 and the mating terminal 6 of the mating connector 3. The cylindrical portion 13 is disposed on the front side of the terminal member 12. Moreover, it forms in the cylindrical part 13, the square cylinder shape, or the box shape which the front-end side opened, and is extended in the front-back direction from the front-end part of the terminal member 12 to about the intermediate part. When the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 3 are fitted to each other, the mating terminal 6 of the mating connector 3 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 13 from the front end side of the cylindrical portion 13.

  The connecting portion 15 is a portion that connects the signal line 2 </ b> A of the cable 2 to the terminal member 12. The connection portion 15 is formed integrally with the tubular portion 13 and is disposed on the rear side of the terminal member 12. The connection part 15 is provided with a pair of metal plate part arrange | positioned at the left-right direction both sides. By inserting the end of the signal line 2A between these metal plate portions and bending the protruding end side of each metal plate portion so as to surround and tighten the end portion of the signal line 2A, the signal line 2A is connected to the terminal member 12. Can be caulked and fixed.

  In the terminal member 12, a locking recess 19 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper peripheral wall portion of the tubular portion 13 as shown in FIG. 10. A rear end portion of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13 is a lance contact portion 20. As shown in FIG. 4, when the terminal member 12 is accommodated in the terminal housing 21, the terminal recess 21 of the terminal housing 21 is engaged with the locking recess 19, and the terminal member is connected to the lance contact portion 20. The tip of the locking lance 33 comes into contact. Thereby, the terminal member 12 is supported and fixed to the terminal housing 21.

  The elastic member 16 is a member having a function of ensuring electrical connection between the mating terminal 6 and the terminal member 12. The elastic member 16 is a member different from the terminal member 12 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the elastic member 16 is attached to a part of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 13 of the terminal member 12, for example, the lower peripheral wall portion 14. The elastic member 16 is formed of a conductive material and is electrically connected to the terminal member 12 by being attached to the terminal member 12. The elastic member 16 is thinner than the metal plate forming the terminal member 12, and is formed of a metal material having elasticity. The elastic member 16 is formed, for example, by pressing and bending such a single metal plate. As shown in FIG. 10 or 11, the elastic member 16 includes a member support portion 17 and a contact portion 18.

  The member support portion 17 is a portion that supports the elastic member 16 on the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13. As shown in FIG. 10, the member support portion 17 includes an outer plate portion 17 </ b> A located on the outer peripheral surface 14 </ b> A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13 and the front end side of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13. The bent portion 17B is bent in a substantially U shape, the inner plate portion 17C is located on the inner peripheral surface 14C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13, and the outer peripheral surface of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13. 14A side is comprised from a pair of latching | locking part 17D latched by back side end surface 14D of the lower peripheral wall part 14 of the cylindrical part 13. As shown in FIG.

  The outer plate portion 17A extends in the front-rear direction on the outer peripheral surface 14A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13 from the rear end side to the front end side of the cylindrical portion 13. Further, the lateral dimension of the outer plate portion 17A is close to the lateral dimension of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer plate portion 17 </ b> A is almost entirely in contact with the outer peripheral surface 14 </ b> A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the bent portion 17 </ b> B is connected to the end of the outer plate portion 17 </ b> A on the outer peripheral surface 14 </ b> A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13, and the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13. Immediately after exceeding the front end portion, it bends upward, extends on the front end surface 14B of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13, and exceeds the surface including the inner peripheral surface 14C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13. Immediately after being bent, it bends backward and reaches the inner peripheral surface 14 </ b> C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13. Further, in the state before the elastic member 16 is attached to the cylindrical portion 13, the bent portion 17B has an angle of bending from one end portion (position P1) to the other end portion (position P2) as shown in FIG. It is bent over 180 degrees. That is, in the present embodiment, the bent portions 17B are bent so that the sum of the angles α, β, γ, and δ exceeds 180 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the inner plate portion 17 </ b> C is connected to the end portion of the bent portion 17 </ b> B on the inner peripheral surface 14 </ b> C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13. The inner plate portion 17 </ b> C is a quarter of the total length in the front-rear direction of the tubular portion 13 on the inner circumferential surface 14 </ b> C of the lower circumferential wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13 from the front end side of the tubular portion 13. It extends toward the rear side up to the position where it has advanced to some extent. Moreover, although the dimension of the bending part 17B and the left-right direction of the inner-plate part 17C is smaller than the dimension of the left-right direction of the outer-plate part 17A, it is the left-right direction of the inner peripheral surface 14C of the lower peripheral wall part 14 of the cylindrical part 13. Only slightly smaller than the dimensions. As a result, the inner plate portion 17 </ b> C is in wide contact with the inner peripheral surface 14 </ b> C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 in the left-right direction on the front end side of the tubular portion 13.

  As shown in FIG. 10, each locking portion 17 </ b> D is connected to the rear end portion of the outer plate portion 17 </ b> A on the outer peripheral surface 14 </ b> A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13. Each locking portion 17 </ b> D extends on the outer peripheral surface 14 </ b> A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13 toward the rear end side of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13. Immediately after exceeding the rear end portion of the side peripheral wall portion 14, it bends upward, reaches the rear end surface 14D of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13, and is in contact with the rear end surface 14D.

  Since the member support portion 17 has such a configuration, it is firmly and stably coupled to the cylindrical portion 13. That is, the bent portion 17 </ b> B of the member support portion 17 contacts the front end surface 14 </ b> B of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13, and the locking portion 17 </ b> D of the member support portion 17 is formed on the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13. Since it contacts the rear side end surface 14D, the movement of the member support portion 17 in the front-rear direction with respect to the tubular portion 13 is restricted or prevented. Further, in the state before the elastic member 16 is attached to the cylindrical portion 13, the angle of bending from one end portion to the other end portion of the bent portion 17 </ b> B exceeds 180 degrees, so the member support portion 17 is attached to the cylindrical portion 13. The member supporting portion 17 is elastically deformed so as to spread in the vertical direction, the inner plate portion 17C presses the inner peripheral surface 14C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13, or the outer plate portion 17A is cylindrical. The outer peripheral surface 14A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the portion 13 is pressed. As a result, the member support portion 17 is firmly supported by the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13. Further, the outer plate portion 17A is almost entirely in contact with the outer peripheral surface 14A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13, and the inner plate portion 17C is the inner side of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 at the front end side of the cylindrical portion 13. Widely contacts the circumferential surface 14C in the left-right direction. As a result, the member support portion 17 is stably supported by the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13. The elastic member 16 is firmly and stably supported on the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13 by such a strong and stable coupling between the member support portion 17 and the tubular portion 13. Therefore, when the mating terminal 6 is repeatedly inserted and removed from the cylindrical portion 13 or when the mating terminal 6 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 13 while being inclined with respect to the axis of the cylindrical portion 13, It is possible to prevent the elastic member 16 from being displaced with respect to the cylindrical portion 13 or falling off.

  The contact portion 18 is a portion that presses the mating terminal 6 while being in contact with the mating terminal 6 and ensures electrical connection between the mating terminal 6 and the terminal member 12. As shown in FIG. 10, the contact portion 18 is connected to the end portion of the inner plate portion 17 </ b> C of the member support portion 17 on the inner peripheral surface 14 </ b> C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13. The inner peripheral surface 14 </ b> C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 extends toward the rear end side of the tubular portion 13. The contact portion 18 is substantially square in the upward direction so as to protrude into the cylindrical portion 13 while extending on the inner peripheral surface 14C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 toward the rear end side of the cylindrical portion 13. It is bent to Further, the rear end portion of the contact portion 18 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 14 </ b> C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14. The rear end portion of the contact portion 18 is bent so as to draw an arc upward. When the mating terminal 6 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 13, the contact portion 18 is elastically deformed so that the substantially bent portion of the contact portion 18 is collapsed, and the contact portion 18 contacts the peripheral surface of the mating terminal 6. The peripheral surface of the terminal 6 is pressed. Therefore, the contact portion 18 reliably contacts the mating terminal 6, or the mating terminal 6 reliably contacts the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 13, and the electrical connection between the mating terminal 6 and the terminal member 12 is reliably ensured. Is done. Further, the strength at which the contact portion 18 presses the mating terminal 6 can be easily adjusted by changing the angle at which the contact portion 18 is bent into a substantially square shape (the extent to which the contact portion 18 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 14C). be able to. Further, when the mating terminal 6 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 13 and elastically deforms so that the substantially bent portion of the contact portion 18 is collapsed, the rear end portion of the contact portion 18 slides on the inner peripheral surface 14C. At this time, the rear end portion of the contact portion 18 is bent upward so as to draw an arc, so that the rear end portion of the contact portion 18 slides smoothly on the inner peripheral surface 14C.

  The bent portion 17B may be continuously bent in a U shape so as to draw an arc, or may be bent in a U shape instead of a U shape. Moreover, it may replace with the elastic member 16 shown in FIG. 11, and may use the elastic member 116 shown in FIG. A plurality of slits extending in the front-rear direction are formed in the contact portion 118 of the elastic member 116, whereby the contact portion 118 is formed in a comb shape. According to the elastic member 116, the contact between the contact portion 118 and the mating terminal 6 can be further ensured, and the electrical connection between the mating terminal 6 and the terminal member 12 can be more reliably ensured.

  As shown in FIG. 9 or 10, in the member support portion 17 of the elastic member 16, each locking portion 17 </ b> D is locked to the rear end surface 14 </ b> D of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each locking portion may be a rear end portion of the cylindrical portion and locked to a portion other than the rear end surface. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14 (1) and (2), the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the lower peripheral wall portion 214 of the tubular portion 213 (the portion closer to the rear end surface 214D than the front end surface in the tubular portion 213). A pair of locking groove portions 215 are formed on the surface 214A, and a pair of locking portions 217D of the member support portion 217 of the elastic member 216 are inserted into the locking groove portions 215, whereby each locking portion 217D is locked. It is good also as a structure latched by the groove part 215. FIG. Even with such a configuration, the elastic member 216 can be firmly and stably fixed to the cylindrical portion 213.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the member support portion 17 of the elastic member 16 extends on the outer peripheral surface 14 </ b> A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13 from the rear end side to the front end side of the tubular portion 13. Then, it bends in the front end side of the cylindrical part 13, reaches from the outer peripheral surface 14A side of the lower peripheral wall part 14 of the cylindrical part 13 to the inner peripheral surface 14C side, and then the lower peripheral wall part 14B of the cylindrical part 13 A configuration having a locking portion 17D that extends on the inner peripheral surface 14C from the front end side to the rear side of the cylindrical portion 13 and that is locked to the rear end surface 14D of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the elastic member may be configured as shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 15, the member support portion 317 of the elastic member 316 is an outer plate portion that extends from the front end side to the rear end side of the cylindrical portion 13 on the outer peripheral surface 14 </ b> A of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13. 317A and a bent portion 317B connected to the outer plate portion 317A, bent at the rear end side of the cylindrical portion 13, and bent from the outer peripheral surface 14A side to the inner peripheral surface 14C side of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the cylindrical portion 13, An inner plate portion 317C connected to the bent portion 317B and extending on the inner peripheral surface 14C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13 from the rear end side of the tubular portion 13 toward the front side is provided. The outer plate portion 317A is formed with a pair of locking portions 317D that are locked to the front end portion (for example, the front end surface 14B) of the tubular portion 13. Further, on the inner peripheral surface 14 </ b> C of the lower peripheral wall portion 14 of the tubular portion 13, the inner plate portion 317 </ b> C of the member support portion 317 extends from the rear end portion to the front end portion of the tubular portion 13. Is connected to the contact portion 318 at the front end. Even with such a configuration, the elastic member 316 and the cylindrical portion 13 can be firmly coupled.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the terminal housing 21 is a member that accommodates the terminal member 12. The terminal housing 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape by an insulating material such as resin. As shown in FIG. 4, a terminal member locking protrusion 32 that protrudes downward into the terminal housing 21 is formed on the upper peripheral wall portion of the terminal housing 21, and the terminal housing 21 is provided on the lower peripheral wall portion of the terminal housing 21. A terminal member locking lance 33 is formed protruding upward in the direction 21. The terminal member locking projection 32 is engaged with the locking recess 19 of the terminal member 12, and the tip of the terminal member locking lance 33 is brought into contact with the lance contact portion 20 of the terminal member 12. Supported and fixed to the housing 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a locking step portion 24 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the left peripheral wall portion 22 on the front end side of the terminal housing 21. A similar locking step 25 is also formed on the outer peripheral surface of the right peripheral wall 23 on the front end side of the terminal housing 21 (see FIG. 16). As will be described later, the terminal housing 21 is supported by the connector housing 41 by the locking step portions 24 and 25 being locked to the lance portion 47 of the connector housing 41.

  The individual terminal shield 26 is a member that mainly performs electromagnetic shielding inside and outside the terminal member 12 and is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape from a conductive material. In addition, the other end of the individual terminal shield 26 is caulked and fixed to the end of the cable 2 where the outer sheath is removed and the shield wire 2B is exposed, and the individual terminal shield 26 and the shield wire 2B are electrically connected. A shielded cable crimping portion 27 is formed. A locking hole 30 is formed in the left peripheral wall 28 on the front end side of the individual terminal shield 26. The position of the locking hole 30 is set so that the front end side edge portion thereof corresponds to the locking step portion 24 formed in the terminal housing 21. A similar locking hole 31 is also formed in the right peripheral wall portion 29 on the front end side of the individual terminal shield 26 (see FIG. 16). As will be described later, the terminal housing 21 is supported by the connector housing 41 by the locking holes 30 and 31 being locked to the lance portion 47 of the connector housing 41.

(Connector housing unit)
As shown in FIG. 6, the connector housing unit includes a connector housing 41, a first seal member 61, a comprehensive terminal shield 71, a second seal member 81, and a cover member 82. As shown in FIG. 2, the connector housing 41 is formed of an insulating material such as resin. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the connector housing 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a substantially rectangular cross section. In the connector housing 41, as shown in FIG. 5, a terminal unit accommodating portion 42 that accommodates each terminal unit 11 and defines the position of each terminal unit 11 is formed. Within the terminal unit housing portion 42, the plurality of terminal units 11 are arranged in a row in the direction (left-right direction) in which the axes of the terminal units 11 extending in the front-rear direction are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the respective axes. They are arranged side by side. A plurality of partition parts 43 are formed in the terminal unit housing part 42, and the terminal unit housing part 42 is divided into a number of chambers corresponding to the number of terminal units 11 by the partition part 43. The plurality of terminal units 11 are respectively accommodated in these chambers.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, groove portions 44 extending in the vertical direction are formed on the front end side of the connector housing 41 at positions corresponding to the plurality of partition portions 43 of the terminal unit housing portion 42. In the front end side of the connector housing 41, each partition 43 is divided into two forks in the left-right direction by a groove 44.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of lance portions 47 for locking and fixing the plurality of terminal units 11 to the terminal unit housing portion 42 are formed on the front end side of the connector housing 41. More specifically, two lance portions 47 for locking the terminal unit 11 disposed on the leftmost side of the connector housing 41 are formed, and one lance portion 47 is formed on the left peripheral wall portion 45 of the connector housing 41. The other lance portion 47 is formed in a portion that is divided into two forks in the left partition portion 43 and then extends forward on the left side. In addition, two lance portions 47 for locking the terminal unit 11 disposed in the middle of the connector housing 41 are formed. One lance portion 47 is divided into two forks in the left partition portion 43 and then forward on the right side. The other lance portion 47 is formed in a portion extending to the left front after being divided into two forks in the right partition portion 43. In addition, two lance portions 47 for locking the terminal unit 11 arranged on the rightmost side of the connector housing 41 are formed, and one lance portion 47 is divided into two forks in the right partition portion 43 and then the right front portion. The other lance portion 47 is formed on the right peripheral wall portion 46 of the connector housing 41.

  Here, FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a state in which the terminal unit 11 arranged on the leftmost side of the connector housing 41 is locked by the pair of lance portions 47 (portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5). FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, each lance portion 47 projects with elasticity into the terminal unit housing portion 42 (the chamber in which the terminal unit 11 is housed), and a locking projection 48 is formed at the projecting end portion. ing. Then, the locking protrusion 48 of the left lance 47 is inserted into the locking hole 30 formed in the left peripheral wall 28 of the individual terminal shield 26 of the terminal unit 11, penetrates the locking hole 30, and The terminal unit 11 is in contact with a locking step portion 24 formed on the left peripheral wall portion 22 of the terminal housing 21. Further, the locking protrusion 48 of the right lance 47 is inserted into the locking hole 31 formed in the right peripheral wall 29 of the individual terminal shield 26 of the terminal unit 11, penetrates the locking hole 31, The terminal unit 11 is in contact with a locking step portion 25 formed on the right peripheral wall portion 23 of the terminal housing 21. In this way, both the terminal housing 21 and the individual terminal shield 26 of the terminal unit 11 are simultaneously locked by the respective lance portions 47. As a result, the lances 47 achieve the fixing of the terminal unit 11 into the terminal unit housing part 42 and the positioning and fixing of the individual terminal shield 26 with respect to the terminal housing 21 of the terminal unit 11 at the same time. Other terminal units 11 arranged in the middle and rightmost side of the connector housing 41 are also locked and fixed as described above by the corresponding pair of lance portions 47. With such a structure in which each terminal unit 11 is locked and fixed to the connector housing 41 by each lance portion 47, the assembly of each terminal unit 11 and the assembly of each terminal unit 11 to the connector housing 41 are facilitated. Therefore, the assembly property of the electrical connector 1 can be improved.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the front end side outer peripheral portion of the connector housing 41 is formed with a fitting portion 51 that fits with the mating fitting portion 5 of the mating connector 3. Further, on the outer peripheral side of the fitting portion 51 on the front end side of the connector housing 41, a substantially cylindrical mating connector holding portion 52 that surrounds the mating connector 3 fitted in the fitting portion 51 from the outer circumference side is formed. ing. An annular mating connector mating space 53 is formed between the mating portion 51 and the mating connector holding portion 52. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a flange-like seal support projecting radially outward over the entire circumference is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the connector housing 41 corresponding to the rear side of the fitting portion 51. A step portion 54 is formed, and the protruding end side of the seal support step portion 54 is connected to the rear end portion of the mating connector holding portion 52 over the entire circumference. A first seal member 61 is inserted on the rear end side of the mating connector fitting space 53. The rear side end face of the first seal member 61 is in contact with the seal support step 54.

  When the mating connector 3 is inserted into the mating connector fitting space 53 of the electrical connector 1, the front end surface of the mating connector 3 (the mating housing 4) is in contact with the first seal member 61 and the first seal member 61. Press. As a result, the first seal member 61 is elastically deformed, and the first seal member 61 is brought into close contact with the distal end surface of the mating connector 3, the seal support step portion 54, and the rear end side of the fitting portion 51. As a result, the space between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 3 is sealed, and water can be prevented from entering the electrical connector 1 through the space between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, on the front end side of the connector housing 41, on the outer peripheral side of the terminal unit accommodating portion 42 and on the inner peripheral side of the fitting portion 51, that is, the terminal unit accommodating portion 42 and the fitting portion 51. A comprehensive terminal shield accommodating space 55 is formed between the two. As shown in FIG. 3, the comprehensive terminal shield accommodating space 55 is formed in an annular shape and extends over the entire circumference of the connector housing 41.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, a first communication portion 56 that is a plurality of slit-shaped holes is formed on the front end side of the connector housing 41. The plurality of first communication portions 56 respectively correspond to the positions of the plurality of chambers of the terminal unit accommodating portion 42 (positions of the plurality of terminal units accommodated in the terminal unit accommodating portion 42). The space and the comprehensive terminal shield housing space 55 are communicated with each other. Further, a plurality of groove-like second communication portions 57 are formed on the front end side of the connector housing 41. Each second communication portion 57 is disposed at a position not facing the first communication portion 56, and communicates between the comprehensive terminal shield housing space 55 and the mating connector fitting space 53 (the outer peripheral side of the fitting portion 51). doing.

  A generic terminal shield 71 is accommodated in the generic terminal shield accommodation space 55. The comprehensive terminal shield 71 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape from a conductive material, and comprehensively surrounds all of the plurality of terminal units 11 accommodated in the terminal unit accommodating portion 42.

  Here, FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the comprehensive terminal shield 71. As shown in FIG. 17, the generic terminal shield 71 is formed with a plurality of first contact protrusions 72 that protrude inward in the radial direction with elastic force. Specifically, a plurality of first contact protrusions 72 protruding downward are formed on the upper peripheral wall portion of the comprehensive terminal shield 71. The number and position of the first contact protrusions 72 formed on the upper peripheral wall portion of the comprehensive terminal shield 71 are the number and position of the chambers of the terminal unit accommodating portion 42 (terminal unit 11 accommodated in the terminal unit accommodating portion 42). It corresponds to. A plurality of first contact protrusions 72 that protrude upward are formed on the lower peripheral wall portion of the generic terminal shield 71. The number and position of the first contact protrusions 72 formed on the lower peripheral wall portion of the generic terminal shield 71 are also the number of chambers of the terminal unit housing portion 42 (the terminal unit 11 housed in the terminal unit housing portion 42). Corresponds to the position. Further, the position of each first contact protrusion 72 corresponds to the position of the first communication portion 56 formed on the front end side of the connector housing 41.

  The generic terminal shield 71 is formed with a plurality of second contact protrusions 73 that protrude outward in the radial direction with elastic force. Specifically, in the comprehensive terminal shield 71, a second contact protrusion 73 protruding upward is formed on the upper peripheral wall portion, and a second contact protrusion protruding downward is formed on the lower peripheral wall portion. 73 is formed, a second contact protrusion 73 protruding leftward is formed on the left peripheral wall portion, and a second contact protrusion 73 protruding rightward is formed on the right peripheral wall portion. The position of each second contact protrusion 73 corresponds to the position of the second communication portion 57 formed on the front end side of the connector housing 41.

  Each first contact protrusion 72 and each second contact protrusion 73 are formed by bending a part of the comprehensive terminal shield 71. Further, the first contact protrusions 72 and the second contact protrusions 73 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the peripheral portion of the comprehensive terminal shield 71.

  Further, in the comprehensive terminal shield 71, a plurality of seal support protrusions 74 projecting upward are formed at the rear end portion of the upper peripheral wall portion, and a plurality of seal support projections 74 projecting downward also at the rear end portion of the lower peripheral wall portion. The seal support protrusion is formed. Further, a seal support protrusion 74 protruding leftward is also formed at the rear end portion of the left peripheral wall portion, and a seal member support protrusion protruding rightward is also formed at the rear end portion of the right peripheral wall portion. The position of each seal support protrusion 74 corresponds to the position of the second communication portion 57 formed on the front end side of the connector housing 41. Further, the protruding end portions of the two seal support protrusions 74 disposed on the upper peripheral wall portion of the comprehensive terminal shield 71 are connected to each other in order to increase the support force of the first seal member 61. Similarly, the protruding end portions of the two seal support protrusions disposed on the lower peripheral wall portion of the generic terminal shield 71 are also connected to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, when the comprehensive terminal shield 71 is accommodated in the comprehensive terminal shield accommodating space 55, the plurality of first contact protrusions 72 formed on the comprehensive terminal shield 71 are formed on the connector housing 41. It passes through the formed first communication portion 56, protrudes toward the terminal unit housing portion 42, and contacts the individual terminal shield 26 of the terminal unit 11 housed in the terminal unit housing portion 42. Thereby, the comprehensive terminal shield 71 and the individual terminal shield 26 of each terminal unit 11 are electrically connected. Since the individual terminal shield 26 of each terminal unit 11 is electrically connected to the shield wire 2B of the cable 2, the generic terminal shield 71 is electrically connected to the shield wire 2B of the cable 2.

  When the comprehensive terminal shield 71 is accommodated in the comprehensive terminal shield accommodation space 55, the plurality of second contact protrusions 73 formed on the comprehensive terminal shield 71 are connected to the second communication portion formed on the connector housing 41. 57, and protrudes into the outer peripheral side of the fitting portion 51, that is, into the mating connector fitting space 53. Thereby, when the mating part 5 of the mating connector 3 is mated with the mating part 51, each second contact protrusion 73 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the mating part 5 of the mating connector 3. Contact the shield 7. Since the comprehensive terminal shield 71 is electrically connected to the shield wire 2B of the cable 2 via the individual terminal shield 26 of each terminal unit 11, each second contact protrusion 73 of the comprehensive terminal shield 71 is connected to the counterpart shield 7. By making contact, the mating shield 7 and the shield wire 2B of the cable 2 are electrically connected.

  Further, when the comprehensive terminal shield 71 is accommodated in the comprehensive terminal shield accommodation space 55, the plurality of seal support protrusions 74 formed on the comprehensive terminal shield 71 are connected to the second communication portion 57 formed on the connector housing 41. Passes through the outer peripheral side of the fitting portion 51, that is, protrudes into the mating connector fitting space 53, and comes into contact with the front end surface of the first seal member 61 inserted into the mating connector fitting space 53. As a result, the first seal member 61 is supported between the seal support protrusion 74 of the generic terminal shield 71 and the seal support step 54 of the connector housing 41.

  Further, on the peripheral portion of the comprehensive terminal shield 71, as shown in FIG. 17, a shield latch for fixing the comprehensive terminal shield 71 to the connector housing 41 while being accommodated in the comprehensive terminal shield accommodating space 55. A nail 75 is formed.

  In the electrical connector 1 according to the present embodiment, by attaching the comprehensive terminal shield 71 to the connector housing 41, electrical connection between each individual terminal shield 26 and the comprehensive terminal shield 71, and electrical connection between the comprehensive terminal shield 71 and the counterpart shield 7. Connection and support of the first seal member 61 to the connector housing 41 can be realized at the same time. Thereby, the assembly property of the electrical connector 1 can be improved.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of annular second seal members 81 are attached to the rear end side of the connector housing 41. The second seal member 81 is provided for each terminal unit 11. The inner peripheral surface of each second seal member 81 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer skin of the end portion of the cable 2, and the outer peripheral surface of each second seal member 81 is the inner peripheral surface of the connector housing 41 and the surface of the partition portion 43. Touching. Thus, each second seal member 81 seals between the cable 2 and the connector housing 41 and seals the rear end side of the connector housing 41. As a result, it is possible to prevent water from entering the electrical connector 1 from the rear end side of the electrical connector 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a cover mounting portion 58 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the rear end side of the connector housing 41. On the outer peripheral surface of the upper peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting portion 58, a plurality of protruding position regulation locking portions 59 are formed (see FIG. 1). Similarly, a plurality of protruding position restricting locking portions are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting portion 58.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a cover member 82 is attached to the cover attachment portion 58 of the connector housing 41. Here, FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the cover member 82, and FIG. 19 is a side view of the assembled cover member 82. As shown in FIG. 18, the cover member 82 is divided into the first cover piece 83 and the second cover piece 86 upward and downward, with a dividing plane parallel to a plane extending in the front-rear and left-right directions. . The cover member 82 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape by coupling the first cover piece 83 and the second cover piece 86 to each other. On the rear end side of each of the first cover piece 83 and the second cover piece 86, a restricting portion 89 that supports each second seal member 81 and restricts the position of each cable 2 is formed. Each restricting portion 89 is formed with a concave portion shaped in the outer shape of the cable 2 at a predetermined position. As shown in FIG. 4, when the cover member 82 is attached to the cover attachment portion 58, the front end face of each restricting portion 89 contacts the second seal member 81, whereby the second seal member 81 is connected to the connector housing. It is supported so that it may not fall off from 41. Further, the cables 2 are engaged with the recesses of the restricting portions 89, thereby restricting the positions of the cables 2.

  Further, on both sides in the left-right direction of the first cover piece 83, the first cover piece 83 and the second cover piece 86 are projected toward the second cover piece 86 in order to connect the first cover piece 83 and the second cover piece 86 to each other. A coupling arm portion 84 having a locking claw formed at the end is formed. In addition, on both sides in the left-right direction of the second cover piece 86, arm locking portions 87 that are recesses or holes to which the locking claws of the coupling arm portion 84 are locked are formed. As shown in FIG. 19, the front-rear dimension L2 of the arm locking portion 87 is larger than the front-rear dimension L1 of the coupling arm portion 84. As a result, in a state in which the coupling arm portion 84 is merely locked to the arm locking portion 87, the first cover piece 83 is against the second cover piece 86, or the second cover piece 86 is the first cover. The piece 83 can move in the front-rear direction.

  Further, the first cover piece 83 is formed with a plurality of position restriction engaging portions 85 for restricting the position of the first cover piece 83 with respect to the connector housing 41. As shown in FIG. 1, when the cover member 82 is attached to the cover attachment portion 58 of the connector housing 41, each position restricting engagement portion 85 formed on the first cover piece 83 is connected to the cover attachment portion of the connector housing 41. 58 is engaged with a position restricting engagement portion 59 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper peripheral wall portion. Further, the second cover piece 86 is formed with a plurality of position restriction engaging portions for restricting the position of the second cover piece 86 with respect to the connector housing 41. When the cover member 82 is attached to the cover attachment portion 58 of the connector housing 41, each position restricting engagement portion formed on the second cover piece 86 is an outer periphery of the lower peripheral wall portion of the cover attachment portion 58 of the connector housing 41. Engages with a position restricting engaging portion formed on the surface. The cover member 82 is fixed to the connector housing 41 by engaging all the position restriction engaging portions corresponding to each other.

  Further, as described below, the cover member 82 can be moved in the front-rear direction even after the first cover piece 83 and the second cover piece 86 are joined by the joining arm portion 84. Can be easily attached to the connector housing 41. That is, when the cover member 82 is attached to the connector housing 41, first, the second cover piece 86 separated from the first cover piece 83 is attached to the cover attachment portion 58 of the connector housing, and the second cover piece is attached. Each position restricting engagement portion formed on 86 and a position restricting engaging portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting portion 58 of the connector housing are engaged with each other. As a result, the position of the second cover piece 86 relative to the connector housing 41 is determined. Subsequently, each connecting arm portion 84 of the first cover piece 83 is locked to the arm locking portion 87 of the second cover piece 86, and the first cover piece 83 is connected to the second cover piece 86. . At this time, the position restriction engagement portions 85 formed on the first cover piece 83 are not obstructed by the position restriction engagement portions 59 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting portion 58 of the connector housing 41. If they can be engaged without any delay, the position of the first cover piece 83 relative to the connector housing 41 is determined by the engagement of the position restricting engagement portions 85 and 59. Thereby, the cover member 82 is fixed to the connector housing 41, and the attachment of the cover member 82 to the connector housing 41 is completed.

  However, each position restricting engagement portion of the second cover piece 86 and the position restricting engaging portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting portion 58 of the connector housing 41 are engaged with each other. After the position of the cover piece 86 with respect to the connector housing is determined, each coupling arm portion 84 of the first cover piece 83 is locked to the arm locking portion 87 of the second cover piece 86, and the second cover piece 86 is When the first cover piece 83 is joined, each position restricting engagement portion 85 formed on the first cover piece 83 is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the upper peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting portion 58 of the connector housing 41. In some cases, it is difficult to engage the restriction engaging portion 59. For example, when the cover member 82 is attached to the connector housing 41, if the arrangement of the cable 2 extending from the rear end side of the connector housing 41 to the outside is disturbed, the restricting portion 89 of the first cover piece 83 or the like It may collide with the cable 2 and it may be difficult to engage each position restriction engagement portion 85 with the position restriction engagement portion 59. In such a case, the position restriction engagement portion 85 can be easily engaged with the position restriction engagement portion 59 by arranging the cable 2 while moving the first cover piece 83 in the front-rear direction. Thus, the cover member 82 can be fixed to the connector housing 41 and the attachment of the cover member 82 to the connector housing 41 can be completed.

  In this way, the engagement between each position restriction engagement portion formed on the second cover piece 86 and the position restriction engagement portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting portion 58 of the connector housing 41. Positioning of the second cover piece 86 with respect to the connector housing 41, and coupling of the first cover piece 83 and the second cover piece 86 by latching each coupling arm portion 84 to the arm latching portion 87; First by engagement of each position restriction engaging portion 85 formed on the first cover piece 83 with a position restriction engaging portion 59 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting portion 58 of the connector housing 41. Since the positioning of the cover piece 83 with respect to the connector housing 41 can be performed separately at different timings, the cover member 82 is attached to the connector housing 41, such as the disposition of the cable 2 Even if there are several issues that interfere when that, while solving these matters in one single different timings can be easily attached to the cover member 82 to the connector housing 41.

  Further, according to the cover member 82, the cover member 82 can be easily detached from the connector housing 41. For example, first, the position restricting / engaging portion 85 of the first cover piece 83 and the position restricting / engaging portion 59 of the connector housing 41 are released while shifting only the first cover piece 83 backward, and then the second The position restricting engagement portion of the second cover piece 86 and the position restricting engaging portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower peripheral wall portion of the cover mounting portion 58 of the connector housing are released while shifting the cover piece 86 rearward. . As a result, the cover member 82 is detached from the connector housing 41. As described above, the upper and lower position restriction engaging portions on the cover member 82 side and the upper and lower position restriction engaging portions on the connector housing side do not have to be released at the same time, so that the cover member 82 can be easily removed from the connector housing 41. Can do.

(Connection detector)
As shown in FIG. 3, a connection detection unit 91 is provided on the front end side of the connector housing 41. As described above, the connection detection unit 91 is a member for detecting whether or not the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 3 are connected to each other. Here, FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a portion where the connection detection unit 91 is provided on the front end side of the connector housing 41 (portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3). It is sectional drawing which shows the connection detection part 91 seen from the arrow XXI-XXI direction in 20. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the connection detection unit 91 is arranged in a region corresponding to the boundary between the two terminal units 11 arranged adjacent to each other in the connector housing 41 on the surface on the front end side of the connector housing 41. Specifically, it is arranged in the groove 44. As shown in FIG. 21, the connection detection unit 91 includes a pair of detection members 92 formed in a pin shape, and a support plate portion 93 that connects the base ends of these detection members 92 to each other. The pair of detection members 92 and the support plate portion 93 are integrally formed of the same conductive material, and the pair of detection members 92 are electrically connected to each other by the support plate portion 93, and the support plate portion 93. Are more strongly coupled to each other. The support plate 93 is embedded in the bottom of the groove 44 formed on the front end side of the connector housing 41. Thereby, the base end side of each detection member 92 is fixed to the bottom of the groove 44. Further, the front end side of each detection member 92 protrudes toward the front of the connector housing 41.

  On the other hand, FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the mating connector 3, and FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion of the mating connector 3 where the mating connection detection unit is provided (a portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 22). FIG. As shown in FIG. 22, the mating connector 3 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape, and a plurality of mating terminals 6 are erected in the mating housing 4 whose inside is the mating fitting portion 5. A mating shield 7 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the mating housing 4.

  Further, a mating connection detecting unit 8 is provided on the bottom surface of the mating fitting unit 5 in the mating housing 4. On the bottom surface of the mating fitting portion 5, the mating connection detection unit 8 is provided on the electrical connector 1 when the fitting portion 51 of the electrical connector 1 and the mating fitting portion 5 of the mating connector 3 are fitted together. Specifically, it is arranged at a position facing the connection detection unit 91 between the adjacent terminals 6 adjacent to each other. As shown in FIG. 23, the counterpart connection detection unit 8 includes a pair of cylindrical female small terminals 96 formed of a conductive material. The pair of female small terminals 96 are arranged at predetermined intervals in a predetermined direction so as to be positioned corresponding to the pair of pin-shaped detection members 92 provided in the electrical connector 1. When the fitting part 51 of the electrical connector 1 and the mating fitting part 5 of the mating connector 3 are fitted to each other, the pair of detection members 92 provided on the electrical connector 1 are paired with the pair of females provided on the mating connector 3. Inserted into the small mold terminal 96. As a result, the pair of female small terminals 96 are electrically connected to each other via the detection member 92 and the support plate portion 93. For example, an electrical circuit that outputs a predetermined detection signal when an electrical connection (short) between a pair of input units is detected is prepared, and one of the pair of input units is connected to one female small terminal 96 If the other input section is connected to the other female small terminal 96, whether or not the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 3 are connected based on the detection signal output from the electrical circuit, for example, It can be recognized by an automatic diagnostic device or the like mounted on a car.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit or idea of the invention which can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and an electrical connector accompanied with such a change is also within the technical idea of the present invention. included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrical connector 2 Cable 11 Terminal unit 12 Terminal member 13, 213 Cylindrical part 14, 214 Lower peripheral wall part 15 Connection part 16, 116, 216, 316 Elastic member 17, 217, 317 Member support part 17A, 317A Outer plate part 17B, 317B Bent part 17C, 317C Inner plate part 17D, 217D, 317D Locking part 18, 118, 318 Contact part 41 Connector housing 42 Terminal unit accommodation part

Claims (3)

A connector housing;
A terminal member provided in the connector housing, formed of a conductive material, formed on one side with a cylindrical portion into which a mating terminal is inserted from one end, and formed on the other side with a connecting portion for connecting a cable. When,
The terminal member is a member different from the terminal member, and is attached to a peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and contacts the counterpart terminal inserted into the cylindrical portion in an elastically deformed state, thereby causing the counterpart terminal and the terminal member to be in contact with each other. An elastic member that secures electrical connection of
The elastic member includes a member supporting portion that supports the elastic member on a peripheral portion of the tubular portion, and a member supporting portion that protrudes into the tubular portion and elastically deforms when the mating terminal is inserted into the tubular portion. A contact portion that contacts the mating terminal,
The member support portion is connected to the outer plate portion extending from the other end side of the cylindrical portion toward the one end side on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion A bent portion that is bent on one end side of the cylindrical portion, is connected to the bent portion extending from the outer peripheral surface side to the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and is connected to the bent portion on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion. An inner plate portion extending from one end side of the shape portion toward the other side,
The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein a locking portion that is locked to the other end portion of the cylindrical portion is formed on the outer plate portion. A connector housing;
A terminal member provided in the connector housing, formed of a conductive material, formed on one side with a cylindrical portion into which a mating terminal is inserted from one end, and formed on the other side with a connecting portion for connecting a cable. When,
The terminal member is a member different from the terminal member, and is attached to a peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and contacts the counterpart terminal inserted into the cylindrical portion in an elastically deformed state, thereby causing the counterpart terminal and the terminal member to be in contact with each other. An elastic member that secures electrical connection of
The elastic member includes a member supporting portion that supports the elastic member on a peripheral portion of the tubular portion, and a member supporting portion that protrudes into the tubular portion and elastically deforms when the mating terminal is inserted into the tubular portion. A contact portion that contacts the mating terminal,
The member support portion is connected to the outer plate portion extending from the one end side to the other end side of the cylindrical portion on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion Bent at the other end of the cylindrical portion, connected to the bent portion from the outer peripheral surface side to the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, and on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, An inner plate portion extending from the other end side of the cylindrical portion toward one side,
The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein a locking portion that is locked to one end of the cylindrical portion is formed on the outer plate portion. The bent portion of the member support portion of the elastic member is larger than 180 degrees from one end portion of the bent portion to the other end portion in a state where the elastic member is separated from the terminal member. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connector is bent at an angle.

Images